Red Reposter - Yaaaaaaawwwwn Streeeeeeeetch *nyup nyup* Time for Baseball Again!
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 16, 2010 10:31 AM EDT
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Red Reposter's Numberoos, the first kangaroo-adjustment system that allows you to bend your kangaroos in the shape of mathematical symbols. No more boring kangaroo-shaped kangaroos for you! This revolutionary new product allows you to conform your kangaroos to any numerical shape you like! What's your favorite number? 3? Well, now you can have your kangaroo in the shape of the number 3! You'll wonder how you ever lived without it! (void where prohibited by law). - 66 - Number of times Brandon Phillips has crossed home plate so far this season, which is tops in the National League. It's amazing that this guy was our clean-up hitter for so long, and even more amazing that he's taken to the table-setter role as well as he has. Keep on truckin', BeeP!
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The rotation is set for the first two games, anyway
Bronson Arroyo toes the rubber to open the 2nd half this evening and Edinson Volquez makes his triumphant return for Saturday's tilt. After that though, the Reds are mum. Well, not totally mum, but that haven't been explicit. Here's Dusty: "You know there’s a lot of things that go into. It’s not always who’s pitching the best. It’s whose contract is what and who has options and various things."
He's basically saying Aaron Harang will be in the rotation when he returns. And I'm OK with that. Fay isn't though. But what else are they going to do with him? They can't trade him because I doubt anyone wants him. They can't release him because he's still a valuable player (remember when we would have killed our own children for a league-average pitcher like Harang?). I guess they could send him to the 'pen, but that would probably really upset the apple cart. The easier thing to do is to send Travis Wood back to AAA when Harang is ready. He'll be back as soon as they need him. -
Jocko sez he wants experience in the bullpen
"I think what I’m looking for more than anything is a little more experience in the bullpen and bullpen depth," Jocketty said. "I still like our club the way it is. We’ve still got some guys coming back with (Edinson) Volquez and we’re trying to get (Aroldis) Chapman ready for the bullpen. Chapman is going to help but he doesn’t have the experience." I think bullpen acquisitions are a risky business (see: Trade, The). Unless you are getting a top-flight talent like Joakim Soria or...well, that's about it. But if you can't get him then just forget it. Bullpen talent is too volatile to project for a pennant race. It's too often not worth wasting the resources. -
Wondering what to expect from Russ Springer?
RJ Anderson calls him a "right-handed specialist", which basically means he shouldn't face lefties. Kind of a bizzaro-Lefty Smurf. Since 2003, Springer has a 3.22 FIP against common-handed hitters, which could come in handy. Of course, he's also a fly ball pitcher coming to GABP, so that could be a recipe for some messy spaghetti. -
Wondering what to expect from Edinson Volquez?
Mike Axisa thinks he's gonna walk a ton of hitters. That shouldn't be too surprising, 'cause The Wagon has always been very liberal with the free rides. He foresees a K/BB around 8.5/5.0 and an ERA in the mid-to-low 4s. Sooooo, kinda like the 8 other dudes in the Reds rotation right now.
SI's power rankings have the Reds coming in at #11
Joe Lemire lists the most important players to each team's respective second halves, and he puzzlingly chooses Orlando Cabrera for our Reds. Let's see how he 'splains himself:
"The Reds' shortstop typically gets a pass on his hitting -- this year sinking to new lows with a .245 average and .283 OBP -- because of his slick glove. But this year he's only been a slightly above-average fielder this year, with a 3.1 UZR/150, which is a measure of Ultimate Zone Rating prorated to 150 games, or about what most starters play during the season. In 2009 he had a -12.1 UZR/150, meaning he's slowed a step from some of his more spectacular seasons earlier in his career. He could be pushed for playing time by reserve infielder Paul Janish, who has a .397 OBP in 30 games."
I suppose what he meant was "the player that the team hopes will finally start contributing", because looking at the other teams one sees the likes of J.A. Happ (injured pretty much all season), Carlos Beltran (injured all season), Joe Mauer (sub-.800 OPS so far) and so on. I wish we could have gotten Yunel Escobar.
Redleg Nation Radio looks back at the first half and ahead to the second half
If you are as bored as I am after almost a week off of baseball, this is thrill-a-minute stuff.
Marc Normandin at Baseball Prospectus, that minaret of baseball analystry
runs down the NL Central at halftime. Here's his bit on the Reds:
"The Reds have been the lone team giving the Cardinals fits atop the division, and while there is reason to believe that luck may run out, there is still hope for them to keep at it. Mike Leake has been excellent as a rookie (one sans minor league experience, to boot) but he's been a bit lucky and has faced a soft schedule thus far. The same can be said for Johnny Cueto and Bronson Arroyo, but fear not: the Reds have ways of dealing with this. Another rookie, Travis Wood, has been slotted into the rotation, and there's reason to believe he'll be of use. If things take a turn for the worse, Aroldis Chapman is still waiting in Triple-A, though his path to the majors for 2010 will most likely involve the bullpen, where the Reds are lacking in production outside of the ageless Arthur Rhodes.
Things are even brighter on the hitting side, where the Reds rank second in the NL in True Average. Joey Votto has been one of the best hitters in baseball, a trend that should continue not just in 2010, but for years. Brandon Phillips has been himself after a slow start, up-and-coming star Jay Bruce has seen his development continue smoothly, and the resurgence of Scott Rolen has been a boon to club. Orlando Cabrera is the lone weak spot in one of the league's finest lineups—if the Reds are to look outward for help at any position by July 31, shortstop is the one, though giving Paul Janish more at-bats wouldn't hurt either."
The Story of Chuck Hustle and the Doris Kearns Goodwinning of Baseball History
Petey Boy was in Newport for the local premiere of the film "4,192", which details Rose's impressive on-field exploits. It eye-rollingly ignores all the interesting seedy stuff though, like the gambling and the displaying of skaggy girlfriends in the seats behind the dugout. The DVD release is scheduled for September 14.
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My my my music hits me, so hard
Makes me say, oh my lawd, thank you for blessing me with a mind to rhyme and two hyped feet!
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
My my my my TV makes me so bored
Makes me say “oh my lord”, what is this garbage here? Wanna cover my eyes and plug my ears
You can watch Mr. Rogers
You can watch Three’s Company
And you can turn on Fame or The Newlywed Game
Or The Addams Family
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
by Slyde on Jul 16, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
All these years
I didn’t realize he was saying “hyped” feet. I’ve got a lot of correspondence stock to throw out.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Our Reposter sponsors are getting more absurd by the day
I love it
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
by nycredsfan on Jul 16, 2010 11:15 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
this right here is defeatist thinking:
They can’t trade him because I doubt anyone wants him. They can’t release him because he’s still a valuable player (remember when we would have killed our own children for a league-average pitcher like Harang?). I guess they could send him to the ‘pen, but that would probably really upset the apple cart. The easier thing to do is to send Travis Wood back to AAA when Harang is ready. He’ll be back as soon as they need him.
To your first point, someone will take him and we can get something marginal if we pay his salary. Your second sentence undermines your first, if he is still a valuable player, some other team will want him. To your point about him getting upset about a possible demotion to the pen, who gives a shit? We are trying to win a pennant and you don’t wanna field the best team possible because you are worried about some man’s feelings? That is some bullshit right there.
He fixes the cable?
by Colin Auscapee on Jul 16, 2010 11:16 AM EDT reply actions
/Cabrera'd on your last 2 sentences
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
by nycredsfan on Jul 16, 2010 11:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
the difference is
Harang is still good. Cabrera is a butt salad.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 16, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Albeit, the kind of salad which plays "slightly above average defense" (per UZR/150)
and that’s more than can say for like a Waldorf salad, which just lies there in its bowl
Of course, Total Zone thinks he's been a shit sandwich on defense for the last 3 years
I’d say he’s average, at best, but probably somewhat below average.
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
Butt Salad. Shit Sandwich.
I hate working on Fridays, so I’ve been a pretty grumpy KMB this morning, but these have made me laugh for 5 minutes.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 16, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Butt Salad. Shit Sandwich.
I hate working at Fridays.
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
by Slyde on Jul 16, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Cabrera vs. Harang
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 16, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Giant Douche v. Turd Sandwich
Watch it, ass blood.
by -ManBearPig on Jul 16, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't forget the Crotch Cocktail!
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
by nycredsfan on Jul 16, 2010 11:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
for a salad or for an SS
I find him tangy and refreshing on a hot summer day, but taste is subjective. Some people like the janish salad, but it’s not on the menu
.
I find it funny that people want to trade a useful pitcher during a pennant race
Only way I’d trade any of the Reds pitchers is if they got someone like Haren or Oswalt to replace them.
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
by Slyde on Jul 16, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
i am just saying you cannot have it both ways
he cannot be immovable due to his worthlessness and also a useful pitcher to his current team.
I don’t even necessarily want to see him traded. I like depth. But he has to be a leading candidate for a trade, no?
He fixes the cable?
by Colin Auscapee on Jul 16, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Wood would be my leading candidate if I want serious return. And he'd still have to be packaged.
To me, trading Harang would be just dumping him. I think he has value as a pitcher, but I’m not sure he has value as a trading chip because he’s still owed around $5-6M this year. Jocketty has already said that teams aren’t willing to take on salary, so it’s unlikely that trading Harang would even save any money. Maybe they can get a decent prospect for him if they eat most of the money, but I’m not sure the demand for Harang is THAT good.
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
Interesting thought
I always assumed a package with Wood is pretty desirable.
/cheap joke’d
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
by nycredsfan on Jul 16, 2010 11:58 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wait, I'm married?!?!
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
by nycredsfan on Jul 16, 2010 12:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Actually I am
That was a joke because. 2 or 3 people asked that in 2 days a while ago
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
by nycredsfan on Jul 16, 2010 12:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Keep talking about Wood; keep getting inquiries!
Ironically, much like the Reds, since you’re married, you don’t need Wood until every fifth day
stop bragging, hot shot
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
Doubt he's bragging. Since he's not married, he's more like the Indians
who never know if/when Wood is going to be useful or needed, and aren’t sure he’ll ever be a productive asset ever again.
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
am too. For five years with three little wee ones
If i wanted to brag, I could point out how I’ve been married to two different women who didn’t want to sleep with me….
[opens self up to “well, can you blame them?” comment….attempts to defend by writing this parenthetical…probably fails at parenthetical defense]
especially because its in brackets.
"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
Hah. I was giving NYC credit
I only use Wood in a spring traing sense….
you know, for intra-squad games
That's sexual harangment
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
And you get a talking to from the Sexual Harassment Panda
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
by btcoop71 on Jul 16, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
yeah, but it's not like Wood is always on
It’s considered unusual for him to be on for more than a couple of hours. Typically he’s short-lived.
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
Maybe Wood should move to the pen
Since he’s younger than Harang he can probably get it going faster on short notice
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
by nycredsfan on Jul 16, 2010 12:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, Harang probably has to medicate to get his blood flowing for the game
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
Boy, do we need Coutlangus back on this team
What do you do when Wood gets tired?
The season doesn't start until the Cincinnati Reds take the field! Reclaim The Opener!!
by TheC on Jul 16, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Big Z?
I am thrilled for your success, hell I'm amazed by it. Nobody who knows you saw this coming.
by justin007000 on Jul 16, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
In fact, if he's on for four or more hours, he's going to need to call a doctor!
"Red Reporter - An elitist clique full of like-minded douchebags." - BK
sure, because Dusty will have destroyed his arm
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
Are you saying that Dusty rides the Wood hard?
"Red Reporter - An elitist clique full of like-minded douchebags." - BK
Dead, straight on right, Slyde
We have no idea what happens in the next few weeks. People get hurt or their arms go dead and they get ineffective. A thousand things can happen and depth is awesome.
Besides, is caring about a reasonably effective veteran that bad a mistake for an organization to make? If the Red Sox had listened to the cold-blooded people around them in April, would Ortiz have made the All-Star game? I think, sometimes, a veteran’s past performance earns him a little leeway.
i get that Wood could possibly be better than Harang
but we are basing this on three starts? really? Harang is still a good player. if you move him now, you cant get him back. conversely, if you move Wood now, he can come back within 10 days. it’s really that easy. you have to hedge your risk a bit here. it is a pennant race, after all.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 16, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I see this rationale and I agree, but I'd keep Harang on a hella short leash
I’m convinced it’s not a pressing issue, since I believe he won’t be ready for another week or two, then they’ll send him on rehab.
/woodpolelovechild
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
by nycredsfan on Jul 16, 2010 12:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Give the team more time to test Wood at the MLB level
Gotta see Wood on short rest, afternoon Wood, morning workout Wood, etc.
Personally, I’m pretty excited to see a rotation of Volquez, Leake, Cueto, Arroyo, Wood for a couple turns. Might be the best rotation the Reds have run out this century. Not to mention you’ve got Homer Bailey, Aaron Harang and Aroldis Chapman hanging out too.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
"Gotta see Wood on short rest"
When I was younger, wood on short rest was no problem….
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
There was a time Wood would have been ready to go
upon waking up in the morning, even if he’d gone deep into a back and forth game the night before. Times have changed.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
psssh
Wood used to have no trouble at all pitching double-headers or even triple-headers. even if he had lost his feel by the third game and it ended up taking all night.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 16, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
rubber armed Wood?
just to be safe, of course.
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
Rolen leg sweeping Holliday
is a hilarious mental image, but I don’t think Rolen needs to do that to trip up Holliday.
Yeah, he could just hit him a flyball, amirite?
bazinga!
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
by Slyde on Jul 16, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
This Reposter ruled
but I have to disagree again on bullpen talent. I don’t think they should get swindled into giving up guys like Frazier or Alonso for a sub-Soria talent, but they really need the depth. Not because I don’t think EdR or Burton are capable of replacing Justin Smith (who will need replacing) – or that Leake will eventually get bullpen’d, but because it improved the chances that they’ll have a better bullpen on the whole, composed of the best available talent pitching in close to an appropriate role.
Whoever they acquire is very likely to be better than Smith (or whoever is the low-man) and if they end up pitching better than an Owings, Ondrusek etc., then it has a positive effect on the bullpen beyond just the 20-30 IP you’re getting from that hypothetical pitcher. A decent bullpen acquisition, if used properly, would limit the exposure of inferior pitchers to higher-leverage situations.
But, yeah, relievers are overvalued at the deadline.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 11:48 AM EDT reply actions
And it looks like Springer will be the one to replace Smith:
(Springer) will report to Triple A Louisville and pitch for ten days to two weeks before joining the major league team. – MLBTR
Seems like a weird signing, but maybe they think they can catch lightning in a bottle again and have the right-handed version of Arthur Rhodes.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think I like this
Not because I love Jordan Smith, but because I don’t really like having ‘specialists’ in the pen. I’d rather have guys who can get anyone out
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
by nycredsfan on Jul 16, 2010 12:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I don't really get it
You need maximum flexibility in the bullpen, especially as the season wears on. If you have LOOGys or ROOGys, you burn relievers more quickly and someone has to eat those exta thirds on an inng.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
but they're awesome to have for that one out in October
/excited’d
"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
I'm not keen on trading for bullpen help, either
Relief pitchers are a crapshoot. The sample size is so small. That’s why last year’s Todd Coffey can turn into…this year’s Todd Coffey.
I think we’d probably have just as much luck fishing in our own farm system.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
Aside from SS
the bullpen is the area of greatest need for the team. They went fishing, and came up with a guy at AA who hadn’t been particularly stellar there. Burton is still a question mark and other available talent profiles as a 6th or 7th man in my estimation. Of course you don’t sell the farm for Todd Coffer, but going after a set-up caliber pitcher – for the right price – would be very likely to stabilize and improve the ’pen.
If we’re being honest with ourselves, the sample size is small for Arthur Rhodes’ first half. If our best reliever regresses, the need is even more urgent.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
And I don't think it's nearly as much of a crapshoot at level of a Leo Nunez
He’s allowed roughly the same amount of baserunners the last three seasons and his peripherals have improved, which you’d expect in his age 26 season. He has two more arb years left and his success over the first half could very well be sustainable given his age. I’d be optimistic about him being at least set-up caliber, with room for improvement. Adding someone like him would slot everyone into more appropriate roles and take some of the hear off Rhodes.
Of course, this is conditioned on getting a good deal — and I think it’s possible that any reliever worth having on the market right now might have their value overinflated to the point of making the whole exercise a waste of time.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I also disagree
The problem with The Trade wasn’t that the Reds traded for a couple of relievers. It was that:
1. They traded two good position players and an OK reliever for
2. A couple of OK relievers, a minor league pitcher coming off of injury, a position player they never gave a decent chance to, and terrible position player. Also
3. They apparently didn’t ask if all of the players were healthy and
4. They were left with no good alternatives in RF.
Relievers have value – you’re not going to make the playoffs unless you have some good ones; they just don’t have nearly the value that the Reds assigned to Bray and Majewski.
"You never know how you look through other people's eyes"
by sidnancy on Jul 16, 2010 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
that's just the problem though
the only guys i can see being available out there at a reasonable price are guys like Majewski. we dont need those guys. we need a Soria, if only he could be had at a reasonable price. but he wont be.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 16, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
That's the rub, isn't it?
What do you consider a “reasonable price”? Soria is worth more than just table scraps; he’s a 2 win/year reliever who’s under contract for just $5.5M through the end of next year with 3 options after that.
Someone the other day said they wouldn’t trade Gomes for a reliever; if I’m the Royals, I wouldn’t trade Soria for Gomes unless the Reds also threw in a significant prospect.
"You never know how you look through other people's eyes"
Forgot my link
Barring collapse, this will be the third year in a row that Soria has been “worth” 1.6-1.8 wins (he was actually worth more his rookie year), so I don’t think valuing him as such is a very big gamble.
"You never know how you look through other people's eyes"
problem is
i think the Royals over-value their closer and only truly good baseball player. i’d think they would want 2 or 3 significant prospects for him.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 17, 2010 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Greinke isn't a truly good baseball player?
by Brendanukkah on Jul 17, 2010 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
i forgot about him
he’s so quiet.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 17, 2010 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
awwwwwright ya big jerks
i was just being glib. shut the heck up.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 17, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty much agreed whole-heartedly
Olmedo played an inning in RF? FTH?
"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
Does Owings have any trade value left?
He hasn’t been great, he’s not a starter anymore, but he’s been serviceable and can still swing the bat. I’d love to find a way to package him (even if it’s a sell-low move) so we can move Leake into the long-man, spot start role. Shit, Leake’s been a better hitter so far too.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 16, 2010 11:52 AM EDT reply actions
He could get us Adam Dunn!
I am thrilled for your success, hell I'm amazed by it. Nobody who knows you saw this coming.
by justin007000 on Jul 16, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I just now got a chance to look at the All-Star Red Carpet event
and there are some pretty good picture sin there but I think I love Brian Wilson now, he seems crazy and was wearing a Tennage Mutant Ninja Turtles shirt.
"He could be pushed for playing time by reserve infielder Paul Janish"
Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
I looked, but I can't seem to find a Paul Janish on the 40 man.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 16, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
MLBTR has a list of potentially available relievers...
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/potentially-available-relievers.html
Aside from Soria, I don’t know if anyone on this list is worth it.
Watch it, ass blood.
I think the only negative thing you can say about them is that they've had an easy schedule
But otherwise I think their success is legit. We just have to accept that it will take time for people to really believe in this team. He’ll, there are plenty of fans who don’t believe.
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
by Slyde on Jul 16, 2010 2:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Just noticed that new SBNation rountable on the sidebar
Jeff Sullivan thinks the Cardinals are going to blow by the Reds. That seems to be a common thought amongst many in the media. It also makes me want to win now and take risks to do it much more than I did before….Sell the Farm for Haren and Drew and…………………
Chapman to the Reds pen!!! (just kidding)
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
Tends to hang on the "they've got Pujols, Holliday and two aces" argument
thought the Reds can point to a much better infield (with Votto at least as good as Pujols offensively on the first half) and better pitching depth. A lot of the one to one comparisons favor the Cardinals — the Reds have no Matt Holliday in their OF, no Carpenter/Wainwright and Garcia has managed to outclass Leake – but on the whole the Reds have a broader base of talent and part-timers/recovering injured/MLB reader AAAers like Heisey, Janish, Bailey, LeCure that provide a great deal of depth.
And I forget who said this, but Edinson Volquez may well be the best deadline pick-up this side of Cliff Lee.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
How much do you guys hate me for agreeing with the conventional wisdom?
Their bullpen is better, they have two and a half aces (and one of them is not Charlie Sheen), and the Reds hitting is unsustainable.
The Reds defense is better and from top to bottom may have better pitching, depending on injuries. But, there is no stopper for losing streaks, there is no shut down reliever outside of Rhodes.
Obviously reasonable people can disagree with me here and certainly no one will be rooting harder for the Reds, but I just don’t see it. Cynicism is a terrible disease.
Right now, my hope is that Walt will make a deal which makes the Reds the better team (I think you have to since you never know when you will be here again. Next year could look like 2001 or even 1989 (when absolutely everyone on a good team spent time on the DL). I have more faith in his ability to acquire the right talent than i do that I will do any work this afternoon.
I think this is a very reasonable position (although I don't agree with Sullivan that they'll "blow past" us
However, I think it’s all about projections at this point. They are almost certainly more talented top to bottom, but, like you and others said, we are deeper.
I had to laugh at Matt Holliday saying, essentially, “We’re the better team, we’ve had 2/5 of our rotation injured, plus Ludwick, and we’ll get them back soon. I like our chances.”
Well, you know what Matt? 2/5 of our rotation has missed time too, and (possibly) our best starter hasn’t pitched a game yet. The reason we’re not bitching about it is we actually have a farm system and real pitchers beyond the top 5. We’ve got 4 OFers on this team who are legitimate starters, and almost our whole infield is all-star caliber, with tons of depth in AAA. So, yeah, I like the Reds chances a bit too
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
And, if Jay hits 15-20 homers to match MY predictions of his production
then I will feel like a dope for writing this and will probably deny writing it….
but here's the thing
walt isn’t going to sit on his behind and let the pen be the way it is.
as far as the hitting being unsustainable, i’m not sure why it can’t be. who is playing above their ability? maybe rolen, a bit, but even if he slips a little, he’s still going to be great.
oh, i forgot to say
we go first to third, baby!
by Daedalus on Jul 16, 2010 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Gomes, Rolen, BP, and the catchers
IHMO.
I won’t argue it too strongly, Daedalus, because there aren’t enough data points to fight over (and because I want to believe). Gomes, for instance, said Brook Jacoby really helped him with his stance and, for all I know, that may be true and this new Johnny is the new real Johnny (I hope that’s true).
But, at the start of the season, most of us were pretty sure the weakness of this team was scoring runs. That has turned out to be a strength and I wonder if it con continue
Schedule
The second half sched is a lot easier then the first isn’t it? i mean we’ve knocked out the phils and the mets and only 6 left with st. louis!
not to mention the interleague play is over, not that we had that tough of an INTL schedule
But yeah, we actually have the easiest remaining schedule in the majors the rest of the way. Unfortunately, STL has the second easiest, and that’s mainly a function of the fact that we play the NL Central a ton, and apart from those two teams, the division completely sucks.
The division winner will be the team that can beat up on MIL, CHI, HOU, and PIT the hardest.
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
The interleague schedule for the Reds was laughably easy
Cleveland 6x, the Royals 3, Oakland 3, Seattle 3. Basically, 4 of the 5 or 6 worst teams in the AL.
The Lee-Felix draw was unlikely, but I think facing more NL West teams in the second half makes it a slightly harder schedule.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Slightly harder than the first half I mean
It’s still an easy sched relative to the league – it’s still all about beating on the bottom 2/3 of the division, while picking up some scrappy wins against Atlanta, Colorado, SF etc.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Yea, I recall looking at the second half schedule a week or so ago
and I noticed that it’s pretty broken up, with a tough series followed by a fairly easy series. As long as we can avoid being swept and beat up on the teams we need to I’m confident.
We’ll see if it’s as easy as it sounds.
i don't get this "easy schedule" thing either
because everyone is saying they have the easiest schedule in the second half, too. so the reds never play any hard teams? how does that work. aside from getting 6 games vs cleveland and 3 KC, it doesn’t seem too different from everyone else in the central. what am i missing?
the other central teams
have to play the Reds. We don’t.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
by BubbaFan on Jul 16, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
it's the sound you make
when you have morning breath
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 16, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
its exactly what it sounds like.
"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
MLBTR says
the DBacks are asking for two starting pitchers, plus bullpen help, for Haren. Think Walt could pull something off?
F that
That tells me they don’t want to trade him.
Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...
why should they?
he’s an ace at an affordable price. they should ask for that much simply because they dont have to deal him. DiPoto (is that his name?) has to hope someone will get desperate enough to overpay. if not, then he’s got an ace for a few more years.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 16, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Right
The ask might be something like Boxberger, Wood, Bailey
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
try to convince that that isnt a terrific deal for the Reds
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 16, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
for Haren alone?
I’m not saying I wouldn’t do it, but I wouldn’t call it terrific.
This team wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for all the losing.
I wouldn't call it "terrific" in the sense that it's a steal, but I would still do it.
Replace Wood with someone (just about anyone) and it becomes terrific. That kid made a believer out of me after the Philly game. Not because of the near-perfecto, but I saw him throwing 93 in the 9th inning, as well as staying cool as a cucumber in what was a really hostile environment. Not to say he’ll be better than Haren, but he’ll certainly be a hell of a lot cheaper and under control for a lot longer.
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
I'd call it terrific.
I’d call Walt and tell him it was terrific, and I’d call DiPoto and tell him he’s terrifically terrible. I’d call Lamar, rent a billboard, and put up a sign saying Walt’s terrific, Haren’s more terrific, and the Reds are the most Terrific team in baseball.
And, I’d get a chance to do it again next year, and the year after that, since Bailey’s got no spot (not a chance) of cracking our rotation next year if things hold true. Losing Wood would hurt (insert joke here), and Boxberger’s got a terrific arm, but picking up Haren would let Arroyo walk next year, and I believe we got Boxberger with a sandwich pick a year ago anyway. I’d do that to cement a legitimate playoff run, shit yeah.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 16, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Not saying I wouldn't seriously consider that deal
but that’s a pretty steep price in my mind. Haren’s turning 30 next year… and he’s owed $25.50MM guaranteed over ‘11 and ’12. Wood is 24, under team control through the middle of the decade, and has had a not dissimilar minor league career to Haren. That, and he could be a contributor to a playoff push in the second half. Boxberger is a potential future closer and could be ready to contribute in the next few seasons. And I know this is a seriously broken record, but I think Bailey could put together some respectable numbers as a starter and possibly more as a reliever. He’ll be 25 next year.
Haren’s better than conventional stats suggest this year, but I think you have to exercise caution when signing or trading for outside starting pitching help. Haren just isn’t better enough than Wood to make up for the gulf between their contracts/age/cost differential, though it’s closer than it seems. The biggest difference might be that Wood is valuable this year. If his ETA were 2011 (even if he was a more highly-touted prospect), I’d pull the trigger much easier.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I also think we ought to guard our young pitching surplus jealously
and try to get something in a SS or LF… but I would not be at all sad if Haren came to town. I just wouldn’t be thrilled about the price.
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
in all grave seriousness
are you crazy? we are talking about Travis Wood here. Boom Haren has been worth better than 4 wins for 5 straight seasons, and better than 6 wins the past 2. Wood is a nice young pitcher, but jeez lah-weeze. if he ever – and i mean EVER – pitches even a single season of better than 4 wins i will be very surprised.
hell, im very surprised that we so firmly disagree about this. i thought i knew you man.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 17, 2010 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I would totally purchases Numberoos.
My kangaroo is so damn boring and kangaroo-shaped.
Calmer than you are.
by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Jul 16, 2010 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
or purchase, once.
Calmer than you are.
by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Jul 16, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Too late
You’re already signed up for several. Your account has been debited
Yeah, those guys and the Cincinnati Reds. They're a terrible football team. / Because they're a baseball team? / Exactly. You know who's the worst football team? The Philadelphia Flyers. - Best Show
by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Jul 16, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
you ruined it!
i was getting them for him as a wedding gift!
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 16, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll still act surprised.
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Calmer than you are.
by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Jul 16, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
If you squint
It kinda looks like a big wallaby.
by Brendanukkah on Jul 16, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
If you squint and turn your head sideways, it looks like a Bunny!
This team wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for all the losing.
Chris Dickerson is heading to a rehab assignment in AAA tonight
It’ll take him a while to be ready to return to the Reds, but when he is, is there a spot for him?
I’ll say right now that if he replaces Heisey and Nix keeps his spot I’ll be beyond pissed. I’d like to think that won’t happen.
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
Would they call him up
over Dusty’s daughter’s new boyfriend?
"We don't worry about the pennant much, we just like to see the boys hit it deep."
by beasleymachine on Jul 16, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
for him or Dusty's daughter?
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
that's a $50 million catch.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 16, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I bet that happens, although he should clearly take Layne's spot
Fair well, Laynce. We’ll always have that series in Cleveland
yeah, if they are going to call him up at all, the clear choice is Nix.
Dickerson does pretty much everything better than Nix except hit homers, which I don’t really care about with my 5th OF.
see what I did there with uzr? it’s like a LOL cats saber-pun combo.--Verka Serduchka
The obvious choice yes,
the one our management will go with: who knows? Isn’t Nix supposed to be providing pop off the bench?
This team wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for all the losing.
I think it could happen
Ugh. But like Dusty said, it’s not always who’s better. It’s contracts and options and things.
Heisey has options.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
true and I would suspect he's the one left out
part of me thinks that’s fine, because I wish he were playing everyday. but, he’s been doing so well, and Nix has been doing Nada…..
i can't believe i just spent 3 minutes and 20 seconds watching that.
I am thrilled for your success, hell I'm amazed by it. Nobody who knows you saw this coming.
by justin007000 on Jul 17, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
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