The Reds are going to win today. I believe.

Mat Latos is pitching today. He’s a stud, right? He’ll be great today, right? Right?

The Reds are going to win today. I believe.

The Reds won 97 games this year, the second-best record in the major leagues. They’re good, right? Right?

The Reds are going to win today. I believe.

Friends, neighbors, and fellow Reds fans: sometimes it’s hard to believe. I know everyone is bummed over the last two games. You have every right to be down. But don’t give up, I implore you. This is still a good team, with a good pitcher on the mound, and there is every reason to believe that they are favored to win today’s game. Just think about how great it’s going to feel when the Reds win today’s Game Five and advance to the National League Championship Series.

(No, don’t think about how soul-crushing a loss would be. Get that thought out of your head right now.)

The Reds are going to win today. I believe.

Discuss the game here. Go Redlegs.

239 Responses

  1. zab1983

    no problemo for me mr. dotson, i’m 29 been in cincy my entire life. Had my soul crushed plenty of times

  2. Richard Fitch

    Yes.
    Yes.
    Yes.
    Yes.

    Count me in.

    Believe.

  3. AnnapolisHoosier

    I truly believe they will win today. It’s what this team has done all year. Just when you are ready to count them out they have always bounced back and they will bounce back today. Votto is my pick to click.

  4. mlb

    I believe!

    lineup is the same as the first 3 games.

  5. mthomas5810

    I needed this. I didn’t sleep last night. I am physically ill

  6. mthomas5810

    My pick to click is Scott Rolen today. I think he wants to make amends for his poor play so far in this series. He will have a double with a couple runners on

  7. bbcgreg

    REDS FANS!!! Today is our day, can you feel it? Votto is about to get all Canadian on everyone and tell the bartender he needs some JACK! Latos is going to be fired up! Dude is crazy! GAB will be going insane with a sea of 45,000+. Yes, Dusty has made some mental errors in the past two games, but he got us this far. These guys have too much pride to let the these overacheiving Giants come in here and take 3 straight.

    Yes Cain is a STUD…I repeat STUD

    But, I have a feeling we are going to go OFF today with the bats

    DREW STUBBS WILL GO YARD! THAT’S A PROMISE! :mrgreen:

  8. adz

    bold prediction: stubbs goes deep twice today, reds win 6-2

  9. orbb

    “Before every blessing comes a storm”

    -Ray Lewis

    We will prevail today.

  10. skunkd10

    Anyone know of a live streaming site for the game today?

  11. RedForever

    I gave up after yesterday. I didn’t sleep last night. I’m a panic attack waiting to happen today.

    I have hope.

    I’m excited today, I wasn’t after yesterday.

    My wife keeps asking me how the Reds could do so well in San Francisco and do so bad at home. She doesn’t understand. I don’t either. I just told her that that is baseball.

    I’m at work, so I won’t be able to watch. I’ll listen to Marty, Tom and The Cowboy.
    I won’t get any work done, that’s for sure.

    I don’t want to get my heart crushed. My Reds wouldn’t let that happen…believe?

    I have a feeling they will win. My feelings are usually right. Believe? OK.

  12. brasp01

    Yesterday I was full of nerves, Mike Leake starting was the reason… Today I am excited, Latos is a Giant killer and will carry this team if need be. Mark it down, he will be fired out and will fire up the rest of this team…

    Bruce has a HUGE game… 2 Dingers… Gonna hit one further than the Panda did yesterday… Mark it down…

    Gonna be at work listening to Marty, Thom, and the Cowboy as well…

  13. Jason1972

    I will not bring my inner morosity today. Go Redlegs!

  14. Drew Mac

    “Somebody’s gotta win and somebody’s gotta lose and I believe in letting the other guy lose.”

    -Pete

    It’s time to let the other guys lose.

  15. hermanbates

    Votto doubles in a run early. Bruce homers late for cushion. Latos goes seven shut out and Marshall throws the eighth. Chappy saves it. I believe.

  16. beens999

    You know, I was really bummed out the past couple days. I was born in ’89, so I haven’t experienced much success from this team.
    I realized that my mood had soured over the past two days. Why? Because I was tying the Reds’ success to my happiness, and that is just a silly thing to do.
    There’s a lot more to life than just baseball, guys. It’s a game–it’s supposed to be fun! So if they win, hurray! And if they lose, meh. Let’s try to be more upbeat on RN; negativity will get us nowhere.
    Lets go Reds! 😀

  17. RC

    This team didn’t fold when their best hitter went down for an extended period. They didn’t fold when their best pitcher went down two hitters into their first playoff game. They won’t fold today. GO REDS!!

    And for those of us saps who are stuck at work today, don’t be afraid to describe the action. We’ll be hanging on every word.

  18. PRoseFutureHOFer

    I believe we are the better team, I believe we have the better starting pitcher today, so I believe we will win. But I am scared to death. Every instinct tells me the bats will go to sleep again and we will be looking at 1-1 going into the 8th inning, with all my nails chewed off and my hair falling out. I hope I am wrong.

    Go Reds.

  19. RKReds

    I believe in Mat Latos and the Reds. And I also believe that I really hate the 5 commercials that tbs plays during every break. I think I’ve seen each one 5000 times this week!

  20. Prime

    I’m so pumped for today! I know we can do this!

  21. al

    The loss on Tuesday took it out of me, that was the heartbreaker. Now I just want to see the Reds play a good game. If this may be the last game of the season, get after it on every play. Go Reds!

  22. James45342

    It is hard to believe with this lineup. 4 out of 9 are basically auto-out, rally killers.Grrr

  23. James45342

    Yes, I believe, no doubt. And no, I am not the worst. I’m a realist; Cozart should be in the 7 hole, as said all season long, and Stubbs should be riding pine. I would say Rolen too, but I am actually hoping he’ll punk my comments and come in Superman.

    And yeah, I would be at the game, but I have a deadline tomorrow. Gave up my ticket… 🙁

  24. ArkansasRedsFan

    @Krenchicki: At least it isn’t on CBS. I hate when Arkansas plays on CBS just because of that stupid NAPA know how commercial. Imagine hearing THAT every commercial break. Also, Go Reds!! WOOOO!!!

  25. Jimnastics

    All 3 guys on MLB TV; Larry Bowa, Kevin Millar, and the host have picked SF to win.

  26. James45342

    Please, do tell why Cozart should be batting 2nd then? What’s he hitting this series?

  27. James45342

    Anyway, whatever. It’s moot because GAME ON!

  28. al

    Latos is leaving a lot of fastballs up.

  29. RedForever

    Nice comeback. Now, lets put up a crooked number in the “R” box!

  30. mthomas5810

    Thank you Hunter Pence for swinging at that. You are on my Chrismas card list

  31. Jmac84

    Gotta love the idea of getting through the order once with mostly fastballs (if it works, of course).

  32. Jmac84

    How about a nice little double, brother?

  33. al

    Ludwick has struck out on some terrible pitches.

  34. RedForever

    Someone find me a clutch hitter, please!

  35. Prime

    At least we got it started before 2 outs. That’s an improvement. Baby steps…

  36. mthomas5810

    Both teams had poor at bats in the first inning with runners on

  37. Jmac84

    Groan if it makes you feel better, but I’m going with positive thoughts. Nice to see us get a few guys on base. These guys are gonna come through.

  38. Richard Fitch

    Mark Sheldon opining that the Reds could add Cingrani to the post-season roster. Interesting.

    • RKReds

      Mark Sheldon opining that the Reds could add Cingrani to the post-season roster.Interesting.

      Do you really think that Dusty would allow himself to think outside the box like that?

  39. zab1983

    SF fans on ESPN ripping bochy for not starting Arias. I tend to agree with them

  40. jas_428

    Cain does not look dominant. Reds taking some pitches too.

  41. jas_428

    I am visualizing a Rolen HR to right and a Votto HR to left…today.

  42. Richard Fitch

    @RKReds: I think Walt makes the final call on Cingrani, not Dusty.

  43. zab1983

    I disagree about Cain.He looks good to me.Has a good fastball.Plus he doesn’t throw strikes, and the Reds swing.

    i am noticing that as well, reds will need to be patient

  44. ToddAlmighty

    I feel bad for Frazier and Heisey though… Frazier had some quality ABs yesterday, even when he struck out it was on 9 pitches. Also battled for that walk…. as for Heisey, the guy’s contributed and I really hoped he’d get a start in GABP in this series with Stubbs “hitting” .176 in the series. Did he run over Dusty’s dog on his way to the ballpark?

  45. zab1983

    I have a feeling Latos might get ahold of one next inning

  46. mthomas5810

    The Reds are getting baserunners early in the inning. That is an improvement

  47. RedsSince68

    Weird strikezone today. Seems to be giving inside and outside as well as high. Low strike not so much.

  48. RedsSince68

    Stubbs got hosed according to Gameday.

    Wide strikezone today according to this ump.

  49. zab1983

    @Jmac84: Latos gives me as much confidence at the plate as stubbs does

  50. mthomas5810

    This game is flying right along

  51. Jmac84

    I’d say our hitters look better against Cain so far than theirs agains Mat.

  52. RichmondRed

    Some real quality at bats right there. Did Cain get out of that inning with SIX pitches? Really? Oi.

  53. vared

    Think we are re-living a game we’ve had about a thousand times this year……..

  54. zab1983

    Latos is bound to give up a solo HR or 2 at some point. Reds need to stop playing around and score!

  55. al

    Latos looking so nasty. Please, someone get him some runs!

  56. Jmac84

    Mat!!! This is our inning. Can you feel it?

  57. RichmondRed

    Votto, Ludwick singles, Bruce flyout, Rolen RBI(s).

  58. Josh M

    As nerve-wracking as this is, I love the feel of this game.

  59. mthomas5810

    Joey is just not right…He is still better than most though

  60. Jmac84

    Man, I know Joey is not fully healthy and his power will probably not return until next year, but he looks like he’s pressing these past few games. Seems like he puts a lot of pressure on himself.

    Come on Ludwick, look at a pitch or two.

  61. tgarretson82

    We are not hitting Cain, which is what I was worried about. We need to get him out of the game somehow.

  62. jas_428

    Would be nice for Rolen to be slightly more patient on first strike.

  63. al

    We’re making it way too easy on Cain. We need some better at bats.

  64. ToddAlmighty

    Sure glad Rolen is back in the lineup. What a contributor.

  65. zab1983

    all of the reds’ question marks during the regular season (stubbs, rolen, leake, most recently votto) are rearing their ugly heads again in the post season

  66. zab1983

    and there goes bochy’s decision to leave crawford in over arias made to look like gold

  67. zab1983

    reds need a big momentum changing play. throw out at home plate?!?

  68. tgarretson82

    Dusty needs to put in Arroyo SOON!

  69. mthomas5810

    this is just very difficult to watch

  70. James45342

    GameDay location says pitches 2, 3, & 4 were strikes.

  71. tgarretson82

    WHAT THE HELL DUSTY! Remember this is not a 7-game series.

  72. zab1983

    @Bill Lack: hopper to cozart, not a clean transfer from glove to hand. trying to throw home

  73. tgarretson82

    Dusty’s going to let this slip away before he puts in a reliever, LIKE ALL SEASON LONG!

  74. RedForever

    Ball game! Way to blow this season!

  75. RedForever

    There is not one, I repeat, not one, clutch player on this team.

    Folded like a cheap suit.

    • James45342

      There is not one, I repeat, not one, clutch player on this team.

      Folded like a cheap suit.

      Yeop. K, tuning out and back to work. Thanks, Redlegs for the season. Was nice, but well, Dusty sucks. They won in spite of his poor managing, which says something about the talent of this team.

  76. jas_428

    It’s just a game but the thud really hurts.

  77. Josh M

    This feels worse than 2010 right now.

  78. Richard Fitch

    Looks like not having Johnny C in this series has made advancing insurrmountable. Gonna need a small miracle now.

    • RedsFan19

      Looks like not having Johnny C in this series has made advancing insurrmountable. Gonna need a small miracle now.

      Cueto did not strand runners.

  79. RedForever

    Yes, if the Reds lose it’s sad but doesn’t cancel out a fine season. It just shows that they still aren’t quite where they need to be yet and there is work to be done in the offseason. This Reds team is still a good team.

    Small market teams usually have very small windows. This is only the 2nd time in the last 18 years that the Reds have made the playoffs.

    Time to clean house and rebuild.

  80. RedForever

    Dusty should be fired as soon as out 27 for the Reds is made.

  81. mthomas5810

    Yes, there is not a single clutch player on this team. This is significantly more of a gut punch than 2010. Can we start a spring training thread?

  82. zab1983

    Will the editors at RLN please do the avid readers of this site a favor and not try to sugarcoat this? some bashing is comforting during a painful time period like this

    • Richard Fitch

      Will the editors at RLN please do the avid readers of this site a favor and not try to sugarcoat this?some bashing is comforting during a painful time period like this

      Exactly who has been sugarcoating? Oh, you mean trying to stay positive? How stupid to believe in a team that won nearly a 100 games and is making a comeback even as we speak.

      Good grief.

  83. ArkansasRedsFan

    Man, I was really hoping a postseason run would distract me from the dumpster fire that is Arkansas football. Instead, like all of the teams I root for, we find a way to screw it up. I hate sports right now.

  84. zab1983

    Posey > Votto. that’s ur series headline

  85. Furniture City Red

    Leave your starter in until he gives up 6 runs (and only got 1 out) in the 5th inning of an elimination game? Un-Freakin’- Believeable !!!

    Everybody – EVERYBODY – watching could see the difference in Latos in the 5th…Everybody except Dusty.

  86. supertim717

    Don’t worry… Todd Frazier has got this! … oh wait…

  87. Richard Fitch

    @RedLegHerrm: Wow. That was nasty. Thanks for the input. Anything else you want to say?

    • aktrainer

      @RedLegHerrm: Wow. That was nasty.Thanks for the input.Anything else you want to say?

      Agreed, fairly uncalled for comment. Way to hit someone, a fellow Reds fan, at a moment like this. If you have no hope for a good outcome, if you don’t believe in your team, then why do you bother watching? Just to have something to complain about?

      p.s. two runs just scored! Keep the hope alive..four innings to go!

  88. jas_428

    why waste Heisey this early? use Valdez or Cairo

  89. ArkansasRedsFan

    Alright, 2 runners to leave on base.

  90. RedForever

    Mr. Non-clutch, Joey Votto, is up. Inning over.

  91. Drew Mac

    Wow… That hurts… Think I would have kept Latos in there but Bill Lack may have a point. Some big questions for the offseason:

    Does Dusty get an extension? Umm. . . . No.

    What should the Reds do about CF? If not Stubbs, do you try to move Stubbs with his value at a pretty low point? The Reds couldn’t get a Big Red Smokey and the three way for Stubbs now. He would not be a bad fourth OF. Need someone with a batting average this side of the Mendoza line and OBP of .350. I also need to go back in time to try that last minute shot in the fifth grade basketball tourney.

    Will Ludwick take his side of the option? I’m hoping he’s back. However, it’s no guarantee.

    Will Votto’s knee be good to go for next year? Of course, this is the most pressing issue. He has clearly not been himself.

    What about Masset and Bray? Who?

    Do you try to resign Broxton? Perhaps, though I think he’ll get a shot to close somewhere.

    Does Chapman stay in the closer role or should they try him in the rotation? I pray to God that they trade Leake for an ’86 Yugo and a fungo bat and move Chapman to the rotation. He needs to refine his second pitch and he will not be able to stay in triple digits long run. Think Randy Johnson. Of course, the more intriguing option may, in fact, be to trade Chapman.

  92. sezwhom1

    I live in the Bay Area. Not much to do now except sit home and be depressed or go wine tasting. Think I’ll go wine tasting. Unless there’s a miracle, see you all next year.

  93. jgross07

    can someone remind me of some of the good times from this season?

  94. vared

    Just for good measure, I’m sure the Cardinals will advance on a gem from Lohse.

  95. Jason1972

    At this point I am starting to worry about the long term impact of this injury on Votto’s career. He is clearly not the same hitter, and if the knee is not structurally ready why the heck would the Reds be risking their $200 million investment?

  96. zblakey

    Isn’t it pretty much a given that the Reds WON’T be able to afford Ludwick? The contract has a mutual option, he can back away regardless of what the Reds want to do ….

  97. tgarretson82

    This ump is very loose with the strike zone of Giants, but extremely rigid for the Reds! Dont mean to make excuses, but its really frustrating me. That pitch by Marshall was an obvious K, but noooo.

  98. RedsFan19

    I don’t think Dusty is as much to blame for THIS game as he is being accused of. Latos pouting about not getting the call on a couple pitches then throwing Brandon freakin’ Crawford a cookie was not Dusty’s fault.

  99. Richard Fitch

    @Jason1972: Joey’s fine. He said he wasn’t going to be 100% this year when he first came back. He picked right up where he left off getting on base. He just doesn’t have much power. He hasn’t hit like we expected this series, but that’s just a coincidence.

    Probably trying too hard right now.

  100. al

    This is just an embarrasment, and it’s the second one in 3 years.

    I’m absolutely done with the Dusty appologists. If he’s such a great leader of men, why do his teams choke in clinch games ALL THE TIME?

    Maybe it’s because his all the talk about what he does behind the scenes is BS and what matters is what happens between the lines. Dusty is a bad manager and he’s turned the Reds into a laughing stock for the second time in 3 years.

    First NL team to ever give up a 2 – 0 lead in a division series.

  101. KevMcBain

    Would be nice to pick up 2 runs this inning, get the momentum back, wake up some bats. This team won nearly 100 games, they don’t have any quit in them. They will battle for every inch to get back in it.

  102. tgarretson82

    I wonder if Dusty runs out Homer Bailey to pinch hit.

  103. captainfreewill

    It’s not over until it’s over, this coming from a first year fan. Which is more likely to happen? We tear off 5 runs in the next 4 team at-bats, or we become the FIRST NL team EVER to win their first two games in a series and then lose the next three. Don’t know about you guys, but I’m sticking to the one with better odds. 😉

    I love this team and I haven’t watched 166 games to turn off the 167th prematurely…

  104. RedForever

    Wow… That hurts… Think I would have kept Latos in there but Bill Lack may have a point. Some big questions for the offseason:

    Does Dusty get an extension?
    What should the Reds do about CF? If not Stubbs, do you try to move Stubbs with his value at a pretty low point?
    Will Ludwick take his side of the option?
    Will Votto’s knee be good to go for next year?
    What about Masset and Bray?
    Do you try to resign Broxton?
    Does Chapman stay in the closer role or should they try him in the rotation?

    I would back up a Brink’s truck to Michael Bourne’s house. Sign him to play centerfield.
    Dump the following:
    Valdez
    Arredondo
    Ondrusek
    Cairo
    Stubbs
    Heisey
    Rolen
    Leake

    • hydeman

      I would back up a Brink’s truck to Michael Bourne’s house.Sign him to play centerfield.
      Dump the following:
      Valdez
      Arredondo
      Ondrusek
      Cairo
      Stubbs
      Heisey
      Rolen
      Leake

      Why would you get rid of Leake? By all rights he should have finished the year in AA ball and be battlinig for a roster spot in spring. He is way to young to give up on.l

  105. al

    @RedsFan19: The point is that when your pitcher gets in trouble in a game like this you don’t let them blow it wide open, you get him out for someone fresh.

    In the season you let him try to work through it because you need the innings. No point to that here.

  106. al

    Who’s the best pitcher on this staff right now? Chapman. How many innings has he thrown in the last three games? One.

  107. al

    @RedZeppelin: He gave game 3 away. There is no way he should have pitched to Arias and let them keep their closer in.

    There’s no way Chapman should have come out it the first place.

    When someone points out all of the mistakes he makes in the game, the first thing the DustyDefenders rush to say is that he motivates the team, really gets the best out of his guys.

    Well, where’s the best now? How come his teams choke every time?

  108. Richard Fitch

    @RedLegHerrm: My Believe BS is currently in the seats with the ball that Ludwick just hit.

    More to come. 😉

    • Richard Fitch

      You have to bat for Hanigan.

      You think Johnny Bench is in the dugout?

    • RC

      You have to bat for Hanigan.

      You’re yankin’ me. Right?

      • RedForever

        You’re yankin’ me.Right?

        No. I would have brought in Navarro. He actually can hit for some power which Hanigan can’t.

      • RC

        No. I would have brought in Navarro. He actually can hit for some power which Hanigan can’t.

        Didn’t need power. Needed a hit. There is NOONE on that bench I’d rather have had up in that situation than Hanigan.

      • Richard Fitch

        Didn’t need power.Needed a hit.There is NOONE on that bench I’d rather have had up in that situation than Hanigan.

        THAT.

  109. ArkansasRedsFan

    IS the fight that we have seen all year finally back?

  110. aktrainer

    It would only be poetic justice for the entire season if our offense won this game, and not the pitching…

  111. vermilion red

    Come on Reds fans, this has been a great team and we’ve been lucky to have them to watch all year. Playoffs are sometimes about luck, as was discussed on this site before the series began. The Reds have had incredible luck this year with the health of starting pitching, and that bit them in the butt at the wrong time.
    And as for all the questions about Stubbs and leadoff hitters, I think the front office has made it clear the answer to both questions by having Billy Hamilton learning that position.
    Fat lady ain’t singing yet.

  112. RichmondRed

    Bruce never ceases to amaze with his baserunning.

  113. Richard Fitch

    Hit and run with no outs? Why?

  114. RedForever

    Wow. Like I said, there is not one clutch hitter on this team. That is something else they are going to have to find in the off-season.

    • Zach

      Wow.Like I said, there is not one clutch hitter on this team.That is something else they are going to have to find in the off-season.

      Oh please. Was that a bad place to strike out? Yes. Was that a terrible decision to steal? Yes. But Votto (healthy), Hannigan, Frazier, Bruce, and Ludwick have all had multiple clutch hits this year. You don’t make the playoffs without players delivering in the clutch (unless you’re the Yankees and pay to make sure you never need a clutch hit).

  115. MentalGuy

    Why are we stealing third when we are down by three?

  116. BA from MD

    Heartbreaking. That was our chance. 🙁

  117. mthomas5810

    Hanigan has to swing at that. Period

  118. al

    @LWBlogger: My point is that I’ve seen a lot of bad managing decision this year, and this postseason is no exception.

    I’m ready for a different direction. I’ve been ready for a long time. I think there’s a reason Dusty’s teams fail in the postseason and if ownership is making a commitment to having a good team, they should get a good manager to go with it.

  119. tgarretson82

    Typical Reds all season long. Runners on with no out and no manufacturing runs. Why dont you bunt there and see if overweight pablo cant get to it?

    • Zach

      Typical Reds all season long.Runners on with no out and no manufacturing runs.Why dont you bunt there and see if overweight pablo cant get to it?

      You guys are killing me. If Dusty bunts Hanni there, and then no one gets a hit, you’d be criticizing him for bunting with no outs like we spent most of the season doing. I need a drink.

  120. 90reds

    For everyone wanting to fire Dusty, who do you go after? Its a serious question, as the guy I wanted is now in Cleveland.

  121. merchie89

    If Dusty stays, Im done with the Reds. Simple as that.

    • vared

      If Dusty stays, Im done with the Reds. Simple as that.

      Dusty is in all likelihood staying. And I can say I agree with you but realistically I’ll be back. BUT, I won’t be as excited if they cruise through the regular season knowing his record of epic collapses in the playoffs.

  122. vegasredsfan

    Great job Marshall, not lets get a rally going. One or two here and all the pressure is back on the Giants

  123. KevMcBain

    Top of the lineup (including a PH for Marshall I expect), its now or never because we can’t count on much production from the bottom of this lineup. Any runs would be nice but this is the opportunity to hang a 2 or 3 run inning up and make this game interesting

  124. jas_428

    I know it’s moot now. But does someone have an explanation for using Heisey instead of Paul or Valdez earlier in game? Can’t Heisey at least run and play some defense?

  125. merchie89

    @dn4192: shows me that management is foolish, when he is gone i will be back.

  126. vegasredsfan

    Come On Cozart, Make them pay for leaving the lefty in

  127. CSharpAJ

    BP is trying to put this team on his back.

  128. jas_428

    home plate ump is very inconsistent

  129. zjayphillips

    @earmbrister: If it was a hit-and-run and it was even close, Hanigan needs to swing there. Maybe he flat missed the sign?

    he didn’t miss the sign, he thought it was ball 4. got burned.

  130. James45342

    Yay Cozart! Way to go in that 2-hole!

  131. vegasredsfan

    Bad Job by Bochey not having a rightie ready. Need to make him pay

  132. RedForever

    Another non-clutch play. Getting one every now and then during a 162 game schedule is one thing…getting them in the playoffs when your back is against the wall is something else.

  133. CSharpAJ

    Wow, that was a really good at bat too. I was just thinking that he needed to make Affeldt pitch to him and he swung at ball 4 according to the gamecast.

  134. Richard Fitch

    6 outs to get 3 runs. And hold them. Tough, but doable, yeah?

  135. Sergeant2

    I for one “Believe” Thought I was gonna miss the whole game. Long story short: 15 min. before arranged transportation was scheduled to pick me up, which happened to be start of game time, for Doctors appointment at V.A. Clinic calls says Mr. Lipschitz I say yes this is he (Lipschitz not real name, real name is Chesney, but don’t want to post it on the interwebs) they say we had to reschedule your appt. I couldn’t believe it. Would the Baseball Gods work their magic just so I could watch my beloved Reds lose? I think not. How many times have we watched this team spring to life from out of nowhere in the late innings. This team just keeps plugging away baby. Go Reds! Wake that lumber from its slumber.

  136. tgarretson82

    THATS HOW YOU HANDLE RELIEVERS, DUSTY!!!!

  137. Richard Fitch

    What a play by BP. He is almost single-handedly keeping us in this game.

  138. James45342

    ┌∩┐(◣_◢)┌∩┐ the GIANTS!

    Bruce, Rolen, Hannigan: step up, or step out.

  139. Josh M

    @redrob: I just want to know if Hanigan knew that the runners were going since it’s fairly uncharacteristic of him to take a borderline pitch in that spot.

    • redrob

      @redrob: I just want to know if Hanigan knew that the runners were going since it’s fairly uncharacteristic of him to take a borderline pitch in that spot.

      He knew.

    • redrob

      @redrob: I just want to know if Hanigan knew that the runners were going since it’s fairly uncharacteristic of him to take a borderline pitch in that spot.

      He knew.

    • redrob

      @redrob: I just want to know if Hanigan knew that the runners were going since it’s fairly uncharacteristic of him to take a borderline pitch in that spot.

      He knew.

  140. kywhi

    @redrob:

    I read this blog a lot but I rarely post. This particular game blog is quite bothersome. I do not know if it is the playoffs that has brought out the stupidity or not but a lot of people on here know nothing about the game of baseball and should not post.

    For example, if you can not understand why the runners were going on the 3-2 with Hanigan up in the 6th, you know nothing about the game of baseball. Stop posting. You are a moron. If you disagree with the decision that is fine but seriously, you are an idiot.

    Very well said. And 100 percent correct.

  141. jas_428

    Frazier hasn’t gotten enough reps.

  142. RedForever

    Still waiting for a clutch hit…here’s another chance.

  143. James45342

    @Jared: You mean Drew Stubbs? Oh, Rolen, who I had hoped would make me eat my words?

    Cozart? Bang up job.
    Stubbs? Ditto.

  144. redrob

    Just checked our LOB for the game. Upchucked a little.

  145. zab1983

    smh, it’s like listening to your summer end officially. I think that the cincinnati reds’ fans have represented well again, and their loyalty to the reds should not be questioned by the national media. Sold out games 3 days in a row, all at different times i believe? just to be disappointed 3 times in a row? Us cincy fans know how to take an “L”. Not wanting to be a downer or anything, hope we can pull this out still

  146. James45342

    @Jared: Here, have a golf clap for their meaningless production, Jared. Feel better that you are vindicated?

    Cozart: LOB- 2
    Stubbs: LOB- 1
    Rolen: LOB- 1, but I’ll give him slack because he’s in the multiples.

    • RedForever

      @Jared: Here, have a golf clap for their meaningless production, Jared. Feel better that you are vindicated?

      Cozart: LOB- 2
      Stubbs: LOB- 1
      Rolen: LOB- 1, but I’ll give him slack because he’s in the multiples.

      Hanigan: LOB – 4
      Ludwick: LOB – 4

  147. vared

    Someone please tell me again how you can possibly leave your starter in long enough to give up 6 runs in a MUST WIN situation when you have the best bullpen in baseball. Yes – way too many men LOB, but game was lost right there.

  148. jas_428

    wrong kind of history being made…kudos to Phillips and Bailey and Ludwick on strong playoff effort

  149. tgarretson82

    @WVRedlegs: And for God’s sake, could we get a better bench than Cairo and Valdez? That is one area I believe Dusty had no control over.

  150. Richard Fitch

    One HR right here. One time.

  151. jas_428

    5 consecutive innings of at least two baserunners…if someone didn’t already post it

  152. Crab Bisque

    Prove it one more time Rolen
    One more time

  153. zab1983

    thanks for the great comments this season guys! really helped me pass time. will continue reading!

  154. reds74

    Lot’s to be excited about for the future of the Reds.Great young pitchers, defenders and hitters.Hopefully a new manager.

    DUSTY BAKER MUST MUST MUST BE FIRED IN ORDER FOR THE REDS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE POST SEASON! THERE IS A REASON WHY HIS TEAMS NEVER DO WELL IN THE PLAYOFFS!

  155. CincyStyle

    11 Left On Base 2-13 with RISP. That is not a pretty stat line at all

  156. Mwv

    I avoided the thread till now to not deal with what I’m sure was an epic amount of negativity but I just wanted to say, all emotions aside.. it was a good year. Nice job Reds. I’m sure I’ll post later about my feelings towards Mr. Baker and his efforts in this short series.

  157. 90reds

    When does the offseason thread start?

  158. rfay00

    Well…now it’s time to spin the wheels on how to make this team better next year.

  159. gosport474

    Three turning points in the series: Phillips getting thrown out at 3B in Game 3. Dusty playing for game 5 during game 4. And Dusty leaving Latos in after he was clearly melting down mentally.

  160. Jimnastics

    Just called 1-800-GOT-JUNK. I asked them to pick up Dusty, Rolen, Stubbs, Cairo, Valdez, Arredondo, Ondrusek, and Jacoby.

  161. BenL

    We out-hit them today, but sometimes the hits don’t come at the right times. Great year, though. A Bailey no-hitter, a memorable game one of the NLDS, a Cy Young-caliber year from Cueto, and 97 wins. There is a ton of reason to be optimistic for next year, with Bailey and Cueto really coming into there own.

    Thanks to the editors for all their hard work. You guys are appreciated!!!!

  162. al

    Too many holes in this lineup, and a manager who didn’t know how to use his roster.

  163. KevMcBain

    This was a fun team to watch in the regular season, it was painful to watch such a special season end with a whimper like it did today.

    Such a great year does not guarantee a successful year in 2013 though(see 2010 to 2011 Reds, 2011 to 2012 Phillies, Brewers, and Red Sox). It was fun while it lasted, I just hope the 2013 team is as fun to watch as this years team and doesn’t turn into a frustrating season (like 2011). Reds have a couple small flaws to address in the offseason but no need for an overhaul and rebuild type of roster moves.

  164. RedForever

    Epic failure. This has to go down as the greatest collapse in Reds history.

    It is sad that this is what 2012 will be remembered for.

    And as has been said since 1991…there is always next year.

  165. Mike

    sad that there will be no more titanic struggle recaps to read for awhile

  166. RedForever

    they have got get a better leadoff hitter, and Drew Stubbs has to go. END OF CONVERSATION!!!!!

    Stubbs, Rolen and Dusty.

  167. jbemis44

    I truly thought Jay was gonna do it. I was picturing the 2010 clinch and imagining that I was gonna get to scream my head off and jump around. I’m gonna hold on to that feeling and try to just remember that they were really close instead of thinking about all the problems I had with that game and the 2 games before it. It’s easy to forget but it was a thoroughly engaging and entertaining season all the way through, and that doesn’t happen all that often. This was a missed opportunity because there is no dominant (or even particularly hot) team in baseball this year so someone can steal a WS win. However, I hope the guys learn from the experience and get hungry because I think we’re gonna see them in the playoffs again soon.

  168. ArkansasRedsFan

    @Larry1980: I really don’t think they will stand pat. The front-office is tasting it. They gave strong contracts to Votto and BP and I think they will make some moves this offseason. I’d be really shocked if the Reds didn’t end up with a new CF. I’ve defended Stubbs a long time but he isn’t the answer on a championship caliber team.

    Agree. Say what you want about BP’s contract, but that dude has driven this team. He has done everything through all of the various injuries and has excelled each time. Glad we locked him up, to be honest. And I also agree with the CF thing, we have to get a better hitting CF in our lineup. Priority #1 IMO.

  169. RichmondRed

    I will hopefully remember this season as the first step towards a World Series. For now I will just wait for my roommate to come in here and look at me blankly staring into my Votto jersey while sad pop songs play over some blown out speakers.

  170. jbemis44

    Ok fine I’ll talk about next season. Are they losing anyone major other than Broxton? With Frazier playing 3rd, I think they’re looking pretty good for next year. I agree about Stubbs, but if he stays at the bottom of the order I wouldn’t be surprised if they gave him another shot for at least a couple of months. If Homer is really starting to come along the way it has looked like he is, then the rotation should be good again. Hopefully Aroldis will be in there too and Leake out. I think that’s a pretty good place to start from next year

  171. ToddAlmighty

    I will be interested to see if Billy Hamilton makes this club in the spring. They seem worried about his hitting, but would he really be any worse overall than Willy PatterStubbs the past four years?

    Depends on if Dusty is still the manager. He’ll want a veteran/proven player even if they’re a lesser player. It’s why Rolen started 4/5 games over Frazier.. also why Stubbs is in over Heisey.. and Cairo was the first PH off the bench in Game 3.

    It’s not like you can tell me Leake or Arredondo did a better job than Cingrani could have. Or Cairo did better than Hamilton could have as a PH. But they’re not the proven veterans who have been on the team. So no chance with Dusty around.

  172. B-town Fan

    Great season. Very disappointing End for our Reds. All i want to say is that the Giants for what ever reason, have the mental side of game down pat.

  173. zjayphillips

    i wish dusty had brought in broxton to face posey with the bases full. am i crazy? super high leverage situation, plenty more arms for late innings.
    i know broxton can be shakey, but i like him better than lecure there (and a faltering latos).
    ugh. trying to just think about the good times.

  174. mthomas5810

    This was the hardest loss of my lifetime. In 2010, the Phillies were a better team than the Reds. Period. So the losses were easier to take. In this series, the Reds were the better team, I believe. The offenses were probably a wash, and the Reds had better pitching all around than the Giants. The Reds are incapable of winning a playoff game at home, for whatever reason. I am not as anti-Dusty as most on this thread, because I believe that ultimately it comes down to the players. For next year, I think Rolen needs to become this year’s Miguel Cairo. Todd Frazier should be given the chance to play at 3rd everyday. Other than that, I think our lineup is still pretty good with a healthy normal Joey Votto.

  175. shifty

    That was indeed a tough way to gou out. But regardless, that was one heck of a season to watch. Ignoring all of the small gripes that I had over the course of the year I am still happy with how things went, for the most part. I disagreed with several decisions that Dusty and the Reds made the last few days but I am over it (for the most part) and look forward to next season.

  176. Jetsons Dog

    The local Dusty defenders are already out in force. After following the game at work, I was looking forward to listening to a little talk radio venting therapy on the drive home. I don’t really hear any callers ripping Dusty, but Tracy Jones is defending Dusty to the hilt. I was amused to learn that the reason I think Dusty is a poor manager and want him replaced is the color of his skin and not because I believe he repeatedly makes the types of questionable decisions that kill you in a short series. That was just what I needed to pick me up after being kicked in the gut the last three days.