8/16/2012 Mets at Reds Sweep Day!

[cumberlandreds]

Same as last night except for Bailey.

1. Zack Cozart (R) SS (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=cozarza01&year=Career&t=b)
2. Drew Stubbs (R) CF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=stubbdr01&year=Career&t=b)
3. Brandon Phillips (R) 2B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=phillbr01&year=Career&t=b)
4. Ryan Ludwick (R) LF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=ludwiry01&year=Career&t=b)
5. Jay Bruce (L) RF (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=bruceja01&year=Career&t=b)
6. Todd Frazier (R) 1B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=frazito01&year=Career&t=b)
7. Scott Rolen (R) 3B (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=rolensc01&year=Career&t=b)
8. Devin Mesoraco (R) C (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=mesorde01&year=Career&t=b)
9. Homer Bailey (R) P (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=baileho02&year=Career&t=b)

[Sea Ray]

I'll be there in section 132. Look for me!

[Virginia Beach Reds]

I'll be in the party deck tonight!!!

[OldXOhio]

I don't think i've ever used the word sweep this much in all my Reds years.

[traderumor]

I don't think i've ever used the word sweep this much in all my Reds years.At least on the side of the good guys ;)

[Virginia Beach Reds]

I don't think i've ever used the word sweep this much in all my Reds years.

It's truly unbelievable, and feels great!

[Homer Bailey]

I really like this lineup.

I wish there was a way that Frazier/Rolen/Votto/Ludwick could all play at the same time with Votto gets back.

[oneupper]

I really like this lineup.

I wish there was a way that Frazier/Rolen/Votto/Ludwick could all play at the same time with Votto gets back.

They could, in the American League.

[mdccclxix]

They could, in the American League.

Or sit Bruce. ;)

[powersackers]

Bruce in cf. Ludwick in RF. Fraxier in LF.

[edabbs44]

I really like this lineup.

I wish there was a way that Frazier/Rolen/Votto/Ludwick could all play at the same time with Votto gets back.

Frazier goes back to his supersub role, giving plenty of rest to Rolen and filling in for Ludwick when he gets his standard rest.

Would it be an issue, knowing what we know, if these guys each played 2/3 of the games?

[KittyDuran]

In the Moon Deck to-nite! :D

[dougdirt]

Is it going to be one of those nights where Bailey gets squeezed? According to gameday, he struck out Wright twice, but both times it was called a ball. Then the second pitch to Davis was there too, also called a ball.

[Reds Fanatic]

2 Ks for Homer. 0-0 mid 1st

[Reds Fanatic]

They need to get off to an early lead tonight. Looking at the radar there is a large area of rain headed toward Cincinnati,

[Tom Servo]

9 pitch inning for Harvey

[Reds Fanatic]

Reds go down 1-2-3 in the first. 0-0 after 1.

[klw]

I wish the Reds had started LeCure tonight and left Bailey for after the rain that will hit soon.

[dsmith421]

Three years ago this would herald the entrance of Bad Homer. Fortunately, it is not three years ago.

[Tom Servo]

Homer looked good in the first, now looks like he's overthrowing.

[dougdirt]

There goes another strike for Homer that was called a ball.

[dsmith421]

Good Homer. Goooooood Homer.

[The Operator]

Damn. Looks like Homer has his gooood stuff tonight. Yea!

[Vottomatic]

Wow. He went right at the last 2 batter's. Got ahead of both of them and put them away in a tenuous situation.

Very impressive.

[klw]

Rain looks like it is heading NW to SE, looks like the worst may miss to the south of Cincinnati

http://images.intellicast.com/WxImages/RadarLoop/day_None_anim.gif

[Tom Servo]

I thought Welsh's comments about Homer's major league callup in 2007 were interesting, basically throwing the Krivsky administration (though not specifically referring to Wayne) under the bus for rushing Homer and treating his starts like a circus.

[Brutus]

Based on that radar, I would surmise that Alfredo Simon and Sam LeCure are going to see some action tonight.

[Vottomatic]

I thought Welsh's comments about Homer's major league callup in 2007 were interesting, basically throwing the Krivsky administration (though not specifically referring to Wayne) under the bus for rushing Homer and treating his starts like a circus.

There may be something to do that.

But early on when Chapman first came up, I felt like he was a novelty act to sell tickets.

[Degenerate39]

Based on that radar, I would surmise that Alfredo Simon and Sam LeCure are going to see some action tonight.

It'd be nice if Bailey got the three outs a little quicker

[KittyDuran]

View from my seat...http://img.tapatalk.com/a6895812-8743-fdfc.jpg

[Degenerate39]

It'd be nice if Bailey got the three outs a little quicker

Like that

[Kc61]

If you look at Fangraphs, under pitch value, Homer's fastball is rated well below average, worse than Arroyo's. His slider is rated above average.

Bizarre if you ask me.

No tragedy that the Bucs won today, don't mind them having some momentum going into St.Louis this weekend.

DBacks fan tonight.

[Kc61]

Matt Harvey with a perfect game through three innings, no score.

[powersackers]

OK boys, everyone has seen this kid once. Time to bear down and make him work in your next AB.

[Tom Servo]

whoops

[The Operator]

OK I really wish people would stop throwing back home run balls. I rarely agree with Marty, but I do on this - we don't need to be copying Cubs fans in any way.

[redhawkfish]

OK I really wish people would stop throwing back home run balls. I rarely agree with Marty, but I do on this - we don't need to be copying Cubs fans in any way.

In Chicago, I forget which Reds player hit the home run but they showed a Cubs fan keep the actual home run ball, and reach quickly into a bag and throw a different ball on the field.

[Kc61]

Davis with a home run, Hairston flies to Bruce.

DBacks-Cards delayed by rain.

Two outs for Mets now in the fourth. 1-0 Mets.

Bay infield hit, great play by Phillips but overthrows, Bay to second on the error.

Shoppach to be intentionally walked. Pitcher Harvey coming up.

[Tom Servo]

yeesh

[Kc61]

Pitcher Harvey gets a meatball, hits a long double, three zip Mets.

Terrible pitch, slider right down Broadway.

[powersackers]

yeesh

That was a hanging cookie to the pitcher. 2 rbi for the rookie.

[KittyDuran]

Ouch! The Met fan in front of me is in heaven... and someone is trying to start the wave...

[smith288]

Not Homer's night. Especially with Mes' sterling defense.

[Degenerate39]

I'm going to quit watching for a few innings and they'll take the lead

[KittyDuran]

Homer @ 78 pitches!

[Tom Servo]

Man that double by Harvey is just so frustrating.

[RedsManRick]

Man that double by Harvey is just so frustrating.

To be fair, you just can't let Kelly Shoppach beat you.... Walks will haunt.

[Kc61]

Man that double by Harvey is just so frustrating.

Homer had allowed a .923 OPS against in GABP coming into this game.

I don't mind allowing a HR to Davis, that happens. And the Mets announcers said that Harvey is a good hitter.

But that pitch to Harvey belonged in batting practice. Can't throw that pitch to any hitter with two men on base.

[KittyDuran]

Man that double by Harvey is just so frustrating.

Now you know how opposing teams feel about Leake.

[Kc61]

To be fair, you just can't let Kelly Shoppach beat you.... Walks will haunt.

That was an intentional walk. To face the pitcher. To whom Homer served it up on a tee.

Reds tablesetters with two quick outs, so the perfecto continues for Harvey.

[KittyDuran]

Harvey @ 41 pitches and a no-hitter/perfect game as well.

[Kc61]

Harvey fans Phillips.

[smith288]

Stare at a cookie and then swing wildly at a not even close breaking ball.

[Kc61]

Two outs, nice play by Frazier. Mets announcer Darling says Frazier seems more comfortable at first than at third. He may be right.

Ike Davis draws a walk.

[Tom Servo]

Homer knows that Ike Davis isn't that good, right?

[Red in Chicago]

Are the reds being no hit

[Kc61]

Reds coming up against Harvey who has a perfect game going.

Ludwick will lead it off for the Reds. Mets lead by 3.

Ludwick HBP ends perfect game.

[Gizmo]

they just got hit

[RedsManRick]

That was an intentional walk. To face the pitcher. To whom Homer served it up on a tee.

Reds tablesetters with two quick outs, so the perfecto continues for Harvey.

Baserunners are baserunners. Anybody with a bat in his hand can do damage. Protecting a late lead where you have do everything to avoid a run scoring, I'd do that. Early in the game though, why add a baserunner?

What are the odds that that Shoppach drives in a run there? He's a career .204/.290/.365 hitter vR. Yeah, he'll take a walk and he's got some power. But the most likely outcome of the PA is an out and the next most likely outcomes are ones that don't involve an RBI.

Yeah, Homer made a really bad pitch. That's totally on him. But the extra run is on Dusty.

Hopefully the bats come alive soon and it won't matter.

[Degenerate39]

No hitter

[Tom Servo]

yeesh

[smith288]

This guy really isnt this special is he??

[Tom Servo]

thank you based rolen

[Degenerate39]

Who wants to start the No-Hitter thread?

[smith288]

Rolen HAMMERS one to end the no hitter... Ok, not HAMMERED... but just as good.

[Gizmo]

why is it we can hit a guy like Dickey with no issues, then face some no one and they are Cy Young? It's starting to get old, but at least in the playoffs we won't be facing new faces.

[Brutus]

Who wants to start the No-Hitter thread?

I think you just did lol

[Reds Fanatic]

Simon warming up

[Tom Servo]

Would be nice to see Mes come through here with a knock.

[Kc61]

Baserunners are baserunners. Anybody with a bat in his hand can do damage. Protecting a late lead where you have do everything to avoid a run scoring, I'd do that. Early in the game though, why add a baserunner?

What are the odds that that Shoppach drives in a run there? He's a career .204/.290/.365 hitter vR. Yeah, he'll take a walk and he's got some power. But the most likely outcome of the PA is an out and the next most likely outcomes are ones that don't involve an RBI.

Yeah, Homer made a really bad pitch. That's totally on him. But the extra run is on Dusty.

Hopefully the bats come alive soon and it won't matter.

I can't get too upset walking the eighth hitter to face the pitcher. Happens all the time. It's acceptable and routine strategy, the pitcher being (usually) the weakest hitter on the team.

As long as Dusty understood that Harvey is a better than average hitting pitcher, I'm ok with it. If Dusty didn't know that, different story.

[Kc61]

3-0 Mets through five innings.

[smith288]

Mes has been about as productive as a relief pitcher hitting.

[Tom Servo]

Man, Mes is scuffling hard at the plate.

[The Operator]

why is it we can hit a guy like Dickey with no issues, then face some no one and they are Cy Young? It's starting to get old, but at least in the playoffs we won't be facing new faces.He's not as good as The Reds are making him look, but he's not some Joe Schmo who will be bagging groceries in a month. Dude's a #1 draft pick with an average fastball velocity of 94.6 MPH. That's not exactly chopped liver.

[The Operator]

Oh Homer.... Jason Bay? Seriously?

[Kc61]

Bay homers.

Homer really can't pitch at GABP.

[Tom Servo]

:thumbdown:

[smith288]

Turning to the Bengals. Not a good performance by the Redlegs in general.

[The Operator]

And now Rolen makes an error. This isn't gonna be our night.

[reds44]

I hope Homer enjoys the bullpen in the playoffs.

[The Operator]

This is four straight mediocre-to-bad starts in a row for Homer. Very disappointing considering the strides he had made in the starts prior to these last 4 outings.

[The Operator]

Time to yank him, Dusty. 5-0 Mets

[reds44]

This is four straight mediocre-to-bad starts in a row for Homer. Very disappointing considering the strides he had made in the starts prior to these last 4 outings.
He didn't make any strides. He was getting lucky.

[Kc61]

Homer lifetime has a .817 OPS home, .709 on the road.

This year, .923 OPS home, .628 road.

This year a 157 OPS+ at home.

Mets destroying him now. 5-0 on Tejada double.

[BCubb2003]

I hope Homer enjoys the bullpen in the playoffs.

Is it too late to make Chapman a starter?

[Tom Servo]

Gotta get him (Homer) out.

[smith288]

Why is he still in? The game's still within reach and he's missing his spots with every batter...

[Tom Servo]

well that was really stupid

[The Operator]

6-0

[Tom Servo]

Dusty had the right idea by warming up Simon, don't know why he went against his better judgment and sent Homer back out there at 90+ pitches.

[smith288]

Wont put the game on Dusty but he sure didnt help with a guy who couldn't hit a spot all game with consistency. 6-0 in the 6th doesnt bode well.

[Tom Servo]

I bet Simon could have done that several batters ago :(

[BCubb2003]

Simon makes it looks easy.

[Kc61]

Wont put the game on Dusty but he sure didnt help with a guy who couldn't hit a spot all game with consistency. 6-0 in the 6th doesnt bode well.

C'mon, we all know the truth here. Dusty thinks this game is almost definitely a loss. Let Homer go as long as possible to save the pen. Once Homer gave up that fifth run, I'm sure that was Dusty's thinking.

Over the long season, sometimes you have to play for the longer term. It didn't work out, had to remove Homer anyway. But that must have been the thinking.

[smith288]

Pen's not been used for 2 or 3 games if memory serves.

[Kc61]

Pen's not been used for 2 or 3 games if memory serves.

But they have a doubleheader on Saturday, four games in three days with the Cubs.

Then a bunch more games starting with Philly with no days off for awhile.

Save the pen for the upcoming cluster of games. That must have been Dusty's thinking.

[Tom Servo]

zzzzzzzzzzzz

[Kc61]

Reds do no harm in the sixth. One hit allowed by Harvey, who looks good.

[smith288]

Bengals up 10-3 on the Falcons.

[Kc61]

Cards and DBacks still not underway. Undoubtedly the last trip in for Arizona so they will try and get that in.

I expect everyone to stay up until that game is over, even if it's the middle of the night. This is a pennant race, people.

[Homer Bailey]

He didn't make any strides. He was getting lucky.

That's just false. In July he was striking out almost 8 guys per 9, and still had a BABIP over .300. He's got a BABIP of .447 this month.

[smith288]

But they have a doubleheader on Saturday, four games in three days with the Cubs.

Then a bunch more games starting with Philly with no days off for awhile.

Save the pen for the upcoming cluster of games. That must have been Dusty's thinking.
Meh... It was the 6th. Simon could have been used for 2 innings and nobody would have noticed his unavailability.

But what's done is done.

[Tom Servo]

I get that Harvey is a budding young star, but it's pretty bad that Homer got stomped on by the Mets, who are simply not very good. They're not the Astros, but outside of Wright their hitters are marginal.

[Homer Bailey]

I get that Harvey is a budding young star, but it's pretty bad that Homer got stomped on by the Mets, who are simply not very good. They're not the Astros, but outside of Wright their hitters are marginal.

They've managed to score more runs than the Reds this year, and in a much bigger ballpark.

[Kc61]

That's just false. In July he was striking out almost 8 guys per 9, and still had a BABIP over .300. He's got a BABIP of .447 this month.

Homer had a 4.42 ERA through June. He then got hot on the West Coast, it carried over, altogether a great five game stint.

Since then, four games in a row allowing four earned runs or more, all relatively early exits.

Let's let Homer finish the season before we pass judgment, a strong finish would be great. But I had hoped he would continue to pitch well after that July streak, and unfortunately he hasn't.

[edabbs44]

I get that Harvey is a budding young star, but it's pretty bad that Homer got stomped on by the Mets, who are simply not very good. They're not the Astros, but outside of Wright their hitters are marginal.

All teams score once in a while. They scored 1 run combined the last 2 nights.

[Homer Bailey]

Homer had a 4.42 ERA through June. He then got hot on the West Coast, it carried over, altogether a great five game stint.

Since then, four games in a row allowing four earned runs or more, all relatively early exits.

Let's let Homer finish the season before we pass judgment, a strong finish would be great. But I had hoped he would continue to pitch well after that July streak, and unfortunately he hasn't.

He was not good the first three months of the year. However he did make strides in July. Now it looks like he's reverted closer to the first three months of the year, but he's still getting ripped on balls in play at a ridiculous rate in August.

[Tom Servo]

They've managed to score more runs than the Reds this year, and in a much bigger ballpark.
I saw that they have more runs than us, but I stand by my assessment. Duda was a significant contributor in that, and they jettisoned him to AAA. Daniel Murphy isn't playing, another of their better players. And giving up a HR to Bay? Just a disappointing performance against a beatable team, IMO.

[Tom Servo]

All teams score once in a while. They scored 1 run combined the last 2 nights.
This is true. I'm frustrated though because I think Dusty basically gave the Mets the last 2 by keeping in Homer, even the Bay HR as well since I would have pulled Homer even before that.

[Homer Bailey]

I saw that they have more runs than us, but I stand by my assessment. Duda was a significant contributor in that, and they jettisoned him to AAA. Daniel Murphy isn't playing, another of their better players. And giving up a HR to Bay? Just a disappointing performance against a beatable team, IMO.

The Mets are not a bad offense. That's a fact.

The Reds beat this team each of the last two nights. If you're going to expect sweeps, you're going to be constantly disappointed. This type of game happens all the time in the ebb and flow of a season.

[mbgrayson]

Interesting 7th for the Reds. They sent 5 batters to the plate, got two extra base hits and a run, and made three outs, all on 5 pitches. Yep, every single Red swung at and hit the 1st pitch....

[Kc61]

He was not good the first three months of the year. However he did make strides in July. Now it looks like he's reverted closer to the first three months of the year, but he's still getting ripped on balls in play at a ridiculous rate in August.

Still, tonight can hardly be chalked up to bad luck. He's been ripped tonight, including by the opposing pitcher.

I think it was Doug who said that Homer may just need a different home stadium. He may be right. The guy's home/road split is ridiculous, he is a different pitcher outside of GABP.

Ron Darling just said that Ondrusek has been fantastic this year with one bump in the road. Ronnie, I'm a Logan fan, but c'mon.

[Kc61]

The Mets are not a bad offense. That's a fact.

The Reds beat this team each of the last two nights. If you're going to expect sweeps, you're going to be constantly disappointed. This type of game happens all the time in the ebb and flow of a season.

Clearly correct. Let's hope the Cardinals experience the same kind of game when they get going tonight.

K for Ondrusek.

[BCubb2003]

Ron Darling just said that Ondrusek has been fantastic this year with one bump in the road. Ronnie, I'm a Logan fan, but c'mon.

Opposing announcers are always doing this with Ondrusek. They see decent numbers, but not his recent bad spells.

[Homer Bailey]

Still, tonight can hardly be chalked up to bad luck. He's been ripped tonight, including by the opposing pitcher.

I think it was Doug who said that Homer may just need a different home stadium. He may be right. The guy's home/road split is ridiculous, he is a different pitcher outside of GABP.

Ron Darling just said that Ondrusek has been fantastic this year with one bump in the road. Ronnie, I'm a Logan fan, but c'mon.

I'm not saying tonight can be chalked up to bad luck, necessarily. I'm not even able to watch the game tonight. Just pointing toward an obviously unsustainable BABIP, although it is an extremely small sample.

[Tom Servo]

The Mets are not a bad offense. That's a fact.

The Reds beat this team each of the last two nights. If you're going to expect sweeps, you're going to be constantly disappointed. This type of game happens all the time in the ebb and flow of a season.
I think my point is being misunderstood. I can handle losing, this really doesn't bother me all THAT much. I just think Dusty punted this one by leaving out Bailey in a disappointing performance into the 6th when it was too late to potentially come back. Quite simply, I would rather lose 3-1 or 4-1 than 6-1. It may very well not mean a damn in the long run, but to spend my night watching it happen, it's frustrating. That's all.

[Homer Bailey]

I think my point is being misunderstood. I can handle losing, this really doesn't bother me all THAT much. I just think Dusty punted this one by leaving out Bailey in a disappointing performance into the 6th when it was too late to potentially come back. Quite simply, I would rather lose 3-1 or 4-1 than 6-1. It may very well not mean a damn in the long run, but to spend my night watching it happen, it's frustrating. That's all.

Fair enough. Lord knows I love to blame Dusty as much as anyone, but I find it hard to blame Dusty here. Difference of opinion. You may be correct though, as I mentioned, I'm not even able to watch.

P.S. this is exactly the role Ondrusek should be used for.

[mbgrayson]

Seven Reds in a row have now swung at and hit the 1st pitch.

Cairo breaks the string, and takes a strike.

[Homer Bailey]

I don't consider this game over, by the way.

[Kc61]

Mes blooped a single. Cairo strikes out. Wow he is struggling.

Cozart coming up.

[Kc61]

I don't consider this game over, by the way.

Cozart flies to deep center. Two outs.

Sorry to disagree, this game is over IMO.

[Tom Servo]

well, we'll get a crack at their bullpen.

[Homer Bailey]

well, we'll get a crack at their bullpen.

That was the only reason I didn't consider this one over.

[Tom Servo]

That was the only reason I didn't consider this one over.
I don't think of us were counting on a Stubbs walk. :)

[Kc61]

8-1 Mets, this game thread is officially dead.

[George Foster]

to little to late....

[Kc61]

We get the pleasure of a pitching coach visit for the Mets in the ninth. Consolation prize if the Mets do hold on.

Two on, no out, 8-2 game, ninth inning, Heisey up. Patience Chris.

[George Foster]

Mez has to start hitting the ball if he wants to stay in the big leagues...his defense is a touch below average..

[Kc61]

Cairo makes it 8-3 with a hit.

[Tom Servo]

can the Reds score 5 more with 1 out remaining?

[George Foster]

this reminds me of a girl I dated in high school.....tease...so close...tease..maybe tomorrow...

[757690]

can the Reds score 5 more with 1 out remaining?

Valdez is on deck, so... Absolutely!

[Tom Servo]

wish it were anybody but Valdez coming up

[757690]

this reminds me of a girl I dated in high school.....tease...so close...tease..maybe tomorrow...

Every girl I dated in high school. ;)

[757690]

wish it were anybody but Valdez coming up

He's due for his annual HR :)

[OesterPoster]

Insert your favorite Grande-ism here. How about a bloop and a blast?

[Tom Servo]

I'm rooting for a HBP

[mbgrayson]

It's a 5 to 4 game, if we didn't give up 3 unearned runs.... (If 'IFs and BUTs' were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas...)

[Tom Servo]

lol 3 pitches

[mbgrayson]

Our weakest link.....

[George Foster]

good morning

good afternoon


and good night...

[OesterPoster]

Lol. Back to the bengals game.

[Tom Servo]

To be fair to Wilson, his at-bat was just a little more inept than how Heisey and Mesoraco managed to make outs against Francisco.

[George Foster]

nothing like padding the team stats in the 9th...

This goes back to my theory that HR and other power number stats are sometimes not what they seem.

I know you can't pick exactly when you hit, but ludwick's HR was meaningless and so was the other hits in that inning. It's good for your stats, but they don't help the team much.

[George Foster]

To be fair to Wilson, his at-bat was just a little more inept than how Heisey and Mesoraco managed to make outs against Francisco.

very true...Heisey and Mes's at bat's were not good.

[George Foster]

Does Geroge Grande own a dress shirt that has sleeves? I mean really...

[George Foster]

The Snakes need to avoid a sweep by the Cards... 0-0 in the 3rd.

[CrackerJack]

I just don't know how this team competes offensively against elite teams in the post season. They rely so heavily on their pitching it's hard to imagine them winning more than a game in a short series. Just throw a tough righty at them like tonight. They've proved they can succeed in the regular season, just like 2010.

[CySeymour]

nothing like padding the team stats in the 9th...

This goes back to my theory that HR and other power number stats are sometimes not what they seem.

I know you can't pick exactly when you hit, but ludwick's HR was meaningless and so was the other hits in that inning. It's good for your stats, but they don't help the team much.

So should Ludwick have just not swung at all?

I've seen enough 9th inning comebacks in my life to know you go up there looking for the best outcome in every at bat because you just never know when the other team might implode.

[traderumor]

nothing like padding the team stats in the 9th...

This goes back to my theory that HR and other power number stats are sometimes not what they seem.

I know you can't pick exactly when you hit, but ludwick's HR was meaningless and so was the other hits in that inning. It's good for your stats, but they don't help the team much.Or not just giving away ABs? Not seeing that as a bad attribute, esp. considering the state of the Mets pen and the confidence of a team that they can overcome any deficit. What if the Mets had just thrown away their ABs in the top of the 9th? Then its only 6-4 with two men on.

I like to think that MLB players can manage to muster up effort, even in a seemingly blowout game, and give their best effort regardless of the score. This shows a lot more integrity than one making charges of stat padding, who I guess recommends just standing up there and looking at pitches until he walks or strikes out.

[traderumor]

I just don't know how this team competes offensively against elite teams in the post season. They rely so heavily on their pitching it's hard to imagine them winning more than a game in a short series. Just throw a tough righty at them like tonight. They've proved they can succeed in the regular season, just like 2010.Doesn't Dickey count as a "tough righty?" They took care of him pretty good Wednesday night. I bet scanning game logs would show some other handling of tough righties also. I'd say Harvey benefitted from his first time through the league with above average stuff.

I imagine they will handle it like they have in the season as an elite team themselves.