Red Reposter: 2/19/2009
by Slyde on Feb 19, 2009 10:07 AM EST
in News
152 comments
Some news and note for you to chew on this morning while I try to get over my fear of what Twitter means in real-life.
Jay Bruce has less of a spotlight on him this Spring, but he's more important this year than last year. I think he and Encarnacion are the key to 2009. If they can bust out, there's a small chance at something special.
Hal tosses this in there quickly today, but Brandon Phillips will be penciled in as the cleanup hitter to start the season. Sigh.
Don't pencil Chris Dickerson into left field just yet. I can't tell if Dusty is making the young guy prove himself or if he has no interest in Dickerson ending up there. It's probably the most interesting subplot of this year's camp.
Doug at Reds Minor Leagues is having fun with the new spray charts they have up at Minor League Splits. Today he's looking at Chris Valaika and Devin Mesoraco.
In NL Central news:
- In case you didn't see, the Brewers are bringing back Eric Gagne. Yay!
- Carlos Lee missed the first day of Spring Training because he was confused as to when he was supposed to arrive. Awesome!
- Joel Pineiro is pissed at Jose Oquendo for leaving him off Puerto Rico's WBC roster. Hopefully this causes a rift. They could use a rift.
- President Obama snubbed the Cubs and White Sox by not visiting their camps in Arizona. I guess he's got more important stuff to do or something.
Finally, Chad at Redleg Nation admits that his new favorite Red is Edwin Encarnacion. I think he just likes being different than Marty. Who is your favorite current Red?
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Keppinger ..... High Socks = Base Knocks
"I never use a big word when a diminutive one will work." — Pete Mackanin.
by joshuar9476 on Feb 19, 2009 10:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Favorites
It might be Keppinger, just ’cause he wears his hat REAL high, like the old school white dudes.
Compare:
to:
Youth wins games; veteran presence wins championships!
by ben nevis on Feb 19, 2009 10:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
ben, this is not an attack
but how can a utility infielder be anyone’s favorite player, unless he’s a cousin or something
by timb116 on Feb 19, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No offense taken
I didn’t say it was rational, just look at that hat!
Youth wins games; veteran presence wins championships!
by ben nevis on Feb 19, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i'm afraid the hat
looks photoshopped
Made from 100% recycled awesome,
by chandrathan on Feb 19, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So, he likes 'em fake.
Let him alone.
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 19, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kepp's whole face looks photoshopped
But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t exist in real life.
Youth wins games; veteran presence wins championships!
by ben nevis on Feb 19, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
Utility outfielders are much better.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Feb 19, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
amen.
...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield
by Cy Schourek on Feb 19, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Baker on BP:
Fay has this comment in his article about Phillips hitting 4th:
"Brandon will have a good year," Baker said. "You struggle sometimes a little bit in third or fourth year. Brandon will readjust. Sometimes they wouldn’t throw Brandon a lot of strikes. Sometimes when you’re in the middle of it, you can’t see it. When you’re smart like Brandon, you take some time away and you step back and see things."
I thought any pitch toward home plate was considered a strike by Phillips?
We’’re in process of trying to a guy with a trade record of working with pitches
by Slyde on Feb 19, 2009 10:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
i've even seen him swing on a pickoff attempt before
"I never should have given up the animation rights."
by BobbyO on Feb 19, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
to second
There's action across the street. It's Snowman! Take him!
by Man Mountain on Feb 19, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dickerson
Fave Red – Bronson. Then Owings. But it would have been Lincecum IF the Reds had drafted him instead of Stubbs, dammit.
"aw....c'mon. That's suck! I heard Coldplay on WARM98" obc son(after watching the band win Best Rock Grammy)
by obc2 on Feb 19, 2009 10:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Harang and EE
3rd choice: anyone Marty and the redneck-atariat hates.
Ever since I was teenager, I’ve found the greatest joy in being a Reds fan is found in loving whomever Cincy’s halfwit fans hate (obviously, this is just a portion of the fanbase, the “Pete Rose is God” portion), thus Eric Davis will always be my guiding star, Larkin is my god, Griffey is a soul mate, and Dunn is the perfect player for GABP.
Honorable mentions: Kevin Mitchell, Danny Jackson (Marty hated him after the lock-out in 1990).
My only shared favorite with the broadcast team is Jose Rijo. if I were going to be a pitcher, I’d be Jose.
by timb116 on Feb 19, 2009 10:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
do you have a fetish for elbow surgery?
"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.
by justin007000 on Feb 19, 2009 3:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Every time I feel a little excited.....
I undergo Tommy John surgery. I think this is the year Jose makes it back
by timb116 on Feb 19, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
My favorites
For what he contributes to the team: Edinson
For what he contributes to the franchise: Bruce
’Cuz everybody likes him: Votto
’Cuz nobody else does: Hernandez
Also, man crush on Jared Burton
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 19, 2009 11:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I loves me some Jared Burton too
I also learned to have some faith in Mike Lincoln last year and I hadn’t had faith or love for two Reds relievers since Scott Williamson and Danny graves were prepping Steve Parris and Al Leiter to break my little heart
by timb116 on Feb 19, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Slyde, I'm not disagreeing with you but could you qualify "something special?"
81 wins?
85 wins?
Wild Card chase down the stretch?
More? C’mon. Really?
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 19, 2009 11:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking playoff contention
probably wild card, but it’s still something, right? I mean, if Bruce comes out and goes .310/.370/.600 and EdE goes .290/.370/.550, the offense is looking a lot better. If the pitching does what we hope it can do, the Reds might actually be in on the action. Those are giant IFs though.
"How big IS your magic wand?"
by Slyde on Feb 19, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of giant IFs
(Infielders, in this case) I was watching MLB Network last night and they were talking about great defensive shortstops. Harold Reynolds and Barry Larkin had Jimmy Rollins on the show, and holy cow! Lark was easily a head taller than both of them. Rollins is a little dude. Even though he’s my favorite player, I never really had as much of an appreciation for just how big Larkin was compared to most other shortstops, particularly for when he first came up.
by Brendanukkah on Feb 19, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When I met Larkin
He didn’t strike me as a “big” guy at all. He’s list at BBRef at 6’0", 190 lbs and I’m 6’3" so I guess that was it. He was with Dunn too, so we all looked small in comparison. Dunn is freaking HUGE.
"I AM ARABIC FOR SUGAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!" -- by sukr on Jan 12, 2009 4:55 PM EST
by jch24 on Feb 19, 2009 11:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I don't think he'd be any bigger than me
It’s just that infielders are tiny. Jockeys of the diamond, they are!
by Brendanukkah on Feb 19, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I've gotta' find the pic
I loved: Jr. dwarfed by Wily Mo and Adam Dunn (not that Kearns was a little guy, either). Mike Brown shoulda’ brought those guys across the street.
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
by "Red" Moskau on Feb 20, 2009 6:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot about Wily Mo
He was a man-child too. I remember the first time I saw him live, I was all like “whoa.”
"I AM ARABIC FOR SUGAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!" -- by sukr on Jan 12, 2009 4:55 PM EST
by jch24 on Feb 20, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw him sock some dingers with the Dayton Dragons
He was a big man. He hit the ball far.
by Brendanukkah on Feb 20, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
nice analysis
were you a scout during the Schott years or something?
...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield
by Cy Schourek on Feb 20, 2009 2:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you trying to raise the optimism rating on the next survey?
I’ll not disagree with you entirely but my “all things come together/best case case scenario” has an 85-win celing. For now.
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 19, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
85-wins could be wild card contention
may not win it for them, but it makes the season interesting.
"How big IS your magic wand?"
by Slyde on Feb 19, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, could be.
Off the top of my head I can’t think of too many “good bets” for 85+ wins in the NL.
Mets
Phillies
Cubs
Brewers
Dodgers?
Reds?
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 19, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not at all sold on the Brewers pitching either
They should get 85, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they didn’t reach that many.
by Brendanukkah on Feb 19, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Brew Crew is hurting for pitching
Sheets and Sabathia gone make for a huge void. I know Gallardo is talent, but they are really counting on him to stay healthy and step up. The Reds rotation is easily better.
Honestly, the only team in the division that is clearly better than the Reds is the Cubs. And really, the Cubs aren’t THAT much better.
I can see a best-case scenario of about 90 wins. More likely, this team wins about 80. The Cubs could be the only team in the division with a winning record.
You went full retard. No one ever comes back from that. - Sgt. Osiris
by cesarhernandez on Feb 19, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Brewers have much better offense and defense than we do though
Their pitching will be a problem, but they have the bats and gloves to mitigate it. Yes, we could finish ahead of them if things break our way, but it’s still a stretch to say that we’re, as a team, any better than the rest of the NL Central riff-raff.
by Brendanukkah on Feb 19, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's also a stretch to say that the Cubs aren't THAT much better.
I think that for whatever optimistic win total you allow yourself to believe the Reds can achieve, you have to allow Cubs’ fans to come up with and optimistic win total that is ten wins more than yours.
The Cubs are that much better than the Reds.
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 19, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
agree
I’d never admit it to Cubby fan but the Cubs can match the Reds starting pitching and have a vastly superior lineup. Now if DLee, Soriano, Soto and A. Ramirez have season ending injuries that instantly makes the Cubs NOT that much better than the Reds.
"aw....c'mon. That's suck! I heard Coldplay on WARM98" obc son(after watching the band win Best Rock Grammy)
by obc2 on Feb 19, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's true that the only position
where the Reds are clearly superior to the Cubs is at second base, but there’s a couple spots where they’re pretty close. I would argue that Votto, right now, is superior or at least equal to Derek Lee. And I’m not being a homer here. And in right field, Bradley is a talented hitter (wish the Reds had him) but when you factor in the injury history, I’d rather have Jay Bruce right now. Shortstop is a wash, too. Theriot is nothing special.
And the Cubs starting pitching could implode. Zambrano is looking shaky, Harden is never healthy, and Dempster had a career year and should regress. The only pitcher on that staff that really scares me is in the bullpen…Marmol.
I know I’ve got my Reds-colored glasses on a bit, but I honestly think it’s not out of the realm of possibility for the Reds to win the NL Central. Of course, a lot of things have to break right, but thats how it usually goes. Most likely, this is an 80-win team. Most likely, the Cubs are probably a 90-95 win team.
You went full retard. No one ever comes back from that. - Sgt. Osiris
by cesarhernandez on Feb 19, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good points
Theriot had a .386 OBP last season while playing 150+ games. I’d say that crushes our SS production since Larkin.
I was surprised how far Lee has fallen the past couple years. Votto, statistically, is pretty damn comparable. Good call there, bro. The Cubs are going to miss Mark DeRosa more than they imagine. His stats were more than comparable to BP’s. (105R, .376 OBP, 21 HR, 87RBI, 118OPS+)
"aw....c'mon. That's suck! I heard Coldplay on WARM98" obc son(after watching the band win Best Rock Grammy)
by obc2 on Feb 19, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know Theriot had the high OBP
but he has no power, and Theriot is really a second baseman playing shortstop. Even with age and coming back from a year off, Alex Gonzalez is at least the defensive equal to Theriot, and he should jack about 15 homers (assuming a healthy season).
The Prospectus projects a higher VORP for Theriot, but it also projects him to have about 580 at-bats vs. about 250 for Gonzo. If they get similar playing time, their VORP would be pretty similar as well, around 14 or so.
You went full retard. No one ever comes back from that. - Sgt. Osiris
by cesarhernandez on Feb 19, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also
I know Keppinger’s glove sucks, but im not convinced that his getting on base was a fluke, he seemed to have masterful plate discipline. Also Kepp and Theriot’s OBP+’s are identical over their careers.
My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul
by The Crushinator on Feb 19, 2009 9:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Marmol
He was huge for them last year because he was sort of a “fireman” coming in whenever things were unraveling. If he moves to the closer, that key role will go to someone else. He also had a week or so of Turnbowitis.
by ol Pete on Feb 19, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
why don't teams value "fireman"?
Like you always hear about a closer and his saves, but you never really hear about a guys ability to strand runners, well no RR you do, but people running teams don’t seem to value that.
"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.
by justin007000 on Feb 19, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably because it could just be a run of luck
Remember when The Todd was our fireman?
...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield
by Cy Schourek on Feb 19, 2009 6:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Stopper
I’ve always thought that if I were a manager, I’d choose my bullpen Veteran Presence to be the closer. He’d come in for the 9th to start the inning.
My best arm in the pen would be my Stopper. That’s the guy we all depend on to get us out of a jam, pretty much any time after about the 5th inning.
The sabermetric advantage is obvious, but you also benefit on the cost side. You probably are already paying a large contract on the VetPres, so let him have the high-profile closer role. Your best arm is probably younger (think Joel Zumaya 2006), and will be happy for the Stopper label — less prestige, but more valuable to those in the know.
by bbjones on Feb 19, 2009 9:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd been thinking about that...
it makes perfect sense, until you factor the human element/ego into it. You’re costing the Stopper a lot of ducats using him that way. It’s gonna’ be a verrrrrry unhappy clubhouse/bullpen… unless you can convince the owner to pay him closer money. Which will make for some verrrrrry unhappy owners’ meetings for him.
But on a strictly tactical level, I absolutely agree.
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
by "Red" Moskau on Feb 20, 2009 6:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Indian food gives me Turnbowitis
I bring an extra roll of TP on those occasions
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
by "Red" Moskau on Feb 20, 2009 6:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
85+ win teams according to PECOTA
Cubs 97
Mets 92
DBacks 92
Phillies 87
Braves 87
Brewers 87
by Red Menace on Feb 19, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well the Braves have
a fairly solid starting pitching staff, and their infield (McCann, Kotchman, Johnson, Escobar and Chipper) is pretty decent as well. But yeah, the 87 wins seems a bit high for them.
You went full retard. No one ever comes back from that. - Sgt. Osiris
by cesarhernandez on Feb 19, 2009 11:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
D-backs?
For realsies? (the echo is really bad in here)
I guess playing that Padres that many times is worth something. They’re pretty punchless, though. 2 years ago they won they were outscored by their opponents and last year they had to bring in Dunn, and still couldn’t get it Dunn.
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
by "Red" Moskau on Feb 20, 2009 6:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not to agree with the master
but a trajectory toward 85 wins might mean a trade of younger talent for an actual difference making bat. Although Mr. Jocketty seems loathe to shake things up now, he has a pretty successful history of making in-season trades for decent players (I’m thinking of Rolen and McGwire mainly). That could add a game or two down the stretch
by timb116 on Feb 19, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the economy
is putting the brakes on baseball spending.
Sports leagues today are more dependent on economically vulnerable sources of revenue such as corporate sponsorships, luxury suites, and other premium seating. Even if attendance doesn’t nosedive, teams could still find themselves swimming in red ink.
Not even pro sports’ richest franchise, the Yankees, seems immune. General Motors – once baseball’s biggest corporate sponsor – has canceled its sponsorship deal with the team. And even before superstar third baseman Alex Rodriguez was caught up in a steroid scandal, the Yanks were having trouble selling premium seats in their new stadium – so much so that they hired a Manhattan realty firm to market unsold club seats and luxury boxes.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, another team that recently lost GM as a sponsor, have resorted to selling some season tickets at a 25% discount to 2008 prices. In Arizona the Diamondbacks’ season ticket renewal rate has fallen to 83% – still respectable, but down from 94% heading into the 2008 season. Hall says he knows of other MLB teams – though he won’t name them – with renewal rates as low as 60%. And as bad as 2009 looks, Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf thinks 2010 could be worse if corporations keep cutting back. “Virtually every team is losing sponsors,” Reinsdorf says.
The impact of all this is most visible in baseball’s free-agent market. In early February there were still nearly 100 unsigned players, including stars like Manny Ramirez and Orlando Hudson. Others, such as Andy Pettitte and Jason Varitek, had to take big pay cuts.
“I used to think that we were pretty recession-proof, and now I’m not so sure,” Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig tells Fortune. “This is the most significant downturn I’ve seen in my 40 years in baseball.”
I don’t think we can expect Jocketty to do the kind of things he did in St. Louis this year.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Feb 19, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What did he do in St. Louis this year?
Go up in the Gateway Arch? Visit the Bowling Hall of Fame? Go gambling on a riverboat? Sit with Chuck Berry and watch the camera feed from the ladies’ room?
by Brendanukkah on Feb 19, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
enough about your vacation
You’re right, you should have stayed in DC for the inauguration.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Feb 19, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
confused Brendan rec
My millions are unconventional!
by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 19, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My vacation was to New Orleans
All the things I talked about up there are St. Louis things. I have no idea where the inauguration came into it. I was just trying to make fun of an ambiguously worded sentence.
This is just too much for a Pooh bear to think about.
by Brendanukkah on Feb 19, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
coddleston, coddleston, coddleston pie
There's action across the street. It's Snowman! Take him!
by Man Mountain on Feb 19, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
me thinks doth protests to much
"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.
by justin007000 on Feb 19, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently,
Justin wanted you to know that there are many things he thinks doth protest to.
by Pops Daniels on Feb 19, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I vill crush you.
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 20, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sheesh talk about padding stats
I call for the formation of a disenfranchised RR Splinter Faction! Up with the Proletariat!
My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul
by The Crushinator on Feb 19, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ahem.
Andy Pettitte and Jason Varitek took big pay cuts because they’re entering the twilight of their careers and they’re coming off of final years of contracts that probably paid them much more than they should have earned.
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 19, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it would be even more likely
If teams are looking to shed payroll and the Reds are looking for veteran help, then there’s a marriage potential. Besides, if you remember both those major deals neither McGwire nor Rolen was that expensive. McGwire took a discount to sign an extension, but his contract for the remaining part of the season was not prohibitive. Rolen hated his manager and his team and the city and they were glad to see him go. He signed a reasonable deal like ten minutes after he got there.
Both of those moves at up little Cardinal talent and enabled them to remain very competitive. If some short-sighted team is looking to unload a decent veteran in August, then I say it’s time to jump.
by timb116 on Feb 19, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know about that
Most projections I’ve seen have the Reds at 79 wins. Given a little luck and a couple of breakout years, I don’t think 85-wins is that far out of the realm of possibility for this roster.
"How big IS your magic wand?"
by Slyde on Feb 19, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and by "most projections"
you mean yours?
My millions are unconventional!
by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 19, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and PECOTA
and I remember seeing another one somewhere else too. I thought it was weird that we all kept coming up with 79 wins because I just don’t see it happening.
"How big IS your magic wand?"
by Slyde on Feb 19, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Votto
His ABs are my favorite part of watching the Reds.
Bruce Bonser? Boone Bonser? Boot Bonser? BOOSE BONZER?
by Lakeman on Feb 19, 2009 11:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I've always been a EdE fan.
I like that even though he’s quiet, you can sometimes get a glimpse of how much he loves the game. Now that Dunn is gone, he’s my favorite. While the fact that Marty et. al. don’t like him may have been predicting of my preference – it’s not the reason why.
Other favorites: Johnny Cueto, Jay Bruce (obvious), and I like rooting for Billiam Bray – not really sure why.
Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.
by andromache on Feb 19, 2009 11:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Just admit your disdain for Marty
It’s liberating and you start to feel all happy that you’re not at the beck and call of a 1960’s segregationist from North Carolina (allegedly).
by timb116 on Feb 19, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No way
wheres more on Marty the segregationist!!! I must have it!
My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul
by The Crushinator on Feb 19, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't prove that, crushinator
I was more referring to Marty’s upbringing in rural Virginia and his attendance of UNC in the early 60’s. I have heard from people who had the early satellite dishes that Marty approves of large breasts (a point in his favor) and dislike “others.” But that is gossip.
Marty himself seems to never enjoy the African-American player — those guys are lazy, they don’t play hurt, they don’t hustle, they take the “C” off their uniform, etc.
In other words, I was insulting Marty because I THINK he’s a racist. Marty has always been too smart to admit that and I’m sure he has a few friends of different elasticities. For instance, for the most part, he seems to get along with Vaughn and Kevin Mitchell. Also, in Marty’s favor, je seems to hate white ballplayers lately as much as he hates anyone else: Coffey and Dunn come to mind.
In other words, if I may say, I was speaking out of my bum.
by timb116 on Feb 19, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"elasticities"
Et tu, spell check! Et tu?
ethnicities
by timb116 on Feb 19, 2009 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
no i think you had it right
this could be a new RR meme.
“That’s elastic!”
My millions are unconventional!
by Charlie Scrabbles on Feb 19, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey now Im all for calling someone I dont like a racist
My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul
by The Crushinator on Feb 19, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You racist
My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul
by The Crushinator on Feb 19, 2009 9:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer to interpret the data my way
and you can interpret to mean he’s a misanthrope and hates everybody.
by timb116 on Feb 20, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am going to take a lot of heat for this
But I am going to say Homer Bailey. I know he doesnt listen to coaches and stuff but I guess I have this hope that someday he will turn that attitude around and put it onto the hitters. So instead of having that go to hell attitude toward the coaches he can have it while facing Albert Pujols in the sense of “You can go to hell if you think your going to touch my fastball”
by kcox17 on Feb 19, 2009 11:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Here's your heat
but I’ll dream along with you.
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
by "Red" Moskau on Feb 20, 2009 6:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I pick...
…Paul Janish.
I have a thing for scrappy, hustling guys who hit at the bottom of the lineup.
Though I guess if he makes the roster, he’ll be in the two-hole, since he’s a SS…
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Feb 19, 2009 12:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
two-hole
sounds dirty
Made from 100% recycled awesome,
by chandrathan on Feb 19, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hah
Bam!
My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul
by The Crushinator on Feb 19, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Phillips
I know he had a down year of sorts last year, however he still has the talent to produce his numbers from the previous season and he is a gold glove defender.
It’s been a long time since I have seen anyone on a baseball field have as much fun as he has.
He is not a 4-hole hitter Dusty put your players in position to succeed please!!!
"If I ever find a pitcher who has heat, a good curve, and a slider, I might seriously consider marrying him, or at least proposing." - Sparky Anderson
by bphil2b on Feb 19, 2009 12:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Cueto is my favorite
I really love to watch him pitch. No snark.
by Pops Daniels on Feb 19, 2009 12:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jay Bruce
Followed by Votto and Cueto.
Although I’m ashamed to admit that I really like Willy Taveras, even though he sucks. I just can’t loathe the guy for some reason.
You went full retard. No one ever comes back from that. - Sgt. Osiris
by cesarhernandez on Feb 19, 2009 12:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Favorite current red===Jay Bruce
because he made last season somewhat exciting for a couple of weeks.
Also, Cameron is really cute walking around in her Bruce Jersey shirt
Made from 100% recycled awesome,
by chandrathan on Feb 19, 2009 12:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
My fave
Cueto. And I’d like to have a reason to become a SeaBass fan this year.
The season doesn't start until the Cincinnati Reds take the field! Reclaim The Opener!!
by TheC on Feb 19, 2009 1:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm a Sea Bass fan.
I’d like to have a reason to be a more vocal Sea Bass fan this year.
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 20, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So, I'm really glad I'm working from home today
MLBN is showing the Mark Whiten 4-HR game against the Reds right now. It’s just starting.
"I like to think more in terms of him his in-scoring position percentage." - Dusty Baker (2009) regarding Corey Patterson's relationship with his daughter
by BK on Feb 19, 2009 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
hmmph
just a couple of months old and they’re already showing reruns
Made from 100% recycled awesome,
by chandrathan on Feb 19, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i watched that Monday afternoon - bank holiday!
"aw....c'mon. That's suck! I heard Coldplay on WARM98" obc son(after watching the band win Best Rock Grammy)
by obc2 on Feb 19, 2009 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
okay, I gotta say this
I was really pumped for pitchers and catchers to report because it marks the beginning of spring training, but I have to admit it’s been a big-time letdown
LET THE GAMES BEGIN ALREADY!!!
"To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other." - Jack Handey
by JJ on Feb 19, 2009 3:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Pitchers and catchers reporting..
..is a lot like getting to a high school party before the kid with the older brother shows up with the beer.
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 20, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's true.
But it’s still better than the preceding 3 hours spent in your parents’ basement nervously trying to figure out which shirt to wear.
I laid my bed and I'm going to have to sit on it. - A-Roid the Liar
by PeteyHendrix on Feb 20, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cueto and Harang are my favorites right now
but I really, really, want to like Bailey for the reasons I’ve enumerated many times before (mainly: he’s insane). None of the hitters excite me, I’m afraid.
...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield
by Cy Schourek on Feb 19, 2009 3:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
what will be interesting about Bailey
is he will become colorful if he succeeds. His presently conceived attitude problems will be viewed as an air of confidence that surrounds him. I kinda like a pitcher who carries a bowie knife. I think we kinda need Bailey to succeed. I was part of the sell out crowd when he debuted. It was exciting we haven’t seen anything like that in Cincinnati in my life time.
"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.
by justin007000 on Feb 19, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you were a part of it
but i still have the doughnut
Made from 100% recycled awesome,
by chandrathan on Feb 19, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Homer would be a media super darling
The cover story for SI this week was a fluff piece about Cole Hamels and how he was just a surfer dude at heart or some shit. Homer would get the same shit, only the story would be about how he’s batshit crazy and one of the best pitchers in baseball. I like to think of Homer as the anti-Maddux, if you will.
by Geki on Feb 20, 2009 12:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Babe Ruth like perhps?
"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.
by justin007000 on Feb 20, 2009 12:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I could see a story about a naked woman chasing Homer with a knife on a train.
...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield
by Cy Schourek on Feb 20, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How about a pitcher with a grenade in his locker?
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
by "Red" Moskau on Feb 20, 2009 6:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A real Rocker - No?
肏你祖宗十八代 - and your sister too !
by Madville on Feb 20, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hal tosses this in there quickly today, but Brandon Phillips will be penciled in as the cleanup hitter to start the season. Sigh.
How about “Grrr” instead?
There's action across the street. It's Snowman! Take him!
by Man Mountain on Feb 19, 2009 4:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hey, Dusty's under contract through 2010!
by Brendanukkah on Feb 19, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that means he is on track to be fired in 2009
the last manager who survived two full seasons was Bob Boone. But he was also the last manager to start a season with the club too.
"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.
by justin007000 on Feb 19, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So since Boone
The reds have never had a manager on opening day?
My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul
by The Crushinator on Feb 19, 2009 9:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yep
"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.
by justin007000 on Feb 19, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The thing is
I don’t know who else would really make that big of a difference. The thing that worries me most about BP batting 4th is that it means that the first two hitters are likely going to be Taveras and Gonzalez, which means that two of Votto, Bruce, and EdE are going to bat 5th or lower. And then I realize the big problem is that nobody on this team can get on base worth a crap. And then I wonder how I got this team winning 79 games this year.
"How big IS your magic wand?"
by Slyde on Feb 19, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I could accept him batting cleanup against LHP. In fact, I'm for it.
But he was basically Corey Patterson last year in his 400 ABs vs. RHP: .247/.293/.383
"Brandon will have a good year," Baker said. "You struggle sometimes a little bit in third or fourth year. Brandon will readjust. Sometimes they wouldn’t throw Brandon a lot of strikes. Sometimes when you’re in the middle of it, you can’t see it. When you’re smart like Brandon, you take some time away and you step back and see things."
Yeah, or .247/.293/.383 vs. RHP
Even if all the Reds play to the their optimistic projections, the Reds still have this zen master sifting through his scat to make decisions.
There's action across the street. It's Snowman! Take him!
by Man Mountain on Feb 19, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Am I wrong for wanting to see EdE bat cleanup?
I mean, going with the fact that we OBVIOUSLY have to go left-right-left at 3-4-5. BBref says BP and EdE look alike in their splits, but BP could make sure the bases aren’t clogged 6 – 9 in the lineup. Maybe I got caught up with the the ‘06-’07 streak where he couldn’t miss with the bases loaded.
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
by "Red" Moskau on Feb 20, 2009 6:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm guessing that they worry about putting "pressure" on EdE in the clean-up role
And perhaps with some merit. But even given his inconsistencies, EdE is a better RH hitter than BP.
I wonder if some of the pressure that comes with certain roles on a baseball team isn’t in some ways manufactured by a manager like Dusty who believes in them so fervently. He needs a “lead-off” guy who can bunt and steal bases; he needs to “split up the lefties”; he needs a proven “30-30” man to bat “clean-up,” etc.
What would happen if he just told players to ignore their “spot” in the batting order (and all its connotations) and just be a hitter?
There's action across the street. It's Snowman! Take him!
by Man Mountain on Feb 20, 2009 9:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Add to that...
I feel like Dusty needs to see himslef in his players before he believes in them. EdE is soft-spoken, quiet, especially next to the diarrhea of the mouth our manager gives us, so he’s probably not capable of the four-hole. BP is the chatter box and says all the right things about the team, chips in for the off-the-field responsibilities, so he IS capable of the job.
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
by "Red" Moskau on Feb 20, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I've thought that maybe something similar
to what you describe is at work in the Dickerson situation. Dusty is right to be cautious with naming Dickerson the starter, challenging Dickerson to grab the spot. But if Dusty really is sandbagging Dickerson, then how much of it might have to do with Dickerson’s personality, which seems quite different from most ballplayers.
(I’m aware that I’m imputing a lot of bad things to Baker via leading questions. Sorry)
There's action across the street. It's Snowman! Take him!
by Man Mountain on Feb 20, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't think of any examples..
..but It seems like I’ve heard other managers described as doing this “Be here now” thing, especially with young teams.
Anyone know who I maight be thinking of?
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 20, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes you're wrong about EdE at clean-up
Votto should be there all the time – everytime
肏你祖宗十八代 - and your sister too !
by Madville on Feb 20, 2009 8:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's kind of a combination of both.
"When is marshmallow season?"
by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 20, 2009 10:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My favorite is definitely Willy Taveras.
And not because I like him at all. But for this season to be at all palatable, Willy is going to need to get on base tons and “wreak havoc” in a huge way. If Willy doesn’t succeed, it will be a miserable, long year.
I think of it like country music: the least painful way to make it through the song is to sing along.
So I am going to lead the cheering section…Go Willy Mays Tays!
I laid my bed and I'm going to have to sit on it. - A-Roid the Liar
by PeteyHendrix on Feb 19, 2009 5:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Shopping at Michael Jackson's garage sale, I see...
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Feb 19, 2009 5:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He was having a pretty big sale.
Boys’ pants were half off.
I laid my bed and I'm going to have to sit on it. - A-Roid the Liar
by PeteyHendrix on Feb 19, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I have to say
it was kind of creepy to see the photo of Roddy McDowell as a child, and the art by McCauley Culkin in the auction catalog.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Feb 19, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And
I was being completely sarcastic when I said Willy T.
by fourrunhomer on Feb 19, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure you were...
Speaking of Favs;
I’m big on Bruce
Like Votto a lot
C-Dick too, although he’ll most likely get fucked over
and a special honorable mention goes to Jerry Jr. _ The last living link to the Negro Leagues – I hope he’s healthy and takes Wily’s spot ASAP.
The award for " Trying Real Hard but not being That Good" – Ryan Hannigan
肏你祖宗十八代 - and your sister too !
by Madville on Feb 19, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My Favorite player is the Godicker
My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul
by The Crushinator on Feb 19, 2009 9:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
So you ain't messing with no broke...?
...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield
by Cy Schourek on Feb 20, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Hernanigans is going to give him a run for his money
"I like to think more in terms of him his in-scoring position percentage." - Dusty Baker (2009) regarding Corey Patterson's relationship with his daughter
by BK on Feb 20, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He makes a heck of a Monte Cristo sandwich.
I laid my bed and I'm going to have to sit on it. - A-Roid the Liar
by PeteyHendrix on Feb 20, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why did we never have this Griffey
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200902193850592
My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul
by The Crushinator on Feb 19, 2009 10:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
if you use the title "repreposter" again you will be lame
"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.
by justin007000 on Feb 19, 2009 11:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Is a repreposter
a representative poster? or someone who posts before again?
Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.
by andromache on Feb 19, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's a person that's completely contrary to common sense... again
"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 Feb 20, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if you keep commenting like this you will be lame
"How big IS your magic wand?"
by Slyde on Feb 20, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
facial!
justin, I don’t see you coming up with anything better
"I like to think more in terms of him his in-scoring position percentage." - Dusty Baker (2009) regarding Corey Patterson's relationship with his daughter
by BK on Feb 20, 2009 9:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that pic has been posted before
but i can’t remember if it was by me or jch
Made from 100% recycled awesome,
by chandrathan on Feb 20, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it was by me
http://www.redreporter.com/2008/9/29/624387/monday-open-thread-tigers#9080770
"How big IS your magic wand?"
by Slyde on Feb 20, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
is there a way to search pics?
I’m pretty sure i posted something similar to that.
Made from 100% recycled awesome,
by chandrathan on Feb 20, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You may be getting your sites mixed up
This is Red Reporter, not Red Reporner.
"I like to think more in terms of him his in-scoring position percentage." - Dusty Baker (2009) regarding Corey Patterson's relationship with his daughter
by BK on Feb 20, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
since when?
Made from 100% recycled awesome,
by chandrathan on Feb 20, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
since justin stopped writing the html
There's action across the street. It's Snowman! Take him!
by Man Mountain on Feb 20, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Edwin, Bruce, and Jared Burton.
Jared Burton is awesome. Edwin is the player I’m happiest to see succeed, as he seems to enjoy it more than anyone I’ve ever seen. And Bruce Almighty is the future of Reds baseball.
by Geki on Feb 20, 2009 12:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Faves
EdE – when he smiles
BP – when he’s not talking
bullpen edition: Cueto – when he stops pretending to not speak/understand English and Soto’s in town
I spend a lot of the season without a favorite
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.
by "Red" Moskau on Feb 20, 2009 6:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Fav RR character -
肏你祖宗十八代 - and your sister too !
by Madville on Feb 20, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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