Spring Training Game Thread: Game 1 vs. Phillies

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 10:51 AM EST in News Comment 183 comments

TIME: 1:05 @ Bright House Field, Clearwater, FL

REDS PROBABLE: PHILLIES PROBABLE:
Jeremy Affeld Jamie Moyer

This is where it all kicks off today. Fay is whining about it being a "bone-chilling 56 degrees here with whipping winds" but as I sit in 21 degree, snowy weather, I don't feel sorry for him.

Here is the Reds lineup today. Warning, it is not for the faint of heart:
Ryan Freel CF
Norris Hopper LF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Joey Votto 1B
Jay Bruce RF
Jeff Keppinger SS
Paul Bako C
Andy Green DH

We get our first peek at Jeremy Affeldt in a Reds uniform. Hopefully they can start the spring out on a strong note.

And yes, Virginia, this game is being broadcast on 700WLW.

0 recs | Comment 183 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

First, byotches.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 10:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

What combination of...

Marty, tHom, and Jeff are on the radio today?

suggestions, anyone?

by BobbyO on Feb 27, 2008 11:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Below the Mason-Dixon

he's known as "the Cowboy."

<pfft>

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 27, 2008 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's all three

they are pairing up as the game goes on. First 3 innings - Marty & Cowboy; Second 3 innings - tHom & Cowboy; Last 3 innings - Marty & tHom.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fay says

"That top six might be very close to what you'd have next year if Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn leave via free agency."

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Feb 27, 2008 11:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I hope that was written

with a note of despair.

Or in Fay's case "a note off despiar"

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 27, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Typo's

HA! New blog entry today
"Stating v. relief for the young arms"
I wonder if the Reds stating rotation has anything to say about this?

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Feb 27, 2008 12:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They'll be issuing a startment this afternoon

by Brendanukkah on Feb 27, 2008 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

speaking of laughing at typos

your apostrophe s for a plural is hilarious.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Justin agree's

"I'm just like everybody else. I have two arms, two legs, and four-thousand hits." - Pete Rose

by BK on Feb 27, 2008 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hey hey

fuck you'

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 2:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey now

Just playin', man

"I'm just like everybody else. I have two arms, two legs, and four-thousand hits." - Pete Rose

by BK on Feb 27, 2008 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

il'l fight you

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

TY!

I aim to plea's!

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Feb 27, 2008 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dead pool UPDATE

Buckley bought it

I was considering him, but I don't think he made my five, or twenty.

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 27, 2008 11:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

After a quick glance

I don't think anyone had William F., which seems strange.

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 27, 2008 11:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

everyone just assumed he was immortal.

by Blue on Feb 27, 2008 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

There's a dorm named after him at GWU

I assumed he was dead already.

by Brendanukkah on Feb 27, 2008 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Buckley's dead?

Put out an APB for Eli Cash.

by Brendanukkah on Feb 27, 2008 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Any idea

If this will be streamed on wlw's website? I know they don't stream regular season games...

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

by Lakeman on Feb 27, 2008 12:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

prolly not

It's available through Reds.com (if you buy the season package), which usually means you can't get it through 700 WLW.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gameday Link

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2008_02_27_cinmlb_phimlb_1&brand=mlb

Find me on MySpace- http://www.myspace.com/mixfmkyle

by MixFMKyle on Feb 27, 2008 12:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Wow

The Phillies not holding anything back on the first game of ST, are they?

"I'm just like everybody else. I have two arms, two legs, and four-thousand hits." - Pete Rose

by BK on Feb 27, 2008 12:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

56?

If Fay's cold, then he should be rooting for the Reds to move to Arizona. The high in Goodyear today will be 84, according to weather.com. Better weather and a free training facility is why they'll wind up going out there.

by Watubi on Feb 27, 2008 12:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Did I hear this wrong?

Did Dusty just say that Hopper's arm is strong and accurate?

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 12:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think he was saying..

..that his arm was surprisingly strong and accurate for being so early in ST.

But to be honest, I thought he was talking about someone else (Gil?) when I heard what I thought I heard.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you're probably right

I only heard the end of the statement, but I just remembered hearing Hopper's name. He had to be talking about someone else. Hopper's arm is about the weakest I've seen in the outfield.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gil has a great arm

Or did, before the TJ surgery. Dunno how it is now.

Remember last year? He nailed a runner at the plate from CF, ending the game.

Only Marty called him "Denorfia."

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

by BubbaFan on Feb 27, 2008 5:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what a beautiful sound!

the reds are on the radio!

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 1:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yuck

Cowboy just said that Affeldt needs to "pitch to contact." I know what he's saying, but that philosophy never seems to work.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Marty & Jeff

already heaping the praise on Keppinger.

I'm a Keppinger fan, and I hope he gets 150 starts this year (split between SS and 1B), but well, Marty & Jeff can be a little overzealous on the subject.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

EdE

Marty thinks EdE is the single most important player on the offense. I tend to agree. The Reds need some success against LHP this year.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

but did you hear his tone of voice when EdE struck out. Sounds like he's just dying to hate on him.

suggestions, anyone?

by BobbyO on Feb 27, 2008 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I didn't want to put too much into it, especially since I already picked on them for praising Keppinger.

It just occurred to me that Marty may use his statement about EdE as a reason to ride him hard if he struggles. Hopefully EdE makes sure it's not an issue.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He also said...

...something like "if Edwin blah blah blah the Reds could be very successful." (Italics mine.)

I don't think the Reds are going to need to score a bunch more runs in order to be very successful compared to last season.

Maybe he was just speaking of the offense. Maybe it was just Marty yapping away. But I think "very successful" depends more on Belisle, Bailey and whatever old guy is in the rotation.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, sort of

I think they do need to score more runs than they did last year to be successful. If they can't get over 800 runs, they'll have a hard time getting close to .500. I'd put the need at about 820 runs, and that would still require a very big improvement from the pitching staff.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't like what marty said about bruce's chances

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 1:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I can't believe this is actually

happening. Alright baseball

by The Crushinator on Feb 27, 2008 1:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

affeldt sux, get rid of him!

ha ha

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 1:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Shoo Affeldt

back to the bullpen with you... Second thought cut him.

by The Crushinator on Feb 27, 2008 1:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

How different does this sound?

I don't know how good of a manager Trey Hillman will be, and I doubt KC has as much talent as the Reds (though I admittedly have not looked at their roster), but juxtapose this statement to our Dusty:

"OBP," he said. "It's a no-brainer. OBP, then drive them in. On-base percentage before average. Take your walks because you are aggressively disciplined in the strike zone. But take your walks.
"If they're going to pitch around you, and try to get you to bite, be disciplined enough to take your walk."

Obviously there is a lot more to being a manager, but I find it interesting that two men in the same position can have such differing views on the subject of OBP. It'll be interesting to see how the two strategies play out over the season.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

<sigh>

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 27, 2008 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Grrrrrrrraaarrrrrrgh!

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wisdom has found Hillman-san

by ken on Feb 27, 2008 2:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Trey Hillman

If sabermetrics can make a sow's ear into a silk purse, the Royals will kick butt.

Hillman was a dark horse to take Torre's place, and I was kind of hoping they'd pick him. Though his stathead ways might not sit well in NY. Torre's strength was coddling all the big egos in the clubhouse, and dealing with the media. It's a big part of the job in NY.

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

by BubbaFan on Feb 27, 2008 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sabermetrics won't do shit

encouraging an offensive philosophy that maximizes the opportunities to score runs might help, however.

With Manny Acta's Nats playing better than expected last season, if Hillman can get the Royals to be a little competitive in the AL Central this season, baseball might be hearing the wind at the door.

/dangling modifier

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 27, 2008 5:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if they'll score more..

..but for every Wednesday afternoon Spring Training game their bloggers are outposting us 3-to-1.

They love them some Trey Hillman.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 8:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Is it just me

or are they excessively pushing the Red Sox series this year? I guess it's a good way to get the scalpers to buy even more tickets rather than just the single games. Yay.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of the Phillies,

our old pal Ray Olmedo is one, now. Philadelphia claimed him off waivers from Pittsburgh.

We Are ... Marshall!

by Thundering Turtle on Feb 27, 2008 1:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

just got the reds ticket order form in the mail

awesome. today is a good day.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 1:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

They must like me better

I got mine two days ago. :)

The idea of it seems quaint to me, since I buy so much stuff through the internet and I tend to buy tickets at the gate. But, I'll admit that I stared at it for quite a while, trying to figure out which games I really want to attend.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it is funny to think about

i can't remember ever ordering tix by mail. i suppose it serves more as an advertisement than a practical service, but i love to get it every year!

i think i've saved them from the past decade now.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Lakers beat the Supersonics?

I believe that was Sunday.

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 27, 2008 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and the inevitable ice cube reference

gotta love it

suggestions, anyone?

by BobbyO on Feb 27, 2008 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

messed around..

..and got a triple double.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bryant messed around and put up

21-10-4.

Guees that's why he was never with Lo'Renzo rolling in the Benzo.

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 27, 2008 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

pop quiz

Who is older? Jeff Brantley or Jamie Moyer?

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 1:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Wow

I had to look it up, but damn. By almost a year no less.

by jch24 on Feb 27, 2008 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

tHom

References Jerry Gil and his history as a D-Back for no reason.

Drink.

Also says he might make the roster... interesting...

"I'm just like everybody else. I have two arms, two legs, and four-thousand hits." - Pete Rose

by BK on Feb 27, 2008 2:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think it's because

there aren't any qualified outfielders currently on the roster.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and I noticed the Dbacks reference

He's already in mid-season form.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

do we drink to Dback references

in the Spring?

Hope Springs Eternal! Go Reds

by Caleb on Feb 27, 2008 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what happens on opening day?

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us" -1 John 4:10

by shortstopv2 on Feb 27, 2008 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If you're good, the Opening Day Bunny comes.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, know I'm late here...

But is MLB restricting online access for even these games? (In the sense that I think John McCain is currently online at 700wlw.)

by bparsonst on Feb 27, 2008 2:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You can't get the games on WLW stream

MLB regulations and such. Gotta go through mlb.com.

by jch24 on Feb 27, 2008 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn...

Wasn't planning on ponying up so soon.

Alas...

by bparsonst on Feb 27, 2008 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like...

Majewski is in midseason form as well.

suggestions, anyone?

by BobbyO on Feb 27, 2008 2:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Dunn on the radio

Not sure if this was already posted.

Dunn is on Mike Tirico's podcast.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/index

Scroll down on the left hand sign. The Mike Tirico Show podcast from 2/26.

Dunn's interview starts about 18:30 in.

Apparently he has a "two-bridge" rule.

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

by Lakeman on Feb 27, 2008 2:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

This feels remarkably familiar

Majewski, why must you suck so?

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 2:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

affeldt 5 ground outs in 2 innings?

looks good for GABP

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us" -1 John 4:10

by shortstopv2 on Feb 27, 2008 2:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

omg, we're getting crushed!

fire dusty!

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 2:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

seriously though

fire majewski, and stanton while you're at it

suggestions, anyone?

by BobbyO on Feb 27, 2008 2:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

so true

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

whats happening??

gameday is pooping out on me, and im sitting in a art class her listing to some visiting prof talking about the bard......SO BORING

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us" -1 John 4:10

by shortstopv2 on Feb 27, 2008 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just the usual.

Majewski and Coutlangus giving up long balls and 7 runs in an inning.. I think I know two guys that aren't going to make the cut...Or they have "arm troubles".

"Sometimes, you get so caught up in on-base percentage that you're clogging up the bases." - our very own D. Baker - Oh my..

by snohio on Feb 27, 2008 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah they shouldnt

be having this much trouble against all the Phillies' subs.

Find me on MySpace- http://www.myspace.com/mixfmkyle

by MixFMKyle on Feb 27, 2008 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Howdy, Kyle.

Just this week I was wondering where ya been.

(You have been gone, right?)

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

who is this green guy?

and when did we get him? and why if he was so good in the minors was he sold to japan?

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The numbers he put up

were in the Pacific Coast League, which is notorious for being VERY friendly to hitters. All of their stats should be taken with a large grain of salt.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And...

I think it was a balance of trade issue or something. What else can we sell to Japan?

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day" - Harry S. Truman

by Lonesome George on Feb 27, 2008 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hopefully barry bonds

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

larkin isnt pleased

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us" -1 John 4:10

by shortstopv2 on Feb 27, 2008 2:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i don't want to see coffey

on the opening day roster. am i alone in my opinion?

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 2:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

it depends

he could bounce back. He does have excellent velocity.

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 2:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it doesnt matter how hard he throws it

if he throws it down the middle it is still gonna get wacked

"Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us" -1 John 4:10

by shortstopv2 on Feb 27, 2008 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it is easier for a guy to learn pitch location

and selection than to learn how to throw 95 MPH.

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brantley says Coffey has changed.

He was all excited about how he was mixing his pitches unlike at any time last year.

Who's buying?

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 3:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm in

I'll buy Coffey.
I'm not buying any Majik.

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Feb 27, 2008 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

he said Paul Wilson had good velocity

last year

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes but does he have "Mound Presence'

"I'm trying to be a wine dude," Dustball Baker

by Madville on Feb 27, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't mind

if he pitched like he did in 2006. He was a pretty good pitcher that year, and if he's pitching the 7th inning like he did that year, the Reds will be in good shape.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

WHAT'S THE SCORE????

I can't tune in the game inside this building

Hope Springs Eternal! Go Reds

by Caleb on Feb 27, 2008 2:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

you don't want to know

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Reds have 2 hits

and have not drawn a single walk. Who knew?

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

at least the Reds aren't clogging the bases

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Rosales goes yard

and the Reds are on the board for the 2008 spring.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 2:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Trying to think of a good analogy

for waiting 4 months for the reds to play again and then being down 8-0.

Maybe you get kidnapped and you haven't had anything to eat in a week and then you get a ham and cheese hot pocket and burn the roof of your mouth really bad.

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

by Lakeman on Feb 27, 2008 2:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Did you vote for Bush in '04?

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

Got me.

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

by Lakeman on Feb 27, 2008 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep.. HR.

No base clogging there..

"Sometimes, you get so caught up in on-base percentage that you're clogging up the bases." - our very own D. Baker - Oh my..

by snohio on Feb 27, 2008 2:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Bud Light Commercials.

I love that one.. T-Shirt Launcher guy..

Their marketing group does such a good job coming up with those commercials..

Off topic - what is your favorite?

"Sometimes, you get so caught up in on-base percentage that you're clogging up the bases." - our very own D. Baker - Oh my..

by snohio on Feb 27, 2008 2:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I've always liked those commercials...

..but when you get to the point where your ad copy contains the words "butt crack" (like today's "short shorts wearing guy" ad) and you're trying to sell me something that I'm supposed to enjoy putting in my mouth... well, it might be time to go get Spuds off whatever farm he retired to.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 3:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Which is worse?

Base Cloggers?
OR
Rally Killers?

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Feb 27, 2008 3:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Fropper

Where have you gone Alex Trevino?

by Pops Daniels on Feb 27, 2008 3:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

One of them..

is a curative to clogged bases; kind of a baseball laxative. (Rally killer, double play)

The other is a constipation problem, like eating too much fiber in your diet. (You walk too much!!!)

Obviously then, Dusty is worried about the every day problem of clogged bases, with too much OBP in his diet.

Too much OBP can lead to clogged bases. So treat early and often with Rally Killer, the anti-constipation baseball curative.

Let's keep those bases clean!!!

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day" - Harry S. Truman

by Lonesome George on Feb 27, 2008 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Diamondbacks reference

Drink.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 3:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

That makes three now

Red Reporters are getting tipsy at work.

"I'm just like everybody else. I have two arms, two legs, and four-thousand hits." - Pete Rose

by BK on Feb 27, 2008 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Marty sez

The Reds are a good bet to be top 2 or 3 in all of baseball every year in strikeouts while at bat.

BUT, did you know the Reds were 14th in baseball, and 9th in the NL, in strikeouts as hitters last year? Hmm.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 3:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

but does Marty live in his mom's basement?

suggestions, anyone?

by BobbyO on Feb 27, 2008 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure Marty meant...

.."top 2 or 3" in terms of strikeout presence, not simply quantifiable strikeouts.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously

suggestions, anyone?

by BobbyO on Feb 27, 2008 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Reds would strike out more...

..except for the fact that they strike out so often that they never have a chance to have big strikeout innings.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why Marty can't read...

or be bothered to read statistics, or research the game, or, or, or....

The mind boggles at what he could do with his time and paycheck. But hey, he's a "Hall of Famer" so he's got his cred.

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day" - Harry S. Truman

by Lonesome George on Feb 27, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Marty says:

"We stand wholeheartedly behind Bill Cunningham."

Jackass.

I guess misguided blowhard fire-spitting know-it-alls gotta stick together.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunate

I thought I was out of earshot of that asshole in New York but he managed to get himself some national attention and On the Media just interviewed him.

This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie "New Jack City"... (-Deion Sanders)

by satyanaas on Feb 27, 2008 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey I live in NY too

Bushwick Brooklyn, how about you?

by The Crushinator on Feb 27, 2008 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

248 McKibbin St.

Bushwick represent!!

"Glory is upon us, Reds fans! Glory!" ~ F.V. Alan

by Young Lefty on Feb 27, 2008 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bushwick!

I'm at Grove and Bushwick, closer to the J Train.

This situation reminds me of a scene in the movie "New Jack City"... (-Deion Sanders)

by satyanaas on Feb 28, 2008 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Small world

We should organize some sort of Reds-game-viewing / beer-drinking / Skyline-Dip-eating festivities in the 'hood sometime this season!!

"Glory is upon us, Reds fans! Glory!" ~ F.V. Alan

by Young Lefty on Feb 28, 2008 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No Doubt

We gotta find ourselves a reds bar. Or we can bring a radio and listen at the live chicken store on Myrtle.

by The Crushinator on Feb 28, 2008 7:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah,

but when looking at a question of "how many" of a specific, countable event, it's best not to get too bogged down in the numbers. After all, when counting, the numbers don't tell the story. Like the guy who counted the strikeouts - was he maybe gritty guy even though blind and deaf, worked super hard at guessing which at bats were strikeouts? Or just an counting expert who was really watching the Reds cheerleaders the whole time and missed and extra 300 Adam Dunn strikeouts?

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

by andromache on Feb 27, 2008 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

But what about strikeouts while not at bat? Dunn is so good at striking out that he can strike out even while he is not at bat, according to Michael.

At least it wasn't Grady Little.

by Paul Householder on Feb 27, 2008 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well

He wasn't talking about Dunn, and tHom actually brought up the fact that Dunn improved on strikeouts last year.

And I wasn't trying to bash Marty as much as point out that the Reds really didn't strike out an inordinate amount of times last year. I hadn't realized that they had dropped so low in the rankings. I guess that's what giving nearly 700 PAs to Hatteberg and Keppinger will do for you.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Plus Freel and Griffey injuries.

Oddly, Ross had more ABs and (of course) more Ks.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't care if it was a mess

i had to run out and as i was driving through the snow covered landscape with flurries floating from the sky, there was baseball on the radio, and it was awesome.

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 27, 2008 3:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Am I reading the box correctly?

Keppinger was caught stealing and picked off?

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 3:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

don't they

count picked off as a caught stealing?

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

by andromache on Feb 27, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure.

So, the answer to my question is... yes.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He was only on base once

but I think he got credit for both a PO and CS because he was picked off, but the out was made at 2nd base. At least, that's what it looks like.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A festive coming together of the RR gang...

Meanwhile the Reds don't look much different than they did a few months back. Let us hope that Dustball doesn't fuck around too much with the perimeter guys and gets the core ready the season.
Core dude - Dustbag's core is not the core that is the core.

"I'm trying to be a wine dude," Dustball Baker

by Madville on Feb 27, 2008 4:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Uggh...

Wish I didn't have to be at school during games... I'm here now tho...

Reds: WS Champs 2008... and every year after...

by crolfer on Feb 27, 2008 4:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

quit school

oh, and take up smoking.

I'm not saying I wouldn't go fishing with the man; all I'm saying is, if he comes near me, I'll put him in the wall.

by Man Mountain on Feb 27, 2008 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't want to take up smoking...

I like being part of the minority in high school...

Reds: WS Champs 2008... and every year after...

by crolfer on Feb 27, 2008 5:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if you dont

then no one will think you're cool. You want to be cool, right?

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Feb 27, 2008 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Band+Choir= Not Cool

Band+Choir+Smoking= Still not cool, with a crappy singing voice and bad smelling clothes.

The risks outweigh the benefits...

Reds: WS Champs 2008... and every year after...

by crolfer on Feb 28, 2008 8:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

so take up smoking

and quit the band and the choir

Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah

by boobs on Feb 28, 2008 10:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

also start drinking

i didn't drink in high school or my freshman year of college, and realized when i was drunk after three drinks in Cuba I was behind the rest of my classmates, who started when they were 14.

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 6:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

3 drinks?

i thought you were a big dude, unless 'drink' is cuban for 'gallon'

Montana. It's everything Colorado thinks it is.

by jacob brumfield on Feb 28, 2008 10:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am 6 feet tall and about 230 lbs

so i am hefty.

3 is an exageration, but I did almost get thrown out of Cuba by the Prof (from ONU) due to an inncident, involving, me, screaming, vomtit, hotel lobby, 5 in the afternoon.

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 28, 2008 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and vodka

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 28, 2008 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"vomtit"

awesome.

By the by, what are your plans for next Tuesday?

Two Dunns enter, but only one Dunn leaves...unless neither do because they decide to hunt, play cards, drink and fish. -Slyde

by Man Mountain on Feb 28, 2008 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Shoot up heroin.

That'll put you in the minority.

by Geki on Feb 27, 2008 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Holy crap

Majewski is the proud owner of a 162.0 ERA.

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

by BubbaFan on Feb 27, 2008 8:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

he will give up one run every game

i guess it is a good thing coach narron isn't here to run him out 162 times next year, despite how bad he was the night before.

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 8:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

by a run i mean 9 runs

every inning

The Dusty path to the World Series! (This is not an endorsement.)

by justin0070000 on Feb 27, 2008 8:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and by nine runs

you mean 18 runs, right?

by Geki on Feb 27, 2008 8:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

or 18

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 8:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You got Geki'd.

boo-ya

by Geki on Feb 27, 2008 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping no one would notice

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 27, 2008 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

shove what in the where now?

2-0 count: one pitch, one zone

by rojosoto on Feb 28, 2008 8:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hobbs Watch

A double off the wall scores two in the fifth after a "loud out" in the first.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 27, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Let's stop the Hobbs Watch right here

I have a feeling it'll get depressing otherwise. Especially when we have Norris Hopper starting in center for half the season.

by Geki on Feb 27, 2008 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

love me some norris hopper

great 4th outfielder. trade freel. but i still got a hunch its Bruce, Dunn and Hopper after Junya get an early summer injury.

by obc2 on Feb 27, 2008 10:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Loud out ?

Dustbag plays the game by ear. No musician he.

"I'm trying to be a wine dude," Dustball Baker

by Madville on Feb 27, 2008 10:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Why, Dusty, is this important?

Dusty also said he's trying to flip-flop Hopper and Freel to see how they work best in the lineup together:

"I want to see where I think they're best. If I want to hit-and-run, which one can handle the bat better, Hopper or Freel. I have some thoughts. If I want to double steal, which one is better on the front and which one's better on backside. If I have to bunt, are they even or is one better than the other. Which one is a smarter hitter, which one can afford to hit while the other one takes, which one doesn't mind hitting with two strikes. I have a pretty good idea, but I''e got to see."

THEY SHOULDN'T BE IN THE LINEUP TOGETHER AT ALL GRAH RAWR SMASH CLACK BAM REAM

by Geki on Feb 28, 2008 10:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

FROPPER in '08

no one else even matters

Montana. It's everything Colorado thinks it is.

by jacob brumfield on Feb 28, 2008 11:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And...

If they are in the line-up together, who is sitting?

Griffey?
Dunn?
Encarnacion?
Phillips?

This is just....bizarre. The Reds have this incredibly talented kid in Bruce, and Dusty is obsessed with getting Freel and Hopper in the line-up.....together!!!

Who needs Corey Patterson? We've got....FROPPER!

"Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day" - Harry S. Truman

by Lonesome George on Feb 28, 2008 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My guess

Hopper is in CF (until Bruce gets called up in June). Freel is super-sub.

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

by BubbaFan on Feb 28, 2008 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is from their campaign office

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 28, 2008 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't JT Kirk discover a planet of Froppers?

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 28, 2008 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure this has been mentioned

But I wasn't aware that fropper.com is an indian dating website.

Fropper

Height: 5-10
Weight: 196.5 lbs
Interested in: Leading Off
Build: Scrappy

About Me: I don't like to play games, but when I do I play them the right way. I'll go from frist to third, but not on the first date. ;)

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

by Lakeman on Feb 28, 2008 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

AHH

quite possibly the scariest thing ever

Next year is this year

by wire2wire on Feb 28, 2008 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Miscegination?

That's racist!

by Brendanukkah on Feb 28, 2008 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i think

i'm going to print up a big campaign style sign to take down to sarasota: BRUCE FOR OPENING DAY STARTER! or perhaps JUST SAY NO TO FROPPER!

2008 NL Central Champs!

by Daedalus on Feb 28, 2008 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

or

DUSTY: DON'T BE A FROPPER KEEPER!

by Gray on Feb 28, 2008 12:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

or

DUSTY: YOU'RE SCARING US!

Montana. It's everything Colorado thinks it is.

by jacob brumfield on Feb 28, 2008 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

or

DUSTY: WHY DO YOU HATE THE REDS?

Montana. It's everything Colorado thinks it is.

by jacob brumfield on Feb 28, 2008 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

or

DUSTY: WHO WANTS TO SEX MOTUMBO?

Two Dunns enter, but only one Dunn leaves...unless neither do because they decide to hunt, play cards, drink and fish. -Slyde

by Man Mountain on Feb 28, 2008 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nice

by ken on Feb 28, 2008 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

For those that are interested

Here is the Gameday for today's game: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2008_02_28_minmlb_cinmlb_1&brand=mlb (NOTE: it only updates once an inning during the spring).

They are in the bottom of the 2nd according to GD, but I bet they are further along than that. Those that have MLB Gameday Audio can listen to the Twins announcers here.

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 28, 2008 1:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm gonna try to find the Twins' broadcast on XM.

I'll post a coupla thoughts at some point.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 28, 2008 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Belisle pitched 2 innings

gave up 3 hits but no runs.

Fogg just finished his first inning and struck out the first two batters he faced. If he keeps up that pace, he'll be awesome!

Don't talk back to Darth Vader or he'll getcha!

by Slyde on Feb 28, 2008 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Joshome!

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 28, 2008 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't find it on XM.

Last year they advertised that every game would be on XM. I haven't heard such claims this season but I cannot imagine why a Twins Spring Training game would have any sort of restrictive red tape around it.

It's a good thing I've got a Slyde.

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 28, 2008 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs