Volquez gives up being a hitman, walks the earth. Starting with the Braves.

by Brendanukkah on Apr 24, 2009 11:26 PM EDT in Game Threads

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Player of the Game

Jeff Francoeur. Frenchy went 1-3 with a home run and two walks.

Key Plays

The Reds followed the script in the first inning, with a single from Willy Taveras, a free base courtesy of a passed ball by sleeper agent David Ross, and then relying on Votto to drive in all of our runs. It's simply amazing how often he comes through!
Volquez hit Yunel Escobar with a pitch in the third inning and the benches cleared. RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE!
Walks were a huge problem throughout the night, but never moreso than in the fourth inning. Volquez walked FIVE batters in the inning, forcing in two runs and giving the Braves a 2-1 lead.
Dr. Manhattan longed to witness a cosmic miracle, like oxygen spontaneously becoming gold. Hopefully he was in attendance, because Brandon Phillips drew a walk (!) and singles by Ramon Hernandez (!!) and Alex Gonzalez (!!!) brought him in to tie the game.
That was short-lived, because Jeff Francoeur hit a home run in the fifth. Francoeur has been shockingly good this season, to counteract how shockingly bad he was last season.
Walks haunted us again in the seventh (the Riverfront scoreboard never lies), though this time Nick Masset was the culprit. He walked Yunel Escobar and Jeff Francoeur, then Matt Diaz singled to score a run, our Frisch's Big Boy Big Play of the Game.
Down by two, Dusty cannily played for one run. Bruce led off with a double, and Encarnacion drew a walk. Poised for a big inning and with the surging Hernandez and Gonzalez at the plate, Ramon laid down a sacrifice bunt, and Sea Bass hit a sacrifice fly. Smaw baw to perfection - only we were still down a run. Laynce "Sometimes Y" Nix came to the plate and promptly grounded out.
With one last chance, Mike Gonzalez closed out the game in filthy style, striking out Willy Taveras and the great Joey Votto. Braves win, 4-3.

Other Notes

Volquez struck out seven in five innings. Sadly, he also walked seven batters (a whopping five of which came in the fourth inning). We've been looking for more control out of the Wagon, and it looks like we'll have to keep waiting.
The Reds struck out 12 times in the game. Not terribly surprising, considering that Vazquez was one of the strikeout leaders coming into tonight's game. Still, the Reds only worked three walks. Our plate discipline seemingly abandoned us tonight.
A couple Reds continued to steadily improve. Ramon Hernandez had two hits, and Gonzalez, Encarnacion and Bruce had good days at the dish. Burton and Herrera pitched scoreless innings, and Arthur "Bad Muhfucker" Rhodes continued to match David Weathers in scoreless appearances. On the flip side, Phillips returned to the cleanup position and went hitless, though he did draw a walk and scored a run.
chandrathan was traded to Talking Chop for Little Lady.

Final - 4.24.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Atlanta Braves	0	0	0	2	1	0	1	0	0	4	4	1
Cincinnati Reds	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	3	8	0
WP: Javier Vazquez (2 - 1) SV: Mike Gonzalez (2) LP: Edinson Volquez (2 - 2)

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Comments

i hope when cincinnati goes to Atlanta

Harang uses his command and velocity to hit Escobar in the fucking head. Like there was no reason for him to do what he did. Given Volquez control if he tried to hit Escobar he probably would have nipped the outside corner for a strike. Last year Brian McCann was a winey ass little bitch against the Reds this year it is Escobar. What a fine group of men Bobby Cox commands.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 24, 2009 11:33 PM EDT reply actions

Not to be rude...

But do you know why McCann was a “winey [butt]” last year? Because whomever the Reds catcher was last year yelled at our rookie centerfielder (Gregor Blanco) for trying to lay down a bunt. He was sticking up for his teammate and being a leader.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 24, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions

That's not to say...

that Escobar had any right to act like he did tonight, because he was wrong to do so.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 24, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know for sure

But there was a decent chance that that catcher was David Ross. The other likely option is Paul Bako, and he doesn’t seem like much of a yeller.

by Brendanukkah on Apr 24, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

David Ross?

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

by BubbaFan on Apr 24, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

wouldn't it be ironic if that was Ross

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 24, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes.

But I think it was another one. That’s actually why I was asking earlier…I was wondering which player it was that yelled at Blanco.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 24, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

actually i looked it up

it had nothing to do with the Reds Catcher. It was all Hairston, McCann, and Blanco.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 24, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought it was Hairston...

I recognized his ~~filthy~~ face as soon as I saw it.

I thought it was the catcher though. I think it was the June 1st game.
What position does Hairston play?

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 24, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Ok...

I’m being rude. It’s time for me to leave.
Mr. Hairston is a nice looking man, and I’m sure he’s a gentleman.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions

are you kidding?

you spent the entire evening here, and you are worried about being rude?!

Consider the Eskimos.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Apr 25, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Well...

I tried to be polite throughout the evening.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Ok.

Nevermind. (spits)

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe I should've gone with...

burp

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions

and, no one here like Jerry, Jr

by timb116 on Apr 25, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Hairston is a utility infielder/outfielder

he was playing shortstop when that happened. He can basically attempt to play every position but battery.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Since Hairston is half-black and half-Mexican, that is definitely racist

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Haha...

Well, I do live in the south after all.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Hey darlin'

where you live at? I went to UGA, and grew up in the Atlanta area.

Wear something sexy to my funeral.

by Pops Daniels on Apr 25, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions

i've been to atlanta airport...

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I, too, grew up in the Atlanta area.

In fact, I still live in the Atlanta area.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions

(Pointing out things that are "racist" is just kind of a thing we do. I don't think anyone took offense.)

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions

wait

I don’t get it.

by bbjones on Apr 25, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Hairston

is most definitely not a catcher. He plays just about every other position (not necessarily very well), but he is not a catcher.

What makes you think the Reds catcher was involved?

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

by BubbaFan on Apr 25, 2009 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought it was the catcher...

because the public part happened at home plate. I just remembered someone yelling at Blanco and then McCann yelling at the other player and everyone getting all up in arms about it.

I thought it was Hairston, too. That’s why I asked about him in the game thread. Apparently, I have a selective memory. So sue me (ok, not really…bc you’d only get like 7 bucks, and I need that money for gas!)

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions

GOD, I hate bunting with position players not named Rafael Belliard

It is just stupid

by timb116 on Apr 24, 2009 11:38 PM EDT reply actions

the real question is

what ever happened to Vaginas?

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 12:40 AM EDT reply actions

He/she/it is still around, in some capacity

"I can eat mayonnaise with a spoon." - Jeff Brantley

by BK on Apr 25, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions

I just finished watching the game on DVR-delay.

Guh.

When Brian McCann sits out and Chipper puts up an 0fer5, the Braves are just another NL team that can be beaten.

I thought Volquez kinda looked like he was goofing around at times. Not trying to have some fun goofing around but Ah, hell. What do I care? goofing around.

Dusty playing for one run in the eighth didn’t bother me that much. If you’re down by one in the ninth with Votto and Bruce coming up.. well, you’re the 2009 Cincinnati Reds and you’re gonna win some and you’re gonna lose some.

Two of Votto’s ABs against Vazquez were classics. Against Gonzalez, Votto looked like he knew he was gonna K. And he looked pissed about it.

Optimism? Herrera and Rhodes were good. And Hey! the infield D was nearly flawless. (I think Lincoln froze on Chipper’s grounder up the first base line. I don’t think he could have gotten the out at second after tagging Chipper but the play was memorable to me because well, he looked like me out there. Wow! I can tag you and get you out!)

And lastly, George Grande is wearing me out. “Vazquez is throwing his Gretzky right now….. [pause]…. His 99th pitch.” (Silence from Welsh.)

"I wanna listen to Elephants Gerald."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Apr 25, 2009 12:46 AM EDT reply actions

Also...

I just checked the box score and saw that each of the three Reds who struck out twice (Willy, BP and EdE) also each drew one of the Reds’ three walks. So at least we know these fellas aren’t grounding out on the first pitches they see.

"I wanna listen to Elephants Gerald."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Apr 25, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Gonzalez

has the weirdest windup ive ever seen. He rocks between 3-5 times, shuffling his right (or traditionally front foot for a LHP). jch and i were discussing the motion in person last night and we both agreed that we would keep one foot in and one foot out of the batters box and just wait for him to stop that silly ass nonsense. A bigger question is how that isnt a balk (especially if there is a runner on base)

It didnt look like the hitters were picking up his release point at all.

"I've actually never had a drink before, tonight I might try it out. We'll see."
—Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, on turning 21

by obc2 on Apr 25, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Billy boy

I just saw the pic you sent. I never get to see the good stuff!

"Screw it. We've got bigger problems than a butter shortage."

by Ash on Apr 25, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

middle finger or bench clearing brawl?

"I've actually never had a drink before, tonight I might try it out. We'll see."
—Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, on turning 21

by obc2 on Apr 25, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Actually, both!

"I'm going to kick the fire with cheese!"

by Ash on Apr 25, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

It's his wind-up...

He doesn’t do it with runners on base.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh...

And I think that’s one of the reason’s he does it, because you never know when he’s going to throw the ball…it just kinda happens…like magic.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Actually, I (mostly) figured it out from the stands

He looked to rock 3 times then throw on the 4th rock after the batter was set. If I were the batter I’d ask for time between the first and second rock and fuck with him. Of course that would just start more trouble, but that’s what I’d do. :)

I miss the old days of the internet when men were men, hot girls were middle aged men, and hot underage girls were FBI agents.....

by jch24 on Apr 27, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Good Night, Reds Fans!

Gotta get some sleep if I want to be awake for tomorrow’s game.

"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner

by Little Lady on Apr 25, 2009 1:06 AM EDT reply actions

Check it

Alex Gonzalez got his 1,000th career hit.

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 7:52 AM EDT reply actions

and a RBI

but the cat is listed at 5’11" 217lbs on the GABP scoreboard (which is always generous in terms of height and weight). not a ton of range in the field…

"I've actually never had a drink before, tonight I might try it out. We'll see."
—Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, on turning 21

by obc2 on Apr 25, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Chipper

put Escobar in his place.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 9:12 AM EDT reply actions

Dammit!

Classy move by Chipper. Shit, I hate to respect him.

by Brendanukkah on Apr 25, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Bloop

by justin007000 on Apr 25, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Anyone else going to the game today?

"I can eat mayonnaise with a spoon." - Jeff Brantley

by BK on Apr 25, 2009 9:30 AM EDT reply actions

Sadly, no.

I’m sacrificing today’s game (with gorgeous weather) in order to fund next weekend’s shenanigans.

"Screw it. We've got bigger problems than a butter shortage."

by Ash on Apr 25, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Must Work

I want to be there when a trailer full of coffins slams into a an ambulance full of terminally ill Bolivians. Or when the Reds win a WS..whichever comes first....

by Madville on Apr 25, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions