7.15.12 Cards at Cincy - Sunday night baseball

[edabbs44]

Zack Cozart 6
Chris Heisey 8
Joey Votto 3
Brandon Phillips 4
Jay Bruce 9
Ryan Ludwick 7
Scott Rolen 5
Devin Mesoraco 2
Homer Bailey 1

vs. RH Jake Westbrook.

Let's bring the brooms.

[Crumbley]

Back to back starts for Mesoraco, very interesting. First time since April.

[Kc61]

Back to back starts for Mesoraco, very interesting. First time since April.

Devin is the personal catcher for Leake and Bailey, so it's not unusual that he would be catching tonight. It's the result of switching Bailey and Cueto in the rotation order (due to Cueto's blister).

I would expect Hanigan to catch the next three games, Arroyo, Cueto, Latos.

If Mes catches one of THOSE games, there would be a scoop.

Really, I don't see the Reds changing the catching rotation at all this year. Hanigan catches three guys, Mes two guys.

Next year, different story.

[Degenerate39]

Free Frazier

[Captain Hook]

Free Frazier

I'm really disappointed that Todd Frazier isn't the Reds starting third baseman. The fact that I really like Rolen makes it easier to swallow but it still doesn't seem right.

[WVRedsFan]

Added incentive with the Pirates losing earlier today. You have to wonder when teams will start pitching around McCutcheon. He's pretty much all they have. Teams always pitch around Votto. I demand equal treatment :).

Frazier missing just proves the Dusty veteran theory. With Ludwick the veteran being hot and Rolen the veteran stating to hit, just leave the kids on the bench. Cozart wouldn't be in there if there was any other option.

Let's sweep.

[redsmetz]

I'm really disappointed that Todd Frazier isn't the Reds starting third baseman. The fact that I really like Rolen makes it easier to swallow but it still doesn't seem right.

Rolen's career numbers are fairly good against Westbrook, 4 for 13 (with one walk), .308/.308/.615/.923 with one double and one homer. Now I'm not sure that history does us much good with the present day Scott Rolen, but the record is there. Lets hope he lives up to it.

[Captain Hook]

Rolen's career numbers are fairly good against Westbrook, 4 for 13 (with one walk), .308/.308/.615/.923 with one double and one homer. Now I'm not sure that history does us much good with the present day Scott Rolen, but the record is there. Lets hope he lives up to it.

Rolen's needs to start some but back to back starts tell me that he's going to get the majority of them.I thought is was going to be Frazier after he got the start in game one and hit a HR but I guess I was wrong. Maybe if he had hit two!

[WVRedsFan]

Didn't know until now that Cueto has a blister and Homer is starting. That's quite a blow to a sweep. Homer is homer-prone and against the Cardinal offense, that is not good. The Reds must score 6 or 7 tonight to win.

[nate]

Chat is open!

[Reds Fanatic]

Furcal grounds out to Bailey

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice play by Cozart. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Holliday singles off the wall in right and goes to 2nd on an error on Bruce

[Crumbley]

Bruce's regression in RF is extremely disappointing.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice play by Votto to save a run. 0-0 mid 1st.

[kaldaniels]

Bruce's regression in RF is extremely disappointing.

Aside from a few memorable gaffes, has he regressed - I truly don't know here.

[edabbs44]

Bruce's regression in RF is extremely disappointing.

There was a time where multiple people were calling him the best fielding RF in baseball.

[Reds Freak]

What's the over/under on how many times the size of the ballpark is mentioned tonight?

[WVRedsFan]

Jay must be preoccupied. I think that's three of those where he just missed getting the ball out of his glove. Strange.

[BCubb2003]

What's the over/under on how many times the size of the ballpark is mentioned tonight?

The drinking game would leave you blotto by the fifth.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cozart flies out to right. Running catch by Beltran.

They changed Holliday's hit to a double.

[WVRedsFan]

Hot foot

[Reds Fanatic]

Heisey infield hit off Westbrook's foot.

[kaldaniels]

Cozart flies out to right. Running catch by Beltran.

They changed Holliday's hit to a double.

Ahh home cooking, once the runner is stranded take the error away.

Seriously though no error is the right call.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto lines a single to right. 1st and 3rd.

[OesterPoster]

Slump over.

[Reds Fanatic]

Slump over.

That was one of the best hit balls Votto has had since the knee injury

[NJReds]

Beltran made two very nice plays in RF ... The catch on Cozart, and holding Votto to a single.

[OesterPoster]

Datdudedp

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds into a 4-6-3 DP. 0-0 after 1.

[REDSEER]

Yuck. Like clockwork.

[Tom Servo]

DatDudeDP strikes again.

[Degenerate39]

Dat Dude DP

[WVRedsFan]

I don't remember BP hitting into so many DP. Whats up with that?

[kbrake]

I don't remember BP hitting into so many DP. Whats up with that?

I think its your memory man, pretty sure he's always hit into a ton.

[BCubb2003]

Phillips needs to lead off.

[Reds Freak]

I don't think Westbrook threw Phillips a strike in that at bat.

[WVRedsFan]

Phillips needs to lead off.

Tell Dusty. I think everyone here agrees. Boggles the mind

[Reds Fanatic]

Berkman reaches on an error on Votto.

[WVRedsFan]

I think its your memory man, pretty sure he's always hit into a ton.

Just checked. You are correct, sir. Posts go way back

[edabbs44]

Hoping this isn't another national tv beauty.

[Reds Fanatic]

Molina doubles to left center. 1-0 Cards.

[kbrake]

Hoping this isn't another national tv beauty.

Well on its way.

[Kc61]

I don't understand what it is with Brandon on the DPs.

On TV, it seems like he takes a long time for him to get to first base. Maybe he's slower than he seems, or maybe he is slow getting out of the box.

Nice piece of hitting by Molina there, got a low pitch and drove it.

[Reds Freak]

Hoping this isn't another national tv beauty.

Haha, I just came to expect a loss tonight. Never play well on Sunday night games. Just glad they got the first two...

[BCubb2003]

Tell Dusty. I think everyone here agrees. Boggles the mind

It's not the easiest chant, but the first base side can do "Phillips must!" and the third base side can do "Lead off!"

[WVRedsFan]

Votto's miscue leads to a run. We have seen very poor fielding tonight.

[edabbs44]

I don't understand what it is with Brandon on the DPs.

On TV, it seems like he takes a long time for him to get to first base. Maybe he's slower than he seems, or maybe he is slow getting out of the box.

Nice piece of hitting by Molina there, got a low pitch and drove it.

I'd like to see if he sees more DP opportunities than the average hitter.

[Reds Fanatic]

An ugly play turns into an out. Bailey attempts a pickoff. The throws gets away but Cozart recovers and thows Molina out at 3rd.

[kbrake]

Got bailed out there. This team looks rough again in front of a national tv audience.

[Reds Fanatic]

Freese grounds out to 2nd.

[wheels]

They'll turn this one around. It's only 1-0.

[Reds Fanatic]

Schumaker flies out to center. 1-0 Cards mid 2nd.

[Degenerate39]

I loathe Molina

[BCubb2003]

They'll turn this one around. It's only 1-0.

At this rate it'll be 4.5 to 0.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce grounds out to 2nd into the shift.

[Kc61]

I'd like to see if he sees more DP opportunities than the average hitter.

Brandon, of course, hits behind Votto. Joey is always on base, so that gives BP his share of DP opportunities.

Brandon has a 47.5% ground ball rate. Pretty high.

Votto, for example, is 37.9%. I would assume that's near perfect, because Joey has great batted ball distribution.

(Stubbs has a 52.9% ground ball rate.)

I still think Brandon seems slow down to first, but whatever, the game continues.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ludwick pops out to 2nd.

[Reds Freak]

I almost hate when the Reds play at home on national TV because I can't stand to hear the announcers harp on the ballpark. We get it, a lot of home runs are hit here...

[Reds Fanatic]

Rolen singles to center.

[Reds Fanatic]

Mesoraco grounds into a 6-4 FC. 1-0 Cards after 2.

[kaldaniels]

I almost hate when the Reds play at home on national TV because I can't stand to hear the announcers harp on the ballpark. We get it, a lot of home runs are hit here...

On the other hand they've already harped on Votto never having runners on base.

[Reds Fanatic]

Westbrook grounds out to 3rd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Furcal grounds out to 2nd.

[WVRedsFan]

1-2-3 yessiree

[Reds Fanatic]

Quick inning. Jay flies out to left. 6 pitches that inning. 1-0 Cards mid 3rd.

[11larkin11]

That Bailey guy is a scrub.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bailey strikes out swinging.

[RedlegJake]

Best I've seen Bailey look this year at GAB granting its only the third

[Reds Fanatic]

Cozart grounds out to short.

[Reds Fanatic]

Heisey lines a single to left. His 2nd hit tonight.

[WVRedsFan]

Slump really over

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto lines a double to left. Throw is just off and Heisey scores. Tie game 1-1.

[Reds Fanatic]

If that throw was on line he would have been out.

[kaldaniels]

Fire Berry!

[REDSEER]

Pretty tentative slide there by Heisey at home. Good call by Berry to send him there.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips lines a single to right. 2-1 Reds!

[WVRedsFan]

Need about 5 more :).

[edabbs44]

Shut it Hershiser. Who names their kid Orel, anyway?

[Reds Freak]

Hersisher talking about the ballpark giving up runs after a single, double, single. For some reason, it's really bothering me tonight. Are those hits not hits in other ballparks?

[WVRedsFan]

Shut it Hershiser. Who names their kid Orel, anyway?

I always called him Anal when he pitched for the Dodgers.

[edabbs44]

Hersisher talking about the ballpark giving up runs after a single, double, single. For some reason, it's really bothering me tonight. Are those hits not hits in other ballparks?

The park gives hitters confidence. Supposedly.

[Tom Servo]

Hersisher talking about the ballpark giving up runs after a single, double, single. For some reason, it's really bothering me tonight. Are those hits not hits in other ballparks?
The Braves announcers were the worst in that series where we swept them, using the term 'bandbox' about 100 times a night.

[REDSEER]

Hersisher talking about the ballpark giving up runs after a single, double, single. For some reason, it's really bothering me tonight. Are those hits not hits in other ballparks?

No, you don't get it. It's all about the "confidence" that they have at the plate because of the ballpark.

[/sarcasm]

[kaldaniels]

BP and Yadi smoke peace pipe.

[OesterPoster]

The park gives hitters confidence. Supposedly.

Yet the Reds hit 7 dingers at Petco this year. :)

[kaldaniels]

No, you don't get it. It's all about the "confidence" that they have at the plate because of the ballpark.

[/sarcasm]

I chalked it up to magic.

[BCubb2003]

There should be fewer extra-base hits at least in GABP because of the size.

[gilpdawg]

The Braves announcers were the worst in that series where we swept them, using the term 'bandbox' about 100 times a night.

It is a bunch of crap. The other team plays in the same conditions.

[edabbs44]

The Braves announcers were the worst in that series where we swept them, using the term 'bandbox' about 100 times a night.

I remember the NYY announcers being beside themselves when they first played there years ago. The Reds beat up on them the first 2 games. Then the Yanks broke out in game 3 and you didnt hear a word about the park.

[Reds Freak]

Bruce's lineout would have been a bloop hit in a lot of other ballparks...

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce lines out to center. 2-1 Reds after 3.

[WVRedsFan]

I always called him Anal when he pitched for the Dodgers.


Bruce's lineout would have been a bloop hit in a lot of other ballparks...

:laugh:

[Kc61]

I watch on EI quite a bit. I hear the opposing announcers quite a bit. They often drive me absolutely nuts.

I think ESPN puts on a quality telecast and I like the announcers. They are well informed and the overall telecast gets into pretty good depth about the Reds. I'll defend these guys.

By the way, the Mets radio announcers were highly complimentary about Janish's defense today for the Bravos. Paul had a good game afield.

[BCubb2003]

I think we should start playing it up: The Terrifying Bandbox of Doom.

[RedlegJake]

BCubb LOL

[Reds Freak]

I'm enjoying the ESPN announcers for the most part. But the talk about the park gets old...

[RedlegJake]

I agree KC - seems like they've been complimentary of the Reds all night. If anything they are favoring the Reds in the telecast. Supposed peace parley intunnel huh? That's news. They shoulda had the fans - if they wanted fistfights!

[OesterPoster]

I'm not going to get too upset with Francona...since he'll be managing the Reds next year.

[RedlegJake]

I'm not going to get too upset with Francona...since he'll be managing the Reds next year.

I wish

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice pitch. Holliday strikes out swinging.

[kaldaniels]

Sub-4 ERA alert...

[Reds Fanatic]

Beltran grounds out to Mesoraco.

[bellhead]

Baily is dialed in tonight..

[Chip R]

I think we should start playing it up: The Terrifying Bandbox of Doom.

Remember when the mound was supposed to be flatter than the others? I always thought they should have played that up more and got it into the other pitchers' heads.

[Reds Fanatic]

Wow that pitch looked good. Berkman walks.

[kbrake]

Squeezed.

[Reds Fanatic]

That pitch was perfect.

[Reds Fanatic]

Molina singles to right. 1st and 2nd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Freese flies out to left. 2-1 Reds mid 4th.

[BCubb2003]

Remember when the mound was supposed to be flatter than the others? I always thought they should have played that up more and got it into the other pitchers' heads.

And no humidor can help you!

[OesterPoster]

I thought he crushed that. Just missed it.

[RedlegJake]

Joe West being a bit stingy tonight

[Reds Fanatic]

Ludwick lines out to short.

[gilpdawg]

Scotty looks like he's swinging well.

[Reds Fanatic]

Rolen flies out to left.

[Reds Fanatic]

Mesoraco lines a single to left

[Reds Fanatic]

Bailey grounds into a FC at short. 2-1 Reds after 4.

[11larkin11]

Joe West being a bit stingy tonight
So... Joe West is being Joe West?

[RedlegJake]

little tings, little things - what Devin's hit does is get the pitcher out of the way. Bigger than just any other single.

[RedlegJake]

So... Joe West is being Joe West?

Yeah - they should make every home plate ump watch the pitch fx replays of his game's calls after every game. Maybe after a while some of them would learn where the zone actually is

[Reds Fanatic]

Bloop hit to left center for Descalso

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice play by Mesoraco on a 2-6 FC.

[Reds Fanatic]

Furcal singles to left. 1st and 2nd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Jay fouls out to short. 2 outs.

[Reds Freak]

Dangerous situation right here. Holliday hits Bailey well..

[Reds Fanatic]

Holliday grounds into a 5-4 FC. 2-1 Reds mid 5th.

[RedlegJake]

Mesaraco saved a run on that gun to 2nd. Kid has an arm

[RedlegJake]

I was sweating when Holliday came up.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cozart pops out to 2nd.

[reds44]

Oh I can't wait for Stubbs to be in CF and batting 2nd tomorrow.

[Reds Fanatic]

Heisey reaches on a ball off Westbrook's glove. Infield hit. Heisey's 3rd hit tonight

[edabbs44]

Oh I can't wait for Stubbs to be in CF and batting 2nd tomorrow.

The Heisey Phenomenon...does just enough to win you over, then slowly kills you over time.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto grounds into a 4-6-3 DP. 2-1 Reds after 5.

[Reds Freak]

Votto ran down to first pretty gingerly there..

[RedlegJake]

Yes he did. That knee is scaring the heck out of me.

[Kc61]

The Heisey Phenomenon...does just enough to win you over, then slowly kills you over time.

11 walks in 229 plate appearances going into tonight's game for Heisey this year.

[Brutus]

The Heisey Phenomenon...does just enough to win you over, then slowly kills you over time.

At this point, Heisey's career OPS is 40 points higher than Stubbs and statistically speaking, his defense is comparable if not arguably better.

There's really no reason one can't justify Heisey being a better option.

[RedsfaninMT]

Yes he did. That knee is scaring the heck out of me.

Have they done an MRI yet? I've yet to read that he has had an examination, and if not, that is negligence to the nth degree IMHO.

[RedlegJake]

His 3.5 pitches per plate appearance has lowered too. Bottom ten in baseball I believe.

[Reds Fanatic]

Beltran singles to center.

[RedlegJake]

Have they done an MRI yet? I've yet to read that he has had an examination, and if not, that is negligence to the nth degree IMHO.

Not sure about that. All I know is he looks to be favoring it a lot

[Kc61]

Not sure about that. All I know is he looks to be favoring it a lot

That time, I thought Joey knew it was a DP so he just didn't push it.

Phillips, unreal play.

[Reds Fanatic]

4-6-3 DP. Nice play by Phillips.

[BCubb2003]

DatDudeDP the good way.

[Reds Fanatic]

Crap. Molina homers to left center. Tie game 2-2.

[Tom Servo]

Yadier Molina is literally the worst person in the world.

[RedlegJake]

Keeping booing Molina crowd - you're feeding the dude!

[Playadlc]

Has to be brutal to pitch in Cincinnati.

What an absolute garbage HR.

[kbrake]

Looked like it was well below the knee. That just sucks.

[Patrick Bateman]

At this point, Heisey's career OPS is 40 points higher than Stubbs and statistically speaking, his defense is comparable if not arguably better.

There's really no reason one can't justify Heisey being a better option.

I don't see Heisey being a better defensive CF than Stubbs by any margin. There is minor sample size out there for Heisey in CF. IMO, from watching, Stubbs looks much better out there, which seems reasonable considering their athletic attributes.

I still feel that assuming Stubbs' BAPIP regresses, that his overall game is an upgrade on Heisey. At his best, Stubbs has posted 4 WAR seasons, something that Heisey has not shown in CF.

[redsmetz]

Keeping booing Molina crowd - you're feeding the dude!

I said this on Friday when we were at the game. I'd be really curious to see what his stats have been in games here since "the fight." Anyone know how to check that somewhere?

[RedlegJake]

LOL - gotta hand it to him - getting booed like crazy and he's killing us. I have no animus toward Molina. He hit a bad pitch out. When fans get on a guy like Molina all I think it does is make him bear down and get better...

[kbrake]

LOL - gotta hand it to him - getting booed like crazy and he's killing us. I have no animus toward Molina. He hit a bad pitch out. When fans get on a guy like Molina all I think it does is make him bear down and get better...

That was a bad pitch? Breaking ball out of the strike zone?

[RedlegJake]

that's when your fans are your worst enemies and they don;t even know it

[Reds Fanatic]

Freese walks

[RedlegJake]

That was a bad pitch? Breaking ball out of the strike zone?

not bad on Bailey's part - no no - a bad as in out of the zone meaning simply that - a bad pitch a ball

[Tom Servo]

That was a bad pitch? Breaking ball out of the strike zone?
Which seems to be all of the ones Molina is killing us with, swinging at balls at his ankles or down and away.

[Kc61]

Homer at 78 pitches, now 79.

[Reds Fanatic]

Descalso grounds out to 3rd. 2-2 mid 6th.

[kbrake]

not bad on Bailey's part - no no - a bad as in out of the zone meaning simply that - a bad pitch a ball

My bad, I misunderstood you. Got you now.

[Kc61]

Homer pitching very well tonight. One of his better games at GABP. He had a little slump there a bit earlier in the season, but he's back on track now.

Not a great fit for GABP but much improved pitcher. And best of all he tends to come on strong in the late innings frequently.

[Brutus]

I don't see Heisey being a better defensive CF than Stubbs by any margin. There is minor sample size out there for Heisey in CF. IMO, from watching, Stubbs looks much better out there, which seems reasonable considering their athletic attributes.

I still feel that assuming Stubbs' BAPIP regresses, that his overall game is an upgrade on Heisey. At his best, Stubbs has posted 4 WAR seasons, something that Heisey has not shown in CF.

You might not. Others might not. But at best it's still pretty subjective either way. An argument could be made for either. To what sample we have for both, Heisey's UZR is progressing at a pace in CF that Stubbs' has progressed, though Stubbs' sample is obviously bigger.

To this point though, Heisey has been an overall better hitter through his career in his 700+ PAs.

[11larkin11]

Alright, so say we make the playoffs and get homefield advantage (still far in advance, but I was just thinking about this). I think most people assume it will be Cueto-Latos-Arroyo or some combination of that. Looking at Bailey's road stats, does he get a consideration for the third game which would be away, or maybe Game 4?

[RedlegJake]

Yeah - I agree Brutus and if he'd learn to be a tad more patient I think he'd be a much better hitter. At 3.5 pitches per appearance he's the worst on the Reds and it isn't even close. League average is just overage 3.8 Joey is over 4.25 no one else is below 3.73

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds out to short.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce flies out to right.

[Kc61]

Jay, the right field fence isn't that short.

[kaldaniels]

Hurry up guys, Breaking Bad is about to start.

[757690]

Jay, the right field fence isn't that short.

Well, in San Fran, he had a problem knowing were the wall was ;)

[Patrick Bateman]

You might not. Others might not. But at best it's still pretty subjective either way. An argument could be made for either. To what sample we have for both, Heisey's UZR is progressing at a pace in CF that Stubbs' has progressed, though Stubbs' sample is obviously bigger.

To this point though, Heisey has been an overall better hitter through his career in his 700+ PAs.

What do you see in Heisey's defensive game that is average or above average? I honestly just don't see it, and neither has any scouting report I have ever read.

[Tom Servo]

Hurry up guys, Breaking Bad is about to start.
They show it again at 11:35 :)

[Reds Fanatic]

Ludwick strikes out swinging on a pitch in the dirt. 2-2 after 6.

[WrongVerb]

If nothing else, it is great watching on espn and listening to real color analysts give gear insight into the play on the field for a change.

[reds44]

Yadier Molina is literally the worst person in the world.

http://static.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/jerry-sandusky-picture_505x281.png

[kaldaniels]

The defined meaning of literally has changed over the years, like it or not.

[Kc61]

Bailey gets the pitcher after falling behind 3-0. Ground out. Phew.

[Reds Fanatic]

Westbrook grounds out to 2nd.

[edabbs44]

What do you see in Heisey's defensive game that is average or above average? I honestly just don't see it, and neither has any scouting report I have ever read.

Part of the mystique, he looks great in small doses but the warts start to show when he gets consistent time.

[reds44]

Part of the mystique, he looks great in small doses but the warts start to show when he gets consistent time.
As opposed to Stubbs who is just always bad.

[RedlegJake]

Part of the mystique, he looks great in small doses but the warts start to show when he gets consistent time.

Like his impatience. His arm from the outfield.

[Reds Fanatic]

What a catch by Bruce.

[Reds Freak]

What was that about Bruce's defense regressing? :)

[Tom Servo]

The defined meaning of literally has changed over the years, like it or not.
It's okay, I was going for a Parks and Recreation reference.

[kaldaniels]

Regression rules!

[Brutus]

What do you see in Heisey's defensive game that is average or above average? I honestly just don't see it, and neither has any scouting report I have ever read.

I don't see anything in his game that suggests he's not average. His tools are decent all across the board but not exceptional in any one thing. That is basically an average outfielder.

Stubbs, though he might have better physical tools, has not manifested that talent into production. At this point, I don't see anything to suggest the lightbulb is going to go on for him.

Even if Stubbs is a slightly better defender, Heisey has been a better hitter. A .756 OPS for a CF is pretty good. That's Heisey's career number to this point.

Interestingly, Heisey's current career WAR (3.6) would be the same as Stubbs' (8.4) if extrapolated to the same number of plate appearances.

[reds44]

The defined meaning of literally has changed over the years, like it or not.
No. It's just used wrong, a lot.

[Reds Fanatic]

Jay grounds out to 2nd. 2-2 mid 7th.

[RedlegJake]

Good outing by Bailey. Really, really solid.

[kaldaniels]

It's okay, I was going for a Parks and Recreation reference.

No problem. This thread is now tainted by Sandusky though :eek:

[kaldaniels]

No. It's just used wrong, a lot.

Check your dictionary. I know people don't like it, but the meaning has been amended.

[edabbs44]

As opposed to Stubbs who is just always bad.

If this regime believes Stubbs to be a better play than Heisey, I believe them. They have a fairly good track record in these situations.

[reds44]

Check your dictionary. I know people don't like it, but the meaning has been amended.
I stand corrected.

[kaldaniels]

I stand corrected.

It's all good. :beerme:

[RedlegJake]

If this regime believes Stubbs to be a better play than Heisey, I believe them. They have a fairly good track record in these situations.

I think they believe he COULD be a better player and they keep hoping to see it. Dusty's strength and his weakness. Track record spanning a year and a half now but he still hopes Drew will turn it on and gives him chances to prove it because you can't prove it if you ain't playing!.

[Reds Fanatic]

Rolen strikes out swinging

[edabbs44]

I think they believe he COULD be a better player and they keep hoping to see it. Dusty's strength and his weakness. Track record spanning a year and a half now but he still hopes Drew will turn it on and gives him chances to prove it because you can't prove it if you ain't playing!.

Also, they probably don't see the alternative to be that much of an upgrade from Stubbs. They think the odds are in their favor, but sooner or later they may have to cut bait.

[Patrick Bateman]

I don't see anything in his game that suggests he's not average. His tools are decent all across the board but not exceptional in any one thing. That is basically an average outfielder.



I don't think that description is consistent with an average fielding CF. That to me seems like a potentially quality or average fielding corner outfielder. There are plenty of guys that fit that description that aren't even great fielders in the corner.

As far as hitting goes, Heisey is still small sample size, has been matched up more by Baker, not exposed to regular playing time that a an extrapolation is not necessarily fair. Especially that Heisey might have been accumulating more WAR in LF than CF (not sure on that).

I think it goes to show that they might be reasonably close, and the overall production that each provides is arguable. I certainly don't see anything that suggests that Heisey is obviously better.

[Kc61]

I think they believe he COULD be a better player and they keep hoping to see it. Dusty's strength and his weakness. Track record spanning a year and a half now but he still hopes Drew will turn it on and gives him chances to prove it because you can't prove it if you ain't playing!.

I don't think Dusty has much to do with it. Reds as a team have decided, until now, that Stubbs is the regular CF. Yes, Dusty could use Heisey a bit more, but the organization wants to give Stubbs every chance.

At this point, though, nobody would be surprised if the team found another guy for CF. I doubt they would give the regular every day job to Heisey.

[Reds Fanatic]

Mesoraco strikes out swinging. Bailey staying in.

[Reds Freak]

Mes has missed a couple of meatballs tonight.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bailey singles to center.

[edabbs44]

Mes has missed a couple of meatballs tonight.

The offense could get a nice boost if Mes could get going.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cozart flies out to left. 2-2 after 7.

[Kc61]

Cozart with a Jay Bruce upper cut swing pops to short left field.

[RedlegJake]

Kind of surprised they're staying with Bailey.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bailey and Westbrook both at 90 pitches

[reds44]

He's thrown 90 pitches. Why is anybody surprised?

[Kc61]

Kind of surprised they're staying with Bailey.

Dusty used a bunch of relievers in the first two games of this series. ESPN guys keep saying that Baker was concerned about too much pen usage tonight.

Arredondo didn't go yesterday, he's certaily available. Middle of the Cards order in the eighth, so we'll see how long Homer lasts.

[edabbs44]

Kind of surprised they're staying with Bailey.

Would rather see Berkman and Beltran from the right side.

[Reds Fanatic]

Arredondo warming up

Holliday singles to left

[RedlegJake]

Holliday is almost as hot as Votto was a month ago. Hitting everything - bet pitches look like softballs to him right now

[Kc61]

At this point, I'd just as soon see a reliever. Homer down 3-1 on the count to Beltran.

[Reds Fanatic]

That is embarrasing a tight 2-2 Reds Cardinals game and the moron fans are doing the wave

[Brutus]

I don't think that description is consistent with an average fielding CF. That to me seems like a potentially quality or average fielding corner outfielder. There are plenty of guys that fit that description that aren't even great fielders in the corner.

As far as hitting goes, Heisey is still small sample size, has been matched up more by Baker, not exposed to regular playing time that a an extrapolation is not necessarily fair. Especially that Heisey might have been accumulating more WAR in LF than CF (not sure on that).

I think it goes to show that they might be reasonably close, and the overall production that each provides is arguable. I certainly don't see anything that suggests that Heisey is obviously better.

All of the current/futures grades on Heisey on the 20-80 scale I've ever seen place him between 50-55 on both arm & defense.

That's average to solid-average territory.

[Reds Fanatic]

Beltran singles to right.

[kbrake]

That is embarrasing a tight 2-2 Reds Cardinals game and the moron fans are doing the wave

My exact thought before that 3-2 pitch.

[RedEye]

What does everyone think about the choice of having Homer return for the 8th? I had a feeling this -- or something like it -- would happen.

[Kc61]

Just leaving Homer out there too long at this point.

[RedEye]

Exactly, he needs to get him out of there.

[kbrake]

I think the offense is to blame regardless of what happens here.

[Hollcat]

Have to turn heroism around

[Hollcat]

Don't know how berkman turned into "heroism"

[Reds Fanatic]

Big pitch. Berkman strikes out looking.

[RedEye]

Maybe we should always call Berkman "heroism" from now on.

[Playadlc]

Crowd need to get into here. Big AB with 2 down.

[Reds Fanatic]

Molina flies out to right on the first pitch. 2 outs.

[BCubb2003]

Don't know how berkman turned into "heroism"

Has its own kind of profundity.

[Hollcat]

Among many other things I call him

[Brutus]

Wow. What a fantastic job by Homer Bailey there.

[Playadlc]

Nice!!

Great job, Homer!

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice job. Freese grounds out to Bailey. 2-2 mid 8th.

[RedEye]

Great work by Bailey. If there are any questions that this guy is maturing, he's putting an end to them this year.

[Reds Fanatic]

105 pitches for Bailey

[Brutus]

I'll be honest, I didn't think there's anyway he'd survive that without damage.

[RedlegJake]

eat my words - what an inning by Homer Bailey!

[Kc61]

Homer with one of his finest performances that inning. Including a brilliant strikeout of Berkman.

Tremendous job in a tough spot.

[RedEye]

C'mon now offense -- get Homer some runs! He deserves this win something fierce.

[reds44]

The hate for Dusty on twitter for leaving Bailey in with 90 pitches was laughable.

[Matt700wlw]

:clap:

Homer!

[Hollcat]

"I don't believe what I just saw"

[RedlegJake]

I was afraid too, not trusting Bailey yet but I give him more after tonight - he is a different guy

[Kc61]

The hate for Dusty on twitter for leaving Bailey in with 90 pitches was laughable.

Homer did look shaky there, but came back strong.

He's really developing into one of those pitchers who comes on strong at the end of games.

Have to give the Reds credit for sticking with this pitcher. They could have easily traded him off by now.

He's really done well, good for him.

[Big Klu]

Don't know how berkman turned into "heroism"

Damn you, Autocorrect! :D

[OldXOhio]

Gotta give Dusty credit there

[Reds Fanatic]

Heisey strikes out swinging

[RedlegJake]

Yep, Dusty deserves credit for that one, agreed

[Kc61]

That's why Heisey isn't a regular CF. What was going on in that at bat. Swung at three pitches, last one way off the plate.

[reds44]

That's why Heisey isn't a regular CF. What was going on in that at bat. Swung at three pitches, last one way off the plate.
He's not the eveyday CFer because he didn't go 4-4?

[Brutus]

That's why Heisey isn't a regular CF. What was going on in that at bat. Swung at three pitches, last one way off the plate.

On a night he has three hits, one at-bat is why he's not a regular?