If you're going to stake your rep on being a fifth place team, these are the games you HAVE to win. Reds sweep double header, win 6-3.

by Brendanukkah on Aug 31, 2009 11:18 PM EDT in Game Threads Comment 42 comments

He still thinks the C on his hat is for "Cueto." (AP Photo/David Kohl)

Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Brandon Phillips. Phillips went 3-4 with two runs, two RBI, a home run and a stolen base. He hit what seemed to be a second home run, but replays showed that it was a foul ball.

Key Plays

The Reds came flying out of the gate in the evening contest, with Drew Stubbs singling and Paul Janish bringing him home with a double. One out later, Brandon Phillips scored Janish with a single. Scott Rolen singled and Jonny Gomes hit a ground rule double to plate Phillips. After Darnell McDonald struck out, Corky Miller walked to load the bases. Sadly, Johnny Cueto struck out, but the Reds had a 3-0 lead.
Phillips made it a four run lead in the third inning with his 18th home run of the season.
Cueto, fresh off the DL, cruised until the sixth inning when he gave up a home run to Andrew McCutchen. Danny Ray Herrera came in to relieve, but after getting two quick outs he gave up a single to Ryan Doumit, a double to Steve Pearce, and singles to Brandon Moss and Ronny Cedeno. The Pirates had crept to within one run, and Nick Masset was called on to get the third out of the inning.
The Reds got some Great American Insurance runs in the eighth, when Darnell McDonald hit a ground rule double and Drew Stubbs hit his second home run of the day (but first of the game) to increase the lead to 6-3.

via FanGraphs

Other Notes

This was Johnny Cueto's first win since July 1. It's his ninth of the season, which matches his total from last year.
The announced attendance of 13,051 for the day game was actually the attendance number from April 10, the rained out game. The Reds had an attendance of 9,087 for the nightcap, the lowest attendance ever at GABP.
The Reds had not swept a double header in ten years. (Actually, the last time I'm seeing such a sweep occurred on May 26, 1997. John Smiley beat Al Leiter [BOO!], and Mike Morgan beat Matt Beech. Terry Pendleton played third base. I'd totally forgotten he'd ever been a Red.)
With nine more losses, the Reds will clinch a losing season for the ninth straight year.
Nick Masset and Arthur Rhodes pitched in both games for the Reds. Jesse Chavez pitched in both games for the Pirates.
Francisco Cordero earned his 29th save. He's five away from passing Dan Quisenberry on the all-time list.

Final - 8.31.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Pittsburgh Pirates	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	3	8	0
Cincinnati Reds	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	X	6	13	0
WP: Johnny Cueto (9 - 10) SV: Francisco Cordero (29) LP: Paul Maholm (7 - 8)

Complete Coverage >

1 recs | Comment 42 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Why talk about losses when we won!

That’s what, 7/8?

by jsl413 on Aug 31, 2009 11:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

6/8

but who’s counting?

"And then there was the USAID guy in Kandahar who drove a giant pink Cadillac, which the locals set on fire one day. If you wanted to destroy something symbolic during a riot, you just could not do better than that. Good stuff." - Ghosts of Alexander

by Cy Schourek on Sep 1, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

funny how similar

The photos of Drew Stubbs are for both games of the doubleheader. In both, he looks like he’s trying not to get too close to the guys who are congratulating him. Afraid of getting swine flu, maybe?

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

by BubbaFan on Aug 31, 2009 11:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, they're almost the same photo

Stubbs looks kind of like a ninny in both of them. He’s gonna need to work on that.

by Brendanukkah on Aug 31, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah the ninny stick!

French Jester Holding a “Ninny Stick” or “Fool’s Wand” a Stick with the Effigy of a Jester’s Head

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
George Carlin

by Madville on Aug 31, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correction

Jesse Chavez ~~pitched~~ sucked in both games for the Pirates.

And BP is a hard-ass. He’s had a hairline fracture in his wrist since the middle of August.

Baseball must be a great game to survive the fools who run it.— Bill Terry

by nycredsfan on Aug 31, 2009 11:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would suggest dumb-ass

No sense in playing right now….except for personal stats.

My fantasy football team this year? Lippincott's Shorts

by cesarhernandez on Aug 31, 2009 11:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

or arthritis?

Bloop

by justin007000 on Sep 1, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And I love this quote from Phillips

from Hal McCoy:

"I could be on the disabled list, but that’s not me," he said. "I could sit down, but then that gives another person a time to shine. You never know who might take your job." And they have suggested that he take a cortisone shot, "And the pain would go away in two days," he said. "A shot? A needle? Not me, man. No way. They’re not going to shoot me. I hate needles."

My fantasy football team this year? Lippincott's Shorts

by cesarhernandez on Sep 1, 2009 12:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

why do i get the feeling he is fucking nuts?

Bloop

by justin007000 on Sep 1, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just love how he's worried

about losing his job to someone else. You know if he went on the DL, Rosales or Sutton would play 2B. The Reds wouldn’t call up Frazier.

My fantasy football team this year? Lippincott's Shorts

by cesarhernandez on Sep 1, 2009 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least he hates needles...

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

by crolfer on Sep 1, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hey! Me and BP have something in common!

we’re both frightened of needles, that is…I don’t have a job for someone to take.

by Cy Schourek on Sep 1, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good for him for not taking his position for granted (at least with lip service)

but damn, I really hope he doesn’t roll over that wrist in the field one day and break it clean. The last thing the offense needs next season is two middle of the order hitters coming back off of serious wrist injuries.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Sep 1, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great game

I went to both games of this double header and feel kind of out of my mind right now. I started thinking about moving in at GABP.

It was actually great. I came back (along with a couple of my bros) with my 7 buck tickets and they upgraded us to third base field box seats for nothing. We almost immediately saw Rolen make a great play.

It’s weird to have witnessed a two game win streak in one day.

Only thing that bothers me is Votto’s unfortunate day at the plate. He was getting quite frustrated. It wasn’t really obvious but he started kicking up more dirt than usual in the batters box (I am too tired to be writing this comment). Not a good few days for him. I know he’ll turn it around buttonight was just unpleasant to see. I love wins, but I love to see him, and our best players, do well. When it coincides it’s best.

The Reds are now 5-3 when I go to games this year. I should have bought seaosn tickets maybe

by Red_Poodle on Sep 1, 2009 12:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Some added thoughts from the outer view...

There were maybe 2500 people in the stadium tonight… only two of them were in the upper deck on the 3rd base side. 2 people in that entire level, and they were making out. Good work.

Joey Votto needs to take a day or two off. He’s pushing way too hard, and I’d hate to see that redevelop into anxiety issues again.

Stubbs has developed some power, but he needs to learn how to play the deep ball off the wall.

I was on the video board tonight for the first time in my life. I felt famous.

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 1, 2009 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and Cueto looked pretty good.

If he can cut down the number of pitches thrown, I think he’ll be OK.

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 1, 2009 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree about Cueto

the PC was the only thing I was worried about. His location was a bit off, but, for the most part, he looked like he did back before the troubling July starts.

by Red_Poodle on Sep 1, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

cool!

You’re right about Stubbs playing the deep ball. He had issues with that twice today, but he only really misplayed it when Fisher gave up that triple.

I’m surprised by the power showing. About Votto, I think he could use a day off. One day where his average doesn’t change and he doesn’t have to force the issue, i think, would probably be good. Given that he played both games today when it really wasn’t necessary (Barker could have started the first half of the second game) suggests that Baker, at least, would rather him play through it. He seems like the type that would rather just stay in there too.

by Red_Poodle on Sep 1, 2009 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand that about Votto.

I can understand wanting to just work through that.

I loved it when Cueto started walking off when he thought it was strike three. I was laughing so hard. I’m glad for his sake that he had a decent outing.

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 1, 2009 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah it was nice to see him get it together

it’s a good sign for next year.

by Red_Poodle on Sep 1, 2009 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Barker should get the start tonight. Votto definitley looks like he could use a day off. Plus it would be good for Barker to stay somewhat fresh. He has had a couple really big pinch hits lately.

by fourrunhomer on Sep 1, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Video Board

Does one get famous if no one is there to see it?

www.redsminorleagues.com
www.FirstInning.com

by dougdirt on Sep 1, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

common Doug

dont be a jerk. let the man have his moment.

by Charlie Scrabbles on Sep 1, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sweep

The 1999 sweep allegedly came against KC in the “historic” first interleague double-header EVER. Bud Selig makes history!

by Brian B on Sep 1, 2009 9:21 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Drew Stubbs has 2 hits a game in 5 of his last 6 games (.354/.367/.552)

He’s also struck out 10 times in those 6 games with only one walk. Would like to see that ratio shift a little.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Sep 1, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

also, he's been on base at least once in every game that he's played except for one.

Taveras failed to get on base in 28 of 93 games started this season, though only 2 of his first 13.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Sep 1, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He also saved 3 puppies from a house fire on the way home from the games

First time I shot her, shot her in the side.
Hard to watch her suffer, but with the second shot she died...

by btcoop71 on Sep 1, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's like Safety Monitor Bobby Brady

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Sep 1, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not going to say that Janish is the answer at SS

but maybe he should have been given a little more playing time this year? He’s batting .300/.364/.480 since August 20th. If you assume that it took him a little bit of time to get some rhythm together (he only had 99 PA when Gonzalez was traded), then you could argue that after his first week of regular playing time he’s started to find a groove.

By no means am I suggesting that his level over the last 12 days is what he’ll do normally, but I think an argument can be made that he should have been starting over Gonzalez all season. I’d be willing to bet that he’d be closer to the .258/.329/.394 that he’s put up since Gonzalez was traded than Sea Bass ever got.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Sep 1, 2009 10:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And with his defense

I’d gladly take .260/.330/.390. If he can sustain something like that for the remainder of the season, I’d be delighted.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Sep 1, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That slugging is probably a little high, but if he can keep his OPS around .700 and be a +10 defender

I wouldn’t hate having him at shortstop, though he can’t bat 2nd all year and they would have to acquire a top-10 offensive left-fielder, which could theoretically still be Gomes, if we believe he is for real.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Sep 1, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right.

Given the available options, I’d gladly take an OPS of .700 and plus defense. Seriously: is there anything else better available?

And of course I agree: he’s no #2 hitter. Dusty will never agree there, though…

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Sep 1, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gomes a top 10 offensive left fielder?

No way.

by jsl413 on Sep 1, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he would be this year with enough PA

His OPS+ would be in the top 15 of all outfielders. He won’t likely do that well over a full season, but he’s been pretty damn good this year and he’s at an age where if he’s healthy, I don’ think it’s unreasonable to think he won’t keep hitting well.

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Sep 1, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess I'm just not sold on him being full time.

He’s performed admirably in a part-time role. I don’t think he could broach these numbers in 500+ PA

by jsl413 on Sep 1, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Janish may not be Mr. Right at SS

But I think he’s clearly Mr. Right Now. So far, he’s been more than decent at the plate as long as he gets regularly playing time (now and during spring training). Maybe it’s a small sample size, maybe he’s finally figured something out, maybe we’re benefiting from his physical peak. But I’d rather give him a shot than wade into the free agent waters. At least until Cozart or whoever is ready.

If you dig back into the archives, I was actually a supporter of A-Gon. I thought he was a better hitter than most others here – or at least, would be in GABP. But he couldn’t stay healthy. If he was healthy, then yeah, he should start. But he wasn’t. And the Reds wouldn’t put him on the DL.

So yes, I think Janish should have played more. Maybe A-Gon could have stayed healthy if they gave him more time off. At the very least, a young player like Janish needs to play more than he did.

Dusty called him their SS of the future earlier this season. Do you park your SS of the future on the bench for two weeks at a time? Okay, maybe he was just saying that. Dusty also said that Janish as a SS, could play anywhere in the infield or outfield. But aside from his two stints as a relief pitcher, Dusty didn’t let Janish play much outside SS. Even when EE was out, it was Rosales who took his place. Why not at least split the time between them?

Arrghhh. I really, really hate the way Dusty manages his bench.

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

by BubbaFan on Sep 1, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

Massett and Rhodes should have been given strong consideration for the JNMSOTG award tonight. After both pitching well in the first game, to come into the second game and shut the door like they did was nothing short of amazing. Of course I hope it doesn’t come back and bite them for the next week.
I think Stubbs should at least get honorable mention for the award. He was pretty clutch tonight as well.

by fourrunhomer on Sep 1, 2009 11:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs