9/23/13 -- Reds vs Mets; Choo's back!

[Matt700wlw]

Choo
Phillips
Votto
Ludwick
Bruce
Frazier
Cozart
Hanigan
Cueto

[redsfan30]

Absolutely cannot have a letdown in this series. 2 out of 3 is required....minimum.

[dsmith421]

I understand that it's small sample size and he could well turn into a pumpkin once exposed for an extended period, but I can't see any logic to sitting Billy Hamilton at this stage in the game.

[Matt700wlw]

For those who care, here's the Mets lineup.

Young LF
Murphy 2B
Wright 3B
Duda 1B (or as I call him, Camptown Races )
Brown RF
Lagares CF
D’Arnaud C
Quintanilla SS
Harang P

[NebraskaRed]

[cumberlandreds]

Absolutely cannot have a letdown in this series. 2 out of 3 is required....minimum.

They need to win every day if they expect to win the division.

They cannot let up. The Mets are playing good baseball right now. They have 7 of 10. They have brought up a lot of young guys and they aren't just going through the motions. Also David Wright just got off the DL. I expect some tight games the next three days.

[RedsBrick]

I understand that it's small sample size and he could well turn into a pumpkin once exposed for an extended period, but I can't see any logic to sitting Billy Hamilton at this stage in the game.

I love when that guy's in the line-up!

I also see the need to keep Ludwick going. Could really use a hot streak from him...

[PepperJack]

This would appear to be Dusty's # 1 lineup to close out this season, and for the playoffs.

He has moved Bruce back down to 5th for the 4th straight game, despite playing well while hitting 4th.

Also, if the playoff rotation would feature Latos/Bailey/Cueto/Arroyo, as it seems the Reds have it set up for, then Hanigan is the bulk catcher, getting 3 of those 4.

Not arguing or complaining really, just pointing those trends out to see if someone sees things differently.

[Gizmo]

They need to win every day if they expect to win the division.

They cannot let up. The Mets are playing good baseball right now. They have 7 of 10. They have brought up a lot of young guys and they aren't just going through the motions. Also David Wright just got off the DL. I expect some tight games the next three days.

While I'd love for them to win out and take the division, I'd hate for them to win out and have the Cards go 5-1. Now we're on a 7 game winning streak and MUST make it 8. I'd almost rather them get a loss out of the way in the middle of the week, then win 5 or 6 in a row into the NLDS. I'm happy with them just winning the next 5 series.

[_Sir_Charles_]

From CTrent:

Here’s an interesting tidbit — it would take a lot to happen, but headed into the last week of the season, the Reds still have a chance at not only the division, but also the National League’s best record.

Atlanta has 92 wins, St. Louis 91 and Los Angeles 90. The Reds have 89. It shows that there’s no runaway best team in the NL this year.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Absolutely cannot have a letdown in this series. 2 out of 3 is required....minimum.

Heck with that....WIN OUT! 6 for 6!

[Tom Servo]

[BungleBengals]

Just looked it up and this is the exact same lineup as Opening Day. Feels weird to think that the last time we saw this lineup was nearly 6 months ago...

[redsmetz]

Just looked it up and this is the exact same lineup as Opening Day. Feels weird to think that the last time we saw this lineup was nearly 6 months ago...

I think this will be the giant "what if" for the 2013 season.

BTW, I'm with the crowd of desiring nothing short of six wins to close out the regular season. I understand that we'll still be in the play-offs, but I'm not satisfied with just making the play-offs. I very much would like the division crown. I'll be happy playing as a wild card, but not as happy as I'd be being the division champs.

[Kc61]

Agree that this series could be competitive. Mets are a .500 team away from Citifield. Play much worse at home.

Reds just have to put blinders on and win as many as they can. Home is the place to do it.