4-20-2012 Reds vs Cubs

[cumberlandreds]

Here are the lineups via Baseballpress.com. No Phillips today and Heisey gets the nod in LF.


2:20pm Reds (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineup_team.php?team=CIN) (H. Bailey - R (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=baileho02&year=Career&t=p)) @ Cubs (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineup_team.php?team=CHC) (C. Volstad - R (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=volstch01&year=Career&t=p))</SPAN>
(http://www.baseballpress.com/lineup_team.php?team=CIN)1. Zack Cozart (R) SS (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=cozarza01&year=Career&t=b)
2. Drew Stubbs (R) CF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=stubbdr01&year=Career&t=b)
3. Joey Votto (L) 1B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=vottojo01&year=Career&t=b)
4. Jay Bruce (L) RF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=bruceja01&year=Career&t=b)
5. Scott Rolen (R) 3B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=rolensc01&year=Career&t=b)
6. Chris Heisey (R) LF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=heisech01&year=Career&t=b)
7. Willie Harris (L) 2B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=harriwi02&year=Career&t=b)
8. Devin Mesoraco (R) C (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=mesorde01&year=Career&t=b)
9. Homer Bailey (R) P (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=baileho02&year=Career&t=b)

(http://www.baseballpress.com/lineup_team.php?team=CHC)1. David DeJesus (L) RF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=dejesda01&year=Career&t=b)
2. Darwin Barney (R) 2B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=barneda01&year=Career&t=b)
3. Starlin Castro (R) SS (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=castrst01&year=Career&t=b)
4. Bryan LaHair (L) 1B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=lahaibr01&year=Career&t=b)
5. Alfonso Soriano (R) LF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=soriaal01&year=Career&t=b)
6. Ian Stewart (L) 3B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=stewaia01&year=Career&t=b)
7. Geovany Soto (R) C (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=sotoge01&year=Career&t=b)
8. Marlon Byrd (R) CF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=byrdma01&year=Career&t=b)
9. Chris Volstad (R) P (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=volstch01&year=Career&t=b)

[cumberlandreds]

Looks like a cold weekend in Chicago. I wonder if Phillips will play any?

[WVRedsFan]

I know about the danger of an injury that would take Phillips out for a long time, but the black hole that exists with Willie Harris at second is huge. Tough decision.

[kbrake]

I'm completely fine with giving BP time off with the hammy but a bench with Valdez and Harris is just loaded with suck.

[smith288]

Valdez or Harris isn't worthy of a spot in the show. But better than putting a young talent there and not seeing any action I suppose....

[OesterPoster]

Looks like Dempster might get scratched from the Sunday start against the Reds.

Scott Miller ‏ @ScottMCBS

Bad stuff 'bout #Cubs RT @davandyck: Ryan Dempster in doubt for Sunday start. MRI on right quad. Randy Wells here in case

[Kc61]

Valdez or Harris isn't worthy of a spot in the show. But better than putting a young talent there and not seeing any action I suppose....

I don't agree with this. To be sure, Harris' spot could and should eventually go to a better hitter. But he has been a major league player for eleven years and he's a lot better than RedsZone says. Slightly past his peak perhaps, he was best as a Nat in 2008-09, but he's a reasonable bench player.

Harris is off badly, he will pick it up, the Reds do need a stronger lefty bench bat, but Harris is not the garbage player some indicate.

As for Valdez, he is a better hitter than Janish and can play the infield acceptably in a backup role. Which young talent do you want in his position, Valaika? Chris V has 20 Ks and 2 BBs at AAA, a .313 OBP, and isn't the versatile fielder that Valdez is.

I want a good lefty bat on the Reds bench, I recognize they don't now have one, but these two guys are reasonable bench players for their positions.

Let's just make believe they came up in the Reds organization and give them the endless patience that such players receive around here from some . . . .

Meanwhile, Francisco is hitting the ball well for the Bravos, with some defensive issues.

[MikeS21]

I don't agree with this. To be sure, Harris' spot could and should eventually go to a better hitter. But he has been a major league player for eleven years and he's a lot better than RedsZone says. Slightly past his peak perhaps, he was best as a Nat in 2008-09, but he's a reasonable bench player.

Harris is off badly, he will pick it up, the Reds do need a stronger lefty bench bat, but Harris is not the garbage player some indicate.

As for Valdez, he is a better hitter than Janish and can play the infield acceptably in a backup role. Which young talent do you want in his position, Valaika? Chris V has 20 Ks and 2 BBs at AAA, a .313 OBP, and isn't the versatile fielder that Valdez is.

I want a good lefty bat on the Reds bench, I recognize they don't now have one, but these two guys are reasonable bench players for their positions.

Let's just make believe they came up in the Reds organization and give them the endless patience that such players receive around here . . . .

Meanwhile, Francisco is hitting the ball well for the Bravos, with some defensive issues.
True. That's why they are called "bench" players. Besides, I seem to remember the same "garbage player" label put on Miguel Cairo a couple years ago.

It would be nice to have Phillips sit out a couple days and replace him in the lineup with Ian Kinsler or Dustin Pedroia, but small market teams who sign 1B to 13-year contracts @ $200+ million, are stuck with the Cairo's, Valdez's, and Harris's for bench strength.

[smith288]

These two guys are washed up. Maybe that's what a bench is for, washed up guys who get overmatched every plate appearance? He is a career .238 batter. Not a solid bat of a bench by any stretch.

[smith288]

True. That's why they are called "bench" players. Besides, I seem to remember the same "garbage player" label put on Miguel Cairo a couple years ago.

It would be nice to have Phillips sit out a couple days and replace him in the lineup with Ian Kinsler or Dustin Pedroia, but small market teams who sign 1B to 13-year contracts @ $200+ million, are stuck with the Cairo's, Valdez's, and Harris's for bench strength.
Cairo isn't garbage. A career .270 batter with pop. Not even close to a Willie Harris or Valdez.

Sorry if I irked you on my opinion. I shouldn't expect to see a black hole step up to the plate when Dusty goes to the bench.

[MikeS21]

Cairo isn't garbage. A career .270 batter with pop. Not even close to a Willie Harris or Valdez.

Sorry if I irked you on my opinion. I shouldn't expect to see a black hole step up to the plate when Dusty goes to the bench.
No problem, you didn't ruffle my feathers in the least.

I was just pointing out that two years ago, the prevailing opinion around here was that every time Cairo stepped to the plate to replace Rolen, Votto, or Phillips, that he was regarded as a "black hole." Cairo proved he was not a garbage player.

As to Harris and Valdez, the jury is still out. Once Cairo comes back off the DL, I have a feeling Harris's number of plate appearances will diminish anyway. To fill in a game or two, Cairo, Harris, and Valdez are fine. But if one of the IF's go on the DL, I think I'd start thinking about Negron or Gregorius. I know Janish and Valaika are at AAA, but I don't think they are ANY upgrade from Harris or Valdez

[cumberlandreds]

Can Frazier play 2nd decently at all? If so he should be there.

[Kc61]

No problem, you didn't ruffle my feathers in the least.

I was just pointing out that two years ago, the prevailing opinion around here was that every time Cairo stepped to the plate to replace Rolen, Votto, or Phillips, that he was regarded as a "black hole." Cairo proved he was not a garbage player.

As to Harris and Valdez, the jury is still out. Once Cairo comes back off the DL, I have a feeling Harris's number of plate appearances will diminish anyway. To fill in a game or two, Cairo, Harris, and Valdez are fine. But if one of the IF's go on the DL, I think I'd start thinking about Negron or Gregorius. I know Janish and Valaika are at AAA, but I don't think they are ANY upgrade from Harris or Valdez

Valdez is going no place, the Reds acquired him to be a slightly better Janish and I expect him to be around all season.

Harris is the lefty bat since Francisco was traded. I think he'll improve in that role, but the Reds could use a stronger lefty hitter for the bench. I don't think the defensive position is critical for that role, either an outfielder or infielder who bats left handed should do.

As for Frazier, he will back up at third while Cairo is out and then likely go back to AAA. He isn't a middle infielder, won't replace Valdez, doesn't provide the lefty bench bat. He does play outfield, so he could fill in there if an injury.

[traderumor]

Harris has been an out machine. So has everyone else on the team. I guess he'll either come back to his standard performance level with a hot streak or they'll try someone else.

[Reds Fanatic]

Looks like a cold weekend in Chicago. I wonder if Phillips will play any?

Yes Baker said it was the cooler conditions that is why he is sitting Phillips because it is harder to get loose in these conditions. The high is going to be in the 40s all weekend in Chicago so he may sit the whole series.

[cumberlandreds]

Yes Baker said it was the cooler conditions that is why he is sitting Phillips because it is harder to get loose in these conditions. The high is going to be in the 40s all weekend in Chicago so he may sit the whole series.

Yep, I just adjusted my fantasy starters for the weekend. I'll be surprised if does anymore than pinch hit the entire weekend. May be good in a way. He can get that much more healthy with four days off counting Monday.

[redsmetz]

Not sure what Cozart did, but Stubbs singled to start things off. Votto up with a 2 ball count.

[cumberlandreds]

Not sure what Cozart did, but Stubbs singled to start things off. Votto up with a 2 ball count.

Cozart K'd.

[redsmetz]

Stubbs steals 2nd, ball into Center Field, Stubbs to 3rd.

[cumberlandreds]

Good start. Votto with a clutch hit.

[MikeS21]

Stubbs steals 2nd, ball into Center Field, Stubbs to 3rd.
Stubbs for MVP! :p

[redsmetz]

Votto singles on a 3-1 count - 1-0 for the good guys.

[Chip R]

Stubbs steals 2nd, ball into Center Field, Stubbs to 3rd.

Always can count on the Cubs being the Cubs. :)

[cumberlandreds]

All right Bruce. Sounded like a good AB that ended with a single into RF.

[smith288]

Nice start! Me likey.

[redsmetz]

Bruce singles on full count after falling behind two strikes, Votto to 3rd.

[OesterPoster]

Always can count on the Cubs being the Cubs. :)

The error was by that guy who stole Votto's Rookie of the Year trophy.

[Chip R]

The error was by that guy who stole Votto's Rookie of the Year trophy.

Serves him right.

[cumberlandreds]

Well well well a big chance for a big inning. The bases are drunk for Heisey

[redsmetz]

Bruce steals 2nd (something confusing happened that I missed), Rolen walks to load them up.

[OesterPoster]

Time to pile on the Cubs.

[cumberlandreds]

Bruce steals 2nd (something confusing happened that I missed), Rolen walks to load them up.

Ball went off the catchers glove and was originally called a WP. After Marty ranted they changed it to a SB

[OesterPoster]

Woo-hoo. In your face Cubbies.

[cumberlandreds]

Two run single with another error by a Cubbie mixed in.

[kbrake]

This is the kind of baseball I've been waiting to see.

[HotCorner]

Woohoo! Cubs are the medicine that this offense needed.

[redsmetz]

Heisey, singles, two score, ball kicks away from fielder and Heisey goes to 2nd (Rolen moved to 3rd when he saw it get away)>

[cumberlandreds]

The Cubs are the tonic when you are ailing. :)

[OesterPoster]

If Willie Harris gets a hit today, I might buy a lottery ticket later.

[cumberlandreds]

If Willie Harris gets a hit today, I might buy a lottery ticket later.

You can save your money for now. He did drive in a run with a GO though. 4-0 Redlegs

[cumberlandreds]

You gotta like this. Bailey bats before he pitches. :)

[OesterPoster]

You gotta like this. Bailey bats before he pitches. :)

If he manages to get through the 1st without giving up a run, then I might remain optimistic.

[cumberlandreds]

If he manages to get through the 1st without giving up a run, then I might remain optimistic.

You can remain optimistic. :)

[OesterPoster]

Baby steps, baby steps.

[redsmetz]

If he manages to get through the 1st without giving up a run, then I might remain optimistic.

Homer gets "through the 1st without giving up a run" - remain optimistic.

[redsmetz]

Reds went quietly in the 2nd. Heisey just made a great diving catch for the 1st out for the Cubs.

[Playadlc]

Great diving catch by Heisey.

[redsmetz]

Cubs also go quietly, on to the 3rd
Reds 4, Cubs nada.

[RichRed]

Pitch count through 2:

Bailey - 31
Volstad - 48 (41 of them came in the 1st)

[OesterPoster]

Pitch count through 2:

Bailey - 31
Volstad - 48 (41 of them came in the 1st)

22 of those 31 for strikes.

[redsmetz]

Another Cubs error, Bruce reaches.

[CySeymour]

Cubs are just bad

[redsmetz]

Rolen lined out & Bruce was doubled off. Heisey flies out - still 4-0 Reds.

[Playadlc]

I still hate the black on the bill of our hats.

[GoReds]

That at bat between Homer and DeJesus symbolizes the frustration with Homer. Homer throws two quality pitches to get ahead 0-2, then tries to blow him away with his 94MPH fastball three times in a row to get a full-count. The decision pitch is a marshmallow down the middle of the plate - base hit to left.

[VottoFan54]

That at bat between Homer and DeJesus symbolizes the frustration with Homer. Homer throws two quality pitches to get ahead 0-2, then tries to blow him away with his 94MPH fastball three times in a row to get a full-count. The decision pitch is a marshmallow down the middle of the plate - base hit to left.

How has Bailey been looking overall? Has he been pitching as well as the stats indicate?

[Playadlc]

What a terrible play by Heisey out there.

[klw]

What a terrible play by Heisey out there.

what happened?

[GoReds]

When he is locked in, he looks fine. He's hitting the catchers glove when he tries to pitch and not just throw as hard as he can. When he loses concentration...

And now it's 4-2 as the Cubs capitalize.

[kbrake]

How has Bailey been looking overall? Has he been pitching as well as the stats indicate?

I've not been overly impressed. The Cubs are awful and he has still managed to give up 2 runs. I realize Heisey has an error but if the wind isn't blowing in like this that ball lands in the streets.

[GoReds]

I think Homer thinks his fastball is better than Chapman's.

[Playadlc]

what happened?

Castro crushed a ball that looked like it was going to be gone, Heisey was camped by the wall and it looked like he wasn't expecting the ball to come down. Ball came right to him and he tried to basket catch it and dropped it. It was ruled an error.

[kbrake]

what happened?

Ball that should have landed on the street got knocked down by the wind and Heisey was standing at the wall waiting on it and just dropped it.

[VottoFan54]

When he is locked in, he looks fine. He's hitting the catchers glove when he tries to pitch and not just throw as hard as he can. When he loses concentration...

And now it's 4-2 as the Cubs capitalize.

Sounds like a classic Homer Bailey start for you, he can be really frustrating.

[WVRedsFan]

Heisey is not a good defensive outfielder, despite his diving catch. He sometimes takes the wrong routes and his judgment of fly balls is suspect. That said, in lieu of a trade, what choice do you have?

[VottoFan54]

FWIW, the Cards just put Berkman on the 15 day DL for his calf strain and activated Skip Schumaker from the DL.

[cincrazy]

The Cubs have been smoking the ball all over the place. Homer's lucky the wind is blowing in or his stat line would look a lot worse than this. He's got a great, live arm, but doesn't have much of a clue how to "pitch."

[VottoFan54]

Heisey is not a good defensive outfielder, despite his diving catch. He sometimes takes the wrong routes and his judgment of fly balls is suspect. That said, in lieu of a trade, what choice do you have?

I don't get the games on TV, I listen on the radio. How does Ludwick look out there in the outfield? better or worse than Heisey? better than guys like Gomes and Dunn, right?

[Nasty_Boy]

I get that the Castro ball was hit hard, but the defense for the Reds has be uncharacteristically sloppy.

I don't get the Homer frustration today... It's nit picking IMO. In the 1st he broke 2 bats and had a K and pitched around an error. In the 2nd, he sat the Cubs down quickly. Now an error leads to Cubs runs. He hasn't be Halladay, but his teammates gloves haven't exactly been up to par.

[kbrake]

I'd say both Heisey and Ludwick are much better than what we have seen in LF in recent years. I think Heisey is a pretty good LF. I'd say Ludwick is average. Which is an upgrade.

[GAC]

Da' King is in chat! :beerme:

[WVRedsFan]

I haven't seen enough of Ludwick to know. I would say beter than Gomes and Dunn, but not much better than Heisey. I like Ludwick's bat, though.

[Playadlc]

Stubbs! Man he can hit when he goes the other way.

[cincrazy]

Stubbs with a very nice 2 run double to right field. He's really coming around with his swing.

[OesterPoster]

Something happened, and the Cowboy got all flustered. You'd think he would have improved his play-by-play by now...but he hasn't.

[klw]

The Cubs have been smoking the ball all over the place. Homer's lucky the wind is blowing in or his stat line would look a lot worse than this. He's got a great, live arm, but doesn't have much of a clue how to "pitch."

Another way to look at this is that the pitcher is aware that the wind will keep the ball in play so you are free to attack the plate, get the ball over, and trust the defense to make plays if the ball is hit.

[cincrazy]

I get that the Castro ball was hit hard, but the defense for the Reds has be uncharacteristically sloppy.

I don't get the Homer frustration today... It's nit picking IMO. In the 1st he broke 2 bats and had a K and pitched around an error. In the 2nd, he sat the Cubs down quickly. Now an error leads to Cubs runs. He hasn't be Halladay, but his teammates gloves haven't exactly been up to par.

I don't think it's nit picking, with all due respect. I think he's getting lucky today. But luck or no luck, I'll take it, he's doing well enough. On a day like today maybe this is his philosophy, make them hit it, even if they do crush it, because it probably won't go far.

[cincrazy]

Another way to look at this is that the pitcher is aware that the wind will keep the ball in play so you are free to attack the plate, get the ball over, and trust the defense to make plays if the ball is hit.

Absolutely right. In fairness to Homer, that's a great point.

[TOBTTReds]

Something happened, and the Cowboy got all flustered. You'd think he would have improved his play-by-play by now...but he hasn't.

He's just awful. I can't listen to him anymore. I'd be better off by turning the radio off and guessing what will happen than hearing him explain the plays.

As for Stubbs, I like what's going on right now. I'm not criticizing, but how'd he not get a triple on that? It did look like he was grimacing on 3rd base in the first inning after his SB. Hope he didn't pull anything.

[redsmetz]

Another way to look at this is that the pitcher is aware that the wind will keep the ball in play so you are free to attack the plate, get the ball over, and trust the defense to make plays if the ball is hit.

I would think this is the norm for anyone pitching at Wrigley. Nice to see us get the 2 runs back.

[OesterPoster]

Another way to look at this is that the pitcher is aware that the wind will keep the ball in play so you are free to attack the plate, get the ball over, and trust the defense to make plays if the ball is hit.

I agree. I'm not going to fault Homer for actually throwing strikes today under the Wrigley conditions. I think he's only gone to a 3-ball count once.

[dougdirt]

The Cubs have been smoking the ball all over the place. Homer's lucky the wind is blowing in or his stat line would look a lot worse than this. He's got a great, live arm, but doesn't have much of a clue how to "pitch."

The wind is blowing in at like 25 MPH. You think the pitchers don't know that and are just trying to pump the zone and get fly balls? I am not one who puts much into pitching to the score, but you can pitch to the weather. Hard contact today isn't likely to turn into much because the wind is going to kill the ball. Castro probably hits that ball 425 feet on a normal day. Today it went about 350. The pitchers know it and are pitching to it.

[HokieRed]

Just tuned in. Looks like Homer's line is 3 innings, none earned. Is he responsible for errors too?

[TOBTTReds]

The wind is blowing in at like 25 MPH. You think the pitchers don't know that and are just trying to pump the zone and get fly balls? I am not one who puts much into pitching to the score, but you can pitch to the weather. Hard contact today isn't likely to turn into much because the wind is going to kill the ball. Castro probably hits that ball 425 feet on a normal day. Today it went about 350. The pitchers know it and are pitching to it.

THIS. There should be zero walks today by any pitcher. Only excuse is because it's so cold and the hand can get numb.

[kbrake]

Now that was a good inning.

[Playadlc]

He's just awful. I can't listen to him anymore. I'd be better off by turning the radio off and guessing what will happen than hearing him explain the plays.

As for Stubbs, I like what's going on right now. I'm not criticizing, but how'd he not get a triple on that? It did look like he was grimacing on 3rd base in the first inning after his SB. Hope he didn't pull anything.

I think he may have got a strawberry on that slide. He slid right on his knee.

[redsmetz]

Now that was a good inning.

What was that? Five pitches? Now that's efficient!

[TOBTTReds]

Just tuned in. Looks like Homer's line is 3 innings, none earned. Is he responsible for errors too?

Heisey drop on deep fly ball. He bumped into the wall on a fly ball that should have been on the street. Wind blew it back and Heisey misplayed it. That scored one. A single after that scored the other.

[GAC]

Just tuned in. Looks like Homer's line is 3 innings, none earned. Is he responsible for errors too?

No. Heisey misplayed a ball to the wall in LF. If the wind wasn't blowing in though it would have been a homer IMO.

[TOBTTReds]

I think he may have got a strawberry on that slide. He slid right on his knee.

He is a comical foot first slider. He hits the base with his hip like it's a speed bump.

[GoReds]

Just tuned in. Looks like Homer's line is 3 innings, none earned. Is he responsible for errors too?

That's where stats are not going to tell the story. Homer had two outs and was sitting at 0-2 on DeJesus. He then proceeded to try to blow him away with his "gas", got to 3-2 and offered up a marshmallow to DeJesus who turned it into a single. Homer doesn't do that, the rest of the inning doesn't happen.

He may not have been charged with the runs, but he had a hand in earning them.

[OesterPoster]

I think he may have got a strawberry on that slide. He slid right on his knee.

Are you saying that he Stubbed his knee?

[TOBTTReds]

:rolleyes:
Are you saying that he Stubbed his knee?

[Playadlc]

Are you saying that he Stubbed his knee?

Haha. Yes!

[cincrazy]

I tend to overreact when Homer Bailey's on the mound. Good and bad. It's a bad habit I'm trying to fix, haha.

[Nasty_Boy]

Another way to look at this is that the pitcher is aware that the wind will keep the ball in play so you are free to attack the plate, get the ball over, and trust the defense to make plays if the ball is hit.

I agree... If I were pitching today, I would be throwing up in the zone and daring guys to hit it. Homer gets griped about for nibbling... That last inning lasted about 8 pitches. The 2nd inning was 8-10 pitches and the 1st inning would have been 10-12 pitches without the error. He looks like he's pitching to the conditions and telling the Cubs to take their hacks.

[OesterPoster]

Volstad at 90 pitches.
Homer at 60.

[Nasty_Boy]

Man, it looks to like Homer can't win sometimes... If Leake were pitching today, people would be lauding him for pitching to the conditions. The guy has been pretty solid today IMO... Some very quick pitch efficient innings today.

[HokieRed]

No. Heisey misplayed a ball to the wall in LF. If the wind wasn't blowing in though it would have been a homer IMO.

Thanks. Just wondered how much Homer was actually responsible and how much was the usual criticism of Homer RZ stuff.

[MikeS21]

That's where stats are not going to tell the story. Homer had two outs and was sitting at 0-2 on DeJesus. He then proceeded to try to blow him away with his "gas", got to 3-2 and offered up a marshmallow to DeJesus who turned it into a single. Homer doesn't do that, the rest of the inning doesn't happen.

He may not have been charged with the runs, but he had a hand in earning them.
Don't really agree. If someone like Votto were at the plate, we'd be talking about what a great AB it was, battling back like that, getting a two out hit.

I guess it boils down to point of view. Is is the pitcher's fault or the skill of the batter?

[GoReds]

Don't really agree. If someone like Votto were at the plate, we'd be talking about what a great AB it was, battling back like that, getting a two out hit.

I guess it boils down to point of view. Is is the pitcher's fault or the skill of the batter?

You didn't see the pitches. It was obvious Homer was overthrowing.

Interpret what you want, everyone has an agenda. The following pitch to Castro was as fat a curve as Starlin will ever see.

[OesterPoster]

Even with the run allowed that inning, Homer only threw 11 pitches. He's at 71 through 5, with 48 of them for strikes.

[TOBTTReds]

Interpret what you want, everyone has an agenda.

Agenda call out? Really?

[OesterPoster]

Ah crap. I have to buy a lottery ticket now.

[TOBTTReds]

Guy on the field?

[kbrake]

Guy on the field?

Has to be.

[TOBTTReds]

"Waiting to clear a young man on the field" - Kelch

[Nasty_Boy]

You didn't see the pitches. It was obvious Homer was overthrowing.

Interpret what you want, everyone has an agenda. The following pitch to Castro was as fat a curve as Starlin will ever see.

I saw the pitches and didn't find it all that obvious... Just sayin'

And my agenda is I have no agenda

[TOBTTReds]

Mes 2-2. I like him.

[TOBTTReds]

That kid is a freight train running down the line.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Mesoraco legs out an if single. When was the last time we saw a Reds catcher do that? I like it.

[OesterPoster]

Mesoraco legs out an if single. When was the last time we saw a Reds catcher do that? I like it.

Yesterday? Ha.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yesterday? Ha.

LOL. I meant outside of Mes. :O)

[RichRed]

That'll look like a line drive in the box score!

/old guy expression

[MikeS21]

I saw the pitches and didn't find it all that obvious... Just sayin'

And my agenda is I have no agenda
I think his "agenda"comment was aimed at me. And I agree, it didn't look obvious at all.

[smith288]

I don't remember a 39 running that fast since Harang.

[TOBTTReds]

This strike zone has been huge on occasion today.

[OesterPoster]

Live look-in on Gameday right now. Didn't realize the ivy was so green already this early.

[_Sir_Charles_]

This strike zone has been huge on occasion today.

Yep. That K was due to the previous pitch being called a "strike". Looked outside to me.

[Caveman Techie]

Yep. That K was due to the previous pitch being called a "strike". Looked outside to me.

According to Gamecast it was outside.

[redsmetz]

Just update things, not sure if the inning has been explained. Harris doubled, he moved to 3rd on Mez's IF single. Bailey bunted, FC to 2nd, run scored. Next two batters out, Reds 7, Cubs 3.

[TOBTTReds]

According to Gamecast it was outside.

It was in the LH batter's box. Kind of ridiculous.

[TOBTTReds]

Just update things, not sure if the inning has been explained. Harris doubled, he moved to 3rd on Mez's IF single. Bailey bunted, FC to 2nd, run scored. Next two batters out, Reds 7, Cubs 3.

Small edit: Bailey swung and grounded into FC (butcher boy! A Christ Welsh favorite)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Let's go boys. The defense is looking pretty sloppy. Passed ball by Mes. Double pump on the throw by Cozy and then a low throw.

[TOBTTReds]

Nice pick by Votto on the ground out. Although you can't see, my guess is Cozart was ready to throw, Votto wasn't at bag yet, double pumped, then short armed one. Almost exact throw as error (which I thought Votto should have caught).

[TOBTTReds]

For those wondering about the weather, many players have their bare hands in their back pockets between plays.

[Caveman Techie]

Wow, who is this umpire? I just started watching the game on Gamecast and pitches right down the middle of the plate were being called balls. Anyone watching the game live? Is it that blatant or is Gamecast getting it wrong?

[Chip R]

Wow, who is this umpire? I just started watching the game on Gamecast and pitches right down the middle of the plate were being called balls. Anyone watching the game live? Is it that blatant or is Gamecast getting it wrong?

Lance Barrett

[OesterPoster]

Homer threw a ton of pitches that inning. He's up to 92 now through 6.

[TOBTTReds]

Wow, who is this umpire? I just started watching the game on Gamecast and pitches right down the middle of the plate were being called balls. Anyone watching the game live? Is it that blatant or is Gamecast getting it wrong?

It's bad, but I noticed MLB Gameday looks a bit off. Gameday shows Mes's passed ball almost down middle. I'd say it was off the plate.

[TOBTTReds]

Bad mohawk by innocuous reliever on Cubs.

[TOBTTReds]

Votto looks like he'd in the dead of winter in Toronto.

[OesterPoster]

Bad mohawk by innocuous reliever on Cubs.

So he has a pretty bad Maine, eh?

[redsmetz]

Small edit: Bailey swung and grounded into FC (butcher boy! A Christ Welsh favorite)

Thanks, I'm in and out listening to the game while working.

[dougdirt]

Jay Bruce strikes out on a check swing that replay suggested was actually checked.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Jay Bruce strikes out on a check swing that replay suggested was actually checked.

I'll agree that he didn't break his wrist, but that bat did go all the way through the plate though.

[Tom Servo]

I'll agree that he didn't break his wrist,
Oh well that's good.

[TOBTTReds]

Heisey would have 2 HR's on a no wind day.

[WVRedsFan]

Scoreboard on FSO says Reds have 9 runs on 2 hits!

[TOBTTReds]

Scoreboard on FSO says Reds have 9 runs on 2 hits!

Our Avg with RISP would be so low...easy to complain.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Oh well that's good.

As far as I know they still haven't really set up the rules regarding a checked swing. I think it's just the ump's opinion on it. You'd think there would be an actual set rule for it. If there IS one, anybody know it?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Homer back out for the 7th. 91 pitches.

[WVRedsFan]

Uh Oh.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. Almost blew away from Bruce on that one.

[Caveman Techie]

As far as I know they still haven't really set up the rules regarding a checked swing. I think it's just the ump's opinion on it. You'd think there would be an actual set rule for it. If there IS one, anybody know it?

Not unless they added it this off-season. Umpire opinion is all that counts.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Not unless they added it this off-season. Umpire opinion is all that counts.

That's what I thought.

[TOBTTReds]

As far as I know they still haven't really set up the rules regarding a checked swing. I think it's just the ump's opinion on it. You'd think there would be an actual set rule for it. If there IS one, anybody know it?

I know "intent to swing" is one. So if you are avoiding an inside pitch and you get turned around, it isn't a swing. Other than that, it's up to the ump. Welsh even had an ump on tech talk last year, and the ump had NO GOOD EXPLANATION. It was actually kind of embarrasing I thought. He was just like, (paraphrasing) "well if it looks like you swing, then you did."

Welsh kept digging for an answer, but the ump acted like he didn't understand what Welsh wanted him to say.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Good job by Homie.

[TOBTTReds]

Great outing by Homer. 0 walks is really all I cared about, because there should be no walks on a day like today. Let them hit it, he did. The D made the outs happen (most of the time).

[Matt700wlw]

Live look-in on Gameday right now. Didn't realize the ivy was so green already this early.

It's a special 4/20 blend...

[MikeS21]

Good outing by Bailey. Time to turn it over to the pen.

[redsmetz]

What is Homer's pitch count thru seven?

[MikeS21]

109?

[_Sir_Charles_]

I got 108. But I could be wrong.

[TOBTTReds]

109?

108 according to Gameday. Chapman up in pen.

[MikeS21]

I got 108. But I could be wrong.
108, 71 for strikes.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice snag by Barney

[TOBTTReds]

Nice liner by Harris. Good catch by Barney though.

[redsmetz]

Nice liner by Harris. Good catch by Barney though.

Hopefully he'll get some credit for another hard hit ball even though it's just an out in the boxscore.

[TOBTTReds]

Another awful k call on Mes

[TOBTTReds]

Mes walks anyway. Good AB

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 for 2 with 2 walks from Mes. Nice.

[TOBTTReds]

Can we start a "FREE MESORACO" campaign yet?

[TOBTTReds]

Soto catches foul pop from Valdez on Hit and Run. Then Soto kissed his glove. I think you have to have little faith in your ability if you are kissing your glove after catching a pop-up.

[Degenerate39]

Bootscootin

[TOBTTReds]

Chapman fires a ball past bullpen catcher that causes delay in game. That shouldn't shock anyone. Wrigley is not a good pen for him.

[CySeymour]

So why send your worst hitter on the bench to pinch hit in that situation?

[TOBTTReds]

So why send your worst hitter on the bench to pinch hit in that situation?

Dusty obviously wanted a hit and run there. Thought Valdez was the guy to make contact.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cozart takes the free pass as well.

[smith288]

Dude can't find the strike zone. Valdez either didnt give himself a chance or Dusty wouldn't let him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dusty obviously wanted a hit and run there. Thought Valdez was the guy to make contact.

I like Hanigan in that role, but I understand not wanting to burn your backup catcher.

[TOBTTReds]

Dude can't find the strike zone. Valdez either didnt give himself a chance or Dusty wouldn't let him.

Hit and run...Dusty didn't let him.

[TOBTTReds]

Reds have 5 walks today, Cubs 0.

[smith288]

Nice hitting by Stubbs today

[TOBTTReds]

Solid knock by Stubbs. 6 for his last 10. RBI

[_Sir_Charles_]

Drew looks like a completely different guy the past 2 days. Not just the hits, but the swing too. 8-4 good guys.

Stubbs promptly swipes 2nd.

[TOBTTReds]

Maybe because he's batting in front of Votto? I have no idea, but it's a theory. I will applaude Dusty for this one (I don't do that oftern, or at all).

[OesterPoster]

Gotta wonder if it's the fastballs he's seeing in front of Votto.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Heck of a catch by Byrd. Robbed Joey.

[MikeS21]

Gotta wonder if it's the fastballs he's seeing in front of Votto.
That AB he saw sliders and a cutter.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Missile Warning!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Barney k's looking. Reds get the benefit on the call. That was outside.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I think Aroldis threw the ball about 92 mph to Votto.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 K's to end the 8th.

[WVRedsFan]

Two outs and Chapman K's the third

[Degenerate39]

Another one down another one down. Another bites the dust

[The Voice of IH]

Holy cow does Chapman look sharp.

[TOBTTReds]

"They did my hip surgery, it couldn't have gone better"

[WVRedsFan]

Marshall to save or Chapman in the 9th?

[TOBTTReds]

Marshall to save or Chapman in the 9th?

Hopefully Chapman...not a save situation.

[The Voice of IH]

Barney k's looking. Reds get the benefit on the call. That was outside.

Cubs strikezone tracker thing (on their broadcast) had it inside the strike zone. Announcer said that it looked bad because Mes had to go get it. But it was a strike.

[TOBTTReds]

Bruce bullet to right for a 1B

[WVRedsFan]

Let's see. The worthless brigade was Stubbs, Rolen, Bruce, Homer, Ludwick, and others. After the last two games, who is now off the list?

[TOBTTReds]

Rolen only starter without a hit today...but he did work a couple walks.

[The Voice of IH]

Let's see. The worthless brigade was Stubbs, Rolen, Bruce, Homer, Ludwick, and others. After the last two games, who is now off the list?

Stubbs has a six game hitting streak. He has a way to go but he has been on fire lately.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Marshall to save or Chapman in the 9th?

Arredondo is warming, but I'd hope it's still Chapman. But alas, no. Frazier PH'ing for Aroldis.

[TOBTTReds]

Arredondo is warming, but I'd hope it's still Chapman. But alas, no. Frazier PH'ing for Aroldis.

Ah. Didn't realize Valdez came in to play D after his PH.

[Degenerate39]

I was hoping to see another inning of Chapman :(

[_Sir_Charles_]

Frazier with an RBI triple! Nice

[TOBTTReds]

Frazier triple. Bad play by Byrd on a laser to his left. Worse play by DeJesus after trying to say ball was stuck in wall as Byrd plays it.

[lollipopcurve]

Is Chapman the 8th-inning setup guy again? <dismay>

[Brutus]

I just hope the Reds, in making up for lost time with run scoring, saves some for the rest of the year

[WVRedsFan]

Well, as many said, the bats woke up. Has a lot to do with the competition, as I noted a couple of days ago.

[TOBTTReds]

Frazier's hit ruins Mes's perfect day at plate. Mes K's.

[Tom Servo]

Pride of New Jersey Todd Frazier. :beerme:

[WVRedsFan]

Mesoraco fans. On to the ninth.

[The Voice of IH]

Am I reading this right? In the last six games, Stubbs has raised his average from .129 to .264? :confused:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/29611/drew-stubbs

[WVRedsFan]

Am I reading this right? In the last six games, Stubbs has raised his average from .129 to .264? :confused:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/29611/drew-stubbsYep. En Feugo

[TOBTTReds]

Am I reading this right? In the last six games, Stubbs has raised his average from .129 to .264? :confused:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/29611/drew-stubbs

I think Granderson raised his average over .100 points yesterday by going 5-5. That's what you get in April

[The Voice of IH]

Yep. En Feugo

alright, just making sure I wasn't see things. Incredible week.

[WVRedsFan]

What you wanna bet, Aredondo doesn't finish this game?

[TOBTTReds]

Nasty split to K Soriano.

[TOBTTReds]

What you wanna bet, Aredondo doesn't finish this game?

He didn't walk first guy, that means he'll finish inning.

[Brutus]

I have sent a letter of recommendation to the American Psychological Association that clinical depression be treated with three daily doses of the Chicago Cubs.

...unless of course you're a Cubs fan. In which, there is no cure.

[TOBTTReds]

Cozart gets UP to make a nice play.

[WVRedsFan]

He didn't walk first guy, that means he'll finish inning.

:thumbs up:

[_Sir_Charles_]

And this one belongs to the Reds. Wait...is this a winning streak? 2 in a row!?! :O)

[Red in Chicago]

Win number 10,000:beerme:

[_Sir_Charles_]

10,000th win all time for the Redlegs

[Degenerate39]

10,000th win

[TOBTTReds]

I love playing the Cubs. Great game, tough weather conditions. Win streak.

Win #10,000. :party:

[WVRedsFan]

9-4 final. Now 6-8 and got their 10,000th win

[_Sir_Charles_]

wait, what number win was it again? :O)

[GAC]

Maholm pitches tomorrow. He's been simply dreadful so far with the Cubs. Lasting only 4 innings in both starts, and an ERA of 13.5, WHIP of 1.88.

[WVRedsFan]

I vote for 8-8 after Sunday