We've got a lot to catch up on today, so enough with the pleasantries.
- There are a lot of articles out there talking about how the Reds are struggling, but I like this one in particular because of this quote:
"We’ll be back," Reds manager Dusty Baker said afterward. "You can count on it. The players hate losing, and they know how much I hate losing."
If only hating losing was all it took to be a winner...
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The Reds have signed 9 draft picks already including 2nd rounder Billy Hamilton, and 3rd rounder Donnie Joseph.
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CSG wants you to come out and see the excitement at the old ball park this week. You'll pay for the whole seat, but you'll only use the edge!
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RLN links to an article on Bill James Online that says that Brandon Phillips is the best fielding 2B in the NL this year and Jay Bruce is the 3rd best fielding outfielder in the NL. Thankfully the Reds have improved defense this year, otherwise the non-pitchers on this team would be worthless.
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According to Accuscore, the Reds now have a 12.2% chance at the playoffs, but just a 7.1% chance at winning the division. I think the only way they make the playoffs is by winning the division. It's looking like 2006 all over again.
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Justin has his sabermetric based All Star ballot filled out. Reds intern Jim Misudek picks his with his heart, I believe.
- CTR has some pictures from Ricky Vaughn bobblehead night in Cleveland.
- With the Civil Rights game on Saturday, expect to see a lot of focus on racial discussions regarding the Reds this week. Mark Sheldon looks at some of the racial tensions that have sprung up in Cincinnati's past.
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The guy going around to all 30 parks this summer saw the Reds play in Kansas City. Not a lot of interest in the actual post, but the guy is seeing every park this summer. Lucky bastard.
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BtB is looking for new site ideas and contributors. I know there are a few readers here who could handle the role. In fact, Sky links to one of the posts from our Sabermetric Overview series. I encourage any who are interested to email Sky. The run a good show over there.
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Baseball Prospectus has a long piece about the history of Tommy John surgery. Dr. Tim Kremchek is featured prominently in the piece, but there is not mention of his poking stick.
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The Hardball Times has this week's dartboard up. The Reds are 17th, which seems high, but only because of the terrible play of late.
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The Machine is still coming out on 09/09/09, even if Amazon is vague about it.