6/12/2012 Reds vs Native Americans

[cumberlandreds]

Here's the Indians lineup for tonight via baseballpress.com.


1. Shin-Soo Choo (L) RF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=choosh01&year=Career&t=b)
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=cabreas01&year=Career&t=b)
3. Jason Kipnis (L) 2B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=kipnija01&year=Career&t=b)
4. Carlos Santana (S) C (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=santaca01&year=Career&t=b)
5. Michael Brantley (L) CF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=brantmi02&year=Career&t=b)
6. Johnny Damon (L) LF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=damonjo01&year=Career&t=b)
7. Casey Kotchman (L) 1B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=kotchca01&year=Career&t=b)
8. Lonnie Chisenhall (L) 3B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=chiselo01&year=Career&t=b)
9. Jeanmar Gomez (R) P (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=gomezje01&year=Career&t=b)

[Plus Plus]

Tuesday's ‪#Reds‬ Lineup vs Indians: Heisey 8, Valdez 6, Votto 3, Phillips 4, Bruce 9, Frazier 5, Ludwick 7, Hanigan 2, Cueto 1

https://twitter.com/Reds/status/212627804599226368

Who needs OBP in front of Votto, anyway?

[CaiGuy]

They are batting 8 lefties/switch hitters against a tough righty?

Hey, that's not fair!

[RichRed]

Tuesday's ‪#Reds‬ Lineup vs Indians: Heisey 8, Valdez 6, Votto 3, Phillips 4, Bruce 9, Frazier 5, Ludwick 7, Hanigan 2, Cueto 1

https://twitter.com/Reds/status/212627804599226368

Who needs OBP in front of Votto, anyway?

Maybe Votto finds runners leading off of bases distracting to his hitting process. Shouldn't have to worry about that tonight!

[OesterPoster]

Fay mentioned that 5 or 6 guys are battling flu-like symptoms. Stubbs is one of those guys, and he was at Kings Island yesterday with Ondrusek, Frazier, BP, Bruce, and someone else...Heisey?

Wonder if those are the same guys who are sick?

[Tom Servo]

Tuesday's ‪#Reds‬ Lineup vs Indians: Heisey 8, Valdez 6, Votto 3, Phillips 4, Bruce 9, Frazier 5, Ludwick 7, Hanigan 2, Cueto 1

https://twitter.com/Reds/status/212627804599226368

Who needs OBP in front of Votto, anyway?
No, bad Dusty. :nono:

[Blitz Dorsey]

Dusty's lineup construction continues to be my biggest gripe about him. If you need to play Valdez, bat him 8th. How difficult is that to figure out? This "CF/SS must bat 1/2" is beyond ridiculous.

[Kc61]

Dusty's lineup construction continues to be my biggest gripe about him. If you need to play Valdez, bat him 8th. How difficult is that to figure out? This "CF/SS must bat 1/2" is beyond ridiculous.

There aren't too many choices. Hanigan could hit near the top, although he's slid a bit lately.

To me, without change in personnel, I'd do the following: move Phillips back to lead off. Put Frazier at cleanup, or Bruce fourth/Frazier fifth.

This would require the Reds to buy into (for now) the idea that Frazier's success is real. I would do this. Frazier has been good enough for the middle of the order and if he slides back, then make another adjustment later.

[RichRed]

There aren't too many choices. Hanigan could hit near the top, although he's slid a bit lately.

To me, without change in personnel, I'd do the following: move Phillips back to lead off. Put Frazier at cleanup, or Bruce fourth/Frazier fifth.

This would require the Reds to buy into (for now) the idea that Frazier's success is real. I would do this. Frazier has been good enough for the middle of the order and if he slides back, then make another adjustment later.

Very nice. Like Blitz said, "how difficult is that?" I don't pretend that I could be a MLB manager but I can't think of any legit reason for Valdez and his CAREER .285 OBP to bat second. He's practically a pitcher-caliber bat.

[OesterPoster]

Yikes...apparently Stubbs, Cozart, and Votto are three of the sick guys. Votto is playing though.

[reds44]

Dusty has to go.

[Degenerate39]

Tempted not to even watch this game. Valdez 2nd? Come the hell on Dusty. You can't be that dumb (Valdez probably gets 4-4 now but still).

[CesarGeronimo]

Heisey and Valdez. The Reds' two worst hitters in tonight's lineup by OPS. Right there at the top of the batting order. The Reds' legendary slugger Bronson Arroyo has a better OBP (.238) and OPS (.449) than Valdez.

But you know that Dusty wants to get the running game going! Those poor Indians. Their pitchers must be terrified of Valdez getting his first stolen base of the year if he somehow gets on base. And surely they know that Heisey already has one stolen base, and to think that we're not even quite two and half months into the season!

[CesarGeronimo]

Just be glad that Rolen isn't back yet or we'd probably be looking at Heisey, Valdez, Votto, Rolen.

I really think Cueto is getting screwed in this batting order. Johnny is really fast and has almost no ability to get on base except as a pinch runner. Dusty should put him near the top of the order in front of Votto if he wants to be consistent.

[Tom Servo]

Choo double
Cabrera ground out to 3rd
Kipnis single to left, 1-0 Tribe
Santana K's.
Brantley grounds out to 2nd.

1-0 to the bottom of 1.

[redsfaninbsg]

Cueto behind everybody here in the first inning.

[Tom Servo]

Heisey hit by pitch.
Valdez single to right.
Votto flies out to center, Heisey tags to third.
BP is DatDudeDP.

1-0 Tribe after 1.

[redsfaninbsg]

No Votto hit, no Reds run.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Dat Dude DP. It never fails. He must be leading Sean Casey in career GIDP by now.

[Cedric]

All because Dusty wants to split up LH's. Archaic thinking from an absolutely terrible manager.

[Blitz Dorsey]

All because Dusty wants to split up LH's. Archaic thinking from an absolutely terrible manager.

Yup.

[Tom Servo]

Damon K's.
Kotchman lines out to a falling Heisey.
Chisenhall singles.
Gomez bunts back to Cueto.

1-0 to the bottom of 2.

[redsfaninbsg]

Am I the only one that has no faith in anyone outside of Votto and Frazier right now?

[Tom Servo]

Bruce pops up to left.
Frazier flies out to left center.
Ludwick walks.
Hanigan grounds out to second.

1-0 Tribe after 2.

[reds44]

I'm not sure how much more of Baker I can handle.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I'm not sure how much more of Baker I can handle.

Well, if the Reds don't make the playoffs this season, it will be a moot point. (If this were Twitter I might say something like #lastyearofcontract.)

[Blitz Dorsey]

Wow, that looked like strike 3. I'll take it.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the pbp and inning summaries.

[Tom Servo]

Choo K's.
Cabrera grounds out to first.
Kipnis flies out to right.

1-0 Tribe to the bottom of 3.

[Tom Servo]

Cueto singles past the first baseman.
Ball in the dirt gets passed Santana, Cueto to 2nd.
Heisey grounds out to short.
Valdez singles (2-2 so far), Cueto to third.

[redsfaninbsg]

Valdez two hits in three innings.

[Degenerate39]

Valdez two hits in three innings.

Cozart is about to be Pipped

[757690]

Genius Dusty strikes again. Valdez 2-2 in the two slot. :)

[Tom Servo]

Ball in the dirt, Santana fires to first but it goes into the outfield. Cueto scores, Valdez to 2nd.

1-1 game.

Votto swings at ball four, and then grounds out to 1st. 2 out.
Phillips grounds out, runner stranded.

1-1 after 3.

[757690]

Valdez has as many hits in the last hour as he had in the previous six weeks ;)

[757690]

Votto needs to spend some time in the cage with Valdez giving him hitting tips ;)

[Degenerate39]

Missed opportunities will haunt

[PuffyPig]

Votto needs to spend some time in the cage with Valdez giving him hitting tips ;)

I think you meant "getting" hitting tips.

[Tom Servo]

Santana K's.
Brantley flies out to left.
Damon grounds out to 3rd.

1-1 to the bottom of 4.

[Tom Servo]

Bruce grounds out into shallow right field (shift).
Frazier doubles.
Ludwick hits a tapper back to the pitcher. 2 out.
IBB to Hanigan.
Cueto again grounds one past the 1B, but the 2B is there to get it and throw him out.


1-1 after 4.

[Tom Servo]

Kotchman pops up to 3rd.
Chisenhall K's.
Gomez singles to left.
Choo grounds out to 2nd.

1-1 to the bottom of 5.

[Tom Servo]

Heisey singles to left.
Valdez K's at a pitch nowhere close, Heisey swipes 2nd. Possibly a hit and run attempt or something.
IBB to Votto.

[WVRedsFan]

Wild swing.

[Cedric]

Great decision to hit and run in front of Votto there.

[Tom Servo]

Phillips singles to right. Bases juiced, 1 out.
Bruce sac fly to center, Heisey scores.

2-1 Reds.

[edabbs44]

All because Dusty wants to split up LH's. Archaic thinking from an absolutely terrible manager.

Has Jay really done enough over the past month or so for anyone to really think he'd be a difference maker in the 4 hole at this time?

[Tom Servo]

Frazier walks. Bases juiced again, but now with 2 outs.

[mbgrayson]

I'm increasingly thinking Frazier should bat 4th. He has a .940 OPS in 111 ABs, with 22 RBIs this year so far.... Phillips OPS is .731, with 31 RBIs in 206 ABs.

[Tom Servo]

Ludwick K's. Reds leave them juiced.

2-1 Reds after 5.

[reds44]

No more Ludwick

[Tom Servo]

Cabrera grounds out to first.
Kipnis grounds out to the right side.
Santana grounds out to 2nd.


2-1 to the bottom of 6.

[RedsfaninMT]

I'm increasingly thinking Frazier should bat 4th. He has a .940 OPS in 111 ABs, with 22 RBIs this year so far.... Phillips OPS is .731, with 31 RBIs in 206 ABs.

I keep hoping Dusty will make that move too. BP back to leadoff, Frazier in the 4 hole. STOP playing Ludwick, when Stubbs is back.

[Tom Servo]

Joe Smith in to pitch for the Native Americans.

[Tom Servo]

Hanigan bounces back to Smith on the first pitch for the first out. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but I feel like Hanigan's but scuffling of late.

Cueto K's, 2 out.

Heisey flies out to shallow left.

2-1 Reds after 6.

[Tony Cloninger]

The Indians are the AL twin of the Pirates. Negative RS....should be a team you take 2 out of 3 at home and even the road, if not sweep at home. Then again I thought the same of the Pirates.

Should i just lower my expectations of this team?

[Tom Servo]

Brantley singles.
Damon pops up to short.

[klw]

Dat Dude DP. It never fails. He must be leading Sean Casey in career GIDP by now.

Casey still leads 156 to 129 though I am not sure if Brandon's numbers include tonight.. Brandon leads Casey though in GIDP/162 games 19 to 18.


http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/caseyse01.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/phillbr01.shtml

[WVRedsFan]

The Indians are the AL twin of the Pirates. Negative RS....should be a team you take 2 out of 3 at home and even the road, if not sweep at home. Then again I thought the same of the Pirates.

Should i just lower my expectations of this team?

No. Lots of tough teams out there. Some tougher than others. I just happen to hate the Bucs and Tribe.

[Tom Servo]

Brantley caught trying to steal 2nd. 2 out.
Kotchman K's.

2-1 Reds to the bottom of 7.

[_Sir_Charles_]

What in the world was he thinking there? Cueto hadn't even started his delivery and he bolts for second? LOL.

[kaldaniels]

The Indians are the AL twin of the Pirates. Negative RS....should be a team you take 2 out of 3 at home and even the road, if not sweep at home. Then again I thought the same of the Pirates.

Should i just lower my expectations of this team?

You should never expect a sweep. Big Picture 101.

[Tom Servo]

Valdez singles.

[Tom Servo]

Tony Sipp coming in to pitch for the Native Americans.
Jose Lopez replaces Casey Kotchman at first.

[_Sir_Charles_]

What in the world has gotten into Valdez tonight? 3 for 4. I'll take that.

[757690]

Looks like the Reds found their new #2 hitter ;)

[Tom Servo]

Votto! :jump:

4-1 Reds.

[_Sir_Charles_]

:jump: VOTTO! Good thing they brought in that lefty. :O)

[kaldaniels]

Gotta pull that Joey. :D

[Tom Servo]

Phillips flies out to left.
Bruce K's.

[757690]

Looks like Votto finally started to listen to Valdez's hitting tips :cool:

[kaldaniels]

In a bizarro world where there is no such thing as a closer, I send Cueto out for the 8th, and let Hoover start the 9th so long as the 3 run cushion is there.

[PuffyPig]

Cards down 2-0, they are batting bottom of the 4th.

They are in a collective hitting slump, scoring 5 runs in 3 games over the weekend.

[Big Klu]

Congratulations to Joey Votto, who has again tied Brandon Phillips for 17th place on the Reds' all-time home run list!


Updated Reds HR list (players in italics are active):

Reds 100-Home Run Club
1. Johnny Bench - 389
2. Frank Robinson - 324
3. Tony Perez - 287
4. Adam Dunn - 270
5. Ted Kluszewski - 251
6. George Foster - 244
7. Ken Griffey, Jr. - 210
8. Eric Davis - 203
9. Barry Larkin - 198
10. Vada Pinson - 186
11. Wally Post - 172
12. Gus Bell - 160
13. Joe Morgan - 152
13. Pete Rose - 152
15. Lee May - 147
16. Dan Driessen - 133
17. Brandon Phillips - 130
17. Joey Votto - 130
19. Reggie Sanders - 125
20. Ernie Lombardi - 120
21. Sean Casey - 118
22. Jay Bruce - 113
23. Frank McCormick - 110
24. Dave Parker - 107
25. Chris Sabo - 104
26. Dave Concepcion - 101

[WVRedsFan]

In a bizarro world where there is no such thing as a closer, I send Cueto out for the 8th, and let Hoover start the 9th so long as the 3 run cushion is there.
Not me. Cueto at 97 pitches.

[Tom Servo]

Frazier K's. 4-1 Reds after 7.

[kaldaniels]

Not me. Cueto at 97 pitches.

You hook him now?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nah. I let him go one more for sure. He's on cruise control right now IMO.

[Big Klu]

Would Tony Sipp's mom be called Mrs. Sipp? :D

[kaldaniels]

110-120 pitches is my pitch count target when a guy is throwing well, certain variables withstanding.

[WVRedsFan]

You hook him now?
We'll see how it goes, but leaving him in past his 100 pitch mark is usually trouble.

[Tony Cloninger]

You should never expect a sweep. Big Picture 101.

Yes...I keep hearing that. Heard that all of May/June/July of last year. I seem to recall many of division winning teams from years past......sweeping teams and going on runs of winning more than just 7 out of 10...or 8 out of 9...once or twice during the year. Not just once every blue moon.

[Tom Servo]

Cueto staying in.

[_Sir_Charles_]

110-120 pitches is my pitch count target when a guy is throwing well, certain variables withstanding.

Same here. I don't like 100 as a "magic number". And besides, not all 100 pitches are the same. He's fine.

[Tom Servo]

Chisenhall K's.

[kaldaniels]

Yes...I keep hearing that. Heard that all of May/June/July of last year. I seem to recall many of division winning teams from years past......sweeping teams and going on runs of winning more than just 7 out of 10...or 8 out of 9...once or twice during the year. Not just once every blue moon.

During the course of a season, yeah, you would certainly like some sweeps. But to expect a sweep at the start of of one particular series is mathematically foolish.

[Tony Cloninger]

We'll see how it goes, but leaving him in past his 100 pitch mark is usually trouble.

That's for Bronson.....he's the other guy with the long flowing locks.

[WVRedsFan]

That's for Bronson.....he's the other guy with the long flowing locks.

:)

[Tom Servo]

Jose Lopez lines out to 3rd. 2 out.

[Big Klu]

That's for Bronson.....he's the other guy with the long flowing locks.

The tall blond guy, or the short blond guy?

[Tony Cloninger]

During the course of a season, yeah, you would certainly like some sweeps. But to expect a sweep at the start of of one particular series is mathematically foolish.

Math? Math is for fools....just like stats. :drink:

[kaldaniels]

Cool story about Welsh going to visit Cueto.

[Tom Servo]

Choo grounds out to 2nd, BP bobbled it but made the play.

4-1 Reds to the bottom of 8.

[Big Klu]

That was a pretty easy eighth inning.

[kaldaniels]

Tempting to send him back out for the CG but I'd bank the 8 IP 1 R.

[WVRedsFan]

That was a pretty easy eighth inning.

Yes, and Cueto at 110 pitches. I say go to the Missle, but that won't happen.

[Tom Servo]

Ludwick singles to center.

[Tony Cloninger]

The tall blond guy, or the short blond guy?

Did Cueto dye his blonde?

[Tom Servo]

Thom says nobody up in the Reds bullpen.

[Big Klu]

Did Cueto dye his blonde?

Leake.

[PuffyPig]

We'll see how it goes, but leaving him in past his 100 pitch mark is usually trouble.

After the 7th inning his ERA is around 1.00.

[kbrake]

I'm fine with leaving Cueto in there but I'd have someone getting loose.

[kaldaniels]

Dusty trying to sneak 2 days off in a row for the bullpen.

[Tom Servo]

Hanigan singles to right, Ludwick runs aggressively to 3rd and it's in the stands! 5-1 Reds.

[Tony Cloninger]

Leake.

Oh yeah..... him too. Gotta watch those blondes that look like Robert Plant and Roger Daltry. They wear out as the game goes.

[WVRedsFan]

Fancy running by Beethoven. 5-1

[WVRedsFan]

Runner on third (Hannigan).

[Tom Servo]

Cueto dribbles one in front of the plate. 1 out, Hanigan still on third.

[Tom Servo]

Heisey rolls a slow one to 3rd, Chisenhall can't barehand it. Infield hit for Heisey.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm fine with leaving Cueto in there but I'd have someone getting loose.

Same here.

[WVRedsFan]

Cueto ran ard. Hope it doesn't hurt him. Heisey with infield single. Runner stays at third

[Tom Servo]

Valdez grounds out to short, Hanigan scores. 6-1 Reds.

[WVRedsFan]

NM

[Big Klu]

Oh yeah..... him too. Gotta watch those blondes that look like Robert Plant and Roger Daltry. They wear out as the game goes.

At least you aren't the London Olympic Committee. They wanted Keith Moon to play in the Closing Ceremonies. The manager for the Who had to inform them that he's been dead for 34 years.

Rumor has it that they have now turned their attention to John Bonham.

:rockband:

[Tony Cloninger]

I would at least have Hoover and Simon up....if he wants to save the other guys...or Sammy.

The other guys i understand saving them.

Just do not want some repeat of Philly or ATL 2010.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Valdez grounds out to short, Cueto scores. 6-1 Reds.

Hanny, not Cueto.

[Tom Servo]

Hanny, not Cueto.
Cut me some slack, they look a lot alike.

[Tony Cloninger]

At least you aren't the London Olympic Committee. They wanted Keith Moon to play in the Closing Ceremonies. The manager for the Who had to inform them that he's been dead for 34 years.

Rumor has it that they have now turned their attention to John Bonham.

:rockband:

Did they ask if John Entwhistle could play as well? What about Ronnie Lane or T-Rex??

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cut me some slack, they look a lot alike.

LOL. Nice.

[Tom Servo]

Long AB for Votto, singles in Heisey. 7-1 Reds.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Machine. He's a freaking CYBORG!

[Tom Servo]

BP singles to right.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hit parade!

[kaldaniels]

Heck send Valdez to the mound for the ninth.

[Tom Servo]

Alfredo Simon warming up.

[WVRedsFan]

Machine. He's a freaking CYBORG!

Now hitting .357/479/.643

[Tom Servo]

Thom Brennaman makes mad faces at his son.

[Tony Cloninger]

Now this is some nice 5 o'clock thunder (As they used to call late inning Yankee barrages in the 50's)

[Tom Servo]

Pitch gets away from Santana, Votto and Phillips move up a base.

[Tom Servo]

Bruce grounds out to short. 7-1 Reds after 8.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cueto coming back out. Close it out Johnny!

[Big Klu]

Cueto runs out to the mound before Dusty can change his mind.

[Tony Cloninger]

Cueto runs out to the mound before Dusty can change his mind.

I like that kid's attitude.

[reds44]

Leaving him in right now is completely unnecessary, but whatever.

[WVRedsFan]

OTOH, Bruce at .260/.328/.529. Not bad, but going down daily.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pirates down 8-4 in the 7th to the O's.
Cards down 2-0 to the Pale Hose in the 6th

[WVRedsFan]

Pirates down 8-4 in the 7th to the O's.
Cards down 2-0 to the Pale Hose in the 6th

That's looking like a great night.

[kaldaniels]

That's looking like a great night.

Currently just tonight the Reds are +10 on the Pirates and +8 on the Cards in the 2012 Pythag standings!

(I joke, yet I am a believer :D)

[Tom Servo]

Cabrera grounds out to 2nd.

[WVRedsFan]

Cueto at 117

[REDSEER]

OTOH, Bruce at .260/.328/.529. Not bad, but going down daily.

Just wait for the trademark Bruce hot streak. It has to be coming soon, right? Then we'll be talking .270/.340/.560 :D.

[WVRedsFan]

Just wait for the trademark Bruce hot streak. It has to be coming soon, right? Then we'll be talking .270/.340/.560 :D.

I'll take the hot streak if it ever comes.

[kaldaniels]

Come on Dusty go get Johnny and let him get his standing O.

[Tom Servo]

Kipnis flies out to left. 2 out.

[Tom Servo]

Infield hit for Santana, just barely.

[WebScorpion]

Come on Dusty go get Johnny and let him get his standing O.He deserves a shot at the CG if he wants it.

[Tom Servo]

Dusty gets booed for coming out, gets cheered for leaving him in.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Good. He left him in.

[kaldaniels]

Dusty gets booed for coming out, gets cheered for leaving him in.

Have to say it makes you smile seeing Johnny send him back.

[WVRedsFan]

Reds win

[_Sir_Charles_]

Complete game GEM! :clap:

[Tom Servo]

Groundout to 2nd, CG for Cueto! We're good again! :beerme:

[Big Klu]

Before Dusty even got to the mound, Cueto was saying, "No."

[Reds Fanatic]

Great start by Cueto. Reds win 7-1!

[WebScorpion]

And This One Belongs To The REDS!!!! :thumbup: :beerme:

[kaldaniels]

Pleasure to watch Johnny pitch, he is spoiling us.

[WVRedsFan]

Cueto with a career high 122 pitches

[kaldaniels]

See if I'm the Indians I come out for the ninth with the sole purpose of ruining the CG, yet they are first pitch hacking.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pleasure to watch Johnny pitch, he is spoiling us.

Absolutely. I don't know who suggested it, but ever since Cueto went to the Tiant-twist...he's been a whole different guy. Pitch efficient, fewer K's, but boatloads of ground balls.

[Big Klu]

Cueto with a career high 122 pitches

Season-high. Thom and Chris said that he threw 124 in a game back in September, 2010.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cueto with a career high 122 pitches

Nope. Season high. 124 2 years ago.

[Gallen5862]

"And This One Belongs To The Reds."

[WVRedsFan]

Didn't hear that, but I wasn't watching. Listening to the radio guys.

[WVRedsFan]

Wonder when Cueto will learn English?

[757690]

The Reds now just need to find a way to keep Valdez in the lineup everyday :cool:

[Big Klu]

Wonder when Cueto will learn English?

Chris Welsh said that Cueto understands English pretty well, but he still struggles with verb conjugation and tense. He doesn't want to sound unintelligent or be embarrassed publically, so he is hesitant to do interviews in English. Welsh thinks that he will probably eventually do interviews in English either later this year or at the beginning of next year.

[cumberlandreds]

The Reds now just need to find a way to keep Valdez in the lineup everyday :cool:

You gotta give Valdez a lot of credit. When the Reds needed him in a pinch he came through with a good game.

An overall very good night for the Reds. They win and everyone except for the Cubs lose in the division. Back in first place all by themselves.

[traderumor]

Beautiful bounceback win. Onward and upward.

[RichRed]

Very nice. Like Blitz said, "how difficult is that?" I don't pretend that I could be a MLB manager but I can't think of any legit reason for Valdez and his CAREER .285 OBP to bat second. He's practically a pitcher-caliber bat.

Reverse jinx worked to perfection. I knew all along that Valdez would come up big in this game. :pimp: