Democracy is in your hands - heaven help us!

by Slyde on Nov 4, 2008 10:17 AM EST in Off-season Comment 53 comments

Pfabutton_medium
via Chris Sabo's Goggles

Tired of standing in line at your polling place?

Do you wish there was a place where you could vote on the issues that really matter to you?

Well, you've come to the right place. Today Red Reporter will allow you to cast your ballot to decide what matters most to you the Reds fan. Cast your ballot in the comments and let's see democracy inaction.

Favorite Young Hitter

Jay Bruce -This young lefty is full of charm and charisma. He's an all-American boy, but is he experienced enough to lead the Reds to victory?

Quote - "My opponent wasn't even born in America! The LA Times has the original birth certificate to prove it!"

Joey Votto -This young slugger likes to show off his power to the other field. He has more experience, but some think he might be a bit too old.

Quote - "My opponent was raised in Texas and has some suspicious associations with Adam Dunn, an unrepentant strike out machine."

Favorite Young Pitcher

Edinson Volquez - The newly acquired righty quickly established himself as the staff ace in 2008. Can he hold off the pitcher that he claimed had even better stuff?

Quote - "It's time for a Change Up we can believe in. "

Johnny Cueto -Drew rave reviews with his first performance on the big stage but showed to be inexperienced throughout the season. Has he learned from his mistakes?

Quote - "My opponent is a flip-flopper, constantly going from fast ball to a change up and back again."

2009 Center Fielder

Chris Dickerson -CDick is considered by many to be the most athletic player in the Reds organization. Can that talent translate into on field success?

Quote - "My friends, I have been to the Majors before. I have the experience to handle the pressure of playing there everyday."

Drew Stubbs -Drafted in the first round in 2006, Stubbs finally made strides in 2008 and started moving more quickly toward the Majors, but is he ready to take on such a crucial position in the big show?

Quote - "The Reds felt me worthy of selection over Tim Lincecum and it's time for the fans to feel that way too."

Favorite hitter who's been here a while

Edwin Encarnacion -Maligned by much of the fan base, EdE continues to keep up the fight. Some believe that he fails to come through when it matters most, but Edwin likes to prove those people wrong.

Quote - "Read Brantley's lips: I'm not clutch!"

Brandon Phillips -BP is strong on defense but has been known to be soft on issues at home plate. He's been given the opportunity to lead, but the question is will the team follow?

Quote - "My opponent will weaken our defenses and that is not something we can afford to risk on this fragile team."

2009 Shortstop

Jeff Keppinger - He covered shortstop for most of the 2008 season, but will that experience sour Reds fans to the idea of him again in 2009?

Quote - "Two words: Flat. Out."

Alex Gonzalez - Some may not remember that he's actually on the team. Those that do remember it may not be happy to have that memory.

Quote - "I have 5.375 million reasons why I should be the starter"

Player you are happiest to see gone

Corey Patterson - A questionable selection from the start, Dusty Baker dug in and continued to let Patterson represent the team. Many believe this was a major reason why the Reds ultimately lost.

Quote - "I can see Dusty's daughter's window from my house!"

Paul Bako -He wasn't the first choice to be catcher, but after an injury to the expected starter and a surprisingly hot start, Bako found himself as the front-runner at the position, even after he started sucking again.

Quote - "I've seen Johnny Bench. I know Johnny Bench. And I, my friends, am no Johnny Bench."

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Here's my ballot:

Young Hitter: Bruce
Pitcher: Cueto
CF: I’d like a platoon of both, but I’ll go with Dickerson
Older Hitter: EdE
SS: Neither, please. Write in: boobs.
Goner: Patterson, but not by much. I’m glad the Catcher witch got a big vacation in the second half of the year.

"Yes, and it's so important in this sport that the athletes be able to train in the same location." -Cynthia Potter, NBC Synchronized Diving Analyst

by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Nov 4, 2008 10:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I read that as 'Older Hitler'

"Aio, quantitas magna frumentorum est."

by jch24 on Nov 4, 2008 10:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Womack?

"Yes, and it's so important in this sport that the athletes be able to train in the same location." -Cynthia Potter, NBC Synchronized Diving Analyst

by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Nov 4, 2008 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Seig heil!

"My wife ain't never ran and got me no pheasant." - Fistbands

by BK on Nov 4, 2008 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

*sieg, dammit

"My wife ain't never ran and got me no pheasant." - Fistbands

by BK on Nov 4, 2008 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"sieg dammit"

- Berlin, 1945

"If you don't get the President of the United States on that phone, you know what's gonna happen to you? You're gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola company."

by Charlie Scrabbles on Nov 4, 2008 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

My Ballot

FYH – Bruce – Charisma always wins out

FYP – Volquez – He has the presence and composure to fill the position of staff ace

2K9 CF – Stubbs – I was going to vote for CDick and post an inappropriate animated GIF but I decided to be mature.

FHWBHAW – BP – Just to get under Slyde’s skin (the maturity thing didn’t last long)

2K9 SS – Ross Perot/David Krekorian platoon

PYAHTSG – Can I vote for Patterson more than once?

"Aio, quantitas magna frumentorum est."

by jch24 on Nov 4, 2008 10:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like this election much better

Young hitter: I like Votto, but it’s un-American to vote non-American so Bruce it is.

Pitcher: Volquez

CF: I also like the platoon, (Too bad its not CDicks and Chubbs) but I’ll go with Stubbs

Favorite: EdE ‘cause Phillips can’t/won’t change his approach

2009 SS: Neither. Write in Phillips when the Reds trade for Roberts

Happy he’s gone: Patterson, Patterson, Patterson

by bengalred on Nov 4, 2008 10:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

my turn

Pitcher: Cueto

CF: Dickerson

Young Hitter: Bruce

Old HItter: EdE

Gone: Paterson

SS: Ralph Nader

"It is a damn poor mind indeed which can’t think of at least two ways to spell any word."-Andy Jack

by justin007000 on Nov 4, 2008 10:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

my ballot

young hitter – Votto. MVP next year. but Bruce will win it for the next 7 after that.
young pitcher – Cueto. we may have to recount this race though. its gonna be a close one.
CF – Dickerson. i think he’s gonna be a pleasant surprise.
hitter – EdE. he’s gonna break out sometime dammit! he HAS to!
SS – Kepp. his range sucks, but he might hit. A-Gon’s range most likely sucks, and he’s never really hit.
Gone Baby Gone – I wont even mention his name. shivers

"If you don't get the President of the United States on that phone, you know what's gonna happen to you? You're gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola company."

by Charlie Scrabbles on Nov 4, 2008 10:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Change I can believe in!

Young Hitter: Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce
Young Pitcher: I don’t think you can go wrong here, but I like Cueto better for no justifiable reason.
Center Fielder: Dickerson. I don’t think Stubbs is ready.
Favorite Hitter. EdE.
Shortstop: Can I vote for Ron Paul? No? Fine, shortstopv2 should be able to handle it.
Happy to be gone: Patterson, because Dusty didn’t bat Bako leadoff every day.

"My wife ain't never ran and got me no pheasant." - Fistbands

by BK on Nov 4, 2008 10:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Votto,Volquez, Stubbs, Phillips, Gonzalez.

Am I happy Patterson is gone? You betcha!

Yes We Can!

by Daedalus on Nov 4, 2008 11:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

My ballot

Young hitter: What a choice! In the end, though, I think Votto will be a better hitter.
Young pitcher: Cueto. I’m still not sold on Volquez being anything other than league-average (which he was over the last 4 months of the season).
CF2K: Stubbs. Time to prove you deserved your draft position.
Old hitter: EdE hit significantly better than BP in ‘06 and ’08; BP hit slightly better in ’07. EdE.
SS: I want to write-in BP. If I can’t, AGon.
Happier to see go: Bako. Patterson had value as a defender, and can’t really be that bad offensively (can he?); neither of those statements are true about Bako (fun fact: his career OPS+ did not change after last season).

Often wrong, never uncertain.

by sidnancy on Nov 4, 2008 11:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Young hitter: – Jay Votto
Young pitcher: I’m writing in Ramon Rameriz
CF: C-Dick - Stubbs in unknown at the MLB level and he has a funny last name
Old hitter: Neither of the ballot candidates excite me, I’ll go withe the Negro League Party Candidate – Jerry Hairston Jr.
SS: Write in – Brandon Phillips
Happier to see go: Bako.

We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security.

~Dwight D. Eisenhower

by Madville on Nov 4, 2008 11:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Slyde must've put some work into this, nice.

Young hitter: Hova. Nobody ever said “Don’t mess with Ontario.”

Young pitcher: Cueto. That first start gave me a priapism that I haven’t had down since. Sad, I know.

CF2K: Stubbs. By the end of the year, he’ll be up and making plenty of noise. I think.

Old hitter: I thought last year would be the year EE turned it on. Until he does, I’ll stick with BP

SS: Meh. At least Khalil Greene is nice to look at.

Happier to see go: If Tony Womack was Hitler, does that mean the guy who just left was Pol Potterson?

...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield

by Cy Schourek on Nov 4, 2008 1:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

More excited to vote for this...

Young Hitter: Joey Votto
Young Pitcher: Edinson Volquez
CF: Chris Dickerson
Old Player: Brandon Phillips
SS: None of the above
Happiest to see gone: Corey “2 pitch at-batterson” Patterson

Bruce Bonser? Boone Bonser? Boot Bonser? BOOSE BONZER?

by Lakeman on Nov 4, 2008 1:58 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

How did we not come up with that nickname during the season?

Recs for you.

by Brendanukkah on Nov 4, 2008 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You know,

I was pretty upset with myself for not coming up with it before now.

Bruce Bonser? Boone Bonser? Boot Bonser? BOOSE BONZER?

by Lakeman on Nov 5, 2008 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Howard goes into the beer catching hall of fame

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbD96k5PTU0

"You never want to give up a 7-0 lead, in your rival's ballpark, that would put them in first place. Never want to do that." - Ron Darling

by Slyde on Nov 4, 2008 3:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he can work with Joey Votto is winter on catching low throws

We can chip in and send a case of LaBatt’s for them to work with.

by Brendanukkah on Nov 4, 2008 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I bet cory Patterson would be really good at that.

Sigh i miss him already

Are there any more dinner rolls? -President Ted Kennedy

by The Crushinator on Nov 4, 2008 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was looking for info on the winter meetings

And I almost posted an article that the Reds had offered a 6mil contract to Mark Loretta… which i guess happened in 2006. Oops.

Are there any more dinner rolls? -President Ted Kennedy

by The Crushinator on Nov 4, 2008 4:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Winter meetings don't happen until December

The current meetings going on are the GM meetings, which tend to be rather quite. Usually this is when a lot of groundwork is laid for future deals.

"You never want to give up a 7-0 lead, in your rival's ballpark, that would put them in first place. Never want to do that." - Ron Darling

by Slyde on Nov 4, 2008 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"rather, quite"

Then 'twas the Roman, now 'tis I.

by Man Mountain on Nov 4, 2008 4:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

harumph harumph

"You never want to give up a 7-0 lead, in your rival's ballpark, that would put them in first place. Never want to do that." - Ron Darling

by Slyde on Nov 4, 2008 5:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Huh.

Winter meetings don’t happen until December

Is that why they’re called Winter meetings?

Often wrong, never uncertain.

by sidnancy on Nov 4, 2008 5:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oddly, no

It’s because everybody dresses up like Winter icons.

"You never want to give up a 7-0 lead, in your rival's ballpark, that would put them in first place. Never want to do that." - Ron Darling

by Slyde on Nov 4, 2008 5:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's the Brendanukkah dog!

In a traditional winter firefighter’s outfit!

by Brendanukkah on Nov 4, 2008 5:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone else find it odd that has legs and is sporting some Skechers on those legs?

"Yes, and it's so important in this sport that the athletes be able to train in the same location." -Cynthia Potter, NBC Synchronized Diving Analyst

by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Nov 5, 2008 8:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I work for Santa so its always winter up here

Are there any more dinner rolls? -President Ted Kennedy

by The Crushinator on Nov 6, 2008 12:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

At least this absentee ballot won't get lost in the mail.

Young Hitter – Joey Votto. Bruce has a certain star appeal, but Votto serenades me with that superior OBP.
Young Pitcher – As if we didn’t all know who my write in candidate is.
MMIX CF – Meh. Stubbs had a great year, and I think he’ll contribute someday, but his 2007 season as a 22-yo in Dayton wasn’t terrible impressive – I’m more than willing to let Dickerson hold the position down a year
‘Been-around’ Hitter – EdE’s definitely my favorite. And with Adam Dunn gone, he has little competition for my ‘affection’.
1111111001 SS – I share the common sentiment of ugh.
Happiest to see gone – Could it be anyone but Patterson?

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Nov 4, 2008 5:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

And I don't even have to show a photo ID!

Young Hitter— Votto, because South Park taught me how dangerous Canadians can be!
Young Pitcher— “Thomas” Edinson Volquez; production over potential
CF— Like the Governor of Alaska, Stubbs just ain’t ready yet.
“Been-Around” Hitter— EdE; career .783 OPS v. RH; BP .688 OPS v. RH
SS— Further proof the two-party system doesn’t work; In the absence of Ralph Nader, I’ll go Kepp
Happiest to See Gone— CPatt; The Felix Pie of Cincinnati

Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.

"Red" Moskau

by "Red" Moskau on Nov 4, 2008 6:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

This is hilarious

That is all.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Nov 4, 2008 7:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

My Ballot

Young Hitter- Jay Bruce… by a very slight margin
Young Pitcher- Edinson Volquez
Center Field- Dickerson
Experienced Hitter- Encarnacion.
SS- The Kepp
Happiest to see gone?- Co Pat… duh

People Don't Kill People. Burning Couches Kill People.

by crolfer on Nov 4, 2008 9:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hey, an election you can vote in!

Noice!

"My wife ain't never ran and got me no pheasant." - Fistbands

by BK on Nov 4, 2008 10:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

fo realz

People Don't Kill People. Burning Couches Kill People.

by crolfer on Nov 5, 2008 7:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if you really cared about America

you would have voted yesterday. I wish I would have voted when I was 17, except I would have voted for Kerry, and if Kerry won we wouldn’t have the Messiah-elect right now.

"It is a damn poor mind indeed which can’t think of at least two ways to spell any word."-Andy Jack

by justin007000 on Nov 5, 2008 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I want to market a bumper sticker that says

“Don’t Blame Me. I Committed Voter Fraud in Ohio.” Should sell like hotcakes.

Vote Pops in '08. I promise nothing and I'll do it!

by Pops Daniels on Nov 5, 2008 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Phillips has won the Gold Glove

according to C. Trent

"Yes, and it's so important in this sport that the athletes be able to train in the same location." -Cynthia Potter, NBC Synchronized Diving Analyst

by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Nov 5, 2008 4:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yes we can!

by Brendanukkah on Nov 5, 2008 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We can... use this as leverage in potential trade talks?

"Yes, and it's so important in this sport that the athletes be able to train in the same location." -Cynthia Potter, NBC Synchronized Diving Analyst

by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Nov 5, 2008 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it'll make a nice necklace for him

Think of me what you will...I gotta little space to fill

by chandrathan on Nov 5, 2008 4:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

That I like

Rec’d

Vote Pops in '08. I promise nothing and I'll do it!

by Pops Daniels on Nov 6, 2008 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

great.

"You never want to give up a 7-0 lead, in your rival's ballpark, that would put them in first place. Never want to do that." - Ron Darling

by Slyde on Nov 5, 2008 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As did Nate McLouth

whom I believe was at or near the bottom among NL outfielders according the William James Gang.

What a picture of domestic tranquility... Hemlock on the hearth and my wife feeding the piranha.

by Man Mountain on Nov 5, 2008 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

he was -15.2 RAR on defense in Justin's system.

Edwin was -16.6.

"You never want to give up a 7-0 lead, in your rival's ballpark, that would put them in first place. Never want to do that." - Ron Darling

by Slyde on Nov 5, 2008 4:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

I think it’s stupid that all three outfield gold gloves went to CF. Center field is an entirely different position than the corner spots. That’s like giving a left-side of the infield award to two shortstops.

"You never want to give up a 7-0 lead, in your rival's ballpark, that would put them in first place. Never want to do that." - Ron Darling

by Slyde on Nov 5, 2008 4:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Stop trying to rob Jeter of a Gold Glove!

by Brendanukkah on Nov 5, 2008 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The OF spots are fungible enough that I don't think it matters

CF is of course a different position but the necessary skills are nearly identical to those required for the corners, unlike the infield positions. Which is why you see players switching spots in the OF (from game to game or even between innings) much more often than in the IF.

by ken on Nov 5, 2008 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if that's the case

then the gold glover should almost always be center fielders, unless a team is stupid and plays a lesser fielder in center or a team is so stacked that they get to outfield gold gloves.

"You never want to give up a 7-0 lead, in your rival's ballpark, that would put them in first place. Never want to do that." - Ron Darling

by Slyde on Nov 5, 2008 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That is usually the case

Though in looking back at the previous NL GGs, a fair number of RFs appear in recent history – Frenchy, Abreu (!), Cruz, Walker, and Mondesi. Some voters must really dig arm strength. Then again, you can also hit your way to a GG from a corner position (Bonds).

by ken on Nov 5, 2008 6:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bonds was actually a good fielder back in the day

but your point still stands. Gold Gloves are always chosen based at least somewhat upon hitting prowess. Raffy was one hell of a slick-fielding DH.

"If you don't get the President of the United States on that phone, you know what's gonna happen to you? You're gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola company."

by Charlie Scrabbles on Nov 5, 2008 6:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs