Reds: wire to wire

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Just deal with it. Think I'm gonna get up early and make the Thu. biz special. Brown bag PBJ and a flask of Bacardi. No way I'm getting raped on parking again either.

68 and cloudy shouldn't be too bad.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Where is the crowd? Looks like there is about 2 people there tonight

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Where is the crowd? Looks like there is about 2 people there tonight

Ha. My brother begged out tonite as we were supposed to use his daughter's straight A tickets. I tried to sell him on the idea that these games when school is in session are prime "move down" to good seat games.

[gladdenguy]

if this team doesnt win a playoff series im gonna be pissed off...they keep hitting it will be wire to wire......st louis is done

[nuts4xu]

if this team doesnt win a playoff series im gonna be pissed off...they keep hitting it will be wire to wire......st louis is done

Cmon man! I had to keep you off the ledge all basketball season, am I going to keep you calm the next 158 baseball games too?

You'll be pissed off if this team loses any game, who you kidding!

The Cards Blow...Time of Death....10:03 pm on April 5, 2011.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

if this team doesnt win a playoff series im gonna be pissed off...they keep hitting it will be wire to wire......st louis is done

easy, big fella. Deep breaths. Breathe in the roses, blow out the candles.

[Xpectations]

if this team doesnt win a playoff series im gonna be pissed off...they keep hitting it will be wire to wire......st louis is done

Not sure they make spitoons large enough to get you through a 162-game season, amigo.

[Juice]

The Cubs put Cashner and Wells on the DL.

The Reds are going to win this division by at least 10 games.

[XULucho27]

The Cubs put Cashner and Wells on the DL.

That sucks. Cashner had a good outing yesterday. Figured they'd have a decent shot if Cashner, Z, Dempster and/or Garza pitched well throughout the season.

[PMI]

Gotta love April spirits! I've already purchased my Orioles playoff tickets.

[TJMuskie06]

I went to the first 3 games and saw in person how packed GABP was. It is amazing how empty the stands gets once the first few games are out of the way. Go REDS!

[XU 87]

Reds down 4-0 after one, are now up 6-4 after 3. Houston's catcher tries to throw a runner out at third and throws the ball into the dugout. XU 2023 remarks, "Is Mayor Mallory catching for Houston?"

[X-band '01]

The ball actually deflected off of Hernandez's bat; it wasn't completely the catcher's fault.

I also loved Heisey's Willie Mays Hayes "excuse-me" single that inning as well.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

What a game from Brandon Phillips. Couple of hits. A heads up first to third. Great jump on the play at the plate. And, oh yeah, a textbook rundown double play with a runner on third.

Janish three hits and a gorgeous pirouette at short.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

The ball actually deflected off of Hernandez's bat; it wasn't completely the catcher's fault.

I also loved Heisey's Willie Mays Hayes "excuse-me" single that inning as well.

I don't understand. Who else would be at fault? Hernadez did the right thing and remained in the box when he knew a steal was coming. Catcher didn't get around him.

I don't pretend to know all the rules so I'm just asking.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

What is our plan if BP is dinged up? Does Renteria play second or they bring up Valaika?

Are we are gonna see Cairo at third tomorrow or Francisco vs the RH.

[BENWAR]

Is Dusty still a bad manager?

I love how he goes from the outhouse to the penthouse in a years time.

That's what happens when you win.

[xsteve1]

That walk off HR Hernandez hit on Opening Day was huge. It really got this team pumped and playing with confidence.

[xsteve1]

Is Dusty still a bad manager?

I love how he goes from the outhouse to the penthouse in a years time.

That's what happens when you win.

Never understood why everyone thought Dusty was a bad manager. He took the Giants to the World Series and even got the lovable losers to the playoffs as well as a young Reds team last year. I really like the guy and liked him before they did well last year.

[Jumpy]

What a game from Brandon Phillips. Couple of hits. A heads up first to third. Great jump on the play at the plate. And, oh yeah, a textbook rundown double play with a runner on third.

Janish three hits and a gorgeous pirouette at short.

He had some great defensive plays, but what was really telling was his beating out an infield single in the 8th inning of a 10-4 ballgame. The guy has his head on straight and is playing hard right now. Let's hope this continues all year.

[THRILLHOUSE]

What is our plan if BP is dinged up? Does Renteria play second or they bring up Valaika?

Are we are gonna see Cairo at third tomorrow or Francisco vs the RH.

BP is dinged up every season and plays through it, so nothing really to worry about unless he gets a serious injury.

[Juice]

What is our plan if BP is dinged up? Does Renteria play second or they bring up Valaika?

Are we are gonna see Cairo at third tomorrow or Francisco vs the RH.

Valaika comes up. He did last year. Valaika will most likely be our 2nd basemen next year because there is no way the Reds resign Phillips to a deal at the rate he is currently being paid.

Rolen is definitely off today. I think the plan is to rest him for day games after night games. I bet we see Francisco at 3rd today even though Juan hasn't taken a walk since his last date on the beach.

[Jumpy]

Valaika comes up. He did last year. Valaika will most likely be our 2nd basemen next year because there is no way the Reds resign Phillips to a deal at the rate he is currently being paid.

Rolen is definitely off today. I think the plan is to rest him for day games after night games. I bet we see Francisco at 3rd today even though Juan hasn't taken a walk since his last date on the beach.

I don't mind Juan playing a routine (if subdued) platoon role at third. He is the third baseman of the future and needs his playing time. I would like to see Rolen sit at least one- maybe two- games a week. This would keep him fresh and give Juan time to acclimate to the majors with relatively little pressure on him.

[Juice]

I don't mind Juan playing a routine (if subdued) platoon role at third. He is the third baseman of the future and needs his playing time. I would like to see Rolen sit at least one- maybe two- games a week. This would keep him fresh and give Juan time to acclimate to the majors with relatively little pressure on him.

If he is our third baseman of the future then we are screwed. His walk to strikeout ratio is laughable. He is a terrible fielder at third too and he will only get worse as he gets older and adds weight. His only good tools are his power and his arm. He is more or less Wily Mo Pena but he plays at third and not in the outfield. I really don't understand the organization's love for this guy.

In his total minor league career he has walked 88 times and struck out 523 times in over 2000 ABs for a .313 OBP. His OPS is only .807 in the minors.

Here is more on him: http://www.redreporter.com/2010/3/22/1384205/why-juan-francisco-needs-to-have

This is a really good overall scouting report on him: http://redlegsbaseball.blogspot.com/2011/03/2011-top-prospect-list-9-juan-francisco.html

Todd Frazier is who should be playing third but for some reason he is stuck playing LF.

[Juice]

If he is our third baseman of the future then we are screwed. His walk to strikeout ratio is laughable. He is a terrible fielder at third too and he will only get worse as he gets older and adds weight. His only good tools are his power and his arm. He is more or less Wily Mo Pena but he plays at third and not in the outfield. I really don't understand the organization's love for this guy.

In his total minor league career he has walked 88 times and struck out 523 times in over 2000 ABs for a .313 OBP. His OPS is only .807 in the minors.

Here is more on him: http://www.redreporter.com/2010/3/22/1384205/why-juan-francisco-needs-to-have

This is a really good overall scouting report on him: http://redlegsbaseball.blogspot.com/2011/03/2011-top-prospect-list-9-juan-francisco.html

Todd Frazier is who should be playing third but for some reason he is stuck playing LF.

It is only one game but:


Juan Francisco was a train wreck today. He went 0-4 at the plate, and Francisco hacked at the first pitch in three of those ABs. At least twice, Cincinnati had runners on base and Francisco came up in an important situation, only to swing away at the first pitch and pop the ball up.

Similarly unsurprising, Francisco also had a couple of defensive miscues, though neither resulted in an error. After some confusion between Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce allowed a ball to drop between them, the throw appeared to reach third base in time to nail Carlos Lee…but Francisco couldn’t handle the throw. Later, in an important spot, Francisco threw wildly to first, only to be saved by a very nice catch and tag applied by Joey Votto.

Oh, one more thing: remember I said that Francisco hacked at the first pitch on three of his four at-bats? Yeah, about that other AB…Francisco struck out.

As you can tell, my hatred for Juan Francisco is only matched by my hatred for Jonny Gomes.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Good thing Dusty didn't listen to Brantley's carping about having Heisey in in the 9th to play D. Guy only came up with 2 clutch rbis.

Btw, ridiculous shovel to first by BP to end an inning. Gonna miss him next year.

And that starter for Zona is a hoss.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Juice, I don't understand why Todd Frazier became a forgotten man in this org. Not saying he was the golden boy, but there was a point where they didn't think he was even worth a look.

[Juice]

Juice, I don't understand why Todd Frazier became a forgotten man in this org. Not saying he was the golden boy, but there was a point where they didn't think he was even worth a look.

I don't get it either. He started horribly last year at the plate but hit well in the second half of the season. Hopefully he picks it up this year so if someone gets injured he can get the call up. Francisco does one thing better than Frazier and that is hit home runs.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Tied going into the 10th. Top of the order up.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Scoring a run while stranding the bases loaded in the first. I'd almost rather go 1,2,3.

[BENWAR]

Great game!!

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Wow, heart in throat seeing Gomes misjudge that ball. Didn't want to lose to that former Cardinal phucker Ludwick.
Ordru blew that that dude away with the higt heat!

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Wow, simply awesome. Let's make this the year we avert the west coast disaster.
All with two outs. I thought they were gonna get away with Venable misplaying the Gomes single that could have been a triple.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

8-3, already a three game lead on the Cubs. Good thing we never listened to Billy's genius commentary on Dusty Baker.

[nuts4xu]

I love it. Wire to wire is still alive. I am in Las Vegas this week, and the book at the Hard Rock has the Reds a 4-1 to win the NL pennant, and 12-1 to win the WS. I was a little surprised to see the odds so good, but I still think I will plunk down $10 for each.

Fred, let me know if you want me to place any wagers for you. I will cover you til I get back into town and we meet up for a few brews.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Is Dusty still a bad manager?

I love how he goes from the outhouse to the penthouse in a years time.

That's what happens when you win.

Well, Billy is gay.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

I love it. Wire to wire is still alive. I am in Las Vegas this week, and the book at the Hard Rock has the Reds a 4-1 to win the NL pennant, and 12-1 to win the WS. I was a little surprised to see the odds so good, but I still think I will plunk down $10 for each.

Fred, let me know if you want me to place any wagers for you. I will cover you til I get back into town and we meet up for a few brews.

Give me the reds over the Phillie over the hill gang.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Chase Utley is degenerating as we speak. And the Reds shouldn't be fooled by a Phillips contract year. Look at Rollins.

[Juice]

Chase Utley is degenerating as we speak. And the Reds shouldn't be fooled by a Phillips contract year. Look at Rollins.

Phillips is as good as gone unless he is willing to take a huge pay cut.

[Smails]

Was it me or did Chapman look like he dialed ot down a little bit last night? He was 93-94 early in the count, his slider was filthy and when he wanted to turn it up, he sauced a 98 mph heater at the letters right by the last batter he faced.

Look the fuk out if Chapman is actually learning how to pitch...

[Porkopolis]

Was it me or did Chapman look like he dialed ot down a little bit last night? He was 93-94 early in the count, his slider was filthy and when he wanted to turn it up, he sauced a 98 mph heater at the letters right by the last batter he faced.

Look the fuk out if Chapman is actually learning how to pitch...

He has done that in several of his appearances. I suspect he's been told he has to learn to vary his pace if he wants to join the rotation in the future. A starter live in the mid 90s who could dial up 100+ on demand would be dominant in a way we haven't seen in years.

[Juice]

He has done that in several of his appearances. I suspect he's been told he has to learn to vary his pace if he wants to join the rotation in the future. A starter live in the mid 90s who could dial up 100+ on demand would be dominant in a way we haven't seen in years.

I think it also has something to do with him pitching 3 times in the last 4 days.

[Jumpy]

He has done that in several of his appearances. I suspect he's been told he has to learn to vary his pace if he wants to join the rotation in the future. A starter live in the mid 90s who could dial up 100+ on demand would be dominant in a way we haven't seen in years.

Randy Johnson.

I freaking hate west coast games. They start after I've already gone to bed. Until recently, I've been consoled by the fact that the Reds always shit the bed on the west coast, but I'm pissed I missed out on last night's affair.

[Porkopolis]

I think it also has something to do with him pitching 3 times in the last 4 days.

That accounts for a slight drop in velocity, but not for the ability to change speeds effectively. I suspect the coaching staff is running him out there more frequently to make him less reliant on pure stuff since the ultimate plan is to have him TOR.

[Juice]

That accounts for a slight drop in velocity, but not for the ability to change speeds effectively. I suspect the coaching staff is running him out there more frequently to make him less reliant on pure stuff since the ultimate plan is to have him TOR.

The dude has always been able to throw around 100 on his fastball and low 90s on his slider. I agree he pitched well last night and he is probably improving but I don't think he has made any grand changes in his pitching style between last night and his inning two days ago.

I just hope that his success as a reliever doesn't put any ideas in the heads of the front office that he has to stay in the pen.

[SixFig]

I just hope that his success as a reliever doesn't put any ideas in the heads of the front office that he has to stay in the pen.

This is purely hypothetical, but I wonder if a guy like Chapman could be transformed into a 2-3 inning closer, Bruce Sutter or Goose Gossage like. I know it would never happen, but it would be interesting.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

No idea what happened with Chapman getting pulled and subsequently chewed out by Hernandez on the bench.

Heisey had two ridiculous circus catches. And nice to see a RF who isn't on his front foot for every breaking pitch.

Jordan Smith looked good. Masset might want to get that curve over for a strike or he'll lose his job.

[Juice]

No idea what happened with Chapman getting pulled and subsequently chewed out by Hernandez on the bench.

Heisey had two ridiculous circus catches. And nice to see a RF who isn't on his front foot for every breaking pitch.

Jordan Smith looked good. Masset might want to get that curve over for a strike or he'll lose his job.

Chapman was throwing in the low 90s. He is either hurt or really tired.

Once Jonny Gomes cools down, it will be come obvious that Heisey needs to play more than him.

[Xavgrad08]

We really need Nick Masset to start pitching better. He has good suff, but right now he is struggling. Overall, going 3-3 on a West Coast road trip isn't bad.

[Jumpy]

But who needs opponents when they have teammates like Massett? A lesser man would note that if not for him, the Reds would be 11-1. I'm not a lesser man, so I won't.

[paulxu]

Maybe Cordero only comes in when we have a lead in the 9th?
Since he's the highest paid Red, maybe he can go 2 innings sometimes?

[GoMuskies]

Why does Volquez suck?

[Masterofreality]

And in other news...

The Cleveland Indians are in first place.

[paulxu]

The Cleveland Indians are in first place.

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ricky-Vaughn-Major-League.jpg

Winning!

[X-band '01]

Why does Volquez suck?

The first inning is his primary concern - as talented as the Reds' offense is, they can't continually dig their way out of 4-run holes every 5th day.

[Juice]

Homer pitched five scoreless in Louisville today.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

There have been 33 Home runs in 11 games at GABP. At this current rate, there will be 243 home runs in the season there.

Its not even hot/humid yet.

[bobbiemcgee]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-passan_aroldis_chapman_106_radar_reds_fastball_con troversy_041911

[xu95]

They are trying hard to let another team take over first place in the Central.

xu95

[STL_XUfan]

they keep hitting it will be wire to wire......st louis is done

The wire to wire bid ended tonight at the hands of the Cardinals!

[BBC 08]

This is the Cardinal's league. The Reds are just living in it.

[X-band '01]

The Reds get their first walk-off win in a while; despite being held to 1 hit for 8 innings the Reds score 3 in the 9th (without any outs) to pull out a 3-2 win over the Astros.

[paulxu]

This is the Cardinal's league. The Reds are just living in it.

The Reds break my heart every year.

[GoMuskies]

The Reds have been pretty lousy so far. Hopefully they'll snap out of it soon. Nice, unexpected win today after the way the first 8 innings went.

[X-band '01]

Homer Bailey had a great debut this year - 6 IP, 7 Ks, 4 hits, 1 walk and 1 earned run allowed.

It's great to see the bats come alive before the first trip to Wrigley this year - you never know what kind of offensive output you'll get in that yard from day to day.

[GoMuskies]

Snuck Homer back into my fantasy pitching rotation this morning. Worked out well for me!

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Uh oh, Arnoldis with 15 walks in 12 innings.

[X-band '01]

If Chapman goes between his pitches as fast as Mark Buehrle, does he get credited with the quickest walks in the MLB record books?

[GoMuskies]

The Reds had been sucking wind, but they seem to have come alive on the West Coast of all places. The Reds are notoriously awful on their West Coast swings, and their first one of the year usually basically kills the season. But not this year. The Reds have a 7-1 lead in the fourth and appear to be sailing towards a 5-2 trip out West. I can't remember the last time the Reds got a sweep in L.A. This trip was incredibly good news for the Reds, who are somehow only 3.5 out. Thanks for sucking rest of the division!

[ThrowDownDBrown]

The Reds had been sucking wind, but they seem to have come alive on the West Coast of all places. The Reds are notoriously awful on their West Coast swings, and their first one of the year usually basically kills the season. But not this year. The Reds have a 7-1 lead in the fourth and appear to be sailing towards a 5-2 trip out West. I can't remember the last time the Reds got a sweep in L.A. This trip was incredibly good news for the Reds, who are somehow only 3.5 out. Thanks for sucking rest of the division!

Only 2 back with the Cards losing again right now. Brewers look to be delayed though

[Kahns Krazy]

Hopes sure were high at the start of the season.