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Edinson Volquez is terrible. I can't believe we thought this guy might be an ace! A 7.56 ERA? You can't be serious! Send this guy back to Single-A!!!! xnij
I don't know what to expect versus Gallardo tonight. Actually, that's not completely true. I know that we can expect the Reds do a lot of first pitch swinging, as they are prone to do versus good pitchers. Heck, it's something they are prone to do against everybody as they lead the NL in percentage of first pitches swung at. Not surprisingly, they are last in the majors in pitches per plate appearance.
Now first pitch swinging isn't a bad thing all by itself. Hell, nobody on the Reds swings at more first pitches than Joey Votto. However, one thing that is concerning, for me at least, is that the Reds top two hitters (Phillips and Cabrera) have combined to finish their at bats in 2 pitches or less 40% of the time. I would much rather see the top two hitters in the lineup taking more pitches and working the count more. The easiest way to get a good pitcher out of the game is to force him to throw a lot of pitches. I'm not saying they should sit with the bat on their shoulders, but both guys are pretty good contact hitters. They shouldn't be afraid to get two strikes on them, and who knows, maybe every once in a while you'll see three balls too. (SIDE NOTE: Joey Votto has 60 walks this season. Orlando Cabrera has seen 53 three-ball counts this season)
Gotta win tonight. The goal is to keep winnings series, and the only way that happens is if they win tonight. So, no excuses. Go Reds!