| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
| Reds | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 0 |
| Cardinals | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
The Cincinnati Reds (37-39) saw strong pitching from Anthony DeSclafani and the bullpen along with a big 6th inning to beat the St. Louis Cardinals (41-34) on Friday.
That was the result today as Strat-O-Matic games of Glen Head, N.Y., continued its announced plan to simulate the entire 2020 Major League Baseball season on a day-by-day basis for as long as actual game play is on hold.
Help set the lineup, batting order for the simulated Reds:
Have you ever dreamed of your opportunity to “manage” the Reds? Now is your chance. Learn more below!
Matt Carpenter got the St. Louis Cardinals on the board first, hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the 2nd inning against Anthony DeSclafani. That would be the only real damage against the Reds right-handed pitcher on the day, though, as he fired off 7.0 innings with just one run allowed, one walk, and he picked up nine strikeouts while dropping his ERA to 3.73 on the year.
The Cincinnati offense wasn’t getting much done for the first five innings of the game, but in the 6th inning they exploded. Shogo Akiyama, Joey Votto, and Nick Senzel all singled to lead off the inning. After a pitching change an error kept the line rolling for Jesse Winker who singled, Nick Castellanos who doubled, and then saw the inning capped off by a Freddy Galvis single. When the Reds were through, having batted around, they amassed a 6-1 lead.
Michael Lorenzen took over in the 8th inning and fired a perfect inning of relief before giving way to Joel Kuhnel. The rookie right-hander kept his ERA at 0.00 on the year as he sealed the win for the Reds.
Here is the sim Reds box score, as provided by Strat-O-Matic:
Standings following the June 19 games:
| NL Central | WON | LOST | PCT | GB |
| Cardinals | 41 | 34 | .547 | 0.0 |
| Cubs | 41 | 35 | .539 | 0.5 |
| Brewers | 39 | 35 | .527 | 1.5 |
| Reds | 37 | 39 | .487 | 4.5 |
| Pirates | 32 | 42 | .432 | 8.5 |
The 2020 schedule will see the Reds take on right-handed pitcher Dakota Hudson and the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday. Today’s Redleg Nation winning commenter/manager Gonzo Reds will be setting the lineup. Wade Miley or a bullpen day could be used for the pitching.
News/Notes from around baseball
One of the things we would have during the season in the game threads was a section comprised of news and notes for the day. While there’s a lot less going on these days in the baseball world than usual for this time of year, there still are some things that are worth highlighting. When there are, we’ll be adding them to these daily simulation threads.
Behind the idea of a players grievance and baseball in 2020
Eugene Freedman tackled all of the ins-and-outs of the idea behind the Major League Baseball Players Association filing a grievance against Major League Baseball as the two struggle to find a happy medium in their negotiations over a 2020 season at Fangraphs this afternoon.
5 Phillies players, 3 Phillies staff members test positive
Facilities have been opened up for less than two weeks at the spring training sites in both Arizona and Florida and the Phillies are the first team we know of that have been hit by an “outbreak”, so to speak, as they’ve had multiple players and staff test positive for COVID-19. Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia had the news first. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer is also reporting that the spread extends beyond just those employees, but to a adult and child family members of those employees (numbers unspecified).
Oh no, Paul Wilson, what are you doing?
On this date in 2003, Paul Wilson made a big mistake.
Help set the lineup, batting order for the simulated Reds:
Have you ever dreamed of your opportunity to “manage” the Reds? Now is your chance.
Strat-O-Matic has agreed to allow Redleg Nation to submit the Cincinnati Reds’ lineups for each day’s simulated game. We want all of our readers who want to participate to get involved.
Here is how it will work:
- In each wrap up of that day’s simulated game, Redleg Nation will post the opposing starting pitcher for the next game. You will know who the pitcher is and whether he is left-handed or right-handed, and you can use that information in creating a lineup for the next game, and submitting it in the comments below. “Splits” such as performance vs. left-handers or right-handers are replicated in the Strat-O-Matic game algorithm, and therefore should be considered.
- We will accept lineups from every reader who wants to submit one. The lineup that will be submitted to Strat-O-Matic each day will be the one that receives the most positive replies (in effect, “yes” votes) from readers other than the submitter. In case of ties:
- First tiebreaker: Lineup submitted by the reader who has had the fewest number of opportunities as a “manager.”
- Second tiebreaker: Lineup submitted earliest in the comment thread. (So get your lineup in “early” each day.)
- What is “early?” Redleg Nation posts these articles daily between 5 and 6 p.m. Eastern time. Strat-O-Matic’s deadline for us to submit a lineup for the next day’s game is midnight. On most days, we’ll do this before “bedtime,” which is typically between 10:30 and 11 Eastern time.
Batting and pitching player stats by team
Have fun with this! If you have any questions, please post them in the comment string below. Here are the “managerial records” of our Redleg Nation participants to date:
| Commenter/ “Manager” |
WON | LOST | PCT |
| Jon Davis | 6 | 3 | .667 |
| Peter Onte | 2 | 1 | .667 |
| BK | 9 | 5 | .643 |
| James Owens | 3 | 2 | .600 |
| Redsfan4life | 5 | 4 | .556 |
| Gonzo Reds | 5 | 4 | .556 |
| RedsEuphoria | 1 | 1 | .500 |
| Tomn | 1 | 1 | .500 |
| Doug Gray | 1 | 1 | .500 |
| Melvin | 1 | 4 | .200 |
| Don | 1 | 4 | .200 |
| AirborneJayJay | 0 | 1 | .000 |
| Jeff | 0 | 1 | .000 |
| Mark Moore | 0 | 2 | .000 |
| VaRedsFan | 0 | 1 | .000 |
| Tom Mitsoff | 0 | 2 | .000 |
About Strat-O-Matic
Strat-O-Matic has been in the sports simulation business since the 1960s. A USA Today article contained this explanation:
Strat-O-Matic and other baseball simulations use statistics from the previous season to create “cards” for each player on a roster. The team managers select the batting order and the starting pitcher. From there, a series of dice rolls and calculations determines the outcome of each at-bat.
Strat-O, as it’s known to longtime players, first gained its immense popularity as a board game. The company has since expanded to a downloadable Windows version and one that’s played online. A few years ago, it introduced Baseball Daily – a new iteration that combined the player cards from the previous season with statistics from the real season being played at the same time.
Unlike many video games, the Strat-O-Matic results are based on algorithms that account for players’ performance based on statistics that their statistical experts project for each player in the 2020 season. It’s not a game played with a joystick that relies more on the skill of the person with the video game controller in his or her hand.
The simulation software will keep comprehensive statistics for all teams for the season, so we’ll be able to track year-to-date leaders in many statistical categories. Our current plan is to provide statistical leader summaries here at Redleg Nation each Sunday. You can follow the season at Strat-O-Matic.com, where they plan to post the results from each day’s schedule at 2 p.m. Eastern time.
Great win today for Gonzo and the reds and all of us with good pitching, hitting, and defense. One step closer.
Repost from yesterday’s thread.
Okay guys. I’m going to state the obvious here. If real baseball starts in about a month or so (and despite all the crap by the owners I think it will), and if that means that our Strato sim season will be officially over then, that means we are officially in CRUNCH TIME. This next month or so will be our “September”. We need to think of this time as being in a pennant race, 5 1/2 back, with a month to make it up. I know we’re always trying to win but now more than ever we need to take all of the stats, all of the things we’ve learned so far this season, and more than anything else all of our “gut feelings” in every decision that we make. Every game is crucial. We have to pull out all the stops. We have to unite as much as possible and help each other more than ever before. All of us have to dig down deep and make SURE that what we’re doing and saying is for the absolute best for the team and not just our own wishes (that’s not easy for any of us). We cannot afford to “try” things during this time. We really can’t afford to give a player slack. We have to use what “works” and go for it. When it comes to our roster the same philosophy has to apply. If we think we can improve it in any way we have to do it now. We can no longer afford to carry someone because we think we might “lose” them no matter who it is. If you guys aren’t comfortable with my philosophy that we really need to improve our defensive range at 2B potential that’s fine. Whatever you think is the right move. Now is the time to do it. Keeping a level head is always the right thing but at this point we are in more danger of being too cautious than being too aggressive. We’ve learned a lot. We have the talent. This can be the most fun we’ve had. We have to pull out all the stops and go for it NOW.
Got your two in a row Gonzo.
Disco pitched great after the bullpen day which is just what the team needed. All the Reds hits pretty much came in a row in the 6th. Scoring 6 runs with 1 extra base hit and no walks is great team baseball.
Castellanos with his 2nd two hit game in a row.
Hopefully Miley can pitch well in game 2 vs the Cards and the offense can string together another 6 or so runs.
today was 25 games in a row for Akiyama’s hitting streak as well
Winning streak. Good job Gonzo.
A few days away but anyone else think we should send out Lorenzen or Kuhnel for Bauer?
Again he has a few days yet but I would get Bowman back when his 10 days are up. Send out or dfa Jones.
Gonzo I have a suggestion maybe sit Moose another day and give Senzel a little run or we could use a OF of Shogo, Senzel and Winker sitting Ervin again. Just a thought. I would really like to see Nick get a few games in a row to see what happens.
Kuhnel is doing a good job. If you all vote to send out Lorenzen I guess I won’t stand in your way. Personally I don’t feel comfortable about it for several reasons though. I know he’s pitched poorly mostly but today he did well and I believe the time before he pitched yesterday he did well too. Sending him down is not like others we sent down. We may want to call him back soon and will have to wait 10 days to do so which would/could be approximately 1/3 of our season that’s left. He still has value in other areas. He still is a potent bat against LH pitching at least. He’s also our best outfielder defensively. Strato has used him in late game defensive replacements. I do wish we could use him as a two way player. I don’t think we need a large bench and could use one of those spots for another pitcher which would help us down the stretch. Does anyone know how many more starts he needs before that happens? Can’t be any more than a handful can it? We could use him against LH pitching and, if it’s a toss up in anyone’s lineup as to who plays, we could use him until he reaches that status. He could be even more valuable to us than he has been and be a great help. Having said all of this I’m not sure who to send down. It will be good group discussion.
Really wish we could just use the DH. Winker or Castellanos could fill that spot.
For sure. I’ve always wondered who is the worst of the two. I don’t remember seeing Casty play but I know Winker has no arm and no speed. I assume that Casty at least has a better arm since he has played 3B and they seem to like him in RF other than Left.
Four days off before the All Star Break with one of them being the day before. I like what Don said late in yesterdays thread.
Castillo,Gray,Bauer,Disco must start every 5th day and if there is an Off Day Miley gets skipped so the other 4 stay on the every 5th day. If there is a chance to skip disco and Miley that should be done so the top 3 get every possible start.
Current Roster
(* = player has NO options)
(+ = LHP or LHB)
(^ = Switch Hitter)
Our current 26 man roster is:
C – *+Barnhart, *Casali
IF – *+Votto, *+Moustakas, *Suarez, *^Galvis, *+Dietrich
OF – +Akiyama, Lorenzen, *Ervin, *Castellanos, +Payton, +Winker, Senzel
SP – *Desclafani, *Gray, *+Miley, Castillo
RP – *+Reed, Iglesias, *+Garrett, *Sims, *Strop, *R. Stephenson, Lorenzen, *Jones, Kuhnel
DL – *Bauer (Can return 6/24)
Guys on the 40 man roster not on active roster
C – Stephenson(Can Return 6/28), Farmer
IF – Garcia(Can Return 6/23), +Vanmeter, Blandino
OF – Aquino(Can Return 6/20), +Jankowski, *+Schebler
SP – Mahle(Can Return 6/24), Santillan, DeLeon, Antone
RP – Hendrix, Shafer, +Smith, Bowman(Can Return 6/23)
Finally here is a list of relevant non 40 man players
C – Chris Okey
IF – India, Davidson, Colon, Rodriguez, Trahan
OF – +Friedl, +Powell, Barnes, Fairchild, +Hannah, +Siani
SP – +Lodolo, Greene, Gutierrez, +Naughton, +Raley, Solomon, Lillie, +Sanmartin
RP – Thornburg, +Biddle, Romano, +Finnegan, Carpenter, Alaniz, Powers
Thanks again Jon. Your updates do not go unnoticed and are appreciated. I wander if it’s possible, should we think it a good idea, to tell Strato that we want to have a four man rotation, have Miley in the bull pen, and then use a BP day when necessary? Anyone have thoughts on that?
Thanks Melvin I figured but it is nice to hear. As far as the pitching idea I like it with a small variation, when we need that fifth starter we can play matchups use Miley vs lefty heavy lineups and either Lorenzen or Sims against righty heavy lineups.
Yeah that sounds fine. The idea is to have another lefty in the pen and choose who we want in the BP day. Good idea.
I’m looking at another bullpen game so that we can use Miley on Sunday rather than the broken Castillo strato card against the Cards. Looks like the options that have not pitched in the last two games are (thanks Jon for the roster):
Iglesias, *+Garrett, *Strop
I’ve been burned twice I believe by Iggy blowing my managerial games so leaning towards starting him. Also, it leaves Garrett in the pen as a lefty other than Reed. Any thoughts on this strategy?
Might want to keep in mind Castillo pitched pretty well last time out.
However if we do want to think about a four man rotation with Miley in the pen Iggy starting tomorrow wouldn’t be a bad idea IMO.
Great job Gonzo! Let’s keep it going! I will just go ahead and share my thoughts for you. As far as who to start I am torn so I don’t really have any strong opinions there. As far as the lineup I would say the must starts are Akiyama, Moustakas (3 for 7 w/2hrs), and Suarez (5 for 11 w/2hrs), after that I would definitely also start Votto, Winker and Galvis. So that just leaves catcher and 1 OF spot, I would go with Barnhart and Payton for defense alone if nothing else. If I was making the lineup it would probably look something like this.
1. Akiyama – CF
2. Votto – 1B
3. Winker – LF
4. Suarez – 3B
5. Moustakas – 2B
6. Payton – RF
7. Barnhart – C
8. Miley – P
9. Galvis – SS
Sounds good. The only thing I would add to that is if we are wanting to get two way status for Lorenzen tomorrow might be an option instead of Payton for his defense like you said since he probably is the best we have.
Ok, Iglesias is our starter on Saturday in a bullpen game. Intention is to push back Miley’s start until Sunday. We really need to sweep the Cards!
Lineup:
Aki – LF
Votto – 1B
Moustakas – 2B
Suarez – 3B
Peyton – RF
Lorenzen – CF
Barnhart – C
P
Galvis – 2B
p.s. I should also mention that Hudson is pretty good so expect a low scoring game and I wanted to get our best defensive team on the field / get Lorenzen closer to two way (plus keep him out of the closer role today with Iggy starting).
Sounds like a good plan.