5/6/12 - Reds at Pirates

[Reds Fanatic]

Reds lineup:

Cozart SS
Stubbs CF
Votto 1B
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Heisey LF
Frazier 3B
Hanigan C
Latos P

[DGullett35]

Hanigan catching Latos for the 3rd straight time. Latos has seemed to like Hanigan better than Mes. Latos is a pitcher who likes for the catcher to call the game for him. This is something Mes needs to work on

[reds1869]

I hope Frazier has a big day. Time to bounce back, gentlemen.

[kbrake]

Glad to see the adjustment made to help things from the clean up spot. Oh wait...

[JaxRed]

We need Frazier to have big game to help in changing of the guard....

[reds44]

We need Frazier to have big game to help in changing of the guard....
Rolen is going to get a looooong leash. Ludwick will be the one to sit first.

[JaxRed]

Rolen is going to get a looooong leash.

Don't I know it !!!

[SirFelixCat]

Go Reds. Make it 2-in-a-row on the wifey's birthday! :thumbup:

[DGullett35]

Time for Latos to cut that ERA in half now that its May

[DGullett35]

Frazier must be getting that last start in before Cairo comes back tomm.:(

[LvJ]

Latos is historically very good in May. Hope that holds true.

[Tom Servo]

Good start so far. 1-0 Reds. :)

[Joseph]

Ricart commercials are an embarrassment to sleazy car dealerships everywhere.

[DGullett35]

Votto has over .400 average with RISP. If we had a great leadoff hitter the 4 spot wouldn't be as much of a concern

[DGullett35]

Votto batting .333 in may. He seems to be seeing the ball better. Hoping for a big month. Imagine the numbers Bruce and Votto could put up if both were riding hot streaks at the same time

[DGullett35]

I wonder what our record is when we score first. It has to be pretty good

[DGullett35]

2 on 1 out. Latos with control issues. Leake had the same problem yesterday early in the game

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Man Latos throws a ton of pitches.

[kbrake]

He got squeezed in that at bat.

[DGullett35]

Im watching gamecast. Is Latos throwing mostly fastballs?

[757690]

Latos getting squeezed big time. First three pitches to Alverez were clearly strikes according to my eye and game day.

[redsfaninbsg]

Very tight zone.

[DGullett35]

uh oh

[Kc61]

Votto batting .333 in may. He seems to be seeing the ball better. Hoping for a big month. Imagine the numbers Bruce and Votto could put up if both were riding hot streaks at the same time

The Pirates manager used a shift against Votto, playing him as an extreme pull hitter.

That could be the worst use of a shift I've ever seen. Votto is NOT an extreme pull hitter. He promptly got an RBI single to left.

Latos struggling with his control. Nothing is ever easy for the Reds this year.

[757690]

It's Jim Wolf. Maybe he's afraid Latos will challenge Randy for the Cy Young this year ;)

[Kc61]

It's Jim Wolf. Maybe he's afraid Latos will challenge Randy for the Cy Young this year ;)

You may be right, but I think it's Latos.

[DGullett35]

The Pirates manager used a shift against Votto, playing him as an extreme pull hitter.

That could be the worst use of a shift I've ever seen. Votto is NOT an extreme pull hitter. He promptly go an RBI single to left.

Latos struggling with his control. Nothing is ever easy for the Reds this year.

He did that on Friday too. I was thinking the same thing. Votto goes the other way with the best of them

[kbrake]

You may be right, but I think it's Latos.

Not sure what more you could have wanted from Latos in the AB against Alvarez. Two of those balls were well within the zone.

[757690]

Wolf with some make up calls in this AB.

[mbgrayson]

His no hitter is still intact...lol.

[DGullett35]

whew!!

[Playadlc]

Hysterical how many excuses get made for Latos. He is all over the place. I don't care about that, though. The kid needs to grow up. His constant pouting gets really old.

[DGullett35]

I could see Latos with a no-hitter and still giving up a couple runs today

[Playadlc]

I'm also a big fan of Latos as well.

[DGullett35]

He may whine but you have to love when hes on fire and shows that raw emotion. Its awesome to watch. The Giants game showed that

[Kc61]

Bruce flies to deep center. If Jay could avoid hitting fly balls like that on the road, he would be much better. That was a GABP homer, unfortunately not hit at GABP.

[DGullett35]

PNC has a huge center field

[Degenerate39]

Reds need more runs to win this one

[Reds Freak]

Bruce flies to deep center. If Jay could avoid hitting fly balls like that on the road, he would be much better. That was a GABP homer, unfortunately not hit at GABP.

If you change your approach at the plate or your swing based on what ball park you're playing, you're gonna screw yourself up big time IMO..

[Kc61]

PNC has a huge center field

Yeah, so hitting some line drives instead of deep CF fly balls might be helpful.

Heisey fans, two out.

[Degenerate39]

Frazier goes deep to left!

2-0 Reds

[Tom Servo]

NJ boy Frazier! :jump:

[Playadlc]

He may whine but you have to love when hes on fire and shows that raw emotion. Its awesome to watch. The Giants game showed that

Those two don't have to go hand in hand.

[reds44]

Why not play Frazier in LF?

[Degenerate39]

Hanigan hits a grounder to 3rd that Predro throws away. Hanny on 2nd

[Kc61]

If you change your approach at the plate or your swing based on what ball park you're playing, you're gonna screw yourself up big time IMO..

I completely agree. I think Jay should have much more of a line drive approach ALL the time. I would gladly sacrifice some of Jay's "cheap" GABP homers for a steady line drive approach.

I think his BA could be twenty points higher if he had more of a line drive approach. And I think he is very capable of doing it. And he'd still hit his share of homers.

[DGullett35]

Wonder why he doesn't play more?

[edabbs44]

Frazier's home run was a missle. But couldn't hold a candle to Alvarez's throw to first.

[Degenerate39]

Latos strikes out for the 3rd out

[DGullett35]

quick poll. who gets sent down tomm. when Cairo gets called back?

my vote-Frazier(should be Harris, but Im going with my gut feeling)

[Reds Freak]

I completely agree. I think Jay should have much more of a line drive approach ALL the time. I would gladly sacrifice some of Jay's "cheap" GABP homers for a steady line drive approach.

I think his BA could be twenty points higher if he had more of a line drive approach. And I think he is very capable of doing it. And he'd still hit his share of homers.

Ok I gotcha, I thought you were advocating taking different approaches at home and on the road...

[RedsfaninMT]

quick poll. who gets sent down tomm. when Cairo gets called back?

my vote-Frazier(should be Harris, but Im going with my gut feeling)

I don't think it'll be Frazier...he's hitting .400. Harris is done, IMHO.

[DGullett35]

I don't think it'll be Frazier...he's hitting .400. Harris is done, IMHO.
I hope your right:thumbup:

[Tom Servo]

Latos strikes out the side.

[HokieRed]

Has to be Harris.

[RedsfaninMT]

I hope your right:thumbup:

Well...

I hope I'm right too.

[Kc61]

Good inning by Latos. Fans the side.

I don't think they will dump Harris. Do they really want no lefty bats on the bench?

But it all doesn't make a lot of sense. Why should Harris' lefthandedness allow him to stay despite very poor hitting?

The answer is that the Reds should make multiple changes, even small ones.

They could trade Ludwick or Heisey for a lefty bat. Then, send out Harris and keep Frazier.

The offense needs some re-working, even if the moves are relatively minor.

Another option is to send down Harris and give him some at bats. He'll get it going, then he could come back.

[DGullett35]

I think they want to keep the lefty on the bench but how in the world do you keep a guy who has 2 hits on the year. If they want a LH bat on the bench Walt needs to go get someone else

[Ron Madden]

Good inning by Latos. Fans the side.

I don't think they will dump Harris. Do they really want no lefty bats on the bench?

But it all doesn't make a lot of sense. Why should Harris' lefthandedness allow him to stay despite very poor hitting?

The answer is that the Reds should make multiple changes, even small ones.

They could trade Ludwick or Heisey for a lefty bat. Then, send out Harris and keep Frazier.

The offense needs some re-working, even if the moves are relatively minor.

Another option is to send down Harris and give him some at bats. He'll get it going, then he could come back.

What's the sense in having a LH bat if the LH bat can't hit? Give me the best hitters I don't care what side of the plate they stand on

[Kc61]

I think they want to keep the lefty on the bench but how in the world do you keep a guy who has 2 hits on the year. If they want a LH bat on the bench Walt needs to go get someone else

That's my thinking too. Hopefully the Reds are working on some player moves. Again, I'm not suggesting they sign Albert Pujols. Just some moves to make the offense a bit more logical.

Stubbs!

[dougdirt]

STUBBS!

[DGullett35]

Id be ok with sending Harris down for some at-bats

[Tom Servo]

Big Stubby! 4-0 Reds! :jump:

[DGullett35]

Stubbs with 3 HR on the year. 2 this series. Hitting in the 2 hole has done him wonders

[GAC]

Chat is open! :beerme:

[DGullett35]

guys in the 2 hole batting .324 this season

[BCubb2003]

guys in the 2 hole batting .324 this season

If Joey Votto batted in the 2 hole the universe would probably implode.

[WebScorpion]

Tabata was lucky he ran into that one...that was extra bases and he took a terrible route. Last second adjustment and he's surprised to find the ball in his glove. :lol:

[OldRightHander]

guys in the 2 hole batting .324 this season

Anyone else think the 3 hole hitter might have something to do with that?

[VR]

Anyone else think the 3 hole hitter might have something to do with that?

Something, or everything?

[kaldaniels]

I can't believe MLB lets the brother of Randy Wolf be an umpire. Just surprises me, that's all.

[OldRightHander]

Something, or everything?

I think I could hit .250 in front of Votto.

[DGullett35]

Stubbs has been great since getting put in the 2 hole. Id say leave him there. Cozart can hit anywhere and still be ok

[kaldaniels]

Latos is dealing.

[DGullett35]

7K

[DGullett35]

he needs to keep that pitch count down

[VR]

Bullpen is rested.....would like a solid 6 from Latos if he can get there. 110-120 max pitches?

[DGullett35]

78 pitches thru 4

[kaldaniels]

he needs to keep that pitch count down

The shaky first messed that up for today.
Otherwise it's fine for a guy K'ing so many.

[DGullett35]

110 max

[Tom Servo]

I think Latos can get thru 6.

[Tom Servo]

Stubbs with another hit. And now he swipes 2nd.

[Plus Plus]

And a stolen base!

[WebScorpion]

Latos is dealing.He finally got a handle on his slider that inning and he's been locating the fastball better every inning. If he starts getting his curve over they're in trouble...actually they're in trouble anyway since he's been getting them to swing on curves that drop out of the zone. :thumbup: It's a shame it took him so long to get his location...he's thrown so many pitches he will probably be out of the game early. :dunno:

[DGullett35]

Im letting stubbs steal here

[WVRedsFan]

Drew stealing means Votto will not get anything to hit.

[kaldaniels]

Fay tweeted he would not be surprised if Harris is released.

[WVRedsFan]

Fay tweeted he would not be surprised if Harris is released.

Hallelujah!

[kaldaniels]

Drew stealing means Votto will not get anything to hit.

With no outs that's ok by me.

[DGullett35]

Hopefully Fay has some inside info and is right

[Tom Servo]

Fay tweeted he would not be surprised if Harris is released.
:rockband::usa::rockband:

[kaldaniels]

Hopefully Fay has some inside info and is right

To be complete it was not really a prediction but a reader just asked him if a release would suprise him.

[WebScorpion]

Votto lines out to right center and Stubbs smartly holds up on a close one and tags up to advance to third.

[DGullett35]

To be complete it was not really a prediction but a reader just asked him if a release would suprise him.

yea I read the tweet. Just sayin maybe Fay knows something just not letting the cat out the bag

[Tom Servo]

BP with dat productive out. 5-0 Reds.

[WebScorpion]

Phillips flies out to center and Drew tags up and scores...great baserunning by Stubby generates a run! :thumbup: 5-0 Reds lead in the top of the 5th!

[DGullett35]

get em over get em in

[WebScorpion]

get em over get em inAnd he started it with a 2 or 3 hopper to third base that he beat out the throw...he pretty much stole first too. :laugh:

[DGullett35]

stubbs 2-2 with 3R. His speed can produce these kinds of numbers consistently

[kaldaniels]

Gomes getting the deadspin treatment today. It's deadspin continue at your own risk.

http://m.deadspin.com/5908002/is-jonny-gomes-the-biggest-******bag-in-baseball

[DGullett35]

Latos has a quick inning here and he may go 8

[LegallyMinded]

Whenever I think Stubbs is never going to be a very productive player, he has a game like this, where he shows his power and takes advantage of his speed. I wish there was a way to generate more consistency from him, but I wonder how much the player can really control that.

[kaldaniels]

Whenever I think Stubbs is never going to be a very productive player, he has a game like this, where he shows his power and takes advantage of his speed. I wish there was a way to generate more consistency from him, but I wonder how much the player can really control that.

I feel the same. The guy winds up producing but can be horrid to watch at times, he is what he is.

[DGullett35]

2 E for datdude this year

[Tom Servo]

9 K's thru 5 for Latos.

[DGullett35]

9so

[WVRedsFan]

You have to wonder about playing Heisey right now. 0-3. Frazier, otoh is hot.

[Tom Servo]

Frazier with a double to go with his HR earlier.

[Tom Servo]

You have to wonder about playing Heisey right now. 0-3. Frazier, otoh is hot.
Honestly, I'd rather give Heisey regular playing time and let him sink or swim rather than the platoon with Ludwick where neither gets on a roll.

[klw]

I wonder if Heisey goes to AAA and Harris stays. Reds could use Frazier in LF some. Would create some fun moments here on the board.

[WVRedsFan]

I wonder if Heisey goes to AAA and Harris stays. Reds could use Frazier in LF some. Would create some fun moments here on the board.

Bite your tongue.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

They couldn't possibly send down Frazier now, could they? It wouldn't go over well with fans at all.

[Tom Servo]

Bite your tongue.
After the nuclear war it will just be Dusty, the cockroaches, and Willie Harris.

[hebroncougar]

After the nuclear war it will just be Dusty, the cockroaches, and Willie Harris.

:lol::lol:

[VR]

After the nuclear war it will just be Dusty, the cockroaches, and Willie Harris.

Good lord that was funny

[kaldaniels]

Rolen has a long rope, that is a given. But you can't help wonder if the best personnel move the Reds could make right now would be to hand 3B to Frazier. Not gonna happen right now though.

[DGullett35]

Frazier making a strong case to stay today

[Tom Servo]

10th K for Latos.

[WebScorpion]

Latos strikes out McGehee on 3 pitches...10Ks with his 97th pitch. 11 would be his career high! :thumbup:

[kaldaniels]

So what is the high for K's in a game for a Reds pitcher over the last 10-15 years?

[DGullett35]

105 pitches

[Tom Servo]

So what is the high for K's in a game for a Reds pitcher over the last 10-15 years?
A quick look at his game log tells me that Harang struck out 13 in 2007, I would assume that is hard to top.

[DGullett35]

new career high 11

[Tom Servo]

I would guess that's it for Latos. Hell of a start.

[WebScorpion]

He gets his 11th K on pitch #107! :clap:

I wonder if he'll be in for the 7th inning.

[reds44]

It must be May.

[Brutus]

Although it's against the Pirates, this is more of the ace we expected to see.

[DGullett35]

even tho its the Pirates, its still 11 K's. thats pretty good facing any team

[WVRedsFan]

But...his high pitch counts bother me. Was he always this way? An ace ends the 9th with that many pitches.

[WVRedsFan]

Cozart gets his first hit.

[kaldaniels]

Latos was throwing no-hit stuff today.

[Plus Plus]

When power pitchers like Latos can consistently throw breaking stuff for strikes (which Latos was able to do after the first inning), they are extremely difficult to hit. That was the biggest difference that I saw today- sliders pounding the strike zone in later innings.

[WVRedsFan]

Stubbs 3-3. Wow

[Tom Servo]

Stubbs having himself a game.

[Brutus]

Stubbs should change his at-bat music to Katy Perry's Hot 'N' Cold

[WebScorpion]

When power pitchers like Latos can consistently throw breaking stuff for strikes (which Latos was able to do after the first inning), they are extremely difficult to hit. That was the biggest difference that I saw today- sliders pounding the strike zone in later innings.He actually never got a handle on his curve, but his sliders and his fastballs were hitting exactly where Hanigan was spotting him. He did a great job of mixing his speeds and locations, both elevation and inside/outside, but I don't think he calls his own game. I didn't see him shake off Hanigan even once. Also, he looked free and easy on his 107th pitch...if he doesn't come out for the 7th it'll be because the bullpen needs work, not because he's tired. All-in-all a great performance. :clap: :thumbup: :beerme:

[Plus Plus]

He actually never got a handle on his curve, but his sliders and his fastballs were hitting exactly where Hanigan was spotting him. He did a great job of mixing his speeds and locations, both elevation and inside/outside, but I don't think he calls his own game. I didn't see him shake off Hanigan even once. Also, he looked free and easy on his 107th pitch...if he doesn't come out for the 7th it'll be because the bullpen needs work, not because he's tired. All-in-all a great performance. :clap: :thumbup: :beerme:

I agree about the curve, but I would say that the slider would be a big difference because, if I remember correctly, Latos has an elite slider according to any metric.

[WVRedsFan]

Might walk Bruce here to get to Heisey. Don't blame them

[WVRedsFan]

But Bruce gets antsy...

[WebScorpion]

I agree about the curve, but I would say that the slider would be a big difference because, if I remember correctly, Latos has an elite slider according to any metric.Agreed. Also, I'm not sure he NEEDED to throw his curve for a strike. He got a couple big swing-and-misses on curves that dropped completely out of the zone. If we get more of this Latos throughout the season, we'll be happy Reds fans come October. ;)

[Tom Servo]

President Hoover in to pitch.

[WebScorpion]

President Hoover in to pitch.Dam.

[WVRedsFan]

President Hoover in to pitch.

Hope this doesn't signal a depression

[WebScorpion]

President Hoover in to pitch.Hope he doesn't suck. <like a vacuum>

[Plus Plus]

Hoover Vacuum Ad - 1993 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXSQTyNYp4M)

[DGullett35]

Latos lets the catcher call the game for him. Hanigan must call a better game than mes at this point

[DGullett35]

He may be the only Reds starter that does that. Cueto, and Arroyo I kno for sure call their own game

[VottoFan54]

He may be the only Reds starter that does that. Cueto, and Arroyo I kno for sure call their own game

Hanigan does better with Arroyo, who likes to call his own game, and Latos who likes to have the catcher call his game. That's odd. Why does Arroyo like Hanigan anyways?

[DGullett35]

Hanigan does better with Arroyo, who likes to call his own game, and Latos who likes to have the catcher call his game. That's odd. Why does Arroyo like Hanigan anyways?

that is odd. IDK, some guys prefer ceartain catchers. Arroyo used Hanigan last year also instead of Hernandez

[Tom Servo]

That's the first hit Hoover's given up.

[Plus Plus]

A single by Tabata puts runners on the corners with one out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

If I was there, I'd want to beat that fan to death with that horn of his. Good lord that's annoying

[kaldaniels]

Fay just said the Reds control Billy Hamilton for 6, maybe 7 years. I don't think he understands things.

[Plus Plus]

Big strikeout by Hoover, two outs with runners on the corners for Neil Walker.

[Plus Plus]

Chapman coming on.

[DGullett35]

Dusty not playing games. bringin on the stopper

[WebScorpion]

That's the first hit Hoover's given up.A nice ring up of Presley with that 76 mph curve on the outside corner...after the 94 mph heat on the inside that must have looked hopeless. Hoover comes right at you...he has absolutely no leg kick. Coming straight at you like that with 94mph has got to be tough for a hitter.
The Cuban Missile in to face Walker.

[Plus Plus]

Chapman gets Walker out on a flyout to end the inning.

[DGullett35]

Id let chapman pitch the rest of this game. I think they should start letting him go 2 and 3 innings

[Tom Servo]

Heisey with his first hit of the game, BP the only Red left without a hit today.

[Plus Plus]

Heisey starts off the eighth with a single.

[WVRedsFan]

DP.

[Plus Plus]

Frazier grounds into a 5-4-3 double play.

[Plus Plus]

And Hanigan grounds out on the first pitch he sees to end the inning.

[DGullett35]

thats it send Frazier down

[WVRedsFan]

thats it send Frazier down

:)

[Plus Plus]

Chapman gets Alvarez to foul out and then strikes out McGehee. Two out.

[DGullett35]

Best bullpen in the bigs, who would have thought after Madson went down

[WVRedsFan]

Am I correct in saying as it stands now, the reds have outscored the Buccos 11-3 in this series. Average score is 3.6-1? Wow, pitching, pitching, pitching.

[DGullett35]

15Ks today for Reds pitching

[Plus Plus]

Chapman politely suggests that McLouth sit down as he throws a hard slider for a called third strike to end the inning.

[WebScorpion]

15Ks today for Reds pitching5 quality starts in a row and currently 20 consecutive scoreless innings from our bullpen. The offense doesn't need to do too much with pitching like that. :beerme:

[DGullett35]

Willie!!!!

[DGullett35]

He will get a hit here and keep his job

[WebScorpion]

Willie!!!!Batting for his life... :ughmamoru:

[DGullett35]

GO to 2nd

[Tom Servo]

And that's the last we saw of Willie Harris

:pray:

[DGullett35]

2 hits this year...2 freaking hits. I would be so mad if I was Frazier and got sent back down instead of Willie. Id demand a trade

[Tom Servo]

nice ab here by Cozart

[DGullett35]

Just think about where this team would be right now without the pitching we've gotten to this point

[DGullett35]

Bottom of the 9th

[Plus Plus]

Alfredo Simon in to try and finish up the game.

[DGullett35]

Throwing strikes

[WVRedsFan]

Over. We win.

[DGullett35]

ATOBTTR

[Tom Servo]

We're good again! :beerme:

[DGullett35]

14-13 and off to hammer the Brew Crew

[Degenerate39]

This bullpen has to have the best stats in the majors

[VR]

Very strong turnaround for Simon after a horrible first few outings.

[Tony Cloninger]

Simon has looked good working where Dusty has used him. Good to know that he can trust other people besides Logan, Chapman and Sean.

[WVRedsFan]

Have to look at the Votto play at the plate last night. The correct call and we might have swept. Little things.

[lollipopcurve]

Very strong turnaround for Simon after a horrible first few outings.

Go back and look at the game logs. This isn't an accurate description of how he pitched. At this time, looks to me like a nice waiver wire pickup.

[Tony Cloninger]

Go back and look at the game logs. This isn't an accurate description of how he pitched. At this time, looks to me like a nice waiver wire pickup.

He gave up back to back homers on his first two batters.....he has been great since.

It's like he said...OK, so I really REALLY need to keep the ball down in here.

[DGullett35]

He had that wild pitch in a game vs. the Nats and gave up the back to back dingers but other than that hes been very good. When he throws strikes hes tough. When hes wild things get ugly.

Reds bullpen stats: They're ranked 4th overall
6-4, 2.41ERA, 78.1IP, 56H, 21ER, 6HR, 37BB

Excellent stats, But can you believe that the Texas Rangers bullpen has only given up 7 walks so far this season???? That's crazy

[PuffyPig]

The Pirates manager used a shift against Votto, playing him as an extreme pull hitter.

That could be the worst use of a shift I've ever seen. Votto is NOT an extreme pull hitter. He promptly got an RBI single to left.



Votto is an extreme pull hitter for ground balls. He hits FB's all over the place. The shift used against him is only in the infield.