6.20.12 Reds @Indians

[klw]

Yes, it does say Willie Harris DH. I wonder if Valdez picked up the flu that was going around?

Cozart 6,
Heisey 8,
Votto 3,
Phillips 4,
Bruce 9,
Rolen 5,
Frazier 7,
Harris DH,
Hanigan 2,
Arroyo RHP

v
Justin Masterson, RHP
3-6, 4.38 ERA

Masterson turned in one of his best outings of the season Friday against Pittsburgh. The sinkerballer threw seven shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out nine. Masterson has thrown three consecutive quality starts.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_06_20_cinmlb_clemlb_1&mode=preview#gid=2012_06_20_cinmlb_clemlb_1&mode=probables


Choo RF
Cabrera, SS
Brantley, CF
Santan, DH
Lopez, 2B
Kotchman, 1B
Damon, LF
Chisenhall, 3B
Marson, C



• Shin-Soo Choo has fared well against Arroyo, going 6-for-12 with four home runs and seven RBIs

For the Indians, Justin Masterson looked like the ace they expect him to be in his previous start. After three straight losing decisions, the right-hander threw seven shutout innings against the Pirates on Friday. Masterson allowed just four hits and struck out nine for his first victory since May 24.

Masterson's four-seam fastball clocked in as high as 96 mph. Manager Manny Acta said his slider was the sharpest it's been all season. And Masterson's signature sinker was ultra-effective.

[Kc61]

Pretty funny.

I wonder whether the Reds regret having dozens of big strong righty hitters on the team and so few lefties. Willie Harris is playing tonight because he is a lefty.

Mr. Masterson, the Indians pitcher, has a very fine .603 OPS against righties for his career. He's tough on righties. He's very tough on righties.

However, he has a .791 OPS against lefties. That is, lefties hit him pretty well. Almost a .200 point difference in OPS against.

This year, the difference is even more pronounced. Righties are hitting Masterson at an OPS clip of .593. Very bad. Lefties? .801. Quite good.

So, yes, we get Willie Harris. For this very good reason, which would be avoidable with a more balanced roster.

[OesterPoster]

Hate to beat a dead horse, but why the heck aren't Votto and Bruce back-to-back against RH starters with such extreme RH/LH splits?

Oh yeah, just in case it's a close game and a tough lefty reliever comes in to face Votto and Bruce in the 8th inning or blah, blah, something or another.

[Kc61]

Hate to beat a dead horse, but why the heck aren't Votto and Bruce back-to-back against RH starters with such extreme RH/LH splits?

Oh yeah, just in case it's a close game and a tough lefty reliever comes in to face Votto and Bruce in the 8th inning or blah, blah, something or another.

You might even argue tonight for Votto, Bruce, and Harris back to back to back. You can always pinch hit a righty for Harris if a lefty reliever comes in.

We'll see how Phillips does. . . .

[redsmetz]

Oddly, Bruce & Votto haven't had much luck with him, but Phillips and Rolen have. Harris has only faced him once, Hanigan several AB's (no hits) and Heisey, Frazier & Cozart have never faced him. Topsy turvy city?

[OesterPoster]

Oddly, Bruce & Votto haven't had much luck with him, but Phillips and Rolen have. Harris has only faced him once, Hanigan several AB's (no hits) and Heisey, Frazier & Cozart have never faced him. Topsy turvy city?

Darn it. Don't let facts get in the way of my rant. :D

[redsmetz]

Darn it. Don't let facts get in the way of my rant. :D

Actually my comment was necessarily directed at your's. I like to occasionally look at the match ups on B-R.com and that just jumped out at me. Truth be told, everyone is the proverbial small sample size - i don't think any of our guys have faced him more than nine times. I like Joey's chances because Joey's just lights out at the moment. I hope that Jay is perking up for one of his tears (no evidence necessarily on that, just hope). So I sort of hope we bat him around like a rag doll frankly. But that's not evidence based in the slightest.

[RichRed]

Seems to me that Jay's been hitting a lot of hard ones right at guys lately (no numbers to back this up), so maybe some of those will start finding the gaps.

[Hap]

You might even argue tonight for Votto, Bruce, and Harris back to back to back.

This post got me wondering if Willie Harris has ever batted fifth in any lineup for anyone.

http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/H/Jharrw0010.htm (http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/H/Jharrw0010.htm)

Amazingly, the answer is yes.......49 times...............and another 32 times at cleanup..........and amazingly, he managed to do these things without playing for Bob Boone.

[Tom Servo]

I think calling them the Indians has been bad luck and it's been a curse on us. They are the Cleveland Native Americans.

[GADawg]

'ole Willie has hit some shots since came back up....I was never for him making the roster and I couldn't have been more ready for him to leave but for some reason I'm interested to see how he fares tonight coming off his recent success

[_Sir_Charles_]

Well, that's ONE way to start the game. Heisey plunked.

[Tom Servo]

Votto is DatDudeDP.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Votto hits into the DP to end the Reds 1st.

[OnBaseMachine]

Not a big fan of tonight's matchup. LH batters kill Arroyo (.854 OPS against this season) and the Indians have seven lefties in the lineup tonight. Meanwhile, Masterson owns RH batters (.593 OPS) and Reds have six RH hitters in the lineup tonight. But thankfully they play the game for a reason. Here's to hoping the Reds can escape Cleveland with a win and finish off a winning road trip.

[Tom Servo]

It begins.

[OesterPoster]

I think calling them the Indians has been bad luck and it's been a curse on us. They are the Cleveland Native Americans.

I prefer to blame George Grande. He has always been synonymous with losing Reds teams to me.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Good job by Bronson. We head to the 2nd with no score.

[Tom Servo]

- S. Choo doubled to right
- A. Cabrera popped out to shallow left
- M. Brantley grounded out to second, S. Choo to third
- C. Santana flied out to right.

0-0 after 1.

[Tom Servo]

-Phillips grounded out to shortstop
- Bruce struck out looking
- Rolen grounded out to third.

0-0 to the bottom of 2.

[Redhook]

Masterson looks nasty tonight. Reds struggling to hit the ball squarely. Not expecting many, if any runs tonight. Hope Bronson is on.

[elfmanvt07]

Nasty pitch by Arroyo.

[Kc61]

Masterson looks nasty tonight. Reds struggling to hit the ball squarely. Not expecting many, if any runs tonight. Hope Bronson is on.

The game the Reds should have won was last night. And I'm not just focusing on Chapman.

Have to be able to score runs against a pitcher like Josh Tomlin.

Two on, two out for the Indians here on singles by Damon and Chisenhall.

[Kc61]

Arroyo gets out of it with a strike out. He's tough with men on base, Bronson.

[Tom Servo]

- J. Lopez struck out looking
- C. Kotchman grounded out to second
- J. Damon singled to shallow center
- L. Chisenhall singled to shallow right center, J. Damon to second
- L. Marson struck out swinging

0-0 after 2.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks Tom Servo for the inning summaries.

[Kc61]

Two quick outs for the Reds. 21 pitches so far for Masterson. Reds can't touch him so far.

[Tom Servo]

Frazier grounded out to third
Harris grounded out to first
Hanigan strikes out.

0-0 to the bottom of 3.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Masterson looks flat out wicked tonight.

[cbowen2112]

Masterson is throwing a no hitter.

[Tom Servo]

Choo doubles again.

[Kc61]

Anything good on TV around 8:00 Eastern time tonight? I don't think I can take much more of this series.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Choo doubles again.

Babe freaking Chooth

[Kc61]

Infield hit, first and third, one out.

[Tom Servo]

Cabrera lines out to center
Brantley infield single

1st and 3rd, 1 out.

[redsfaninbsg]

I feel like the Reds are hanging on by a thread.

[redsfaninbsg]

Yes sir!

[Tom Servo]

Phew. Santana is DatDudeDP. Arroyo is Houdini.

0-0 after 3.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I want to see that again. I love it that he was called out...but he looked safe to me at first glance.

[Tom Servo]

I want to see that again. I love it that he was called out...but he looked safe to me at first glance.
That's why I don't want to see it again. :lol:

[Kc61]

I want to see that again. I love it that he was called out...but he looked safe to me at first glance.

He did look safe, but ump was right on the play, I'm sure he was right. And if not, I'll take it.

Reds, with their problems with RHP, would seem a very bad candidate to beat this Masterson guy. But you never know. Reds could use a couple of breaks on the offensive side tonight.

[Tom Servo]

Cozart grounds out to short
Heisey with a single!

[Tom Servo]

Heisey out by a mile trying to steal.

[Kc61]

I don't know if that was a delayed steal or what. But Heisey was out by a mile and killed off the inning.

Now Votto grounds out.

[Tom Servo]

Votto ground out.

0-0 to the bottom of 4.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Wow did Heisey look slow there.

[OesterPoster]

Not sure I understand ever trying to steal with Votto at the plate.

[Kc61]

Wow did Heisey look slow there.

I think it was a delayed steal of some kind. Or maybe Chris was slow getting the sign. He certainly isn't a slow runner.

In any event, the Reds are doing nothing on offense so far. This Masterson seems very good.

One out for tribe, fly to right.

[Tom Servo]

Yeah, Heisey has many faults but lack of speed is not one of them.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I don't know if that was a delayed steal or what. But Heisey was out by a mile and killed off the inning.

Now Votto grounds out.

Actually, I think Masterson killed off that inning. He's looked unbelievably sharp.

[Kc61]

Not sure I understand ever trying to steal with Votto at the plate.

I think it's the same theory as the sac bunt that Dusty loves so much. Get the man to second in a low scoring tight game.

Single now, Tribe with one on, one out.

[Kc61]

Apparently this is the first time Damon has faced Arroyo. Former teammate.

Now Damon wins the game with a homer.

[Tom Servo]

Damon homers. Yeesh.

2-0 Tribe.

[Tom Servo]

Boy did losing those last two games hurt.

[elfmanvt07]

Boy did losing those last two games hurt.

I checked my phone leaving the Yankees game last night and they had just completed nine. When I got home, I had seen what had happened, with my reaction causing my lady to ask, "Is everything alright? Did somebody die?"

[Tom Servo]

Choo walks.

[Tom Servo]

Dagger. Cabrera 3 run home run.

5-0 Tribe.

[OesterPoster]

Good night.

[Reds Fanatic]

What a nightmare series. This game is pretty much over.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hmmmm....well, that's not good.

[kbrake]

Yeah that will probably end this one. Glad things had been going so well before this series, just need to get it rolling again on Friday night.

[reds44]

Need another bat.

[Tom Servo]

5-0 Tribe after 4, and I'm pretty much checking out from here.

[HokieRed]

Need another bat.

And another arm. Though I'll take the arm first.

[cbowen2112]

Really wish that we had a bat like either Cabrera or Choo. Starting to come back to earth after a red hot week last week. We need to take out our frustrations from this series on the Twins and the Brewers. Maybe our offense awakens, but we'll see.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

for all the breaks/lucky bounces the Reds received during that 6 game streak, luck is evening out now. I mean two homers off the top of the fence in the same inning? Come on MAN!

[cbowen2112]

To tie the season series with the Indians is not too bad. After their hot start, you knew it would be a battle, but the home field advantage was very evident in both series.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Is it me or has the home plate ump in each game of this series been extremely reluctant to call corner strikes for the Reds pitchers? Indians making all the plays this series.

[DGullett35]

Stranger things have happened. If we hold them from here on out we could make a comeback. Need to get Mastersons pitch count up though

[WVRedsFan]

One question. Why in the name of all that's holy do we have to play six games against this bunch each year? Attendance is crappy and while the other teams get to see some different teams we're stuck seeing Cleveland twice. I hate inter league games anyway, but twice is too much.

[DGullett35]

I know why cant we play the Royals. id also like to see us and the White Sox. I may be biased however because I hate Cleveland with a passion.

[Kc61]

And another arm. Though I'll take the arm first.

Yeah, I totally disagree.

The Reds' pitching numbers are WAY better than they have been for years. They can win the division and play ok in the playoffs with this pitching staff. There is no consistent pattern of pitching failure. The bullpen is excellent. And Bray and Masset are on the way back.

On offense, however, the team is so obviously flawed that you can see it a mile away. Three lefty hitters in the whole offense, including Willie Harris? What other good team has that?

Tablesetters hitting one and two with OBPs barely above .300?

This team will continue to have problems with the Josh Tomlins of this world until Walt addresses the offense. Tonight? Just facing a terrific pitcher who you won't beat with Heisey, Frazier, and the rest.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

There is a really drunk Cleveland fan highlighted on TV tonight...take him out Dusty...take him out. Really poor attendance in Cleveland (and I thought Cincinnati was bad).

[DGullett35]

I shouldn't be this frustrated about the Reds but this series has just been so crappy. We should have won the first 2 games but should of would of could of. Lets hope they get out of Cleveland as fast as they can regroup tomm. and beat the hell out of the Twins this weekend. Bailey, Cueto, and Latos. Ill be upset if we don't sweep them

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

To tie the season series with the Indians is not too bad. After their hot start, you knew it would be a battle, but the home field advantage was very evident in both series.

After starting out 3-0 vs. the Indians, finishing 3-3 is a serious downer. And 3-3 roadtrips are OK, but not when you start them out 3-0.

This story of this series was last night in the bottom of the 10th. The Tribe might have won two games with one swing of the bat. The Reds don't look they have any desire to be playing in that stadium tonight.

[WVRedsFan]

Really poor attendance in Cleveland (and I thought Cincinnati was bad).
That's why I say there is no advantage in playing them twice. It doesn't boost attendance. No one really cares about it so why? If we have to have interleague games, let's play som different teams.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

One question. Why in the name of all that's holy do we have to play six games against this bunch each year? Attendance is crappy and while the other teams get to see some different teams we're stuck seeing Cleveland twice. I hate inter league games anyway, but twice is too much.

It's a fake, MLB-forced "rivalry" between two teams with zero history whatsoever. Nobody in Cincinnati or Dayton gives two hoots about the Indians. The Reds have more of a history with the Yankees, Tigers and A's than the Tribe.

Let the Pirates have the Indians as "natural rivals" for awhile and we'll take the Sox or some other team. Judging by attendance in Cleveland, it doesn't look like there's much of a demand for the series anyway.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

That's why I say there is no advantage in playing them twice. It doesn't boost attendance. No one really cares about it so why? If we have to have interleague games, let's play som different teams.

Oh, I agree completely! Just because they are in Ohio, doesn't mean they are a rival. I think it's time to cut the inter league schedule in half, because for me the novelty has worn out. Instead of placing so much importance on the Allstar game, give the home field to the league with the upper hand in the inter league match ups. I always thought Bud's idea of the All Star game was so idiotic.

[WVRedsFan]

The jinx of George Grande.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Oh, I agree completely! Just because they are in Ohio, doesn't mean they are a rival. I think it's time to cut the inter league schedule in half, because for me the novelty has worn out.

Hopefully, with the shift in schedule and interleague play every day of the year next year, we will at least get rid of one of the series vs. the Indians.

I'd much MUCH MUCH rather see NL teams like the Dodgers, Giants, Braves, Mets or Phillies here than Cleveland.

Edit: I'll go one step further and say that I hate that the Reds share a spring training complex with the Indians. Blah x 200.

[Kc61]

Oh, I agree completely! Just because they are in Ohio, doesn't mean they are a rival. I think it's time to cut the inter league schedule in half, because for me the novelty has worn out.

Fine, but the Reds should still be able to beat Josh Tomlin. I don't care what the attendance is.

[cbowen2112]

nm

[cbowen2112]

The jinx of George Grande.

This...

[Virginia Beach Reds]

I guess Cleveland fans haven't bought in to a 1st place team. A good friend of mine from Clev invited me to last Tues game at GABP. He was ragging on the attendance at our games. LOL.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

I guess Cleveland fans haven't bought in to a 1st place team. A good friend of mine from Clev invited me to last Tues game at GABP. He was ragging on the attendance at our games. LOL.

24K, 27K and 34K in three games would be a dream series for Cleveland.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

24K, 27K and 34K in three games would be a dream series for Cleveland.

I don't live in Cleve or do I ever want to. I wonder why the fans don't attend the games. I think they are the worst in the majors.

[Hollcat]

Cabrera now has five career hr's against the reds. His high against any team is six. Reds Killer, pitch around him

[kaldaniels]

The jinx of George Grande.

Oh come on we won't "know about that till after the game"

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

I don't live in Cleve or do I ever want to. I wonder why the fans don't attend the games. I think they are the worst in the majors.

Ever since Cleveland got the NFL back, going to Indians games wasn't a priority anymore. Historically, the city hasn't really ever turned out in droves for their games except for that late-90s run when it was the thing to do.

[Kc61]

Single for Votto. With two outs, nobody on.

Somebody should just cut and paste that as the games continue.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

George Grande retired. I've never had a job where a retired employee comes back to work just once in awhile just for fun. Hang em up GG.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Cabrera now has five career hr's against the reds. His high against any team is six. Reds Killer, pitch around him

Can't pitch around Choo Gehrig and Cabrera to get to the No. 3 hitter.

[Blitz Dorsey]

It's the Curse of George Grande. I'm tellin' ya.

[Kc61]

Wonder if Dusty will pitch Chapman tonight, just to make sure his confidence is there. Off day tomorrow.

[Tom Servo]

I still think it's the curse of calling them the Indians in all three games this series. We should have stuck with the Native Americans.

[Kc61]

Mets are shutting out the Orioles still again. Reds got out of there just in time.

[WVRedsFan]

Wonder if Dusty will pitch Chapman tonight, just to make sure his confidence is there. Off day tomorrow.

I don't think so. I look for Sam or Hoover to finish unless we get close or pull ahead.

[WVRedsFan]

Wow. Umpires. Nuts.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Mets are shutting out the Orioles still again. Reds got out of there just in time.

I'd take my chances with three more in Citi Field vs. Dickey, Santana and Tom Seaver than this nightmare series.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

2B ump with a total blown call. Time to just toss it in.

[elfmanvt07]

I mean, are you serious right now?

[elfmanvt07]

We in the business call that, "just making it up."

[Kc61]

That's umpire Wolf. The guy from the other night.

Gee whiz.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

He motioned that he bobbled the ball, the ball never left Cozart's glove! He was just rearranging the ball into the pocket.

[Kc61]

Now a double for multiple runs. Umpire should be removed from the field and fired on the spot.

[WVRedsFan]

That's umpire Wolf. The guy from the other night.

Gee whiz.

Figures. He needs to be demoted. He's terrible.

[Tom Servo]

I hope Lonnie Chisenhall stubs his toe really hard on something.

[fearofpopvol1]

Figures. He needs to be demoted. He's terrible.

It's not often you can definitively say, "If the umpire got that call right, the other team (Indians) wouldn't have scored those extra (3) runs."

This is one of those times. How pathetic.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Really, no umpire makes that call. I don't know the 'book' but that, to me, is an out every single day. Just terrible. In all reality, it probably doesn't matter, but that was just blatant after an entire series of head scratchers.

[kaldaniels]

I hope Lonnie Chisenhall stubs his toe really hard on something.

Some would argue it would hurt worse if he Heisey'd his toe.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Pirates tie Twins 1-1 in the 7th; C*rds lead Tigers 2-1 in the 8th

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Just walk off the Field visitors. If this is how American League games are officiated, have fun in your league.

[Kc61]

In the old days, somebody on the Tribe would be getting some inside pitches around now.

[WVRedsFan]

The lead dwindles. Don't worry about the Pirates? Hide and watch. They don't appear to be declining. In fact they're getting better.

[Big Klu]

Really, no umpire makes that call. I don't know the 'book' but that, to me, is an out every single day. Just terrible. In all reality, it probably doesn't matter, but that was just blatant after an entire series of head scratchers.

Indians announcer Rick Manning suggested giving the error to the umpire on that play.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

The lead dwindles. Don't worry about the Pirates? Hide and watch. They don't appear to be declining. In fact they're getting better.

And they have the minor league pieces to make an impact deadline move for a bat.

[Kc61]

Choo called out on strikes. World's ulitmate make up call.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Choo called out on strikes. World's ulitmate make up call.

that LOOKED like a heart of the zone strike at the knees! Another inter league opponent here though.

[traderumor]

Shake the dust off your feet and get the heck out of that God forsaken town.

Oh, and see Guido about some cement shoes for the cheating ump ;)

[WVRedsFan]

Harris as DH is so dang silly. I sometimes wonder where Dusty's head is.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Willingham HR puts Twinkies back up 2-1 in the 8th.

Is that a hint of what he'd do in a Reds uniform?

[Kc61]

Twins lead Bucs 2-1.

[Big Klu]

Harris as DH is so dang silly. I sometimes wonder where Dusty's head is.

DH has the only RBI in the game.

[WVRedsFan]

Well, we scored. Hallelujah. Breaks the streak of 14 scoreless innings for Masterson. He has allowed 6 hits in those 14 innings.

[traderumor]

This could just as easily been a game that the Indians needed to avoid a sweep.

[WVRedsFan]

DH has the only RBI in the game.

Didn't realize that getting a weak ground ball out was such a feat ;)

[Kc61]

Jared Burton pitching the eighth for the Twins against the Pirates. Gets the first hitter.

[WVRedsFan]

This could get uglier with Ondrusek walking the first batter

[Kc61]

Didn't realize that getting a weak ground ball out was such a feat ;)

Harris had to play because the Reds don't understand why all these other teams have a bunch of left handed hitters. So when facing a pitcher who dominates righties, the Reds' only lefty option is Willie Harris.

I don't think it would have mattered though, the Reds were badly outpitched in this game.

The big loss was last night which becomes increasingly annoying as I continue to think about it.

[traderumor]

In the grand scheme of things, 3-3 roadtrip.

[traderumor]

Harris had to play because the Reds don't understand why all these other teams have a bunch of left handed hitters. So when facing a pitcher who dominates righties, the Reds' only lefty option is Willie Harris.

I don't think it would have mattered though, the Reds were badly outpitched in this game.

The big loss was last night which becomes increasingly annoying as I continue to think about it.It will pass. A long season and this series will be a distant memory.

[Kc61]

In the grand scheme of things, 3-3 roadtrip.

True. Plus the reliever imbalance was cured with all the innings for Lecure, Hoover, and Simon.

[traderumor]

The Indians will finish below .500 when their one run magic evens out to about .500 and we will win our division.

[WVRedsFan]

It will pass. A long season and this series will be a distant memory.
Yes, but now it's disgusting. Thank God for the long season.

[Kc61]

Bucs trail by one in the ninth. Burton with a good inning for the Twins.

[WVRedsFan]

Bucs trail by one in the ninth. Burton with a good inning for the Twins.

Lately, the late rally is their custom. Let's hope the Twinkies score some runs.

[Kc61]

Cozart and Heisey fan to lead off the ninth. Votto up.

[Kc61]

Umpire calls out Votto on strikes on a pitch outside. Not really close.

[WVRedsFan]

Strike out the side. Game over. Get the heck out of the mistake by the lake!

[WVRedsFan]

Can't wait to hear Pic's cherry attitude in the post game. All smiles all the time.

[WVRedsFan]

Double post. Sorry

[Tony Cloninger]

The Indians will finish below .500 when their one run magic evens out to about .500 and we will win our division.

I don't understand....even with the sweep in Cincy.....why the Reds have a problem beating this team like the drum that the guy in Cleveland uses to beat on.
I'm not buying the Indians anymore than people here are buying the Pirates.

[WVRedsFan]

I don't understand....even with the sweep in Cincy.....why the Reds have a problem beating this team like the drum that the guy in Cleveland uses to beat on.
I'm not buying the Indians anymore than people here are buying the Pirates.

Agree, neither team makes sense. How are they winning? Pitching and they win at home. Reds, Indians, and Bucs have all won 20 at home. And while the Reds are above .500 on the road, Pittsburgh is 15-20.

[kaldaniels]

Deadspin calls out the brother of a division rival's pitcher

http://deadspin.com/5920117/carlos-santana-was-out-by-six-feet-except-that-umpire-jim-wolf-is-legally-blind

[cumberlandreds]

Deadspin calls out the brother of a division rival's pitcher

http://deadspin.com/5920117/carlos-santana-was-out-by-six-feet-except-that-umpire-jim-wolf-is-legally-blind (http://deadspin.com/5920117/carlos-santana-was-out-by-six-feet-except-that-umpire-jim-wolf-is-legally-blind)


That wasn't even close. Just another case for replay. He said Cozart juggled the ball but I didn't see that at all.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Some would argue it would hurt worse if he Heisey'd his toe.

Nice :beerme:

[_Sir_Charles_]

The lead dwindles. Don't worry about the Pirates? Hide and watch. They don't appear to be declining. In fact they're getting better.

I agree. But from what everybody else here seems to think...I'm kinda stupid. ;)

I don't think that they actually "contend" this year, but I do think they hang around for quite a bit longer than people think and finish a solid 2nd place several games over .500. Next year...they could be a very interesting team to watch IMO.

[kaldaniels]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-last-pitch-of-justin-mastersons-complete-game/

And fangraphs dedicates of of their ~10 precious posts per day to the final pitch of the game. Why?

[traderumor]

I agree. But from what everybody else here seems to think...I'm kinda stupid. ;)

I don't think that they actually "contend" this year, but I do think they hang around for quite a bit longer than people think and finish a solid 2nd place several games over .500. Next year...they could be a very interesting team to watch IMO.I think people have given valid reasons why the Pirates are probably not able to sustain their current record over an entire season. They are the classic pythag pyrite, just like the Indians. They beat you in a series, then you look up and they're getting beat up for a week by everyone else.

[redsmetz]

My point about not dismissing the Pirates is they're presently the team closest to us. We can only take care of our business, but I'll consider the Pirates until they show they shouldn't be. Right now's not the moment. Of course, the real issue is to always be concerned with the team we're playing at the moment. That's all we can take care of as it is.