6.29.12 Reds @ SF Giants

[klw]

REDS
Cozart 6
Stubbs 8
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Bruce 9
Ludwick 7
Rolen 5
Mesoraco 2
Leake 1

GIANTS
Blanco RF
Theriot 2B
Cabrera LF
Posey C
Pagan CF
Sandoval 3B
Belt 1B
Crawford SS
Cain P


some tidbits:
Janie McCauley ‏@JanieMcCAP

Dusty Baker's son, Darren, among only #Reds taking early work. Hitting balls off RF facade from shallow right trying for cove. #SFGiants

John Fay ‏@johnfayman

Leake is 2-0 with a 2.82 ERA over last eighth starts. Cain, however, is 8-0 with a 2.19 in his last nine starts. ‪#reds‬


Phillips is being treated as if he had a "mild" concussion. ‪#reds‬

Phillips passed the SCAT II concussion test. Feels better today, trainer Paul Lessard said.

[DGullett35]

We had some success off of Cain earlier at GABP this year. Hopefully we can get some runs early. We can't let these guys get their 5th straight shutout. This isn't the "dead ball era"

[Kc61]

Bucs lead the Cards by two, 7-5, bottom six in St. Louis. Fair debate on the ORG as to which team Reds fans should root for. I'm rooting for the Pirates in this series because Cards have a long home stand which can damage the Reds.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bucs lead the Cards by two, 7-5, bottom six in St. Louis. Fair debate on the ORG as to which team Reds fans should root for. I'm rooting for the Pirates in this series because Cards have a long home stand which can damage the Reds.

I thought the proper answer was to root for extra innings and huge pitch counts. Foulball liner off Carpenter's forehead would just be a bonus. :p

[_Sir_Charles_]

Now THAT'S how you lead off! Dinger! :jump: Zack-attack!

[Kc61]

I thought the proper answer was to root for extra innings and huge pitch counts. Foulball liner off Carpenter's forehead would just be a bonus. :p

Well, the Bucs are pounding the Cards now and lead by four.

Maybe Cozart should hit cleanup, anything but lead off.

[REDSEER]

That's how you put last night behind you! Let's try to get it going early against Cain.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Drew with the walk. Okay, apparently we're in bizzaro-world. :O)

[Kc61]

Stubbs walks. Looks like a different hitter in the two hole.

[REDSEER]

Stubbs walks. Looks like a different hitter in the two hole.

I really think his pitch recognition is getting a little better. He took a tough 2-2 slider there that was just low.

[757690]

Cozart says "I got your shutout, right here"

[_Sir_Charles_]

Joey does what Joey does. #33.

[757690]

I really think his pitch recognition is getting a little better. He took a tough 2-2 slider there that was just low.

A young player improving as he get older and more experience... Impossible!

[Plus Plus]

33rd double of the year for Votto puts runners on second and third with no out.

[REDSEER]

For whatever reason, we seem to have Cain's number so far tonight. #33 for Joey.

[Kc61]

Votto with his 1,492nd double of the season.

[Plus Plus]

Phillips tries for the grand slam and pops out.

[kaldaniels]

Getting these guys in is huge.

[REDSEER]

I really want BP back in the leadoff spot. He has to take the ball the other way. He seems to go for the 10 run homer too often from the cleanup spot.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1 down, Jay up. "Need ya on third, Brucie!"

[Kc61]

A young player improving as he get older and more experience... Impossible!

Here's a guess on Stubbs. He's not afraid of the strikeout so much in the two spot because he thinks he's going to get strikes to hit. So he's much more confident.

Or maybe he's improving, I don't know.

[kaldaniels]

Bingo.

[Plus Plus]

Bruce doubles! 3-0 Reds!

[_Sir_Charles_]

NICE! BRUUUUUUCE! Double to plate 2 more!

[REDSEER]

Great piece of hitting. I think Joey is having a great influence on Bruce - he really seems to be looking to go to left and center more lately.

[kaldaniels]

I love Matt Cain but that goes out the window when he is against the Reds. This is great.

[Plus Plus]

Ludwick fooled twice on sliders and strikes out.

[Kc61]

Great piece of hitting. I think Joey is having a great influence on Bruce - he really seems to be looking to go to left and center more lately.

When Bruce uses a line drive type swing, rather than the extreme upper cut, he's a much better hitter. And will get his share of dingers anyway.

That was a beautiful swing by Jay.

[Plus Plus]

Rolen also fooled on a slider and strikes out. 3-0 Reds, heading to bottom 1.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Well, that hot start by Rolen coming off the DL has quickly come to a halt. oh-fer his last 12.

[REDSEER]

Rolen looking pretty bad already. 0-12 with 7 K's in his last 12 ABs. I'm worried we're going to be looking at this all summer.

[Kc61]

Rolen looking pretty bad already. 0-12 with 7 K's in his last 12 ABs. I'm worried we're going to be looking at this all summer.

Rolen probably can still hit the weaker pitchers, just on know how and skill. Cain is a tall order for his slow bat.

You would think Cain would K a lot of these righty Reds power hitters, but you never know. Cozart certainly didn't strike out.

[PuffyPig]

Bucs lead the Cards by two, 7-5, bottom six in St. Louis. Fair debate on the ORG as to which team Reds fans should root for. I'm rooting for the Pirates in this series because Cards have a long home stand which can damage the Reds.

Fair debate?

I don't think anyone is suggesting hoping for the Cards.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rolen looking pretty bad already. 0-12 with 7 K's in his last 12 ABs. I'm worried we're going to be looking at this all summer.

Give Dusty & Scott a little credit. Dusty will either bench him, or Scott with retire. That whole vet-love and vet-respect thing is really overblown IMO.

[REDSEER]

Rolen probably can still hit the weaker pitchers, just on know how and skill. Cain is a tall order for his slow bat.

You would think Cain would K a lot of these righty Reds power hitters, but you never know. Cozart certainly didn't strike out.

I'm not as much worried about the numbers as how he looks. He's already taking those swings where it looks like he can't even fully extend due to the balky left shoulder. It's painful to watch.

[Kc61]

Fair debate?

I don't think anyone is suggesting hoping for the Cards.

Some folks want the Cards and Bucs to split all their games, that view was certainly expressed. That's kind of the traditional view for this situation.

That's what I was referring to.

I'm firmly in the Pirates camp, at least for this series.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fair debate?

I don't think anyone is suggesting hoping for the Cards.

I'm rooting for whoever is farthest away from US. So for tonight, it's the Cards.

[Kc61]

Two out, one on, Posey up.

[Kc61]

Stolen base for Theriot. Man on second.

Man left stranded. Nothing for the Giants.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nothing doing for the Giants. 3-0 after 1.

[Kc61]

9-5 Pirates through seven. Bucs bullpen is tough.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Straighten that baby out Devin! That was a rocket. Foul by a foot.

[kaldaniels]

Welsh: "(The Reds) have cooled off quite coolly in late June"

Just sounded funny hearing that.

[kaldaniels]

Was that a strike?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Mesoraco K'd on a very good pitch.

[Kc61]

Mes called out on strikes on a close pitch on the outside corner. Leake then singles.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leake...at it again. Single.

He's got a VERY good looking swing.

[REDSEER]

I'm telling you. Leake is a good hitter. Good recognition, smooth swing....

[kaldaniels]

Leake should pinch hit. At least every once in awhile. No bones about it.

[Kc61]

Mes has been called out on some close pitches lately.

Eventually, this will work to his advantage. He's a patient hitter. When he has a bit more experience, he'll get more of those calls, he could get on base a fair amount.

And, of course, he has power.

I'm optimistic about Devin.

[REDSEER]

Leake should pinch hit. At least every once in awhile. No bones about it.

I was about to say the same thing. I'm more confident in him than Cairo or Valdez at this point.

[Kc61]

Stubbs flies out on a GABP homer.

Three zip after one and a half.

[REDSEER]

Dang west coast ballparks. Stubbs gets a good piece of one but it lands short of the track.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pretty decent AB there from Drew. Got fooled early and then didn't bite on the nibbling. Nice whack at that one but right into freaking death valley. Good lord that's a big outfield.

[PuffyPig]

Leake should pinch hit. At least every once in awhile. No bones about it.

I think he does....

[kaldaniels]

I was about to say the same thing. I'm more confident in him than Cairo or Valdez at this point.

Especially when Dusty is trying to save one of his PH "Bullets" for later. Why not?

[Kc61]

Pirates have the bases loaded, no out, in the eighth, up four runs on the Cards.

[VR]

I like 38 pitches by Cain through 2.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I like 38 pitches by Cain through 2.

I like the 3-0 a bit better. *grin*

[Kc61]

LOL, Pagan hits a long fly out to right, would have been well out in Cincy.

[PuffyPig]

Pirates have the bases loaded, no out, in the eighth, up four runs on the Cards.

Their bullpen has been just horrible....

[_Sir_Charles_]

1 out double by the Panda. Rocket shot, accurate throw and Bruce would've had a shot at him.

[kaldaniels]

I think he does....

Don't think he has this year.

14 starts.
14 games w/PA

[_Sir_Charles_]

Don't think he has this year.

14 starts.
14 games w/PA

I agree. He's done some pinch running though IIRC.

[VR]

Their bullpen has been just horrible....

And no sign of help. I'd wouldn't be surprised to see them fall out of the race by July with their lack of depth. Not that I expect them to....but, I would not be surprised.

[kaldaniels]

I thought Kelch just jinxed that. Whew...

[_Sir_Charles_]

hard hit ball there, but right at Bruce. Giants scoreless through 2. 3-0 Reds.

[_Sir_Charles_]

He just looks SO intense and locked in.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1 down. Soft liner to short.

[VR]

He just looks SO intense and locked in.

Kelch? Who?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Kelch? Who?

Closeup shot of Votto during AB.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Brandon grounds out to 3rd. 2 down.

[Kc61]

Bucs now cruising over the Cards, 11-5 at last look.

[kaldaniels]

Funny shot of the blimp being blown sideways.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Seeing eye single for Bruce. 2 for 2.

[Kc61]

Seeing eye single for Bruce. 2 for 2.

Very nice adjustment tonight by Bruce. Line drive and ground ball hits in the big stadium.

Impressive.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Liner to left for Ludwick. 2 out rally?

[kaldaniels]

51 pitches thru 2.2 for Cain

[VR]

Cmon Scotty, shut these RZ doubters up :)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Solid poke by Rolen, but the RF'er tracks it down.

[kaldaniels]

Did Aroldis just ask Joey how many outs there were? We will never know.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Did Aroldis just ask Joey how many outs there were? We will never know.

Or how many strikes. Or the symbol for peace. Or the number of MVP trophies Joey plans to have after this season. Could be lots of things. :O)

[_Sir_Charles_]

K

[kaldaniels]

Blanco writhing in pain. Fouled off knee.

[kaldaniels]

Grande would say "don't rub it" and chuckle.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Even with the gimpy leg...he gets the IF single.

[_Sir_Charles_]

The Riot lines out to Bruce. 2 down.

[Kc61]

Giants announcer says Leake isn't really fooling anybody, they are just making outs. I'll take it.

[kaldaniels]

Cozart seemed slow with the tag.

[_Sir_Charles_]

No, high throw by Mes.

[VR]

Hanny has thrown out 14 of 30, Mez 7 of 30.

[REDSEER]

I'm not sure he wasn't out. Does Mes' release seem a little slow to anyone? He has a cannon for an arm, but he kind of winds up before letting it loose.

[Kc61]

No, high throw by Mes.

I think the runner's foot came off the bag and he was really out on the steal.

Doesn't matter, three out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bouncer to Votto to end the inning. I don't care if Leake is fooling people or not...he's putting up ZERO's.

[kaldaniels]

I think the runner's foot came off the bag and he was really out on the steal.

Doesn't matter, three out.

Worked out better anyway. Melky not leading off next inning.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hanny has thrown out 14 of 30, Mez 7 of 30.

Hanny VERY underrated IMO. Offensively AND defensively.

[VottoFan54]

The Giants announcer said Mes had a 'gun'. That is some nice praise. I also think the runner was out on the replay, but it was a tough call for the ump.

[Kc61]

I think the runner's foot came off the bag and he was really out on the steal.

Doesn't matter, three out.


Bouncer to Votto to end the inning. I don't care if Leake is fooling people or not...he's putting up ZERO's.

Just the Giants' announcer's comment. Can't take it too seriously, wishful thinking.

Leake has been excellent for several outings in a row, he just has been burned by blown saves.

Hopefully tonight Reds will have a nice cushion for him.

[VR]

Giants announcer says Leake isn't really fooling anybody, they are just making outs. I'll take it.

Yep. Much like Arroyo, he's got an opportunity to be a significant innings eater/ slightly above average for his career.

He will have his nights when he gets lit up, but will like be a 7 inning/ 3 run guy that you can count on. I'm ok w/ that in the # 4 spot, especially when you can hit .300 and run the bases.

[Kc61]

Hanny VERY underrated IMO. Offensively AND defensively.

Agree, but the Reds catchers haven't hit much of late. Hanny is usually a steady OBP man, needs a hot streak soon.

Also hoping Mes has a good second half and gets it going with the bat.

[PuffyPig]

Cards have given up 12 straight runs since the 5th inning, down 14-5.

Scrabble speciallizing in the letters W,H and HR.

[Kc61]

Cards have given up 12 straight runs since the 5th inning, down 14-5.

McCutchen with a three run homer for the last group of Pirate runs.

[VR]

Billy Hamilton just stole 3rd for his 95th sb of the year.

95, that is not a typo.

[Kc61]

Giants with a hard hit lead off single. Fourth inning, Reds by three. Pagan the batter.

Giants with a bunch of lefties in the lineup tonight against Leake.

[Kc61]

Billy Hamilton just stole 3rd for his 95th sb of the year.

95, that is not a typo.

Rolen fields a pop up, one out.

After he gets to one hundred, maybe the Reds should stop running Hamilton so much.

What benefit is there for him to be stealing all these bases in the minor leagues?

Maybe resume when he advances to a new level and sees more polished pickoff moves.

[kaldaniels]

Billy Hamilton just stole 3rd for his 95th sb of the year.

95, that is not a typo.

Without watching him, what gets me is, the other team knows it is coming.

[Kc61]

Sandoval walks, two on for the Giants. Belt the batter. One out.

[VR]

Without watching him, what gets me is, the other team knows it is coming.

Exactly. It's June 29th, by the way.


Pennant race, he's gotta be up in September.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Rolen fields a pop up, one out.

After he gets to one hundred, maybe the Reds should stop running Hamilton so much.

What benefit is there for him to be stealing all these bases in the minor leagues?

Maybe resume when he advances to a new level and sees more polished pickoff moves.

I don't think there is any benefit to these prolific numbers. Promote the guy to Dayton or somewhere else and see what happens. He must steal a bag every other time he reaches first.

[Kc61]

I don't think there is any benefit to these prolific numbers. Promote the guy to Dayton or somewhere else and see what happens. He must steal a bag every other time he reaches first.

Pensacola would be the next stop for Billy. After the all star break.

Force out at second. Argument that runner interfered and prevented the double play. Let's see what the umps say.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Bullsh!t breakup by Panda right there. Tripped Cozart. Hitter should be out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yep, he grabbed Cozart so he should be out. Good call.

[kaldaniels]

Don't think they had the DP. But good call due to pandas grab.

[Kc61]

Blatant. Good call.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Blatant. Good call.

Not blatant....dirty. You can hurt a guy doing that.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Umps get together...good overturn. That was blatant. Grabbed Cozart...glad he wasn't injured right there with left knee.

[elfmanvt07]

Good on the umps for conferencing. See too little of that.

[REDSEER]

Good conference by the umps. I don't think there was any chance we actually finished the double play (especially because Cozart was having trouble getting a handle), but you can't just grab someone like that.

By the way - and we take these plays for granted now - what a play by DatDude.

[Kc61]

Ok Reds, let's not have one of those games when the offense scores early and then goes to sleep.

Fifth inning, Stubbs, Votto, Phillips, let's do some business here.

[11larkin11]

Between the legs, batting the ball with his hand.... Brandon is just playing with people now. And I love it.

[VR]

Cutters, fastballs, sliders, sinkers, changeups, and curveballs so far for Leake tonight.


A little disappointed he can't throw a screwball......whatever.

[VottoFan54]

Not blatant....dirty. You can hurt a guy doing that.

Do you really think that Sandoval was trying to injure Cozart?

[Kc61]

Fly out by Stubbs.

Votto diminishes his season's performance by only getting a single.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Votto. He goes the other way. I've never seen THAT before. :O)

And no, I don't think he was trying to HURT Zack...just saying that you don't do that because you CAN hurt the guy.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Good conference by the umps. I don't think there was any chance we actually finished the double play (especially because Cozart was having trouble getting a handle), but you can't just grab someone like that.

By the way - and we take these plays for granted now - what a play by DatDude.


Between the legs, batting the ball with his hand.... Brandon is just playing with people now. And I love it.

Many hours of practice and extreme athleticism. He amazes me almost every day. Great fluid play.

[kaldaniels]

Do you really think that Sandoval was trying to injure Cozart?

No one said that. But that sort of action is dangerous.

[Plus Plus]

Do you really think that Sandoval was trying to injure Cozart?

I wouldn't say that the intent of a "purpose pitch," personal foul in football, or a flagrant 2 in the NBA is always to injure, but those are calls that are made because they can injure someone. Sandoval's play was in that category- sliding past Cozart and grabbing his knee as he slid into him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cutters, fastballs, sliders, sinkers, changeups, and curveballs so far for Leake tonight.


A little disappointed he can't throw a screwball......whatever.

He's saving the screwgie for the playoffs. :p

[Kc61]

Pirates beat Cards. Brad Lincoln with three excellent innings of relief. Cards bullpen, not so good.

[VottoFan54]

And no, I don't think he was trying to HURT Zack...just saying that you don't do that because you CAN hurt the guy.

Ok, I thought that was what you meant when you used the word dirty, thanks for the clarification.

[BCubb2003]

Many hours of practice and extreme athleticism. He amazes me almost every day. Great fluid play.

He's inventing his own game, the way Eric Davis used to.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ok, I thought that was what you meant when you used the word dirty, thanks for the clarification.

np

[TheNext44]

Without watching him, what gets me is, the other team knows it is coming.

Seen him a bunch out here in Cali. Basically, unless he stumbles, or there's a pitchout, there is no way to throw him out. Seen a few perfect throws that weren't even close.

[Kc61]

Brandon Ks. Tough matchup for him. Hope he still doesn't have the cobwebs.

[kaldaniels]

Cutters, fastballs, sliders, sinkers, changeups, and curveballs so far for Leake tonight.


A little disappointed he can't throw a screwball......whatever.

He throws 6 different pitches at least 8% of the time.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just SCORCHING the ball is Bruce! Need ya on third Joey!

[VottoFan54]

I wouldn't say that the intent of a "purpose pitch," personal foul in football, or a flagrant 2 in the NBA is always to injure, but those are calls that are made because they can injure someone. Sandoval's play was in that category- sliding past Cozart and grabbing his knee as he slid into him.

FWIW, I absolutely agree with the call.

[_Sir_Charles_]

No. Votto was out.

[kaldaniels]

No. Votto was out.

I love you CB!!!!!!

[REDSEER]

Bruce looking good. Start of the Jay Bruce hot streak™?

[Kc61]

Bruce swinging the heck out of it tonight, singles Votto to third on a very close play at third.

Giants announcers, of course, think Joey was out but admitted it was too close to complain about.

Ludwick up in a big spot for the Reds.0-2 count on him.

[Kc61]

Ludwick out on a check swing soft liner to first.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

I love you CB!!!!!!

group makeup call for the 'bang bang' at 2nd on the steal of 2nd 2 innings ago.

[TheNext44]

Bruce looking good. Start of the Jay Bruce hot streak™?

Well, there was recent action in the "Jay Bruce is slumping" thread, so...

[_Sir_Charles_]

By the way...people can stop pointing to the run differential for the Pirates. It's on the positive side now. +3.

[Kc61]

By the way...people can stop pointing to the run differential for the Pirates. It's on the positive side now. +3.

After winning 14-5, not surprised.

[REDSEER]

Does anyone else think that Jay Bruce bobblehead looks nothing like him?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Does anyone else think that Jay Bruce bobblehead looks nothing like him?

I don't know, is it scorching liners all over the place?

[VR]

Well, there was recent action in the "Jay Bruce is slumping" thread, so...

Bruce and Votto 5-6 vs the all-star Cain. Mui bueno.

[_Sir_Charles_]

GRD for Crawford.

[REDSEER]

I don't know, is it scorching liners all over the place?

:lol:

[Kc61]

Bad pitch by Leake there, ahead in the count, should be able to handle eighth hitter Crawford.

Too bad. Only the fifth inning, still plenty of time.

[_Sir_Charles_]

KK

[Kc61]

One out on a fouled bunt by the pitcher. One out, man on second. Top of the Giants order coming up.

[The Operator]

Any chance The Reds send Sandoval a message pitch next time he's up?

Never liked him at all, that blatant take-out only affirms that.

[VR]

Cain can't get 3 bunt attempts down against Leake's sinker. He's got action tonight.

/cue....."that's what she said"

[_Sir_Charles_]

Any chance The Reds send Sandoval a message pitch next time he's up?

Never liked him at all, that blatant take-out only affirms that.

No. Don't see it happening.

[Kc61]

With all these lefties in the game for the Giants tonight, if Dusty goes to the pen, I hope we see Marshall and Chapman and, if necessary, Bray.

Kind of like "oh yeah?"

[PuffyPig]

By the way...people can stop pointing to the run differential for the Pirates. It's on the positive side now. +3.

Just because they are +3 doesn`t mean they are going to win the divison.

It`s not a question of being + means you are a contender and a - means you are a cellar dweller.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Grounder to Votto. Tossed to Leake. 2 down, runner advances to third.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just because they are +3 doesn`t mean they are going to win the divison.

It`s not a question of being + means you are a contender and a - means you are a cellar dweller.

I don't know of ANYBODY who's implied that they'd win the division. I've defended the Pirates probably more than anybody and I don't think they have a chance at beating us for the pennant. But I do think they finish above the Cards in 2nd and above .500.

And I was really referring to the comments of "I won't take the Pirates seriously until they've scored more runs than they've allowed" that I've read numerous times.

[PuffyPig]

With all these lefties in the game for the Giants tonight, if Dusty goes to the pen, I hope we see Marshall and Chapman and, if necessary, Bray.

Kind of like "oh yeah?"

If it`s close you will, as Marshall and Chapman have the 8-9 innings covered anyway.

[Kc61]

Theriot up with a .309 OBP. Too bad the Reds got rid of him, he would have fit right in.

[VR]

83 mph slider followed by a 91 mph sinker. *like.

[kaldaniels]

What pitcher has surprised/impressed me the most this year?

Mike Leake.

After his start to the year I thought the league had him figured out.

[The Operator]

Theriot up with a .309 OBP. Too bad the Reds got rid of him, he would have fit right in.When was he ever a Red?

[VR]

Theriot up with a .309 OBP. Too bad the Reds got rid of him, he would have fit right in.

Got rid of him?

[Kc61]

Leake falls behind Theriot (why?) then makes a nice pitch, fouled off.

Full count. Grounder to Cozart.

Fifth inning in a row, Giants man in scoring position, Leake gets the out.

Mike has been excellent of late, good for him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ground out to Cozart by Theriot. Still throwing up zeros is Leake. 3-0 reds after 5 full.

[PuffyPig]

Theriot up with a .309 OBP. Too bad the Reds got rid of him, he would have fit right in.

He`s never played for the Reds.

[Kc61]

When was he ever a Red?

Sorry. Who am I confusing him with? Middle infielder a couple of years ago, Reds had in spring training and let him go, former Cardinal?

[kbrake]

Sorry. Who am I confusing him with? Middle infielder a couple of years ago, Reds had in spring training and let him go, former Cardinal?

Aaron Miles.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Miles?

[Kc61]

Aaron Miles.

Correct. Sorry.

[VR]

What pitcher has surprised/impressed me the most this year?

Mike Leake.

After his start to the year I thought the league had him figured out.


2.57 earnie over his last 9 starts (including tonight) since May 11th.

'wow'

[_Sir_Charles_]

oh fer 14 now.

[Kc61]

Think Rolen is starting to plan for the press conference?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Think Rolen is starting to plan for the press conference?

As sad as it is to say it...I think both he and Cairo are done.

[VR]

As sad as it is to say it...I think both he and Cairo are done.

At least Scotty has the leather.

[kaldaniels]

Think Rolen is starting to plan for the press conference?

Are we way ahead of ourselves? Yes.

But the break would be the perfect time. If he believes he is done
of course.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pretty pitch. Mes K's.

[kaldaniels]

Mes Mes Mes......

[Kc61]

Poor Mes. Trying to be patient, getting called out on strikes frequently.

Tough being a rookie.

[VR]

Think Rolen is starting to plan for the press conference?

I've never, ever seen a player work harder in pregame than Rolen. It's almost over the top. Grounder after grounder after grounder after grounder.

At his age, and in his condition, that cannot be a positive.

[VottoFan54]

Leake!!!!!!

[kaldaniels]

Awesome.

[REDSEER]

I'll be owning startleakeinleftfield.com shortly.

:)

[Plus Plus]

Is it sad that on that Leake home run, all that I could think about was the 2008-09 debate about Micah Owings' place in the Reds' rotation?

[BCubb2003]

I'll be owning startleakeinleftfield.com shortly.

:)

And he can break up the lefties.

[kaldaniels]

I wonder if the adrenaline of hitting a home run causes a pitcher to overthrow.

[Kc61]

Cabrera leads off with a single. Posey up. Reds by four, bottom six.

[VR]

I wonder if the adrenaline of hitting a home run causes a pitcher to overthrow.

Not Leake. He's like Hannibal Lechter. Cooler than the other side of the pillow.

[Kc61]

Double play on Leake's 70th pitch.

[kaldaniels]

By my count Leake and Arroyo are the "junkballers" of the staff. Yet they are the pitchers most likely to hit a home run. Go figure.

[Kc61]

Pagan singles to left, hard hit grounder Rolen couldn't get to.

[Kc61]

Sandoval first pitch hitting, grounds to Votto. Inning over.

[REDSEER]

Our defense really is amazing. Pretty much all around the field depending on who's in left.

[VottoFan54]

That was the first time in Cain's career that an opposing pitcher hit a HR off of him.

[VR]

Our defense really is amazing. Pretty much all around the field depending on who's in left.

No, Mike Leake is amazing. The Aztec calendar has his Cinco de Mayo party chiseled in.

[Kc61]

6-3. One out. Votto coming up.

[VR]

Hamilton steals 3rd again, his 96th.

It's Tecmo baseball flashbacks for me.

[Kc61]

4-3. Votto down.

[Kc61]

BP shakes off the cobwebs and singles to left.

[kaldaniels]

Yes, Dickey has a 1 hitter in the sixth inning going.

[VR]

Ok Jay. Show us how hot you are and stick one in the bay.

[VR]

Yes, Dickey has a 1 hitter thru in the sixth inning going.

I believe Dickey means "1-hitter" in Latin.

[Kc61]

BP steals second.

[VottoFan54]

Bruce RBI double to the RF corner. He is hitting well.

[kaldaniels]

Slumping Votto and Bruce!

[REDSEER]

4 hit night for Bruce. Huge game.

[Kc61]

Bruce lines an RBI double. Best stroke I've seen from Jay this year and since last May. One line drive after the other.

[WebScorpion]

Bye-bye Mr. Cain. :wave:

[Kc61]

Dickey with 10 Ks against LA, one hitter going.

[PuffyPig]

I believe Dickey means "1-hitter" in Latin.

It means something else in "Italian"....

[VR]

Bruce lines an RBI double. Best stroke I've seen from Jay this year and since last May. One line drive after the other.

pffft. Not in the bay. Whatever Jay.

[kaldaniels]

If Dusty takes Bruce out now, would that extend his hot streak by a few innings on the back end?

[VR]

Bye-bye Mr. Cain. :wave:

I was in SF today. Drove down 101 to the airport and saw a huge Audi billboard with Matt Cain on it that said PERFECT.


Not tonight sonny boy.

[Kc61]

I said today that I wished Jay's OBP was twenty points higher. It now may be.

Hensley pitching to Ludwick with Bruce on second, two outs in the seventh, Reds by five.

[VottoFan54]

Bruce thrown out at home standing up. IMO, he needs to slide on that one.

[Kc61]

Single by Ludwick, Bruce thrown out at home. Bruce tried to run through it, no slide, cost him. Five nothing Reds bottom seven.

[Plus Plus]

FWIW, Mike Leake has never completed a game in his young career.

[PuffyPig]

Was the on deck guy signaling Bruce to slide?

[REDSEER]

Keeping along with our Mike Leake is awesome game thread....he is OPS'ing a cool 1.000 this year.

[Kc61]

Couldn't tell if anyone was signalling for a slide, but Jay was coming home very hard and probably was committed to run through. FWIW, just saw the replay and he's probably out even with the slide.

Bruce catches long fly out for the first out of the seventh.

[Kc61]

Crawford strikes out.

Aaron Harang apparently with the only hit against RA Dickey tonight so far.

Dickey has been amazing this year.

[Kc61]

Another lefty hitter for the Giants. They are the team that has them all. Base hit, two outs, one on.

[Kc61]

Blanco up. Nice running catch by Ryan Ludwick.

Blanco is a lefty by the way, wouldn't be a bad guy for the Reds to acquire. Giants have about a million lefty hitters.

[kaldaniels]

All this pregame talk about another shutout....

[Kc61]

All this pregame talk about another shutout....

Mets lead Dodgers 8-0. RA Dickey just got a single. At the plate, I'll take Leake thank you.

[Kc61]

Inning eight. Rolen up. Grounds to short.

[BCubb2003]

Mets lead Dodgers 8-0. RA Dickey just got a single. At the plate, I'll take Leake thank you.

Leake is leading Dickey and Harang at the plate tonight.

[Kc61]

Mes doubles down the left field line. Nice at bat, patient, took a strike he should have swung at, then drilled the hit.

[kaldaniels]

Mes has the power thing going for him. With Hanny I'm usually expecting a slap single.

[VR]

Mes doubles down the left field line. Nice at bat, patient, took a strike he should have swung at, then drilled the hit.

Disappointing 1st 1/2 from Mes.....really need him 2nd half, let's hope he's learning.

[Kc61]

Leake flies out in a rare display of human performance for a pitcher at the plate.

Mes is showing some good things, I'm confident he'll get it going.

[Kc61]

Cozart fans to end the top of the eighth.

[Kc61]

Theriot grounds to third.

[kaldaniels]

A shutout would be pretty but Leake should just pitch to the score and finish this.

[Kc61]

Cabrera out, 4-3.

[kaldaniels]

Kelch asks Welsh if the pitcher is the one who decides the home teams color uniform to wear....huh?

[Kc61]

Posey flies out. Leake at 101 pitches. Leake's ERA, which was so poor, is now just a tad over 4.

[REDSEER]

Kelch asks Welsh if the pitcher is the one who decides the home teams color uniform to wear....huh?

FWIW, that's what we did on my college team if there was a choice to be made.

[WebScorpion]

That's 101 pitches through 8 innings. Do you send him back out there or bring in Hey-roll-dis?

[VR]

Posey flies out. Leake at 101 pitches. Leake's ERA, which was so poor, is now just a tad over 4.

Top 40 in the league, along with top 40 in IP now. Impressive considering where he was in early May.

[Kc61]

That's 101 pitches through 8 innings. Do you send him back out there or bring in Hey-roll-dis?

Let him pitch. I think the eighth was his first one, two, three inning. He's in complete command. Posey, the cleanup man, is out of the way.

[kaldaniels]

FWIW, that's what we did on my college team if there was a choice to be made.

Yeah I suppose that makes it a somewhat reasonable question, but even I know that is a decision the suits make when it comes to the pros...not a specific player.

[Kc61]

Stubbs grounds out.

[WVRedsFan]

No power and no TV. Little cellular internet. Loving this regardless

[Kc61]

Votto with his third hit, a single to right. He's got potential.

[VR]

Sheesh.....Harangs single against Dickey could have easily been caught.