Not to Overestimate the Importance of One Road Trip, But...
by Slyde on May 29, 2009 1:14 PM EDT
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PrintThe Reds have been within a game and a half of first place after May 25th four different times in the 2000s. In all 4 cases it was a stretch of bad play over a week or two that led to the team falling out of the race and in 3 of those cases, it was a road trip that ultimately did them in.
| Year | Downfall Period | Teams Faced | Record in that span |
| 2000 | 6/5 - 6/18 | CHW, @CLE, @SF, @SD | 1-11 |
| 2002 | 8/13 - 9/4 | ARI, HOU, @ARI, @HOU, STL, MIL, @STL | 6-17 |
| 2004 | 6/7 - 6/14 | @OAK, @CLE, @PHI | 0-7 |
| 2006 | 8/24 - 9/4 | @SF, @LAD, @SD | 2-9 |
The reason I bring up these past failures is not to be a Debbie Downer, but to point out that despite it still being early in the season, this road trip is very important. Obviously their chances won't be shot if they lay a big egg, only the 2002 dismal stretch marked the official end of the Reds chances (they went from 2 GB to 11 GB during that span!). But this road trip is probably the most important road trip the team has had since the August West Coast debacle in 2006. It's actually exciting for me to even write that, and I fully expect to write that about every road trip from here on out this season.
The Reds can't let their guard down this week, and I don't think they will. This is a golden opportunity for them to do some serious damage within the division, but it's also a dangerous trip too. As we've seen in the past, it doesn't take many games to really hurt your team's chances for the season, and that is even more true when you are playing your main division competitors.
I'm really hoping for a 5-2 trip, but I'd consider anything more than 3 wins a success. Just don't do anything to let either the Cardinals or Brewers get any more space than they already have.
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i'm excited
got the big little guy on the mound tonight. Cueto has been nothing short of dominating this season.
GO REDS!!!!!!!!!!
Bloop
im getting really excited
that line from Bruce about coming home in first place really turned me on. i love good baseball.
by Charlie Scrabbles on May 29, 2009 1:24 PM EDT reply actions
only when it's played the right way though
"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty
in order
Good baseball played the right way
Good baseball played the wrong way
Wrong baseball played the good way
Wrong baseball played the wrong way
The Washington Natinals
"We're going to Adonis, son"
jch24
by obc2 on May 29, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
Rec'd like crazy
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans
by Farneyismycopilot on May 29, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
The difference?
Harang, Volquez, Cueto, Arroyo, Micah.
None of the other teams listed had half this pitching staff. I dont think the ballclub will go on a long winning streak (due to the offense) or a long losing streak (due to the pitching).
"We're going to Adonis, son"
jch24
by obc2 on May 29, 2009 1:39 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree and another rec for you
but believe it or not Marty (gasp) has been saying something similar, regarding the pitching, since Week 1.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans
by Farneyismycopilot on May 29, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, well said.
I still haven’t recovered from that 2006 debacle.
We Are ... Marshall!
by Thundering Turtle on May 29, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I had managed to suppress that 2004 ugliness
…til Slyde went picking at scabs.
by Brendanukkah on May 29, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the precursor to the 2006 debacle...
Was the infamous Ryan Franklin Game, where he threw a hanging slider down the middle of the plate in the bottom of the 12th (or something) in Los Angeles, which got hammered for a walk-off home run. He said he would throw that pitch again.
I would love for him to throw that pitch again on numerous occasions when the Reds are in St. Louis.
And Adam Dunn's spirit, ranging for revenge / With Ate by his side come hot from hell, / Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice / Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war...
by Paul Householder on May 29, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I love this pitching staff.
We get Harang, Volquez, Cueto, and Goodroyo (he’s on a good cycle, right?) against STL, and we get Cueto and Harang against the Brewers… and Micah’s pretty damn good for a 5th starter.
Totally agree
Offense (even a good offense) tends to be much more streaky and pitching tends to be more consistent.
I feel confident that even if one guy lays an egg, the next guy will turn in a good outing, so even if the offense goes on a long cold streak, they probably won’t go 2-9 over any stretch like in ’06 (nervous tic returns just thinking about that west coast road trip)
Plus, the offense is tied for 7th (with the Brewers) in the NL in OPS right now. They are truly shaping up to be an average offense. With this staff, I’ll take it.
Isn't there a slanket somewhere you should be filling with your farts?
Even slightly above average.
Given the horrendous start, they’re near the top of the league in most offensive categories in May, and is essentially tied with Milwaukee in many of those offensive categories.
The pitching staff has a few bad games inflating its otherwise great numbers (Janish pitching didn’t help, statistically, and neither did Badroyo’s two 10-run innings). So far in May, the pitching staff has given up more than 4 runs in just 10 of 25 games (yay for meaningless stats). If they give up 4 or less runs in 60% of games all season, I think we’ll all be happy.
Road Trip with Slyde!
I’ve got the solo cups, who’s bringing the diet coke?
Will you stop it with the vegetables
that's a good idea
I think I might just get drunk all weekend….
"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty
/every day'd
tellin' tales of drunkenness and cruelty
by Colin Auscapee on May 29, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
wouldn't slyde really be joining you?
Bloop
by justin007000 on May 29, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Frankly only in a cyber sense...
I’m too busy to go anywhere and drink but my own basement these days. However, I’ll lift one for Slyde and one for you Justin and one for Dusty, and Dick, and Speier-man, 2 for Billy Hatcher…
"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana
i'll be in ireland on tuesday
so i’ll “lift” a few for you.
Bloop
by justin007000 on May 29, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Ireland..on Tuesday
Scotland on Wednesday
Straford on Avon on Tursday
You world traveler you…what is your itinerary? Will you send us pictures of you and your Dad in the local strip bars and stuff ? Are you going to catch some Cricket while you’re there..Maybe a little Manchester United too…
"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana
Brendan remains delusional
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables?league=eng.1
Go ManU
"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana
Word to the wise, justin
Everton will beat Chelsea tomorrow to win the FA Cup (Guarantee!), so be sure to get your ’Merican on and brag about your boy, Timmy Howard.
by Brendanukkah on May 29, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Second'd
Cech’s going on his farewell tour at Chelsea, and there’ll be a late winner for Everton to send him off properly.
"We, as for me all seasons you are affected peculiarly in the edge of my seat and are happy concerning the fact that the Adam Dunn fan has been mixed up exactly." - Reynard-san
by BK on May 29, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Hah!
Rec’d
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans
by Farneyismycopilot on May 29, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
What's even better
is that his is a perfectly applicable conversation for this site.
"We, as for me all seasons you are affected peculiarly in the edge of my seat and are happy concerning the fact that the Adam Dunn fan has been mixed up exactly." - Reynard-san
by BK on May 29, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Guy ain't no HR hitter
1961 Frank Robinson hit a HR every 14.4 ABs
"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana
The soccer fans in Cuba might disagree with you.
by Brendanukkah on May 29, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
welp
leave dayton on monday the first
Dublin-6/2-6/6 (while we are in ireland we are taking a day trip out to the Inishmore Islands.
Amsterdam 6/6-6/9
Overnight Train
Berlin 6/10-6/15
fly to dayton on the 15th
Bloop
by justin007000 on May 29, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
not a lot of time in anyone place
but a little taste. Hopefully i’ll beable to spend some more time in europe researching in the future.
Bloop
by justin007000 on May 29, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
how old is your Dad?
You may want to keep an eye on him in Amsterdam…legal pot, ’shish, wild women and loud clothing…
"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana
57
and the legality of pot never stopped this veteran parole officer in the states
Bloop
by justin007000 on May 29, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions
dont forget to stop by TTC
and get yourself a burger.
i’m thinking you’d go for the fois gras burger, with jamon iberico, guacamole, swiss cheese and a triple order of slaw.
"We're going to Adonis, son"
jch24
I'm glad they had the wake up call in San Diego
Keep ’em on their toes for this trip.
(Also, y’know, they’ve now got a first baseman playing first base.)
(even though he sometimes gets the dizzies.)
Lineup for tonight - Still no BP
Taveras 8,
Hairston 4,
Votto 3,
Hernandez 2,
Bruce 9,
Nix 7,
Gonzalez 6 ,
Rosales 5,
Cueto 1
"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty
Is he...
Available off the bench?
I once defended the managerial styles of Jerry Narron after a Reds loss in a bar after a long night of drinking. I wish I could say that I don't remember doing that.
no idea
got it from a Reds Tweet and they didn’t mention BP’s status.
"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty
though
I do recall him being available to pinch hit on Wednesday, if I’m not mistaken.
"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty
Tonite's game feels key
Cueto leading off the roadie feels like a game they need to get, in order to carry the momentum forward. I like the pitching match-ups for Cincy tonite and tomorrow, not so much for Sunday.
Would really like to get this one tonight, if they do, a 4-3 roadtrip feels very possible.
When not lurking here, the sportsfrog is where I am.
FWIW
The Reds won the first game of the August 2006 West Coast trip too.
Oh, and I’m a dick.
"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty
To quote....
The reason I bring up these past failures is not to be a Debbie Downer
I once defended the managerial styles of Jerry Narron after a Reds loss in a bar after a long night of drinking. I wish I could say that I don't remember doing that.
there is that (the first game thing)...
…and still, Cueto v. Looper is one they need to get. I am working hard not to let the past cause undo pessimistic, and as a long-time Reds fan, I know the history of bad trips like it is a part of my DNA, and the best way to get in front of it is to win tonite. For me, the danger is not getting tonite or tomorrow, and Owings v. Gallardo on Sunday already 0-2 on the road trip. So, yeah, tonite’s game feels important.
When not lurking here, the sportsfrog is where I am.
until they have a 10-game lead
every game is important.
But yeah, on this road trip, they better win tonight.
What’s great is that I feel like with this pitching staff, it’s not unrealistic to think that they can win 3 out of every 5 games. I know that’s a .600 winning percentage (97 wins), which I have no illusions of, but my point is that I think the Reds have a better than average shot in 3 out of every 5 games just because of the pitchers. This is not to say that I think Cueto, Harang, and Volquez will win every time out. I just feel like every time through the rotation, it’s a good bet that 3 of the pitchers will put up a good outing. That’s a good place to be.
"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty
The way I figure it...
Even if they have a 10-game lead, the last 10 games are important.
And Adam Dunn's spirit, ranging for revenge / With Ate by his side come hot from hell, / Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice / Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war...
by Paul Householder on May 29, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
but i mean
they have 3 aces, and 1 mid level and 1 back in, so when Harang, Volquez, or Cueto falter, Arroyo and Owings aren’t give away games either.
Bloop
by justin007000 on May 29, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes. You are a dick.
And I am being combative.
And Adam Dunn's spirit, ranging for revenge / With Ate by his side come hot from hell, / Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice / Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war...
by Paul Householder on May 29, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
This ain't no West Coast thing..it ain't no East Cost thing...
"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana
DIRTY SOUTH THIRD COAST REPRESENT!
"I lay my head on the railroad tracks, and wait for the double E"- Warren Zevon
by Colin Auscapee on May 29, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
full agreement
And I love that Cueto appears to be blossoming into a rather devastating top of the rotation guy. If he can be a constant this season, it is hard not to start to feel decent about their chances to be relevant into the late summer…
When not lurking here, the sportsfrog is where I am.
Along the lines of Chuck's tentative embrace of Cherry yesterday
Hall o’ Famer Hal sums up some feelings that I’ve been having lately and struggling to come to terms with.
And I don’t know about many of you, but I’m a bit weary of the whiners who want Baker fired. Gimme a break, guys. If you are going to strut and brag about the Reds being 26-20 right now, you have to aim plenty of the credit to Baker. The players are responding to him. They are hustling, they are having fun, they are confident. We all put a lot of the blame on past managers for the team having no fire and no desire, so now that it has it – take a bow, Dusty Baker.
Yeah but what about Dick? I asked Hal and....
Hal: “Boy Dusty you’re doing an excellent job with this team in ’09”
Dusty" Hey, man its just the sound of one bat breakin’ heh – heh"
Hal: How much credit dies this pitching staff deserve Dick"
Dick" Sometimes when you throw a 2 seamer you might get beat, but then you pick yourself up and say fuck it"
Hal: Excuse me?"
Dick " I spend a lot of time these days with Jeff Brantley…he’s got a baseball mind"
Hal: What do you think Dusty.."
Dusty" Dick’s on dope man and Brantly can blow Madville."
"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana
The more shit you type
the more I think the Good Doctor has taken over your body.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans
by Farneyismycopilot on May 29, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
That's a good thing by the way.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans
by Farneyismycopilot on May 29, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
You remind me of NEILYNG...(but I love you anyway)...
Like you, he always used to report on his conversations with Castellini or whatever high-muckety-mucks in the Reds organization.
The difference here is that you really seem to have your finger on the pulse of the entire organization, because these conversations you’re overhearing really are awesomely informative.
(This is probably one of the reasons boobs and I thought you were NEILYNG originally.)
And Adam Dunn's spirit, ranging for revenge / With Ate by his side come hot from hell, / Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice / Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war...
by Paul Householder on May 29, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
madville's posts are his imagination and he posts them as such
NIELYNG said his were real
Nobody listens to Andrew
by nlt-andrew68 on May 30, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey did I ever tell you guys about the time i merged with a 1957 Frigidaire refrigerator ?I
Well it was in Oxford Ohio around 1972and…wha?… what that’s dear…oh I’ve got to go take my meds…
"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana
Denver is not full of managerial love
Clint Hurdle just got fired. It was only a year and a half ago that he had his team in the World Series.
Go on and guess how long Hurdle had been the Rockies manager. The answer may surprise you.
by Brendanukkah on May 29, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
and I don't quite understand why Jim Tracy keeps getting hired
Has he really ever done anything?
"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty
Career record of 562-572
Why don’t teams that are out of it give new managers a try, rather than recycling mediocrity from the old boys network? He was the bench coach, and seems like the logical guy to step in without much time for a managerial search, but I feel the same principle that applies to young players could apply to new managers. If the season’s lost, just let them learn on the job, no pressure. An infusion of new faces is never a bad thing.
by Brendanukkah on May 29, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Ditto Jerry Narron...
And Adam Dunn's spirit, ranging for revenge / With Ate by his side come hot from hell, / Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice / Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war...
by Paul Householder on May 29, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
2002?
Holy Crap. No idea.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans
by Farneyismycopilot on May 29, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll admit it.
I didn’t read the whole thing. I looked at all the flowers and laughed.
/sorry’d
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans
by Farneyismycopilot on May 29, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Good night, Red Reporter
I am sneaking out of Mom’s basement to go out with an ACTUAL HUMAN FEMALE, who happens to be quite attractive and seemingly intelligent as well. I will spend the evening trying to figure out what is wrong with her between witticisms.
Maybe I will see some of the Reds game in a bar. Go John-John Phenomenon, go Reds!
"I lay my head on the railroad tracks, and wait for the double E"- Warren Zevon
BOOOOO
You know you’re
One of us
One of us
One of us
One of us
…
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans
by Farneyismycopilot on May 29, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I believed you until you said "seemingly intelligent"
If she’s going on a date with a RR that girl’s gotta be dumber than shit, crazy, or both. :)
"It seems as if every mistake I've ever made in life I've had an erection in one hand and a Bud Light in the other."
i have the same thing going on tonight
i’m kinda torn, i know she would watch the game with me if i really want to, but that would be kinda shitty with me about to leave for Europe and all.
Bloop
by justin007000 on May 29, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions
You are certain that you are not going out with Colin Auscapee
I mean if this an internet date,,,
"I just wanted to be like my dad, Jesus. He was a good shortstop.
Johan Santana
Beware of those actual human females
they pack a mean punch. trust me, you’ll never see it coming…
"We're going to Adonis, son"
jch24
1990
Reds in first. Head out on 9-game West Coast trip.
Win the first game then lose the remaining 8 games.
We still made it.
Where have you gone, Johnny Vander Meer?
well, they also had an 11-game lead to start that trip
I’d feel pretty damn good if the Reds had an 11-game lead right now.
"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty
I think it is worthy of note that our current trip would be the earliest in Slyde's selected list.
I can see you're not going to agree with me, so let's move on. - Bill Maher
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