By wizard

July 22, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Yes, I pretty much agree with you, and most others on his lack of patience,etc.;however, I wonder, if put into that role, if he would focus better on pitches to hit. For example he seems to, at times, pick out pitches to hit to right, when he needs to get a hit. I think his free swinging style may be more a result of what he thinks he is supposed to do with his bat—due to hitting #4.Perhaps.

By Florida Buckeye

July 22, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Wizard, just thought I’d try to add a little to the Phillips/lead off question you posed: The problems that I see with Phillips at leadoff are: lack of patience - I always see him swinging at first pitch fastballs, and trying to pull them - his OBP isn’t what I would want for a lead off, and here’s one of the intangibles of Phillips: I believe that his ego would get in the way. A lead off hitter is a starter, a spark, and Phillips personality seems to be a finisher/the big swing/the showman, and not the roll-player…thoughts?!?

By wizard

July 21, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

My lineup, at this point in the season, would be: Keppinger/Phillips/Votto/Dunn/Encarnacion/Bruce/Griffey/Ross

By wizard

July 21, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your input on Brandon. Interesting.It is why this blog is fun. Lots of intelligent folks on here.

By Nick W.

July 21, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

i agree with mike that phillips does not have the patience to be a lead off hitter and i wouldn’t want the reds to try and adjust his swing and mess his swing up i think he would be a great in the 3 hole but we all know who is in there and will never leave that spot..i think hairston could be a great leadoff hitter but he way to injury prone so i don’t trust that so the biggest thing we need is a leadoff hitter and we have needed that all year freel didn’t work out he is having surgery hairston has been to the dl twice hopper is out for the year and patterson shouldn’t be in baseball bruce is not a lead off hitter so y not give kepp a chance at leadoff he is starting to get his swing back and he is a great hitter..but just like this year were gonna go into next year needing a leadoff hitter and i think FA or trade is the best way to get a good leadoff guy..

By Matt

July 21, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Brarhopper, contrary to what you think, you don’t control me. I’ll comment whenever I want to and how many times I want to. The only thing that is “childish” is your constant effort to stir up trouble. You offer nothing constructive, only more of the same outrageous and nonsensical drivel that you always post. At least my opinions on the Reds make sense and have some semblance of reality associated with them.

By Mike-Cinci

July 21, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Wizard, thanks for the question regarding Phillips as a lead-off man. I could see him in the role but he would have to change his style. Right now he is a free swinger and not patient at the plate. He would have to take a few more pitches to become effective in the lead-off role. He has walked only 25 times and has a rather low .321 OBP. He certainly has the speed for the job. Personally I like him better as a number 3 hitter. He has good power and he should become an even better hitter over the next few years. Freel and Hairston won’t platoon as suggested by someone as they are both right hand hitters. As many of you realize Freel is not suited to lead-off as he K’s too often and has a Cory Patterson type of on base percentage history. Wizard is right, Phillips could lead-off but I think he is better used elsewhere in the line-up. That said, if Hairston is not the man the Reds will need to find someone over the winter. Hairston does have .398 OBP which is the best on the team. Like Keppinger, Phillips, Lincoln, and Hamilton/Volquez Jerry Hairston Jr. just might be another Krivsky gem of a pick-up.

By wizard

July 21, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Matt I agree with your point right now—I guess my thoughts were wandering to the day and time when Jay Bruce becomes a legitimate middle of the order hitter, and perhaps another player who isn’t so now—thinking, also that Dunn seems to have found his stroke, and could be a #4 hitter, at this time. I think Phillips would be dynamite as leadoff with the correct people hitting in the middle.

By Brarhopper

July 21, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Wizard specifically asks a question of Mike-Cinci and Mr. Baseball and look who just can’t stand it and HAS to butt in with his two cents worth. What is this, his 56th post out of the total of 245? Childlike.

By Matt

July 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

I believe that Brandon Phillips is more of a middle of the order kind of player than a leadoff hitter. That being said though, I think he could handle the role if the Reds gave it to him. He is a pure hitter. He hits the ball to all fields, and when he is not swinging for the fences, as he has been prone to do, he handles the bat very well. He has a very good combination of speed and power. I think in the Reds lineup however, he is best suited for the middle part of the order.

By Mark

July 21, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

I just can’t see Hairston being consistent enough to be that spark-plug at the top. Ideally, you could have him and Freel platoon in center, but they should have that this year with both hitting lead-off but now both remain HURT. I think the logical idea is to try and platoon them next year, flanked by Bruce and Dunn in the OF. I agree with the analysis of Kepp, but having Bruce batting lead-off takes everything away from the 2-hole in terms of hit and runs, etc. I don’t understand why everyone is still so down on EE, he is hitting well over .300 over the past month or so, and face it, everyone makes errors at some point. Plus, who else do you want to put there, move Kepp to third and have Gonzalez at SS (if he’s able to play next year and stay healthy). To me, thats too many injury-prone players, keep EE and let him develop. He is hitting his groove and has rasied his average 40 points in the past month. As for pitching, I don’t see how you can justify trading Harang. Bronson, maybe, but Harang has been the ace of this staff for the past few years. While maybe he is declining, he is still going to go out and give you a sub-4.50 ERA. His record does not reflect how well he pitched this year and everyone knows that. With all this ‘young nucleus’ talk, you would think the Reds are already planning 2 years down the road. I say they go out, find a servicable 4-5 starter (I’ll hold out hope for Fogg still) that can come in and more than anything teach the younger guys even more, preferably with playoff experience. This team is a piece or two away from taking it to the next level. Think of the Rays last year… young nucleus but tons of potential.. hmmm, Bruce, Votto, EE, Cueto, Volquez, Dunn, Phillips… One or two trades/signings and this team will be there

By wizard

July 21, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Without completely thinking through my question—I’d like to know what Mike-Cinci and Mr. Baseball think about Brandon Phillips as a leadoff man. Seems to me in reading your previous posts he has all you want, including power, and ability to hit to right field.I know with the talent available now, that may not be possible, but…

By Mike-Cinci

July 21, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball makes several excellent points. The Reds do have an opportunity over the next couple of weeks to get over 500. The schedule gives them a break. He made a very good observation on Keppinger. It brings up the importance of having a speedy runner batting ahead of Keppinger so Baker can put him in motion and take advantage of Keppinger’s hitting skills. Hairston was perfect in the lead-off role. The combination of Hairston/Keppinger at the top of the line-up was very effective. Maybe Hairston can play CF next year(and this year) and be the lead-off guy. If not, there is no one else on the current roster who can be effective in the role. The Reds will have to go outside the organization to find someone if Hairston is not the man. Hairston has 15 steals with 188 at bats so far and on a pace over a full season of 600 at bats to have 50 steals. Phillips has 20 steals and Patterson has 10. No one else is in doulbe figures. Hairston is an intriguing player for the Reds if he can stay healthy.

By Mr. Baseball

July 21, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Mike-Cinci consistently provides good observations. His two most recent posts throw a dash of realism into the Reds’ situation. As he notes, the free agent market does not look good this year, inclining the Reds to perhaps sign Dunn for next year. Who wants Pat Burrell in place of Adam Dunn? And he has consistently reminded us the Reds aren’t good enough to compete this year. He makes a good point. But, compete we must. So let’s see what the Reds can do with this soft spot in their schedule coming up the next couple weeks: 12 games against the Padres, Rockies, Astros, and Nationals. It is time to make hay while the sun shines. On another topic, frequent readers of this blog will know that Mr. Baseball often sings the praises of Jeff Keppinger. Kepp is a fundamentally sound baseball player, who plays smart and gets the most out of his abilities. He’s the prototypical #2 hitter, makes good contact, and in case you didn’t notice, plays pretty good defense at shortstop. Like Cal Ripken, you seldom see him make diving plays because he positions himself so well. You probably didn’t know that he has the best fielding percentage of any shortstop in the NL who has played as many innings at the position as he has (only 2 errors in 431 innings). But even Kepp has a weakness and it’s one that must be overcome for the Reds to get better. This weakness showed itself in the third inning of yesterday’s game with the Mets. With the Reds trailing 2-1 and Jay Bruce on first base with one out, Kepp grounded into a double play to kill the inning. Kepp leads all Reds regulars in GIDP, hitting into one every 31 at bats, compared to 1 in every 38 at bats for Brandon and 1 in 44 for Edwin, the next two highest among regulars players. Ironically, this happens because Kepp is such a good contact hitter — he puts the ball in play, often on the ground, leading to double plays. This should not be happening as much as it is. Dusty has to take better advantage of Kepp’s bat control and start putting a play on in these situations. Basically, any time Kepp comes to bat with a runner on first and less than two outs, the Reds should consider four options: 1) sacrifice bunt (but only with 0 outs); 2) bunt for a hit; 3) hit and run (does anyone do this any more?); and 4) straight steal. All of these aggressive plays would stay away from the double play, keep innings alive for the meat of the order, and allow Kepp to fully use his #2 skills to help the team.

By Matt

July 21, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

I Live in a dream world, Hilliard Dave? No, you’ve got it confused. I’m not the one who thinks the Reds have no talent. I’m not the one who thinks the Reds won’t win for a 100 years. I’m not the one who thinks that Baker and Junior are “cancers” and “albatrosses”. I’m not the one who thinks that Dunn is the biggest problem the Reds have. So, no, it wouldn’t be me with the “dream world” issues or mental problems. So, on to things that actually matter and that are worth talking about. The Reds, in my opinion, are still mentally not there. The culture of losing is still prevalent, as we saw yesterday. Winning teams, playoff teams, make the play that Encarnacion failed to make in the 10th inning. When the game is on the line, they come through. The Reds are almost there, but not quite. They have almost enough talent, but the mental side of the game needs work. Baker and Jocketty still have plenty of work left to do. Go Reds!!

By fan_from_afar

July 21, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Facts. Numbers. Truths. Untruths. Falsehoods. Truthiness. Here’s Griff’s numbers so far this year: avg: .236 HR:12 RBI:46 SB:0. How is it a “fact” that these are good numbers for an outfielder? Don’t get me wrong, I actually like Griffey (i can’t help it he seems like a good guy), but he is not the great player he once was. And in “fact” he is only an average outfielder right now - although his paycheck says differently.

By Mike-Cinci

July 21, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Sunday’s loss to the Mets again proves the Reds are just not good enough. They have some nice players but overall their talent is a bit less than the top teams. The bullpen has been very good. Phillips, Votto, Bruce, EE, Volquez, and Cueto show promise. They need at least one or two outfielders depending on the Dunn situation, a catcher, and I’d be willing to bet another starter or two. Teams never have enough pitching. It seems the Reds are always going to the bullpen in the 6th inning which means the starters rarely go deep into games. This has to improve because the bullpen can’t be perfect and it will eventually run down due to overwork.

By Florida Buckeye

July 21, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball, good point w/r to CP and the late inning outfield moves; ironic how yesterday, he pulls a big bat out, and replaces with CP; but then again, it wasn’t the bat that failed the Reds last night…

By Hilliard Dave

July 21, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

I’ve been catching up on these posts. And sure enough, there you are off in your little paranoid dream world again. Man, it truly appears that you have a mental problem.

By Matt

July 21, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

He also recorded a double. But by all accounts, a hard loss to take today. If this team could just get some momentum and a modest winning streak, they would be fine. They’d get over .500 and hopefully stay that way the rest of the year. But the beat rolls on today. A loss ripped from the jaws of victory. Back to 4 under .500 with the lowly Padres coming to town. As far as me saying what valid points are and aren’t, a 5 year old could determine that what the likes of Hubertucky, Wizard, Brarhopper and a few others say on this blog more often than not is simply false and outrageous. But if their defenders want to think that Griffey is a terrible player and a “cancer”, go ahead and think that. If you want to believe that Dusty Baker is a bad manager, go ahead and think it. If you want to think that Dunn is a terrible ballplayer and needs to be run out of town, go ahead and think it. Bask in your ignorance and don’t let me stand in the way. The numbers and facts however simply prove you wrong. It’s as simple as that.

By HuberTucky

July 20, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Sigh. Imagine my surprise. Tuned into the game top of 10th to see poor Bill Bray double screwed by terrible defense. Reds find yet another way to lose yet another game they could have and should have won. Glad I had other plans so as to not waste a day watching this team frustrate yet again. When are they gonna step up and play like the big money pros they are paid to be…on a consistent basis? And I see Mr. 3-Spot-For-Life managed to log in another two whiffs.

By James Bradley

July 20, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Let’s see, Huber Tucky,Wizard, Police Chief, AP Florida, jsc139, Dave, Brarhopper, Jerry, Stevec Ross, Dave Hilliard, Wally P., Coach, and someone referring to himself in the third person…all have told you to cool it one way or another. You call these the people who agree with you/ NOT!

By AP-FLORIDA

July 20, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

so now matt has the power to deem what a valid point is? boy are we in trouble! Why didn’t ross bat for bako in the 10th?

By AP-FLORIDA

July 20, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

so now matt has the power to deem what a valid point is? boy are we in trouble! Why didn’t ross bat for bako in the 10th?

By Police Chief (Revisited)

July 20, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

By Police Chief July 15, 2008 10:29 AM You are becoming a public nuisance. We don’t need, or want you to police our blog. We don’t need your childish corrections of all “errors” stated here.Errors as judged by you. Give it a rest.you have been told numerous times, by different individuals to “back off, disappear, come back again another time”.You have the most comments everyday on this blog.People don’t want to hear from one person ALL THE TIME! It is annoying.You are like a small child that won’t go away. You are ruining this blog with your stupid behavior. Your repeated childish gibberish is unwanted. It isn’t always the truth, as others see it. It is ALWAYS forced on them, however.You, also, do what you claim you don’t.You attack others directly, and indirectly{read your blogs}without fail, because their opinions don’t agree with yours. Policing again. I, and others, I am certain, are of the opinion that you probably have not done what you say you have because someone who would have done those things: would show more restraint, maturity, and discipline in regards to this blog, and others comments and beliefs. You do make it personal {read your blogs}when you describe others dislikes. You have not been appointed judge and jury of this blog.Many here don’t care what you think.Many think your comments are tantrum-like, child-like,not restrained, but personal and repeatedly uncalled for. To interject yourself into EVERY possible argument, which disagrees with your doctrine of how it should be, is child-like, absurd and annoying. Many people dislike Marty.However, because someone said something about him, Matt determines in his own mind, that he disagrees so must defend Marty’s honor. Matt is not judge and jury.Matt’s opinions have gotten child-like, and boring.Hello. If you were being this much of an a$$ on the battlefield, someone would shut you up permanently. Believe it.If I were being called girlish, by not just one, but many, I’d take the hint and correct some behavior.

By wizard

July 20, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Read police chief’s message again, clown!

By Matt

July 20, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

No, the “blabbering idiot” is the one who refers to himself in the third person. The “blabbering idiot” is the one who talks out of his butt and makes the most false, outrageous statements about a team he obviously knows nothing about.

By wizard

July 20, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

First time Griffey has tried to hit the ball to left in weeks—nice double.Must have decided not to try to pull the ball for once—nice to see.Also, made a nice catch in the fourth—acts like he is feeling better physically—showing more energy—running faster than usual—very welcome to these eyes.But then next time tries to pull, and strikes out again. Phillips: Outa here! Reds hitters could not bring Edinson out of the Volquez-Cueto coma-like trance which they both fall into occassionaly. I think the infrequent coma’s occur due to the bad tilt of the ballcap—creates an imbalance in the cranial area, causing pitches to go crookedly.Edinson is smiling in the dugout, when they relieved him—water on the brain obviously brought him out of the coma. Go Reds! I see when I’m not here the blabbering idiot is on the loose again!

By Mike-Cinci

July 20, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

The best looking position player free agents in 2009 are: Abreu, Burrell, Dunn in the outfield; Teixeira, Thome at 1B; Crede at 3B; Cabrera (White Sox) and Furcal at SS; Barajas, Estrada, Rodriquez, Varitek at catcher(an old group). (Matt Holiday is not a free agent. The Rockies have him signed to multi-year contract). It appears the Reds would be wise to sign Dunn who is only 28. There are no outfielders in the minors who are ready and the free agent pickings are slim. The Reds should focus on finding a catcher and a right hand hitting center fielder. I’m assuming Hairston is not a long term answer though he has been very good. If he keeps doing what he has done this year he would be just fine. It’s doubtful he will however.

By Matt

July 20, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Y-City Jim, that’s how jcs139, HT and Wizard do it. They talk nonsense, spread ridiculous falsehoods and untruths and then when you call them on it, they jump down your throat and try to make you out to be the bad guy. I think they are the “albatrosses” of this blog. How about that HR by Dunn? When he hits ‘em they stay hit.

By Y-City Jim

July 20, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

You’re right. I am intolerant of those who are purposely attempting to disrupt just for the sake of disruption. Just how many ID’s do you have on here?

By HuberTucky

July 20, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Go Reds! Matt is a punk. There ya go — baseball AND fact!

By jsc139@hotmail.com

July 20, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Dear Facist Y-City Jim, Turn off your computer and take a nap. Maybe this is how you get your way at home, but some of us don’t need your crap. You have a sereious anger issue. Skip the posts you don’t want to read. Gads, what a jerk and control freak!

By Y-City Jim

July 20, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

All of you - SHUT UP!!! Either talk baseball or leave the rest of us alone.

By Matt

July 20, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t dissect the comments of every person on here that I disagree with. What your not getting is that it’s one thing to have an opinion about something. It’s another to spout mindless drivel and patently untrue, false things, which is what Hubertucky and Wizard do on a daily basis. An opinion is, according to dictionary.com, “a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty”. An opinion is something up for debate. Saying the sky is green is not a valid opinion. Saying that Ken Griffey Jr. is a bad MLB player and is a “cancer” is not a valid opinion. Saying that Adam Dunn is a liability in left field is not a valid opinion. Those comments, and others that Hubtertucky and Wizard continually spout on here, are complete falsehoods that simply hold no water. That is what I have a problem with.

By jsc139@hotmail.com

July 20, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Matt, you just refuse to “get” what a blog is all about. This is where people with diverse opinions meet and chat. And for you to take the time and effort to surgically dissect the comments of each person you disagree with — opinions, mind you — is nonsense and violates the very spirit of a blog. Consider that, please. I know you will just have to respond to this as all others, but maybe just try to just take it in and be silent for a change. :-)

By Matt

July 20, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t criticize everyone, I only criticize those who post untrue, ridiculous things. Saying that Griffey is an “albatross” or a “cancer” is untrue and outrageous. Saying that Dunn is a terrible outfielder is untrue and outrageous. Saying that Dusty Baker is a terrible, unfit manager is untrue and outrageous. The facts, numbers and everything else in between just simply do not support such claims, and being a true Reds fan, I will comment and challenge those claims every single time, and I encourage any other true Reds fan to do the same.

By jsc139@hotmail.com

July 20, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Something seems wrong with you that your are absolutely compelled to comment on practically everything that others say here. For example, your latest statement, “so it isn’t like EVERYONE doesn’t see where I come from on here.” You shout “everyone” in all caps but nobody seems to have said “everyone” but you, and see, that’s the defensive position you’re taking. Perhaps it’s time to look in the mirror if you are even capable of an honest look, Matt. Seriously, you post too much, “talk” to much, and criticize others waaaaaaay too much. It’s childish, unattractive and seems needy.

By Mr. Baseball

July 20, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Florida Buckeye correctly points out that Dusty brought in Corey Patterson as a defensive switch in the ninth inning to replace Junior. Dusty has done this a couple times before, although such a move would have been unthinkable even a few months ago. Basically, this move is dictated by who made the the last (or most recent) out in the previous inning. In this case, Griffey made the last out and would be ninth in the batting order in the next inning, so with a five-run lead, he gets subbed out. Dunn would have hit second in the next inning so he stays in, just in case the Mets come back to tie or take the lead. It’s a good baseball move and not a bad use of Corey Patterson, by the way. Dusty is not saying that Griffey is a worse outfielder than Dunn, but he is saying that Griff has descended to about the same level. In the same situation, you will never see this move involving Jay Bruce.

By Y-City Jim

July 20, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

I wish this blog format would allow paragraphing and some simple html stuff. Regardless, it sure beats Gannett’s (Cincinnati.com) blog format. I wish Ross was starting every day.

By Matt

July 20, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

If I seem to think this is my blog, HT, Wizard, and their supporters seem to think that this is HT and Wizard’s blog. The truth is that I don’t think this is my blog. I simply am a Reds fan and happen to know a lot about the Reds, and I enjoy talking about Reds baseball. I am very passionate about the Reds, and I am very opinionated about my views on the Reds. I have little to no patience for someone talking flat-out nonsense about my team. It seems like more often than not, HT, Wizard, and a few others on this blog seem to be insistent upon posting simply falsehoods and flat out ignorance of the Reds on this blog. If I think they are wrong, then I’ll say so. If they think I’m wrong, they can say so. But I have had my share of supporters on this blog as well, so it isn’t like EVERYONE doesn’t see where I come from on here.

By jsc139@hotmail.com

July 20, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I see that Matt’s overly sensitive and pissy little posts are still with us. The lad seesm to think this is his blog. Note to Matt: Must you comment on everything? It’s an ongoing sign of insecurity.

By Matt

July 20, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

For anybody who is interested, here is the starting lineup for the Reds today: Jay Bruce CF Jeff Keppinger SS Ken Griffey Jr. RF Brandon Phillips 2B Adam Dunn LF Edwin Encarnacion 3B Joey Votto 1B Paul Bako C Edinson Volquez RHP (12-3, 2.29) vs. Mets RHP Mike Pelfrey (8-6, 3.64) Lets win three out of four!! Go Reds!!

By Shhhhhhh

July 20, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Shhhhhhh! And, she might go back to sleep.

By Matt

July 20, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

I don’t suffer from anything, AP-Florida. It is amazing, spell-binding to me how people on here can sit here and support HT & Wizard with the outlandish, absurd comments that they make, and make me out to be the bad guy. It’s very simple. I don’t have time or patience for foolishness or nonsense, and that is what HT & Wizard are full of. Those two could say that the sun rises in the west and sets in the east and there would be someone on here defending them. Lord have mercy.

By Florida Buckeye

July 20, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Hey Did anyone notice that in the ninth, when Dusty pulled an outfielder for defensive purposes and put in CP, that he pulled Griff, instead of Dunn…Hmm, do ya think he might have noticed the lack of effort on a couple of important plays & ground outs earlier in the week? Also, one of the stats I pay attention to is ERA for a catcher: Basically it’s the ERA of the pitchers that they handle/per inning, and Ross’ numbers have been steadily coming down…so I agree with a previous post that he’s dead on with his pitch selection and situation awareness: Good Call!

By AP-FLORIDA

July 20, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

I do not have any real facts to support this statement, but from reading between the lines, I think matt suffers from “LITTLE MAN SYNDROM.” Go Reds and the Wizard & HT…

By Mr. Baseball

July 20, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball would be remiss if he did not take note of the outstanding job David Ross did behind the plate tonight. Ross coaxed a six inning gem out of Josh Fogg who turned in another gutsy performance. Fogg and Ross induced the Mets to hit into three double plays to escape from potential game-breaking rallies. Then in the sixth inning with two runners on and the game on the line, Fogg and Ross enticed Tatis into striking out to end the inning. In the seventh with the bases loaded, Ross steered Mike Lincoln past a couple of minefields (David Wright and Carlos Beltran) with 3-2 called strike outs on curve balls. Dusty, the master of the double switch, took notice. When Ross struck out to end the seventh and with Weathers coming in to pitch in the eighth, the double switch would usually be in order with Weathers batting eighth and Bako coming in to catch and bat ninth. But not this time. Dusty left Ross in the game, let Weathers bat ninth, and used Bako in the bottom of the eighth to pinch hit for Weathers. Dusty’s failure to use the double switch in the eighth when he otherwise would have, is a tribute to the job Ross was doing behind the plate handling the pitchers. Let’s give Dusty some props, too. He managed by his feel for the game on this one. A good example of not managing by the book. Sometimes the best double switch is the one you don’t make. Hey, this looked like a real ball game — good pitching, timely hitting, and the Reds win a game without the home run ball or Cordero. The wily wizard may be right, the Reds could take 3 out of 4 from the Mets if they can win behind Volquez tomorrow. But watch out, Pelfrey is one of the hottest pitchers in the league right now. He’s a ground ball machine, so the Reds will have to find the holes.

By Matt

July 20, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

What’s with certain people on here referring to themselves in a third-person basis?

By wizard

July 20, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

The Wizard asked on July 18, 2008@ 10:27 AM after we lost first game to Mets—“Painful loss. But, what if they win three out of four”? Go Reds!

By Matt

July 19, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Very nice win tonight for the Reds. Tomorrow’s game is key though? Will we be able to sustain the bit of momentum we have gained and win 3 out of 4 in this series, along with getting on a three game winning streak and being within two games of .500? With Volquez pitching, I have to like our chances. Let’s send old Mike Pelfrey and the Mets packin’ back to New York where they belong tomorrow with the Reds getting a big ‘W’!!

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Nice win tonight. Lincoln’s performance was outstanding!

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Now coaching 3rd base for Cincinnati - Tommy Chong. :)

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Dang, Sparky!!! That’ll heavily medicate the Reds faithful!

By Sparky

July 19, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Ol’ Toddy is baaaaad news. If we see Coffee warming up in the pen, a cig and a cuppa ain’t gonna do it…get out the maalox and the stash bag of quaaludes, zanax, valium, and that’s just for Dusty! Each fan will need a pint of Jack and a doobie.

By Matt

July 19, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Yeah, if Coffey is on the mound you better have a cup of coffee or a cigarette or both. He’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, but for all the wrong reasons.

By sparky

July 19, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

a.k.a a terrible pitcher. if talent is defined by having skills and not being able to use them, then i agree with you, y-city jim. regardless, we are so screwed with this loser back in the nati.

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Talent isn’t Coffey’s problem. He has talent. He just can’t put a pitch where it is supposed to go.

By Sparky

July 19, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Coffee?!! Oh my gawd, this is a HUGE mistake! This guy is a clueless whipping boy, a terrible pitcher. You can’t send a guy like him down and expect him to come back with talent he never had. We’re screwed.

By Sparky

July 19, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Coffee?!! Oh my gawd, this is a HUGE mistake! This guy is a clueless whipping boy, a terrible pitcher. You can’t send a guy like him down and expect him to come back with talent he never had. We’re screwed.

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Significant differences between Howard and Dunn include Dunn’s much better OBP and that Howard gets many more RISP opportunities than Dunn with the batters in front of him. None has an OBP below .337 and Utley’s is sitting at .376 (now that is Dunn-like). I certainly would like Larkin back for sentimental reasons but has he really done anything in Washington? He’s Bowden’s assistant and that is one crappy organization. Want to bet that Wayne Krivsky is the next GM in Washington after they axe Bowden (if he isn’t indicted on that Dominican Republic scandal?

By Wizard

July 19, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

One thing I do know—I agree with Paul Daugherty’s article in todays Enquirer. He writes that Mr. Larkin’s contract is up this year with the Nationals—and Needs to get back where he belongs—as a Cincinnati Red! I second that motion—in whatever capacity he wants to return—even short stop!

By Mike-Cinci

July 19, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

There seems to be agreement the Dunn decision is important. Is it possible Ryan Howard and Adam Dunn are the same player (sort of). Runs scored Dunn(49), Howard (63); HR’s Dunn (27), Howard (29); Walks Dunn(73), Howard (49); BA, Dunn(.227), Howard (.234); On Base % Dunn (.385), Howard (.325); RBI Dunn (60), Howard (85; K’s Dunn(101), Howard (130). Dunn and Howard are exactly the same age (28). Will the Phillies trade Howard? Will the Reds trade Dunn?

By Wizard

July 19, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Man, now I don’t know WHAT to believe! Both Mr. baseball and Y-city Jim make excellent points—not only do I have all of that to consider; but, now I am in deep depression with the news that Coffey is lurking—and Burton is gone!

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Bad news! Burton on the DL. Coffey is back. Contain your excitement.

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

At this point and time, Joey Votto is not a good 1B. Yes, he makes the occasional gem but more often he makes some truly awful plays especially on accepting low throws. While there is certainly no guarantee that Dunn will be great at 1B. I think he would be no worse than Votto. Votto would certainly be better than Dunn in LF because he would cover more ground and probably has a better arm, certainly a healthier one. How earnest were the Reds in pushing Dunn to be a 1B a few years back? Remember this organization has had a reputation of being pretty wishy-washy in personnel relations. As for surrounding Dunn with more contact hitters, they would be better served to get some on-base guys in front of him. Dunn gets nowhere near the RISP opportunities that the league’s top run producers do.

By Wizard

July 19, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Truly outstanding thoughts! Why can’t the Wizard think of these things?

By Mr. Baseball

July 19, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Wizard’s preference to switch Dunn to first base is not without merit. But Mr. Baseball might be more optimistic about Dunn moving to first base if he had embraced the idea more whole-heartedly a couple years ago when it was tried. There is a scenario where Dunn could stay with the Reds (in left field) and still be an asset to the team. As others have noted, his 40 HR, 100 RBI and 100 walks per year are nothing to sneeze at. But the Reds would need to surround him with more contact hitters like Keppinger. Right now, the Reds have too many players that strike out too much — which makes Dunn’s 160-190 strikeouts a year unsufferable. Also, Dusty’s efforts to switch Dunn out of the lineup in the late innings when the Reds are ahead is a good strategy to hide some of his defensive liabilities. Also, exclusive use of Dunn as a DH during the interleague series would do the same (a plan that will be more viable when Junior is gone). If the Reds keep Dunn, Mr. Baseball prefers keeping Votto at first and letting him reach his full potential there defensively. On the other hand, Mike-Cinci raises a good point that the Reds get two draft choices if they hold onto Dunn until season’s end. That allows them to delay the decision and sets a higher bar for any trades involving Dunn before the end of the season. Then if they choose to take the draft choices, they start rebuilding from there.

By Coach

July 19, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Matt better go back and read Police Chief again. I don’t see your complaints about the Wizard as ringing accurate at all. He seems pretty positive to me, except when you are around blabbering constantly.

By Wizard

July 19, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Y-City Jim: I have always liked Affeldt. I think from a starters standpoint they dissed him, almost as quickly as they did Fogg. I think he may have the best stuff on the team after Volquez.It seems it is merely location and control, which may be corrected, if given time. I hope they keep him, as well; and give him another shot at starting.

By Wizard

July 19, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball: As usual you present some very good points, which I tend to agree with. My point about Dunn and Votto switching {before I was once again, RUDELY interrupted}was if they decide to KEEP Dunn—that would be an option. I agree that Votto could be outstanding at first—he’s pretty darn good right now—in fact, my favorite player! I’m not certain he wouldn’t be just as good in the outfield, however.I like Dunn’s production, contrary to some who would put words in my mouth. I just think—if we keep him, we might be a better team, if he worked out at first—that’s all. But, I do consider your opinions very solid. Some people don’t deserve consideration!

By Matt

July 19, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Dave, contrary to what you may think, I haven’t lowered myself to name-calling. I simply call things as I see it. If it’s a spade, I call it a spade. The fact is that Wizard and Hubertucky have nothing of any redeemable quality to offer to this blog. Their posts are pretty much the same every time. They are either bashing Griffey or bashing Dunn, most of the time for no good reason. It’s constant negativity with no truth behind it at all. If I tell you that the sky is black, then I am ignorant on that subject. If I tell you that Adam Dunn is a horrible ballplayer who is a liability in left field, then I am ignorant on that subject. If I say that Ken Griffey Jr. is an “albatross” or a “cancer”, then I am ignorant on that subject. Why? Because the facts and the numbers simply do not support such outlandish statements. You can argue that hogwash until you are blue in the face, but in the end facts are facts and falsehoods are falsehoods, period. Something more debatable would be along the lines of, what should the Reds do to turn things around and field a winning team year after year? But Hubertucky and Wizard’s constant negative and false posts are not debatable, they are simply ignorant and false. And then when I or anyone confronts them on their ignorance, they get called names or subjected to personal attacks. Why? Because they don’t have anything to support their arguments with. They are fair weather “fans” who are only around for the good times so they can jump on the bandwagon. Every other time they are nowhere to be found.

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I like the pitcher that Jeremy Affeldt has become. If he could be retained for a decent price I’d like to see him be a Red next year.

By Mike-Cinci

July 19, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Good analysis by Mr. Baseball. My guess is the Reds will stand pat and try to win next year with the current position players ex. Griffey. They will try to acquire a good right hand hitting center fielder in the off-season with some pop to put between Dunn and Bruce if they retain Dunn. Weathers and Affeldt could be traded this month if the Reds do not want to sign them for 2009. Cordero could get a good player or two from the Rays, Tigers, Braves, White Sox, or Dodgers due to injuries or a need to upgrade. I doubt Cordero will be traded if the Reds think they can compete in 2009. Fuentes(Rockies) and Marte(Pirates) are probably on the market. Jason Bay and Xavier Nady are also available from the “rebuilding” Pirates but they will want young, inexpensive players in return. The Mariners will trade anyone. The Reds decision on Dunn will say a lot about the future. If he leaves at season end the Reds get a couple of draft choices. The decision on whether he stays could be as simple as money if we can call that simple. It will be interesting to see what he is worth on the open market if it gets that far. If the Reds stand pat it would be nice to see them finish strong as some optimism will return to Redsland. Jocketty will be 2nd guessed no matter what he does.

By Brarhopper

July 19, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

How embarrassing — lost his job to Corey Patterson? “Reds outfielder Ryan Freel will have surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn tendon that attaches to the bottom of his right hamstring. Freel went on the disabled list on June 4 after he injured the hamstring. It’s unclear how long he will need to recover from the surgery. Freel batted .298 with six steals in 48 games, including 26 starts. He lost his starting job in center field to Corey Patterson during spring training. Freel makes $3 million this season and has a base salary of $4 million in 2009.”

By Dave

July 19, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Two days. Didn’t take long, did it? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! “By Matt July 17, 2008 9:12 AM Dave, I am not lowering myself down to the name-calling level or anything like that anymore. It simply is not appropriate and quite frankly it is not dignified enough for this blog. Thanks anyway.”

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Matt - Posters can bash or praise any ball players they want.

By Matt

July 19, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Well, Wizard and Hubertucky, if you don’t want to be referred to as ignorant, then my best advice to you is to stop posting ignorant comments. The only thing “annoying” or “negative” on this blog is you guys’ constant criticism of Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn, no matter what. Dunn could hit 4 or 5 home runs in one game and make two dazzling plays in left field and you two would still be on here with your constant bashing. The only thing you two have to offer is criticism and negativity, and frankly I think everyone on here is tired of hearing it. There is no rational discussion possible with you two, because you quickly resort to name-calling and put downs to try to win your arguments, because the arguments themselves sure hold no water.

By Mr. Baseball

July 19, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball thinks there’s a good chance the Reds will be neither buyers or sellers at the trade deadline — at least not in a big way. There’s a good chance they could finish the month of July close to .500. If they do, that’s enough to keep hope alive for the wild card, but not enough to go out a rent a couple players to make a run. They certainly won’t have a fire sale. What the Reds do with Dunn will tell a lot about their future plans. They will have a chance to trade him if they want, but what value will they get in return? If the Reds keep Dunn through July, it means they will let Junior walk and try to add a solid right-handed bat for the outfield (Jason Bay? Xavier Nady?). If the Reds trade Dunn, they have clearly decided to go in another direction. They will still let Junior walk next year and have two outfield slots open. Mr. Baseball does not think switching Dunn and Votto is the long-term answer. It would basically be a strategy to hide Dunn’s defensive liability in left field. Votto has the tools to be a Gold Glove defensive first baseman, but probably no better than an average defensive leftfielder. Why should he be moved to a lesser position for him because Dunn is so inadequate in left? The best chance for the Reds to get fair value for Dunn is to trade with an AL team that needs a DH, or possibly Arizona who desparately needs left-handed hitting left fielder. Y-City Jim’s observation that Willy Mays batted third all season in his final year does not bode well for the Reds’ fortunes. But he was also not an everyday starter that year like Junior. Even so, Dusty is an old school manager who has trouble moving an aging veteran down in the order.

By HuberTucky

July 19, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

My new motto: Ignore the annoyance. I find it easier to enjoy this blog if I just skip reading posts by a certain negative know-it-all constant critic, constant poster whose continual refrain is calling anyone he disagrees with “ignorant.” Now how ignorant and childish is that?

By Y-City Jim

July 19, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

I think you could trade the entire Boston Red Sox team to the Dodgers and they would still lose. Mike - I agree that the Reds might be minor sellers if any of their “wares” are desirable. Matt - My rationale for a Dunn/Votto switch is that Dunn doesn’t have the arm any more. I guess he must have hurt it a couple years ago. I think Votto gives the team a little more range out there if LF and Dunn could really be a good 1B with some work on his part. Wizard and Matt - play nice.

By Wizard

July 19, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Hey Huber Tucky, I might need to borrow one of them 23 year old t-shirts of yours to stuff in the “rug”. Starting to get annoying around here again.

By Mike-Cinci

July 19, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Will the Reds be sellers before the trading deadline or will they stand pat? I don’t think they will be buyers. They will not give up their best talent for the long shot chance of making the wild card. If they are sellers they could trade Harang,Arroyo, Cordero,Fogg,Dunn, Griffey,Weathers, Affeldt, Ross, Valentin,Patterson, and Freel for prospects. This is what Oakland did with Harden and Blanton and Cleveland did with Sabathia. My guess is the pitchers would get more than the hitters. Some of these guys would get nothing or the Reds would have to pay some team to take them. Cordero may be interesting to the Dodgers and a few other teams with a chance for the playoffs. Dunn is the biggest question mark. If the Reds trade him or let him go at season end they will need to find 2 outfielders to go with Bruce or an outfielder and first baseman if they move Votto to LF. Good players at 1B and OF who will really contribute are hard to find let alone afford.

By Matt

July 19, 2008 5:55 AM | Link to this

And the beat rolls on with the ignorant comments on here…

By Wizard

July 19, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this

I gotta believe they are gonna paint those bases red, Huber Tucky, so the Dunner don’t trip on them anymore.

By Matt

July 19, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

Nice win by the Reds. I wouldn’t say that Griffey is hurting the team by being in the lineup but certainly batting third he is. He belongs farther down in the lineup, most definitely. He had a couple of solid ABs tonight, especially the one in the 4th inning. Right after he gets walked Phillips hits that blooper into right field to plate two. Excellent AB. Griff may be in the latter days of his career but he’s not done yet. As far as Dunn, no way should he be moved to first base. Absolutely, positively not. Votto is a very capable first baseman defensively and offensively, and he proves his worth on defense almost every single game. He gets it done. Adam Dunn is certainly no Gold Glove winner (nice framed poster tonight by the way to the first 20,000 fans) but he is adequate in left field. I would hardly call him a liability that’s for sure. The Reds need to sign him for the rest of his career and make him a life-long Red, just like Barry Larkin and Johnny Bench. He is a tremendous talent and should not leave this team. Great game tonight, now let’s keep it going and run off 6 or 7 in a row. We need that desperately. Go Reds!!

By HuberTucky

July 19, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Much better (tonight). I really like what I’m seeing from the team offensively these last two games. THIS is the team I thought I was following this year. They are fun to watch and seem to be having more fun…as though someone flipped a switch. I know, don’t get myself too enthused because I might be let down. But still, even Thursday’s game had a lot of offensive passion. It’s just good to see. Now if they could light a match under Griffey… agree with Wizard, Steven Roth, and Y-City Jim re: Jr. is hurting the team batting 3rd.

By Y-City Jim

July 18, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

A few point to make. A nice rebound win tonight by the Reds. Arroyo continues his resurgence, which should make it easier to deal him. Bruce had a nice night at the plate. Hope it is a sign of things to come. Wizard - I could live with Dunn in LF if he still had the rifle arm but it’s not there anymore. Interesting thing about Griffey batting 3rd every night. I checked on Willie Mays’ spot in the order during his final season when he batted about .210. Guess what he batted 3rd all season long.

By Wizard

July 18, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Y-city Jim: I could not agree with you more. Every point you made here is dead on where I am, on this player. His move to first justifies keeping him, in my opinion; because, otherwise, he weakens the Reds defensively. Many doubles in the gap will, as a result, either be caught for an out, or held to a single{by a better fielder with better speed}—whereas, now they are not. I can live with his strikeouts, hoping they will improve, with his move to first base! Mike-Cinci :Griffey’s current performance should be embarrassing for him as well as, the Ballclub. If anyone, not just Griffey, but any HOF player was performing at his current level, I would expect no less from them—that they at least, move down in the lineup! At the very LEAST. One last point: if anyone saw him running to second base last night,to complete his double, there should be no further questions about whether, or not, he “dogs” it, when running to first base on “routine” plays.If he can do it{ sprint} last night, he should have been doing it each time at bat this entire year. Thanks to you both.

By Mike-Cinci

July 18, 2008 3:5