This Week in Baseball

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Steve Stone is about the only thing making this game worth watching. I don't see how anyone can hate him; he's such a subtle smartass. Not sure how you couldn't endear that. His latest gem just came as he was recalling a story about facing Astros pitching coach, Burt Hooten many years ago. Steve finished his story, so they put the camera on Hooten, who decided that was the best time to go wrist deep up his nose for an uncomfortably long time.

 

*long pause*

Stone: The secret to Hooten's success was always being able to pick the right pitch.

*long pause, as both announcers try to stifle laughter*

Stone: You can say something any time, pally.

 

Oswalt's just on tonight, but I think he's done for the night. Regardless, a little too late for the Cubs, me thinks.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

Make that 7.

[Mik 0]

Well, at least the Phillies lost.

[DMann2003 0]

Well, at least the Phillies lost.

There there Mik, it'll be okay....

 

 

As soon as your boys leave Great American Ballpark that is!

[Guest Choken One]

wasn't Mik the one saying that Florida was going to beat down the reds and all that shit...

 

Yeah...your boys sure showed up tonight.

 

The sad thing is...people still are doubting the reds.

[Guest Anglesault]

wasn't Mik the one saying that Florida was going to beat down the reds and all that shit...

 

Yeah...your boys sure showed up tonight.

 

The sad thing is...people still are doubting the reds.

They still have a rather imposing mountain in the form of Houston (And, for that matter, Chicago) to beat over the course of the whole year, not just up to May 25.

 

The cream has a habit of rising to the top. If the Reds are still on top come October, they'll get their due.

[Bored 0]

I'm already calling the Reds as this year's Royals, in the race all the year but will eventually fade at the end. Tons of offense but not enough pitching (just like last year's Royals) to make it to the postseason no matter what the Reds fanboys say.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

Very nice article on TVP.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

wasn't Mik the one saying that Florida was going to beat down the reds and all that shit...

 

Yeah...your boys sure showed up tonight.

 

The sad thing is...people still are doubting the reds.

Unless I missed something, all Mik said was that the Marlins were going to sweep the Reds. Not exactly what I'd call talking shit or anything.

 

And people are doubting the Reds still since it's still May, the Cubs haven't been fully healthy all season and the Reds' shortcomings are going to become all too obvious soon enough.

[Guest FrigidSoul]

I'm already calling the Reds as this year's Royals, in the race all the year but will eventually fade at the end. Tons of offense but not enough pitching (just like last year's Royals) to make it to the postseason no matter what the Reds fanboys say.

Not to mention the Reds owner won't allow the GM to make a deal to bring in any help as it will raise payroll.

[KingPK 0]

Don't forget we're overdue for Junior's annual leg/knee injury that takes him out for a few months.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

I'm already calling the Reds as this year's Royals, in the race all the year but will eventually fade at the end. Tons of offense but not enough pitching (just like last year's Royals) to make it to the postseason no matter what the Reds fanboys say.

Not to mention the Reds owner won't allow the GM to make a deal to bring in any help as it will raise payroll.

False. Already been stated if the Reds play well, they will increase payroll.

[treble 0]

They remind of the Jays from last year. Better hope Lidle doesn't completely fall apart after the All-Star break.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

False. Already been stated if the Reds play well, they will increase payroll.

 

Probably in the same article where they said they needed a new stadium to maintain a competitive payroll.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

The Colorado Rockies are using a four-man rotation. Which other teams could stand to give it a shot? I think a four-man rotation would be a good idea for the Mets and Yankees.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

False. Already been stated if the Reds play well, they will increase payroll.

 

Probably in the same article where they said they needed a new stadium to maintain a competitive payroll.

By no means am I sticking up for Allen or Linder.

 

The Colorado Rockies are using a four-man rotation. Which other teams could stand to give it a shot? I think a four-man rotation would be a good idea for the Mets and Yankees.

 

 

D'Backs.

[geniusMoment 0]

Linder, the Reds owner, recently bought 450,000 tickets to give away to children. Even though he owns the team the Reds will still bill him. He is willing to spend money if they stay in contention. Linder is far and away the richest man in baseball, he just sold a bank and made over a billion dollars on one transaction.

[geniusMoment 0]

A reason not to be too sure Reds fans is in the facts:

Reds start in 2002 28-18

Reds start in 2003 24-22

Reds start in 2004 27-18

I am indeed a Reds fan, but a cautious one. Looks can be deceiving and baseball can be a cold bitch mistress.

[DerangedHermit 0]

Mets are looking good...Piazza hits HR 10 and Traschel and the pen combine on a shutout. Only 2 back of the Phils and Marlins.

[sfaJack 0]

The Colorado Rockies are using a four-man rotation.

Didn't they abandon this already, after only two weeks or so? I could swear I read something that said they've already given up on it because they ended up with a worn out rotation and an exhausted bullpen.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

They're still on the four-man rotation.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

What are there stats since using the 4 man? Any difference?

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

It's Colorado, where pitchers go to die.

 

I think the Reds will make a midseason move if and only if they are still in the hunt AND healthy

[Guest Choken One]

Linder, the Reds owner, recently bought 450,000 tickets to give away to children. Even though he owns the team the Reds will still bill him. He is willing to spend money if they stay in contention. Linder is far and away the richest man in baseball, he just sold a bank and made over a billion dollars on one transaction.

Yep...He gave them away to schools in the area...I know that.

 

 

Linder is 20 times as rich as Steinbrener is...hopefully he sees what Mike Brown did across the street and realizes you can spend money and make money and field a winning team.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

Heh. Thought this was funny...

 

"They wanted a real closer to get three-up, three-down one time," Graves cracked as he left the clubhouse."

- Danny Graves on Todd Jones getting the save last night.

[Guest FrigidSoul]

I hope the Reds trade Danny Graves. He loves playing for Cinci and doesn't say a bad word yet all the fans seems to shit on him constantly. As a closer he gets the job done and isn't appreciated by the fanbase at all.

 

At least with Red Sox fans complaining about Nomar or Pedro we have grounds. Pedro is asking for a shit load of money and has yet to show he's still worth that kind of cash while Nomar may actually be taking his time coming back because of the whole A-Rod fiasco(there are talks that he just doesn't want to come back and play but if he were traded would be ready).

 

Graves goes out, does his job, does it well, says nothing poor pertaining to it, and gets shit on. I don't understand it at all.

[geniusMoment 0]

Graves gets hammered in almost every outing. He could have very easily blown 4-5 more saves this year alone. Just the other night the only thing preventing a blown save was Castro making a diving catch and a rocket line drive. I, however, do not hope they trade Graves now. I had hoped they would have traded Graves instead of Reitsma, then put Reitsma in as closer. Now they have no one any better than Graves.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

I hope the Reds trade Danny Graves. He loves playing for Cinci and doesn't say a bad word yet all the fans seems to shit on him constantly. As a closer he gets the job done and isn't appreciated by the fanbase at all.

 

At least with Red Sox fans complaining about Nomar or Pedro we have grounds. Pedro is asking for a shit load of money and has yet to show he's still worth that kind of cash while Nomar may actually be taking his time coming back because of the whole A-Rod fiasco(there are talks that he just doesn't want to come back and play but if he were traded would be ready).

 

Graves goes out, does his job, does it well, says nothing poor pertaining to it, and gets shit on. I don't understand it at all.

Wow, shows how much you know ...

 

All the fans seems to shit on him constantly? Uh, no. He's a fan favorite in Cincy. A few of us has gotten tired of his constant blown saves, but once he does actually get the job done, he's flatlined half the crowd.

 

You don't understand it because obviously you don't know much about it. Danny Graves is making 6 MILLION DOLLARS, and yes - he does it get his saves... but again, saves are a stupid stat. He's blown 4 now, and nearly blown 5 although Berkman and Castro saved his ass the other night. He has given up 7 HOMERUNS IN 27 INNINGS. Unacceptable. He leads the world in saves because he's simply had the most chances.

 

Yep. He's a great guy. In fact, one of the best on this team. He has a good attitude about things, but what he does off the field does not save his ass from what he DOES NOT do on the field. When he's making that kind of money, I, we, anyone can say anything, certianly when he deserves it. He can take it. He's a big boy, right?

[Guest FrigidSoul]

Wow, shows how much you know ...

This is your response to everything you disagree with.

 

All the fans seems to shit on him constantly? Uh, no. He's a fan favorite in Cincy.

I can tell he's loved by the way you, Choken One, and other Cinci fans here speak of him

 

A few of us has gotten tired of his constant blown saves, but once he does actually get the job done, he's flatlined half the crowd.

Constant Blown Saves? Last season he wasn't a closer and this year he's blown 4 saves in 25 chances. That means he's getting the job done 84% of the time. He has a better Save percentage than Troy Percival, Eddie Guardado, Shawn Chacon, Octavio Dotel, etc. Look it up if you don't believe me.

 

You don't understand it because obviously you don't know much about it.

Back to this again are we?

 

Danny Graves is making 6 MILLION DOLLARS

That's almost half of what the Braves pay for John Smoltz and he has a save percentage of 88%. Other closers making more than Graves include; Billy Koch, Keith Foulke, Mariano Rivera, Billy Wagner, Rob Nenn(and he isn't even pitching), Troy Percival, and Jason Isrenhausen. Half of the players listed make almost 1.75 times more than Graves. Seems like you got a good deal if you ask me.

 

saves are a stupid stat

I agree, but I think your just dangling from Al's words when you say this. If you can properly explain why they're over-rated then I'll think otherwise. If you get it wrong I'm here to chime in and tell you why you got it wrong. Here's a hint though, saves are over rated...a good closer however is not.

 

I'm not even going to bother quote the off the field nonsense you threw up. However you critisise somebody when they aren't doing their job, not when they;re doing their job well.

[KingPK 0]

Hey, does anyone know offhand who is pitching Saturday for the Sox vs. Seattle? My mother scored four tickets from work (sec 27, box 154), and I was just curious.