NLDS Game 5 Reds vs Giants 10/11/12

[Tadasimha]

Never thought I'd say this, but I'd bench Votto for Frazier right now.

[cumberlandreds]

Votto should have beeen DL'd the whole month of September. Its obvious he wasn't ready to come back.

[OnBaseMachine]

Brandon has had a great series. Only player who really showed up every day...

Well except for that great base running decision that cost the Reds a run that may have won the series.

[Bumstead]

Never thought I'd say this, but I'd bench Votto for Frazier right now.

Quitter! :laugh:

[reds44]

Never thought I'd say this, but I'd bench Votto for Frazier right now.
You're going to bench somebody getting on base half the time? Holy hyperbole batman.

[Tom Servo]

I feel for Joey. The knee injury has sapped him.

[oneupper]

Hey. Stubbs scored a run. There's no losing now.

[durl]

Never thought I'd say this, but I'd bench Votto for Frazier right now.

There ain't no tomorrow if they lose this one so I agree with you.

[fearofpopvol1]

I mentioned this earlier, but why didn't Dusty put LeCure in when the bases were loaded? Latos was clearly struggling. LeCure is better at getting ground balls and with 1 out...?

[reds44]

Hey. Stubbs scored a run. There's no losing now.
Didn't he score yesterday?

[Caveat Emperor]

I think he might kill himself first.

He's probably deeply regretting locking himself in to this snakebitten city for a decade.

[Tom Servo]

we're bad again

[Tadasimha]

You're going to bench somebody getting on base half the time? Holy hyperbole batman.

He was getting pitched around but not anymore - they know he isn't going to hit like he normally does. Defense at 1st isn't as sure either.

[RBA]

I will take 2 runs an inning. "We" can do this.

[oneupper]

Didn't he score yesterday?

Don't mess up my statistics with your facts.

[Brutus]

Holy hyperbole batman.

The post fit right in with the tone of the rest of this thread.

[CrackerJack]

Reds got their standard 2 runs in, maybe another if we're lucky, time to call it a day and punch that clock.

[reds44]

He was getting pitched around but not anymore - they know he isn't going to hit like he normally does. Defense at 1st isn't as sure either.
He's hitting .313 in the series. Yes, bench Votto for Frazier instead of Rolen, the guy hitting .154. Great plan.

[Reds Fanatic]

Marshall in to pitch

[nemesis]

Well except for that great base running decision that cost the Reds a run that may have won the series.

True. But it's the same way he always plays. Wasn't anything out of the norm for him. Just worked out poorly. Plus the Reds had 8 more innings to go. If it was in the 8th or 9th it might loom larger.

No one saw the collapse coming in the 1st inning of game 3 leading 1-0 and your best second half pitcher on the mound.

[Reds Fanatic]

Blanco grounds out to Marshall

[reds44]

Where was Marshall yesterday when we were down 5-3?

[cumberlandreds]

Well I'm about to head home from work. Maybe a miracle will happen between the time I get home which is about 4:45. One can hope I guess.

[Vottomatic]

I say we build a new Reds stadium. They're still 0-fer in GABP in the postseason. Must be a curse.

[Brutus]

I'm not overtly optimistic in these situations, generally, but I have a sinking suspicion this game is going to be interesting at the end. The Reds have four innings to get four runs if the bullpen can do its job.

[George Anderson]

I mentioned this earlier, but why didn't Dusty put LeCure in when the bases were loaded? Latos was clearly struggling. LeCure is better at getting ground balls and with 1 out...?

He was saving him for the NLCS

[Bumstead]

He was saving him for the NLCS

:laugh:

[Vottomatic]

Dusty was looking ahead toward 2013 Opening Day. :D

[Reds Fanatic]

Crawford strikes out swinging.

[Tom Servo]

Well except for that great base running decision that cost the Reds a run that may have won the series.
Do you honestly believe everything that happened in the first inning would have happened the way it did if BP had stopped at second?

[RedEye]

we're bad again

Interesting, too. Now we're the "make the playoffs but lose in spectacularly terrible ways" kind of bad. 2010 - sweep with a no-hitter; 2012 - three straight losses at home, first NL team to lose after going up 2-0.

[Vottomatic]

Dusty reminds me of Bob Huggins. He can put up a good season, but he can't win the big one.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cain strikes out looking. 6-2 Giants mid 6th.

[George Anderson]

I hope the Giants bring in Dave Giusti.

I would feel a whole lot better.

[RBA]

Still getting the squeeze.

[reds44]

That would have been nice in the 7th inning yesterday.

[vaticanplum]

Cain strikes out looking. 6-2 Giants mid 6th.

Cain still in, I call us wearing him down next inning.

[Vottomatic]

I predict back to back to back to back home runs to tie it. :D

[fearofpopvol1]

Dusty reminds me of Bob Huggins. He can put up a good season, but he can't win the big one.

I don't know if that's fair. I don't think Huggins' teams were in a hole because of poor decisions he made.

[alloverjr]

I predict back to back to back to back home runs to tie it. :D

Well sure, now that Votto's out of the way.

[Tom Servo]

Just chip away.

[Brutus]

That would have been nice in the 7th inning yesterday.

I think everyone got the point the first dozen times you said it.

[reds44]

I think everyone got the point the first dozen times you said it.
Yes, yes I know. Everybody be positive. Everything is fine. Blah, blah, blah, blah.

[RedEye]

I predict back to back to back to back home runs to tie it. :D

They'd still be down 6-5.

[Tadasimha]

They'd still be down 6-5.

4+2 still equals 6

[Vottomatic]

It's only a baseball game. There's golf to play and tennis to be served up. More important things to do than a friggin' baseball game.

(atleast that's what Sam Wyche would say)

[berryluther]

Ludwick needs to step into that pitch and take one for the team!

[Vottomatic]

They'd still be down 6-5.

I guess you didn't get the memo. It's 6-2, not 6-1.

[Playadlc]

Man the Reds get under a lot of balls.

[RedEye]

I guess you didn't get the memo. It's 6-2, not 6-1.

I know. Back-to-back-to-back HR would be 3 runs. 2 + 3 = 5.

[reds44]

Ludwick.

[GAC]

A team is a reflection of their manager agreed?

Only to a certain degree dude. Explain again what decisions Dusty messed up on IN THIS GAME? The wheels came off really fast (1 inning), and it was the fault of Latos and those other 8 guys in the field. There are too many other variables at play here in this post-season that are out of Dusty's control.

[OesterPoster]

Brother!

[Tom Servo]

Man the Reds get under a lot of balls.
I'm tempted to say something very crass in regards to this but out of respect to Redszone I will refrain.

[Reds Fanatic]

What a shot by Ludwick. 6-3 Giants.

[reds44]

Oh good lord they're going to make me care again.

[sonny]

Believe

[RedEye]

6-3!!!

[RBA]

Check his bat.

[Vottomatic]

I know. Back-to-back-to-back HR would be 3 runs. 2 + 3 = 5.

Except that I said "back to back to back to back home runs". :thumbup:

[vaticanplum]

There's one! Chip chip!!!

[RBA]

Is the cork bats coming out? I hope so. ;)

[Vottomatic]

I'm 1-1. :laugh:

[nemesis]

Only to a certain degree dude. Explain again what decisions Dusty messed up on IN THIS GAME? The wheels came off really fast (1 inning), and it was the fault of Latos and those other 8 guys in the field.

Should have never got to this game. Hence games 3 and 4.

[smith288]

Im still pissed even if we pull this out.

[Tadasimha]

I predict back to back to back to back home runs to tie it. :D


I know. Back-to-back-to-back HR would be 3 runs. 2 + 3 = 5.

You missed one

[RedEye]

Except that I said "back to back to back to back home runs". :thumbup:

Right. Sorry about that.

[TeamCasey]

Rally Bra on! I scared the neighbors dogs with some 5th inning swearing.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce walks.

Kontos warming up

[reds44]

Keep the line moving.

[vaticanplum]

Im still pissed even if we pull this out.

I think you'll recover :)

[Tom Servo]

Rally Bra on! I scared the neighbors dogs with some 5th inning swearing.
I'd put on a Rally Bra if it would help.

[reds44]

I like how we magically start putting better ABs together when we fall down 6 runs.

[WrongVerb]

Rally Bra on! I scared the neighbors dogs with some 5th inning swearing.

You sure it wasn't the bra? Lol just teasing

[RedEye]

A double play here would be really deflating. Let's go Rolen!

[RBA]

psst.... still no outs top 5. We have a pulse.

[fearofpopvol1]

Really want to see Bruce get in this inning.

[GAC]

Should have never got to this game. Hence games 3 and 4.

There is no guarantees in those games that any decision Baker may/may not have made would have made a difference. Subjective. Baker at fault for the errors?

[REDREAD]

The ump has effectively taken our starter out of the game.:( I don't mind losing a well played game, but losing because our pitcher pissed off the ump sucks. What is this? Little league? :(

This reminds me of the thread we had here about how the Umpires feel the need to assert that they're God..

[RedEye]

Is this Rolen's last game as a Red? As a player?

[GAC]

Be patient here hitters

[smith288]

I think you'll recover :)
Maybe... ha

[reds44]

Is this Rolen's last game as a Red? As a player?
If we lose, yes and yes.

[RedEye]

Rolen K

[OldXOhio]

Have I said Rolen is due?

[Reds Fanatic]

Rolen singles to center. 1st and 2nd.

[reds44]

Scottie!

[fearofpopvol1]

Okay, things are starting to get interesting.

[GAC]

Rolen single

[reds44]

It's like we fell behind 6-0 and everybody got pissed.

[RedEye]

I'm just going to keep posting "Rolen K"

[RBA]

We have heard the words, "tying run comes to the plate"

[reds44]

No DPs, Hanigan.

[Tadasimha]

C'mon, Hani

[George Anderson]

Hail Mary

Full of Grace

[REDSEER]

LET'S GO

[nemesis]

There is no guarantees in those games that any decision Baker may/may not have made would have made a difference. Subjective. Baker at fault for the errors?

No... Starting Leake who hadn't pitched in forever and had a horrible career line against the Giants. Then Arredondo vs anyone else in the bullpen when the game still was within reach. Letting Cairo pinch hit in a critical situation VS anyone else on the bench. All chain reactive decisions.

But all this is my view. Your can be different and I respect that.

Loving this btw... Come on Hanny!!!

[durl]

They started hitting when we complained! Let's really let 'em have it! Maybe they'll score 5-6 more this inning if we gripe enough!

[RedEye]

They started hitting when we complained! Let's really let 'em have it! Maybe they'll score 5-6 more this inning if we gripe enough!

Reds SUUUUUUUCK! WORST TEAM EVAHHHHH!

[edabbs44]

Just got here, those tags are embarrassing.

[RBA]

Just got here, those tags are embarrassing.

concur

[RBA]

"epic choke" May mean the Giants.

[RBA]

bull!

[reds44]

Dusty.

[nemesis]

CoughDustycough

[Tadasimha]

Ouch

[fearofpopvol1]

Wow, well that sucked the life out of this inning.

[jojo]

OMG.

[berryluther]

WTF?

[Playadlc]

Baker is an idiot.

[vaticanplum]

What????

[Reds Fanatic]

What a bull crap call. That is awful.

[nemesis]

GAC dare we continue this discussion?

[BuckeyeRed27]

Can't see game what happened?

[fearofpopvol1]

There is no guarantees in those games that any decision Baker may/may not have made would have made a difference. Subjective. Baker at fault for the errors?

How about this inning?

[RedEye]

Stubbs -- all of your naysayers will go away for the whole offseason if you park one here.

[GAC]

Dusty.

Not Dusty's fault that Hanigan doesn't swing and protect the runner

[CrackerJack]

Way to snuff out a rally - Hanigan K's, Bruce out at third

[alloverjr]

BOOOOOO :p

[Tadasimha]

What a bull crap call. That is awful.

Which - the low and outside "strike" or sending Bruce against Posey's arm?

[OldRightHander]

Can't see game what happened?

Runners going, Hanigan took strike 3 and the runner got thrown out at third.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hanigan strikes out looking on what looked like ball 4 and Bruce was caught stealing 3rd.

[Playadlc]

Running there is dumb. No matter how you slice it. WE ARE DOWN 3!

[Crumbley]

Hanny just dropped a few pegs in my book. With how wide this guy's zone is, you don't swing?

[vaticanplum]

Stubbs -- all of your naysayers will go away for the whole offseason if you park one here.

If Stubbs comes through I promise I will never threaten to throw him out of a speeding car on I-75 again.

[thatcoolguy_22]

holy hell. Baker is now the worst in game manager in all of baseball. Anyone who ever argues otherwise, I will immiediately refer to that play.

[smith288]

That wasn't a ball 4. That was a painted strike 3

[Tom Servo]

stupid

[durl]

Why even risk a strike-em-out, throw-em-out at this point in the game??

[RBA]

I thought it was two bad calls right there. The strike and the tag.

[RedEye]

Why the hell was Bruce running? He was already in scoring position!

[reds44]

That was a ball.

[Caveat Emperor]

The ump will call that pitch a strike every time, just to prove a point to the battery mate of a pitcher that tried to show him up earlier in the game.

[Patrick Bateman]

Why the hell was Bruce running? He was already in scoring position!

To stay out of the DP, obviously.

[reds44]

Why the hell was Bruce running? He was already in scoring position!
Dusty started the runners to stay out of a DP. Ran into a DP by doing it.

[RBA]

That wasn't a ball 4. That was a painted strike 3

TBS just showed it outside the zone.

[Tom Servo]

Why even risk a strike-em-out, throw-em-out at this point in the game??
Can't clog up the bases.

[durl]

Seriously. 2 men on and no one out and you go for a steal at 3rd? Whatever, Dusty.

[Brutus]

The announcers just got done explaining the pitch before why you run there... because of a slow runner that has grounded into double plays several times this year. And usually Hanigan doesn't let a pitch go by like that, so it would be a safer situation to send the runners to avoid a possible double play.

[reds44]

Not Dusty's fault that Hanigan doesn't swing and protect the runner
Nothing is Dusty's fault.

[smith288]

TBS just showed it outside the zone.
Dude...seriously? It was literally .25 of an inch off their graphic and you expect an umpire to determine that when he's been giving the outside inconsistently all game?

[RedEye]

That was just terrible. Just terrible.

[Tom Servo]

Hanigan strikes out a lot this year, I don't care about his 'past' of being hard to K. He's done it more than his fair share this year.

[fearofpopvol1]

Really bummed about that inning. Runners at 1st and 2nd and no outs and we get nothing. Hanigan shouldn't have taken the pitch, no question, but what was Dusty doing sending the runners?? That was a huge blunder and could be a costly one.

[smith288]

Check Dusty's bookie.... I smell a rat.

[GAC]

Nothing is Dusty's fault.

Wrong. But with some everything is.

[RBA]

Dude...seriously? It was literally .25 of an inch off their graphic and you expect an umpire to determine that when he's been giving the outside inconsistently all game?

It still doesn't make it the correct call as you stated.

[Reds Fanatic]

What drives me crazy is that strike three call on Hanigan was basically located where the call Latos did not get was.

[George Anderson]

Marty didn't like Dusty's call.

For whateva thats worth.

[durl]

Well. the first 3 batter reach base and all we get is the leadoff homer. This team needs to play like they want to win rather than flailing around out there.

[smith288]

It still doesn't make it the correct call as you stated.
Would it make you happier if there wasnt a graphic? 2 strikes, THAT is a pitch you have to offer at.

[Tom Servo]

What drives me crazy is a wasted opportunity.

[Playadlc]

I can't believe sending the runners is being defended here. It was dumb. Flat out dumb when you are down 3 runs and no one out. Just so sick and tired of this crap.

[reds44]

Wrong. But with some everything is.
So when he sends the runners and runs himself into a DP, that's not his fault? What else could possibly be the managers fault if that's not it?

[Brutus]

Hanigan strikes out a lot this year, I don't care about his 'past' of being hard to K. He's done it more than his fair share this year.

Ugh, what? He's striking out only 10% of his plate appearances. He has an insanely low 3.7% swinging strike rate.

[Jefferson24]

What drives me crazy is that strike three call on Hanigan was basically located where the call Latos did not get was.

Hanigan had EVERY reason to believe that was ball 4.

[fearofpopvol1]

What drives me crazy is a wasted opportunity.

Amen

[edabbs44]

Slow, right handed contact hitter up. W/o the benefit of hindsight, is it that bad of a call?

[GAC]

What drives me crazy is that strike three call on Hanigan was basically located where the call Latos did not get was.

That is very true. In fact, Latos' pitch was located better.

[thatcoolguy_22]

I can't believe sending the runners is being defended here. It was dumb. Flat out dumb when you are down 3 runs and no one out. Just so sick and tired of this crap.

EXACTLY!

Down 3! I still can't believe that just happened.

[Tadasimha]

What drives me crazy is that strike three call on Hanigan was basically located where the call Latos did not get was.

The ump has decided the Giants' pitchers are better.

[alloverjr]

Ugh, what? He's striking out only 10% of his plate appearances. He has an insanely low 3.7% swinging strike rate.

But an insanely high 87.6% taken strike rate.

[RBA]

Would it make you happier if there wasnt a graphic? 2 strikes, THAT is a pitch you have to offer at.

The play is over. It's done. It was a ball. Incorrectly called a strike by the ump and you.

[smith288]

The first rule I learned when I started hitting in baseball was "if it's close enough to be called a strike 3, you HAVE to fight it off". Hannigan was hoping for a pitcher's failure than his own success. That's a recipe for losing.

[Reds Fanatic]

Pop out to Marshall.

[smith288]

The play is over. It's done. It was a ball. Incorrectly called a strike by the ump and you.
lol... Whatever helps you sleep at night.

[thatcoolguy_22]

Down 3 with 9 outs to play. We still have a chance in spite of baker...

[RedEye]

Okay, heads down, keep chipping away. As Homer sez, "No excuses, right?" Who would have thought that young man -- and Bronson Arroyo -- would become our sages of the postseason?

[reds44]

It's not like Stubbs was on 2nd either.

[Patrick Bateman]

The first rule I learned when I started hitting in baseball was "if it's close enough to be called a strike 3, you HAVE to fight it off". Hannigan was hoping for a pitcher's failure than his own success. That's a recipe for losing.

Dude. It was a close play. If the ump calls a ball, I bet you check the smug at the door.

[Reds Fanatic]

Scutaro grounds out to 2nd.

[RBA]

lol... Whatever helps you sleep at night.

Ignore.

[GAC]

So when he sends the runners and runs himself into a DP, that's not his fault? What else could possibly be the managers fault if that's not it?

I didn't say I agreed with that call. But Hanigan also knew what was coming and his job is to swing and protect those runners at any cost.

If it had worked you'd all be hailing Baker. But I never said Baker shouldn't be faulted there. Just the majority should be on the hitter not executing.

[Caveat Emperor]

Dusty Baker should lose his job over this, IMO.

I've defended him a lot, but this kind of outing (after 2010's lackluster showing) is unacceptable.

[fearofpopvol1]

The Hanigan call sucked, but sending the runners with no outs was even worse.

[Reds Fanatic]

The two biggest plays of this whole series may end up being Reds runners thrown out at 3rd by Posey.

[Reds Fanatic]

Sandoval pops out to short. 5 pitch inning. 6-3 Giants mid 7th

[RedEye]

Dusty Baker should lose his job over this, IMO.

I've defended him a lot, but this kind of outing (after 2010's lackluster showing) is unacceptable.

Absolutely agree with you. Too bad Bob is already on record saying he wants to lock him up for a long time.

[RedEye]

Marshall doesn't waste time, does he?

[fearofpopvol1]

The two biggest plays of this whole series may end up being Reds runners thrown out at 3rd by Posey.

And how can you forget his granny this game as well? And didn't he punch something go ahead yesterday too? Dude is flat out the MVP of this series.

[Tom Servo]

Absolutely agree with you. Too bad Bob is already on record saying he wants to lock him up for a long time.
Thirded. Somebody needs to be held accountable.

[thatcoolguy_22]

The reds barely run all season, but decide to start against Buster Posey, in the playoffs? Being a reds fan my whole life has been painful.

[vaticanplum]

Dusty Baker should lose his job over this, IMO.

I've defended him a lot, but this kind of outing (after 2010's lackluster showing) is unacceptable.

Agreed.

Still want them to win this game though. Four runs in three innings, we can do this.

[Chip R]

Thirded. Somebody needs to be held accountable.

What about the players?

[George Anderson]

Absolutely agree with you. Too bad Bob is already on record saying he wants to lock him up for a long time.

Bob can and will change his mind if somethings not working.

I still can't understand why Baker left Latos in when he is struggling and the bullpen is fresh. uuugghhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Tom Servo]

What about the players?
Can't fire the players, as the old saying goes.


Sean Marshall is a great man, by the way.

[reds44]

I didn't say I agreed with that call. But Hanigan also knew what was coming and his job is to swing and protect those runners at any cost.

If it had worked you'd all be hailing Baker. But I never said Baker shouldn't be faulted there. Just the majority should be on the hitter not executing.
And what happens if Hanigan swings to protect the runners, hits a soft line drive to the second baseman, and it turns into a triple play?

Too many bad things could happen there. You had all the momentum and a struggling pitcher. It was a dumb play.

[Slyder]

I can't believe sending the runners is being defended here. It was dumb. Flat out dumb when you are down 3 runs and no one out. Just so sick and tired of this crap.

It is of the all time DUMBEST calls EVER. Its a 3 run game Dusty absolute best case scenario and Hanigan rips a double somewhere you have a runner on 2nd and a 6-5 game. It doesn't make sense in that case to run there. None, zero, zilch, nada anyone who defends that big bonehead decisions needs their heads examined. When they ran on the fouled off pitch my exact reaction was "wtf are you trying to do? Run us out of what maybe the LAST opportunity to come back?" Needless to say... I hate being proved right.

Absolutely stupidity on display with that one.

[Brutus]

Thirded. Somebody needs to be held accountable.

Ask the Boston Red Sox how smart it is to get carried away with accountability on account of putting too much emphasis on playoffs...

[mdccclxix]

That was a bad call. If you have runners going and hanny has a line drive to any infielder, that's also a possible triple play. I will never like that call. Dusty traded Hanigan's chance at getting a base hit with 0 outs and a run in for the chance Jay Bruce could beat a Posey throw to 3rd base. Down by 3. Game 5. 6th inning. Bad call.

[Caveat Emperor]

What about the players?

I'd ship off Stubbs and Leake on the first bus out of town as soon as this game is over.

Then I'd work like hell to figure out why Joey Votto has turned into wet noodle bat at the plate and get that fixed for 2013.

[smith288]

Dude. It was a close play. If the ump calls a ball, I bet you check the smug at the door.
I bet I go "dude...that was way to close" and nervously appreciate the call.

But whatever. I don't know baseball because some guy who put me on ignore thinks umpires somehow see a TBS graphic showing a pitch .25 off the plate and call it accordingly.

[reds1869]

Dusty gambled and lost; it happens. I personally think it was a terrible decision (and the pitch was a ball) but I'm not sitting in the manager's seat. Time to forget about it and go get enough runs to win this thing, because that is the only way we'll be watching Reds baseball next week.

[Reds Fanatic]

Being a Cincinnati sports fan really should entitle you to some discount on therapy.

[RedEye]

What about the players?

I expect we will see some changes in that department next year as well.

[dougdirt]

I didn't say I agreed with that call. But Hanigan also knew what was coming and his job is to swing and protect those runners at any cost.

If it had worked you'd all be hailing Baker. But I never said Baker shouldn't be faulted there. Just the majority should be on the hitter not executing.

In GABP, down by 3 runs, it is a terrible move. If you are playing in San Fran, maybe it makes more sense. Here, where everyone but Joey Votto can hit a home run on any given pitch? It is a terrible move.

[Caveat Emperor]

Ask the Boston Red Sox how smart it is to get carried away with accountability on account of putting too much emphasis on playoffs...

IT. IS. IMPOSSIBLE. TO. PUT. TOO. MUCH. EMPHASIS. ON. THE. PLAYOFFS.

They play the games to determine Championships. There is, quite literally, no point in even lacing up your spikes if you aren't in it to win a title.

If you want moral victories or games where everyone gets a trophy, go join a CYO league.

[Patrick Bateman]

It is of the all time DUMBEST calls EVER. Its a 3 run game Dusty absolute best case scenario and Hanigan rips a double somewhere you have a runner on 2nd and a 6-5 game. It doesn't make sense in that case to run there. None, zero, zilch, nada anyone who defends that big bonehead decisions needs their heads examined. When they ran on the fouled off pitch my exact reaction was "wtf are you trying to do? Run us out of what maybe the LAST opportunity to come back?" Needless to say... I hate being proved right.

Absolutely stupidity on display with that one.

IT WAS TO STAY OUT OF A GB DP. Odds of him grounding out are probably higher than striking out.

You don't even understand why the decision was made. It did not work out, but it's at least defensible. (I personally would not have made the call).

Hard for you to criticize.

[vaticanplum]

I'd ship off Stubbs and Leake on the first bus out of town as soon as this game is over.

Then I'd work like hell to figure out why Joey Votto has turned into wet noodle bat at the plate and get that fixed for 2013.

They clearly brought Votto back too early. He's hampered physically. Hopefully it's temporary.

[reds44]

I'm putting Chapman in for the 8th and try to get 2 innings from him.

[smith288]

Being a Cincinnati sports fan really should entitle you to some discount on therapy.
THIS

[Reds Fanatic]

They clearly brought Votto back too early. He's hampered physically. Hopefully it's temporary.

National league pitchers are going to pay next year when Votto is back to normal

[Kc61]

Why the hell was Bruce running? He was already in scoring position!

Isn't Hanigan a low strikeout, good contact guy?

Isn't he slow?

Maybe Dusty wanted to avoid the double play and played the odds that Hanigan would make contact.

Not a terrible play, just didn't work.

[Chip R]

Can't fire the players, as the old saying goes.


Sure you can. Stubbs isn't doing well, trade him, send him down or release him. You don't like Leake, same thing. Rolen hasn't performed, don't offer him a contract. You don't like Bruce, trade him. Latos didn't perform today, I'm sure 29 other teams would love to have him. Ludwick had some poor ABs, don't pick up his option. See, it's easy.

[GAC]

And what happens if Hanigan swings to protect the runners, hits a soft line drive to the second baseman, and it turns into a triple play?

And what happens if he hits a GB to any place in the INF? A DP and you're out of the inning.

And IF a frog had wings he wouldn't bump his butt every time he hopped.

[Caveat Emperor]

National league pitchers are going to pay next year when Votto is back to normal

God I hope so -- because this team already needs at least 2 more bats, and not getting Votto back to normal will really make this whole thing more difficult to repeat.

[reds44]

And what happens if he hits a GB to any place in the INF? A DP and you're out of the inning.

And IF a frog had wings he wouldn't bump his butt every time he hopped.
You could say that in defense of literally anything.

[RBA]

I bet I go "dude...that was way to close" and nervously appreciate the call.

But whatever. I don't know baseball because some guy who put me on ignore thinks umpires somehow see a TBS graphic showing a pitch .25 off the plate and call it accordingly.

Ignore

[smith288]

Ignore
Thought you already ignored me?

[Reds Fanatic]

That was a quick way to get rid of Kontos.

Kontos came in. Paul is the pinch hitter.

And Kontos was removed for a lefty

[reds44]

Do you PH for Paul with Cairo now?

[Tom Servo]

That was a quick way to get rid of Kontos.

Kontos came in. Paul is the pinch hitter.

And Kontos was removed for a lefty

Fear the X-Man

[Vottomatic]

I don't get sending Bruce to steal. That was a dumb move.

[RedEye]

Weren't they doing pretty well against Kontos?

[OldRightHander]

And what happens if he hits a GB to any place in the INF? A DP and you're out of the inning.

And IF a frog had wings he wouldn't bump his butt every time he hopped.

http://thefreeman.net/journal/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/frogwings.jpg

[GAC]

Sure you can. Stubbs isn't doing well, trade him, send him down or release him. You don't like Leake, same thing. Rolen hasn't performed, don't offer him a contract. You don't like Bruce, trade him. Latos didn't perform today, I'm sure 29 other teams would love to have him. Ludwick had some poor ABs, don't pick up his option. See, it's easy.

Quit being sensible. :D

It's Baker's fault For Rolen's error, Hanigan's passed ball, Cozart's error, Latos loosing his cool and grooving one.

[fearofpopvol1]

Isn't Hanigan a low strikeout, good contact guy?

Isn't he slow?

Maybe Dusty wanted to avoid the double play and played the odds that Hanigan would make contact.

Not a terrible play, just didn't work.

If this was the thought process, Hanigan should've bunted. Then you may have runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. A much better probable outcome. And if he can't get the bunt down, you have 1 out and runners at 1st and 2nd still.

[smith288]

That was a quick way to get rid of Kontos.

Kontos came in. Paul is the pinch hitter.

And Kontos was removed for a lefty
I assume whoever is coming in will pitch like Cy Young incarnate?

[dougdirt]

Do you PH for Paul with Cairo now?

I wouldn't pinch hit Cairo for a high school softball player.

[Tom Servo]

http://thefreeman.net/journal/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/frogwings.jpg
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l2zm1z7mzN1qc073co1_400.gif

[Reds Fanatic]

Joe Girardi's father passed away today.

[smith288]

I wouldn't pinch hit Cairo for a high school softball player.
I PH leake before Cairo. He's a black hole.

[Reds Fanatic]

Affeldt in to pitch

[Tom Servo]

I wouldn't pinch hit Cairo for a high school softball player.
Sure he may be horrific, but at least he gave the Reds that veteran presence they needed in order to advance in the playoffs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Paul still in and attempts a bunt on the first pitch

[OldRightHander]

Joe Girardi's father passed away today.

Just heard that. Hate to hear that. Won't make me actually root for the Yankees but it's sad to hear.

[Reds Fanatic]

Paul should have leaned in to that pitch

[RedEye]

Affeldt is hittable. C'mon Reds!

[GAC]

You could say that in defense of literally anything.

True. But I was just echoing a subjective "what if" generality like you just did.

[reds44]

Paul had no chance.

[Reds Fanatic]

Paul strikes out swinging. 8 outs left.

[Tom Servo]

Affeldt has the Reds clueless.

[Reds Fanatic]

Not helping right now the shadows are bad around the plate

[Kc61]

If this was the thought process, Hanigan should've bunted. Then you may have runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. A much better probable outcome. And if he can't get the bunt down, you have 1 out and runners at 1st and 2nd still.

No, Hanigan is very slow. A bunt could easily be a double play. And a bunt takes away the chance of a hit.

Hanigan is slow, the move was obviously made to avoid the double play and still give Hanigan a chance for a hit.

Debatable, but not clearly terrible IMO.

[Vottomatic]

He shoulda yanked Paul when Bochy put in Affedlt. No time to waste outs.

[reds44]

He shoulda yanked Paul when Bochy put in Affedlt. No time to waste outs.
Agreed.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips lines a single to right.

[reds44]

Brandon has been amazing.

[Vottomatic]

Agreed.

That's the problem with a player's manager.

[Caveat Emperor]

He's bungled just about every decision this series so far, why would anyone expect Dusty to have a clue right now?

[Tom Servo]

Brandon Phillips is a great man.

[RedEye]

Now please -- DO NOT WASTE THIS BASERUNNER!

[vaticanplum]

I'm probably nuts but I still really feel like we win this game. This team has been so resilient that way. Tencious, even.

[nemesis]

Wow. Look at that glossy Dusty record... Sigh

[Reds Fanatic]

Brandon has been amazing.

Yes. Now hitting .391 this series

[Caveat Emperor]

Brandon Phillips is a great man.

Who probably bears a good majority of the responsibility for the Reds not winning Game 3 and sweeping.

[fearofpopvol1]

No, Hanigan is very slow. A bunt could easily be a double play. And a bunt takes away the chance of a hit.

Hanigan is slow, the move was obviously made to avoid the double play and still give Hanigan a chance for a hit.

Debatable, but not clearly terrible IMO.

A double play would've been highly unlikely unless it was a pop up and the runners are going. If he bunts it down the 3rd base line, he is fine. Same is true of 1B line. If the runners are in motion, they are not going to get doubled up with Bruce and Rolen on the bases.

[Vottomatic]

Brandon Phillips is a great man.

Except in game 3, inning 1. :laugh:

Just kidding. I love BP.

They say defense wins championships. The Reds have proven otherwise so far.

[George Anderson]

Watch Dusty sac bunt here

[fearofpopvol1]

Who probably bears a good majority of the responsibility for the Reds not winning Game 3 and sweeping.

I'd give him a pass for a mistake. He was awesome in the first 2 games.