Braves @ Reds 7-23-2011

[Ron Madden]

Stubbs 8
Cozart 6
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Lewis 9
Gomes 7
Frazier 5
Hanigan 2
Bailey 1


Jay Bruce has an inner ear problem. First pitch @ 4:10 Fox TV.

.

[mth123]

So the Braves are throwing a RH Sinkerballer and the Reds sit Heisey and his .773 OPS against RHP in favor of Stubbs and Gomes and their Fly Ball hitting, sub .675 OPS versus righties talents. I get that Bruce is out and one of these guys has to play, but why both?

I predict a bunch of K's and ground balls beat into the ground to second base. Maybe Frazier can provide a spark, but right now this line-up is basically a slumping Joey Votto, a pedestrian Fred Lewis, a couple of rookies and a bunch of auto outs. At least he didn't play Renteria.

The mismanagement is rampant throughout this organization these days.

Hopefully Bailey pitches a gem and Lowe is off his game. If everybody does what they should, the Reds are outmatched today.

[Ron Madden]

Dusty says Gomes is 4-8 with a HR off Derek Lowe in his career.

[1990REDS]

Hannigan wearing the gear for 2 brutally hot days in a row. Hope hes drinking plenty of water.

[mth123]

Dusty says Gomes is 4-8 with a HR off Derek Lowe in his career.

And Stubbs is 4 for 7. I bow to Dusty's logic and still bet they'll go ofer today based on how they're going in 2011.

[Ron Madden]

And Stubbs is 4 for 7. I bow to Dusty's logic and still bet they'll go ofer today based on how they're going in 2011.

Dusty loves those small sample sizes.

[mth123]

Dusty loves those small sample sizes.

At least he has some reasoning.

[Ron Madden]

At least he has some reasoning.

Yea, it beats going by hunches and gut-feelings. :)

[mth123]

Yea, it beats going by hunches and gut-feelings. :)

I was afraid I'd hear something about his batting average in day games on the week-end when its 95 degrees or more against guys who used to pitch for the Red Sox.

[REDSEER]

I'm quickly growing to hate these Fox Saturday games....don't get Reds on TV and am blacked out on MLB.TV

[Brutus]

That may have been the best throw I've seen Gomes make.

[CySeymour]

Did I read that right? Dusty had Cozart sac bunt Stubbs to 3rd?

[RedsManRick]

Man, I'm really enjoying this Tigers/Twins game. Thanks Fox! And by thanks, I mean I hate you.

[Tom Servo]

Did I read that right? Dusty had Cozart sac bunt Stubbs to 3rd?
yuppers.

[Brutus]

Did I read that right? Dusty had Cozart sac bunt Stubbs to 3rd?

It was more along the lines of trying to bunt for a hit.

[CySeymour]

It was more along the lines of trying to bunt for a hit.

ah, makes more sense.

[Tom Servo]

Gomes...

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Watch Bailey here ... It's when his defense lets him down that he stews over it and loses concentration, usually turning one mistake into a big inning.

[Tom Servo]

walk to Hinske. 2 on, none out. Not good.

[RedsManRick]

From gameday, it looks like Homer is leaving a lot of stuff up. Is he purposefully pitching up or having location issues?

[mth123]

A-Gon foul pop to Hanigan. 1 out.

McClouth singles to CF loaded.

[mth123]

Lowe singles in 2 runs

[Tom Servo]

welp. Lowe drives in 2.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

And here's the standard big inning that Bailey allows following a defensive mishap.

This team is so painfully predictable.

[mth123]

Lucky it was the pitcher. That was a fat one.

[Brutus]

From gameday, it looks like Homer is leaving a lot of stuff up. Is he purposefully pitching up or having location issues?

He hasn't had command of anything thus far. He's getting good action on everything, but no command.

[mth123]

Prado walks. Loaded again for Heyward.

[Tom Servo]

This is on Homer, but I'm still mad at Gomes for letting Uggla's line drive drop to start the inning.

[Kc61]

Folks who consider Bailey a number 2 or 3 starter should reconsider.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Good God

[mth123]

Pop to Cozart. 2 outs.

[RedsManRick]

Really stinks that we're getting beat by the bottom of the order again.

[GADawg]

Gomes...

Gomes what? threw a runner out or misjudged the fly....he did both.

[mth123]

Gomes what? threw a runner out or misjudged the fly....he did both.

Pulled up short on a catchable ball and let it drop in front of him instead of catching it.

McCann fllies to Stubbs inning over.

[Tom Servo]

Yeah that was in reference to the misjudged ball, I just knew it was going to haunt.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Although Gomes should have caught that, he's not the one who imploded against 7-9 in the order.

[mth123]

Yeah that was in reference to the misjudged ball, I just knew it was going to haunt.

Not really misjudged. He just didn't catch it. Looked like Griffey out there.

[alloverjr]

Gomes what? threw a runner out or misjudged the fly....he did both.

And the trifecta...got booed on his bobblehead day. :D

[_Sir_Charles_]

From Ken Rosenthal:


Reds' Triple-A catcher Devin Mesoraco is "all but untouchable," but that doesn't guarantee the Reds will deal Ramon Hernandez and use Mesoraco down the stretch. They've yet to receive an offer they like for the veteran Hernandez, and some within the organization are reluctant to hand make a pennant run with a rookie backstop.

[mth123]

Lewis HBP. Gomes up.

[mth123]

Gomes 5-4-3. 2 outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

You know, since it's been reported that the Braves are interested in Gomes...would it not have been a good idea to sit him the whole series so they can keep their delusions?

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

And the trifecta...got booed on his bobblehead day. :D

And now the double play. Going for the exacta?

[mth123]

You know, since it's been reported that the Braves are interested in Gomes...would it not have been a good idea to sit him the whole series so they can keep their delusions?

They know he's a lefty killer. I don't think his perfromance against Lowe matters at all to them.

Frazier Ks. 3 outs.

[Tony Cloninger]

From Ken Rosenthal:

What pennant race?

I am telling you...this is like what 1987 and 1988 felt and looked like. And I can tell you it never looked like a pennant race beacuse those teams under achieved and the GM sat on his hands. Unless you call trading for Leon Durnham as a good trade.

[Kc61]

You know, since it's been reported that the Braves are interested in Gomes...would it not have been a good idea to sit him the whole series so they can keep their delusions?

He's having quite an eventful day.

This team. . . .

Reds do nothing in second.

[mth123]

Freeman grounds to Frazier. 1 down.

[Ron Madden]

Whether the Reds can trade Gomes to the Braves or not, I hope he's not with the Reds in 2012.

[Kc61]

Whether the Reds can trade Gomes to the Braves or not, I hope he's not with the Reds in 2012.

He won't be. He's only here this year because of his cheap option for 2011.

[GADawg]

Whether the Reds can trade Gomes to the Braves or not, I hope he's not with the Reds in 2012.

there's always one guy around here(Gomes I mean)....with him the Reds are almost out of it...without him the Reds are almost out of it. Who will collect the bullseye when he's gone?

[Ron Madden]

there's always one guy around here(Gomes I mean)....with him the Reds are almost out of it...without him the Reds are almost out of it. Who will collect the bullseye when he's gone?

Probably someone who is as unproductive as Gomes is this year.

[Tony Cloninger]

there's always one guy around here(Gomes I mean)....with him the Reds are almost out of it...without him the Reds are almost out of it. Who will collect the bullseye when he's gone?

Any FA signed that is considered a waste beacuse he is not a Reds farmhand...and has middling stats coming in. Like Cairo was

[GADawg]

Probably someone who is as unproductive as Gomes is this year.

I'm sure you're right...I'm just hopeful that when it happens that we all drill the guy once a day and not once a minute.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

The Reds couldn't even bat long enough for Fox to interview Tim Hudson.

[Kc61]

Reds do nothing in third. A single erased by DP.

Reds baseball 2011.

[GADawg]

The Reds couldn't even bat long enough for Fox to interview Tim Hudson.

sad, typical, true.....gotta laugh though for sanity sakes. I'm still holding out hope that they're gonna get to Lowe this next time through the lineup.

[CTA513]

Votto wanting Janish back gets Cozart hurt.

[Ron Madden]

Cozart injured. Dosn't look good.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Unreal how this season is going. Cozart didnt deserve that.

Nice throw Joey.

[Matt700wlw]

That was short lived.


Paul Janish will be back.

[alloverjr]

Probably broke his wrist based on the replay. Too bad for him if it's the case.

[Kc61]

This is becoming depressing. Wow.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

That was short lived.


Paul Janish will be back.

Barf

[REDblooded]

Looks like I'll be finding something else to do for the remainder of the summer...

[Ron Madden]

Let's hope Zack Cozart will be OK.

[Reds Freak]

Silly play by Votto to even throw that ball to second.

[CTA513]

I don't know if he broke anything but it looked like his elbow bent the wrong way

[Matt700wlw]

I wonder if he'll be day to day for a week and a half before they decide what to do with him?

[alloverjr]

Votto not having a good day. Get the force at 2nd but that's it.

[alloverjr]

Bailey gets out of the inning. Certainly feels that this game is worse than a 2-1 deficit.

[Ron Madden]

Votto not having a good day. Get the force at 2nd but that's it.

Joey doesn't have a very accurate throwing arm, does he?

[alloverjr]

Joey doesn't have a very accurate throwing arm, does he?

Not this inning!

[Tony Cloninger]

Joey doesn't have a very accurate throwing arm, does he?

What exactly happened?

[RollyInRaleigh]

Votto's throw was awful. He turned to throw to second and then looked like he had second thoughts and didn't make a strong throw. Ends up getting Cozart hurt. Indecision always results in bad things happening. Terrible break. Nothing going right for the Reds this season.

[Kc61]

When teams are going this badly, most teams shake things up. They do something to try and spark the team.

Reds are so slow to act.

[Ron Madden]

What exactly happened?

Joey made a bad throw to second on the play Cozart got injured then he made a bad throw to second that was wide and kept the Reds from turning a DP.

[Playadlc]

Starting to wonder if Joey will even get to 20 HR's this year.

[Kc61]

Starting to wonder if Joey will even get to 20 HR's this year.

Phillips doing equally poorly of late. BA is .277 now.

Reds offense these days is just pathetic.

[Brutus]

When teams are going this badly, most teams shake things up. They do something to try and spark the team.

Reds are so slow to act.

The Reds shouldn't do things to shake things up. They should do something only if they feel there are positions that need addressed. In that regard, it's hard to argue against it.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Reds have one hit. One @@$€%#* hit.

I just love the people who think this offense isn't a problem.

[alloverjr]

E on Lewis. Defense today has been deplorable.

[Tony Cloninger]

So is this about the part of the season where the injuries start hitting in the most bizarre and unlucky ways....and it turns into a 1993 like season for the reds?

[REDblooded]

This team is a waste of time right now...

Sell.

[Ron Madden]

Damn! Lewis should've had that in his back pocket.

[REDblooded]

That had nothing to do with his reach being shortened... It hit his palm.

[Tom Servo]

Mitch Williams is adamant that you shouldn't use two hands to catch a ball.

[GADawg]

That had nothing to do with his reach being shortened... It hit his palm.

maybe not in that instance but for once I think Mitch Williams made a good point...will wonders never cease

[alloverjr]

Not a bad outing for Homer, all things considered. I wouldn't let him go out for the 6th with the heat and his pitch count.

[Playadlc]

It's rarely a good thing to have the same amount of errors as you do hits.

[REDblooded]

maybe not in that instance but for once I think Mitch Williams made a good point...will wonders never cease

Wasn't a bad point, but it's entirely based on the situation... If you're catching a ball over your head, and you're camped out underneath it, you should absolutely use two hands...

On a play where the ball is below the shoulders, or you're running while making the catch? No. Use one.

[Tony Cloninger]

You bought the tickets, you knew Gomes and Lewis were not the answer in LF, you knew they needed another veteran starter.... I say "Let 'em Crash!"

[Playadlc]

Gomes walks.

There's no stopping us now!!!

[Kc61]

The Reds shouldn't do things to shake things up. They should do something only if they feel there are positions that need addressed. In that regard, it's hard to argue against it.

No, the current team isn't working. Changes are necessary. Maybe even a managerial change.

Sports today at the major league level isn't a long term business. If your current big league team isn't working you make changes. You don't sit with a bad ball club.

The Reds team is completely out of sync, is probably demoralized and frustrated. New blood is needed.

Obviously, you don't make stupid trades. But you don't sit passively by and let this continue indefinitely.

[Tony Cloninger]

No, the current team isn't working. Changes are necessary. Maybe even a managerial change.

Sports today at the major league level isn't a long term business. If your current big league team isn't working you make changes. You don't sit with a bad ball club.

The Reds team is completely out of sync, is probably demoralized and frustrated. New blood is needed.

Obviously, you don't make stupid trades. But you don't sit passively by and let this continue indefinitely.


I think Bob C must play his fiddle a lot while watching this team play.

[Tom Servo]

God I hate sacrifice bunting.


I do however love bunt hits.

[alloverjr]

That was a great bunt by Stubbs. Easy basehit. And they were expecting the bunt and it wasn't even close at 1st.

[CTA513]

Renteria > Cozart

[Tom Servo]

Renteria! Two run double! 3-2 Reds.

[Tom Servo]

BP RBI double! 4-2 Reds with runners on 2nd and 3rd, no outs.

[alloverjr]

Holy crap. An offense. Phillips doubles, Votto to 3rd and a 4-2 lead. No outs.

[Playadlc]

Watch us put up a 10 spot this inning.

It really would make sense.

[Kc61]

Holy crap. An offense. Phillips doubles, Votto to 3rd and a 4-2 lead. No outs.

Lowe should be embarrassed.

[LvJ]

Is this real life?

[Tony Cloninger]

Do it for Cozart! COZART!

[alloverjr]

Lowe should be embarrassed.

Cynically yes. But I don't think that highly of Lowe.

BTW, all credit goes to Leake for drawing Lowe's attention out at 2nd.

[Tom Servo]

And due to 'technical difficulties' I get sent to see Padres vs. Phillies. Awesome.



Not.

[Ron Madden]

Now we are watching the Phills vs Padres.

[REDblooded]

And due to 'technical difficulties' I get sent to see Padres vs. Phillies. Awesome.



Not.



Yuck.

[LvJ]

And due to 'technical difficulties' I get sent to see Padres vs. Phillies. Awesome.



Not.

Same here. Lame.

[alloverjr]

Not sure why Lewis batted against a lefty.

Cozart with a hyper-extended elbow. All things considered, good news.

[alloverjr]

And Lewis GO to SS with both runners holding. 1 out. I question.

[Kc61]

I agree with Cowboy that Heisey should have hit for Lewsis there. Lefty pitcher, two men on.

I can see Dusty's point because he has a short bench and innings to play. But this is a key chance.

[Brutus]

I agree with Cowboy that Heisey should have hit for Lewsis there. Lefty pitcher, two men on.

I can see Dusty's point because he has a short bench and innings to play. But this is a key chance.

I don't think it's a good idea to burn your last outfielder in the 6th inning. Not a good idea at all, especially already being down a shortstop to boot.

[alloverjr]

I don't think it's a good idea to burn your last outfielder in the 6th inning. Not a good idea at all.

But now you've blown your shot. Gomes K's and they hold with 2 outs.

[Tony Cloninger]

I agree with Cowboy that Heisey should have hit for Lewsis there. Lefty pitcher, two men on.

I can see Dusty's point because he has a short bench and innings to play. But this is a key chance.

Dusty burns his bench by DS all the time in the 7th-9th innings....what is one earlier inning?

[Tom Servo]

and we're back. sort of.


doctor proctor pitching.

[Playadlc]

Let 'em off the hook.

[Tom Servo]

No good excuse for not at least scoring Votto from 3rd.

[REDblooded]

I'd feel better with Lewis or Gomes executing a suicide squeeze in that position than having them swing a bat...

[OldXOhio]

This team just refuses to step on people's neck when given the chance.

[alloverjr]

I'd feel better with Lewis or Gomes executing a suicide squeeze in that position than having them swing a bat...

Yeah! Where the heck was the squeeze there!

[fearofpopvol1]

Wow, runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs and not 1 of them crosses home plate.

How does that even happen?

[Kc61]

I don't think it's a good idea to burn your last outfielder in the 6th inning. Not a good idea at all, especially already being down a shortstop to boot.

Also not a good idea to have bad match ups in the key hitting situation in the game.

[REDblooded]

This team just refuses to step on people's neck when given the chance.

It's impossible to step on a neck when you have 3 hitters in a row come to the plate with sinkholes in their swings.

[alloverjr]

Wow, runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs and not 1 of them crosses home plate.

How does that even happen?

Lewis, Gomes, Frazier (rookie) ;)

[OldXOhio]

Same here. Lame.

Padres stranded a runner on 3rd with no outs. Thought for a second we were still watching the Reds.

[alloverjr]

And now Heisey is in the game anyway. What the?

[Brutus]

Also not a good idea to have bad match ups in the key hitting situation in the game.

Would you rather have a position player in the game batting with a chance to add-on runs and have Heisey saved for later in the game or would you rather burn Heisey and wind up being forced to let a pitcher bat in the 8th or 9th inning if it gets to that point?

The Reds have already burnt two position players (Bruce and Cozart) and had to use Leake to pinch run.

Batting Heisey in that situation is bordering on careless.

[OldXOhio]

It's impossible to step on a neck when you have 3 hitters in a row come to the plate with sinkholes in their swings.

It's impossible to think big inning at that point, but I'd expect a ML hitter can either hit a fly ball or a grounder to the right side. My mistake.

[Kc61]

Lewis, Gomes, Frazier (rookie) ;)

Braves have a good pen. You need the lefty righty advantage against them when possible.

LOL now Heisey comes in for defense.

[OldXOhio]

Braves have a good pen. You need the lefty righty advantage against them when possible.

LOL now Heisey comes in for defense.

You have got to be kidding me with this manager.

Don't beat writers like Fay and McCoy contend that Dusty doesn't pay as much attention to SABREmetrics b/c he's too busy studying match ups?

[alloverjr]

Batting Heisey in that situation is flat out careless.

Much better to not bat him and then put him in for defense the next inning. ;)

[Brutus]

You have got to be kidding me with this manager.

It's not rocket science. He just delayed the pitcher's spot from coming up for two more innings... perhaps three.

[Tony Cloninger]

Would you rather have a position player in the game batting with a chance to add-on runs and have Heisey saved for later in the game or would you rather burn Heisey and wind up being forced to let a pitcher bat in the 8th or 9th inning if it gets to that point?

The Reds have already burnt two position players (Bruce and Cozart) and had to use Leake to pinch run.

Batting Heisey in that situation is flat out careless.


But bringing him in the next top of the half inning makes even better sense.

[Brutus]

But bringing him in the next top of the half inning makes even better sense.

And again, he just made it to where a pinch-hitter wouldn't be needed for the pitcher for 2-3 more innings. Come on people it's not hard.

[Kc61]

Would you rather have a position player in the game batting with a chance to add-on runs and have Heisey saved for later in the game or would you rather burn Heisey and wind up being forced to let a pitcher bat in the 8th or 9th inning if it gets to that point?

The Reds have already burnt two position players (Bruce and Cozart) and had to use Leake to pinch run.

Batting Heisey in that situation is flat out careless.

Just disagree. Heisey is now in the game for defense. Reds have used all their outfielders. Only the seventh inning.

You go for the jugular. Worst thing happens, Cairo can play left field.

[alloverjr]

It's not rocket science. He just delayed the pitcher's spot from coming up for two more innings... perhaps three.

Which works out great just in case they have 2nd and 3rd with no outs later in the game. I admire your loyalty Brutus.

[OldXOhio]

It's not rocket science. He just delayed the pitcher's spot from coming up for two more innings... perhaps three.

I understand, but you've got runners on 2nd and 3rd and a chance to put this one out of reach.

[Brutus]

Which works out great just in case they have 2nd and 3rd with no outs later in the game. I admire your loyalty Brutus.

What loyalty? I don't like Dusty as a tactician. Never have.

But I do find the baseless, excessive criticism to be ridiculous of late.

[Tom Servo]

yeah Stubby, making that catch.

[Ron Madden]

Braves have a good pen. You need the lefty righty advantage against them when possible.

LOL now Heisey comes in for defense.

I can't understand Dusty's thinking here.

[Kc61]

Shocker of this game is that Dusty pulled Homer in a timely fashion.

[RedsManRick]

I can't understand Dusty's thinking here.

Having Lewis' glove instead of Gomes > Heisey's bat instead of Lewis?

[Kc61]

I can't understand Dusty's thinking here.

To be fair to Dusty. With the lead he wanted Heisey for defense.

Not to replace Lewis, but to replace Gomes.

Didn't hit for Lewis, preferred him defensively to Gomes.

[Tony Cloninger]

What loyalty? I don't like Dusty as a tactician. Never have.

But I do find the baseless, excessive criticism to be ridiculous of late.

My critique is not baseless or excessive. I only point out obvious ones. This bullpen is not tired or overworked. So if they have a chance to add on 1-2 more runs, which this offense has been struggling to do at all..... you are worried about the pitcher coming up again sooner? You can survive using 3 pitchers in the next 3 innings to hold a possible 5-2, 6-2 lead.

[Brutus]

Having Lewis' glove instead of Gomes > Heisey's bat instead of Lewis?

Thanks. I was starting to wonder if there's any sanity left.

[Brutus]

My critique is not baseless or excessive. I only point out obvious ones. This bullpen is not tired or overworked. So if they have a chance to add on 1-2 more runs, which this offense has been struggling to do at all..... you are worried about the pitcher coming up again sooner? You can survive using 3 pitchers in the next 3 innings to hold a possible 5-2, 6-2 lead.

Have you seen Heisey's career splits against LHP by chance?

Thus far, the Reds would have gained NOTHING statistically by batting him for Lewis. Then they'd be stuck with Gomes in left AND would still have to use Cairo to pinch hit in the 7th inning.

That's a whole lot of stuff working against a move that, statistically speaking, barely, if at all, increases the odds of a good outcome.

[Tony Cloninger]

Then PH hit him for Gomes.

[Tom Servo]

Heisey still gets it done. 5-2 Reds.

[Kc61]

Then PH hit him for Gomes.

Can't embarrass Gomes on his bobble head day.

[Ron Madden]

Having Lewis' glove instead of Gomes > Heisey's bat instead of Lewis?

I'd rather Dusty let Heisey hit for Lewis. Sue me. ;)

[alloverjr]

Thanks. I was starting to wonder if there's any sanity left.

Really? to disagree with you is insane you say? Let's just discuss the moves. Redzone is hardly the only place questioning Dusty on that move. Doesn't make it right or wrong.

And IMO, Gomes in no worse a defender than Lewis.

And another good bunt by Stubbs and gets a sac.

[Tom Servo]

6-2 Reds, Renteria single RBI to show he's not dead yet.

[Tony Cloninger]

Can't embarrass Gomes on his bobble head day.


Yes of course.....priorities.

[Kc61]

Really? to disagree with you is insane you say? Let's just discuss the moves. Redzone is hardly the only place questioning Dusty on that move. Doesn't make it right or wrong.

And IMO, Gomes in no worse a defender than Lewis.

And another good bunt by Stubbs and gets a sac.

Stubbs needs to bunt once a game. Will cut his Ks, add to his OBP.

[Kc61]

Glad Reds didn't DFA Renteria. As I previously suggested they should.

[alloverjr]

Stubbs needs to bunt once a game. Will cut his Ks, add to his OBP.

I really hope that those last to AB's that were sucessful (hit/sac) will get him to relax.

[Kc61]

I really hope that those last to AB's that were sucessful (hit/sac) will get him to relax.

And his homer last night. Agree, guy is really pressing.

[Tom Servo]

Fred Lewis gets an IBB. wut.

[alloverjr]

Squeeze? Just kidding.

[VR]

Let it rain

[Kc61]

I sense Lecure or Arredondo.

[Tom Servo]

DR. FRAZIER

[Playadlc]

Wow. Talk about an explosion.

[TheBurn]

Atta boy TF! :clap:

[CTA513]

Fraizer just missed a grand slam but was able to clear the bases with a double off the wall.

[Playadlc]

7 spot this inning and still only 1 out.

[Ron Madden]

Todd Frazier is doing OK so far.

[Kc61]

Young guys are contributing. Either trade them or bring them up. Some are ready to help.

[BCubb2003]

This is just going to make it harder for us to complain when they get shut down.

[Tony Cloninger]

All this happened after Cozart was injured and Renteria came in. The master plan of Votto and Dusty worked to perfection.... Vets get it done.

[REDSEER]

Honestly, this is the Reds MO this year. Go a week averaging 3 runs per game and then score 10-12 in one to skew that average. I still think this team needs a bat if they are serious about contributing this year.

[Kc61]

Honestly, this is the Reds MO this year. Go a week averaging 3 runs per game and then score 10-12 in one to skew that average. I still think this team needs a bat if they are serious about contributing this year.

Reds need a bat for sure. Phillips isn't the feared cleanup guy to hit between Votto and Bruce. It's a must for this year and next.

[forfreelin04]

Honestly, this is the Reds MO this year. Go a week averaging 3 runs per game and then score 10-12 in one to skew that average. I still think this team needs a bat if they are serious about contributing this year.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'd like to just see them get serious enough to win 2 games in a row. :laugh:

[forfreelin04]

Reds need a bat for sure. Phillips isn't the feared cleanup guy to hit between Votto and Bruce. It's a must for this year and next.

kemp or bust

[Brutus]

Really? to disagree with you is insane you say? Let's just discuss the moves. Redzone is hardly the only place questioning Dusty on that move. Doesn't make it right or wrong.

And IMO, Gomes in no worse a defender than Lewis.

And another good bunt by Stubbs and gets a sac.

Absolutely not. What I find insane is how everyone here, who have a combined zero wins of managerial experience combined, think it's such an open-and-shut case that the wrong decision was made, when that's not the case... or at very least, is at most debatable. And that's become routine in every_single_thread the last several weeks. Everyone is so convinced how wrong he is at almost every single turn.

It's not necessarily the preference of what one would do in that situation, though I think the mountain of pros/cons works in favor of not pinch-hitting for Lewis there, but it's how matter-of-fact everyone has made it that Dusty, "as usual" is so wrong on how he does almost everything. Lineups, double-switches, pinch-hitting, how long to leave in pitchers, etc. The guy must really have tripped in spite of himself into a .521 winning percentage, 3 Manager of the Year awards and a World Series appearance in some 17-18 years.

Does this make Baker infallible? Absolutely not. As I said earlier, as a tactician, I'm not a fan and never have been. But lately the criticism has been extremely excessive, and I do believe in this specific instance, was largely baseless. The value of pinch-hitting there is largely outweighed by all the negative repercussions of doing so, especially since they weren't really gaining much by going to Heisey against LHP given his career .588 OPS.

Lately I do think the criticism has been somewhat unwarranted. Not in all cases, but people have been reaching lately, IMHO, to play pin-the-blame on the donkey.

[Ron Madden]

The Reds have been drawing huge crowds considering how they have been playing the past month.

[Tom Servo]

Quite the game for BP.

[REDblooded]

The Reds have been drawing huge crowds considering how they have been playing the past month.

been playing teams with decent fanbases...

[nemesis]

Like to point out Renteria's OPS is now .601.

[Brutus]

Like to point out Renteria's OPS is now .601.

I have maintained most of the year that he was still better than he was playing. He's been showing signs of swinging the bat better here recently. He was a decent hitter even last year. I don't think he's completely lost it yet.

[Kc61]

Reds headed tomorrow to that dreaded "let's win two in a row" ballgames.

[Ron Madden]

Like to point out Renteria's OPS is now .601.

Wow, that high? ;)

[CTA513]

1-2-3 9th inning for Arredondo

[Kc61]

Wow, that high? ;)

He's a backup. It's ok in that role.

[nemesis]

He's a backup. It's ok in that role.

At .601 I wonder if he has any trade value. Always seems like someone is looking for a Vet SS at this time of year.

[TheBurn]

Fun game. :beerme:

[Ron Madden]

Reds win 11-2 hard to believe no Homers were hit in this game.

Would love to take 2 outta 3 from Atlanta.