Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > May > 11 > Entry
Bunch o’ wimps (and it’s not the Bengals)
BIG DREAD MACHINE
Is there a bigger bunch of wimps than the Cincinnati Reds?
Losers of 23 of their first 38 games, the Reds’ pitching is poor, their hitting is worse and their game management leaves a lot to be desired.
For crying out loud, they can’t even bat IN ORDER!
Yes, the Reds did the unthinkable in an 8-3 loss to the New York Mets at Shea Stadium on Sunday, May 11.
Cincinnati batted out of order in the ninth inning — after a double switch — with David Ross coming to the plate in the No. 8 spot instead of Corey Patterson. Ross flied out to right, but the out was charged to Patterson. Ross batted again and singled.
It was the worst brain cramp since former Reds manager Ray Knight either fell asleep or wasn’t paying attention in the dugout once upon a time.
The Big Dread Machine is seven-and-a-half games out of first place in the NL Central, and the only reason they’re still breathing is the fact that St. Louis is 5-5 in its last 10 games.
Worse than the Reds’ win-loss record is the fact that they’re not playing hard or smart.
Ryan Freel gets picked off first base — again.
The only thing Freel is good for is a washing machine, which cleans the soot-covered front of his grass-and-dirt-stained jersey.
Freel’s an erratic hitter, a terrible base runner and his diving attempts at his misplays of fly balls in the outfield are comical.
It’s astounding to me that Reds fans keep mentioning him in the same breath with Pete Rose.
PLEASE … STOP! Freel is nothing more than a part-time utility player. Rose is the HIT KING!
Sure, Freel’s a hustler. But I can’t wait for him to take his pool stick & cue ball to another club.
DID YOU HEAR MARTY?
During the “Ask Marty” portion of Sunday’s radio broadcast, Reds play-by-play announcer Marty Brennaman said that when he retires, he’s going to wear an earring and ponytail.
WHAT’S UP, DOC?
Darrell “Doc” Rodgers’ performance as host of Reds’ “Extra Innings” show on WLW radio is enough to send even the most die-hard fan in search of a pillow. Hey, Doc, gimme some emotion. Don’t put me to sleep. Z-z-z-z-z.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Baseball
Comments