Welcome to a special feature matinee Wednesday. Today the Reds attempt to win eleven consecutive games for the first time since 1957. The Colorado Rockies are on hand to provide the opposition. Game time at GABP is 12:35pm EDT.
Starting Lineups
| ROCKIES
SP: Jake Bird |
REDS
SP: Andrew Abbott |
| 1. Brenton Doyle (CF) 2. Nolan Jones (RF) 3. Ryan McMahon (3B) 4. Randal Grichuk (LF) 5. Jorge Alfaro (DH) 6. Elehuris Montero (1B) 7. Coco Montes (2B) 8. Austin Wynns (C) 9. Connor Kaiser (SS) |
1. T.J. Friedl (CF) 2. Spencer Steer (3B) 3. Jonathan India (2B) 4. Elly De La Cruz (SS) 5. Jake Fraley (RF) 6. Joey Votto (1B) 7. Tyler Stephenson (DH) 8. Will Benson (LF) 9. Luke Maile (C) |
Matt McLain gets the day off. Otherwise this is a typical Reds platoon lineup, not a matinee special. Are we starting to see some urgency from David Bell? That would be a good thing.
Starting Pitchers
Andrew Abbott (LH) starts for the Reds. Jake Bird (RH) will be on the mound for the Rockies.
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB% | K% |
| Andrew Abbott | 17.2 | 0.00 | 1.075 | 12.7% | 16.9% |
| Jake Bird | 47.1 | 3.42 | 1.29 | 8.0% | 23.6% |
| Links: Andrew Abbott’s Stats | Jake Bird’s Stats |
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Andrew Abbott
Andrew Abbott is making just his fourth MLB start and appearance. And yes, that 0.00 ERA listed above for him is correct. Incredibly, the young (24 y.o.) lefthander has yet to allow an earned run in 17.2 inning at the MLB level.
Abbott was the Reds 2nd round pick (#53 overall) in the 2021 draft. He opened 2023 at AA, his first exposure at that level. Just 10 starts later, 3 at AA and 7 at AAA, Abbott found himself on the mound for the Reds, the result of a perfect storm born from performance meeting opportunity.
Abbott’s bottom line so far with the Reds somewhat belies statistical indications. He appears to walk too many batters and not strikeout enough. His Statcast hard hit % is 46%. His FIP is 3.45. Yet right there next these stats stands that 0.00 ERA. Is he a master of pitching to contact; or, has he had a large portion of beginners’ luck? Time will tell us.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 61 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 10 | .154 | .279 | .173 |
| LHH | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .200 | .200 | .200 |
It is still early days for Abbott at the MLB level. It does appear he has to work harder versus RH hitters but so far has gotten good results against them too.
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | Curve | Change | Slider | |
| Velo | 93.0 | 80.8 | 86.7 | 82.3 |
| Usage | 53.6% | 20.1% | 13.7 | 12.6% |
Abbot has a standard 4 pitch repertoire. The Change up works off the fastball. The slider and curve work together with the curve more dominate in usage of the two.
Jake Bird
A late addition to the game, Jake Bird is getting the start after probable starter Connor Seabold was scratched. Bird, a reliever, pitched in Monday night’s game for the Rockies.
Bullpens
Reds
Know this. The Reds really need Abbott’s typical 6 innings today. Alexis Diaz has worked the last two games, including 30 pitches on Tuesday night. Count him out for today. The better news is that none of the trio of Lucas Sims, Buck Farmer or Ian Gibaut saw game action on Tuesday. Fernando Cruz and Daniel Duarte both worked quick effective innings Tuesday and could probably give it go today if needed. Reinforcements in the form of Alan Busenitz and Silvino Bracho were added this morning.
Rockies
The Rockies look to be down 2 arms for today. Peter Lambert is definitely not available. Brent Suter threw 14 pitches last night and has a high 3 day count.
News and Notes
Reds call up two relievers, option Fairchild
The Cincinnati Reds called up relievers Alan Busenitz and Silvino Bracho from Triple-A, optioned outfielder Stuart Fairchild, and placed Casey Legumina on the injured list. You can read more about the moves here.
If you missed last night’s action, check out our recap here
Final Thought
We last met for a matinee preview just 12 days ago. The Reds got shutout by the Dodgers that day followed by a loss the next day to Cardinals in St. Louis. That left them in 3rd place at 30-35. Since then the Reds have not lost a game and start today in 1st place with a 39-35 record. Ain’t winning every day nice. Keep Going Reds!
NL Central Standings
| TEAM | W/L | Win% | GB | WCGB | Streak |
| Reds | 39-35 | .527 | – | – | W10 |
| Brewers | 38-35 | .521 | 0.5 | 2 | W1 |
| Cubs | 35-38 | .479 | 3.5 | 5 | W2 |
| Pirates | 34-38 | .472 | 4 | 5.5 | L8 |
| Cardinals | 31-43 | .419 | 8 | 9.5 | W4 |
Where and When
- Game time: 12:35pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 70°, cloudy, 15% chance of rain
Seabold got scratched or maybe they’re using a opener?
where did you see or hear this? I have been monitoring on Twitter for just something like that after their move yesterday and haven’t seen it?
It’s official. I hopped on in and made the changes, Jim.
Looks like Doug picked it up somewhere after I had handed off to him for edits etc.
I think this means I can officially go back to bed now, even though I’ve been awake for 52 minutes.
As always, thanks Doug.
Seabold is injured. This is a “bullpen” game. They’re starting with a reliever who has been frequently asked to pitch more than one inning.
While I want the Reds to win today as much as any Reds fan out there AND continue “The Streak”, it is more important that Abbott give the overworked Reds BP some rest by pitching 6 & hopefully 7 innings!
This Reds team has been amazing so far this season and a joy to follow! Can we win one more before the Braves visit? Let’s hope so! Go Reds!
So, if Reds lose today, we know who to blame and who to never allow to do game previews again, right? 😉
And there was about an hour’s worth of sleep I burned on Connor Seabold minutia and stats to boot that now you don’t have to suffer through 😉
“Ain’t winning every day nice.”
😀
INDEED IT IS! Honestly this is the most fun i have had since the 1999 team. Yes the 2010-13 had success mainly due to great pitching but they were not particularly potent offensive teams. this team is fun to watch!
who is going to steal a base, leg out a triple, smash a homer today?
Go Reds. I don’t want to see Alexis Diaz again until Saturday or Sunday at the earliest. Need to play the long game with him.
Even w/o McLain (good choice to sit him so he gets 2 days off), that’s a good looking lineup. Let’s goooooo!
I like it to, it’s also nice to see JV at 1B instead of DH today. BTW I have really liked seeing Steer at 1B, so not a knock on him.
A Reds Prayer
Our Father, who art on the Diamond, hallowed by thy grounds
Thigh stadium come, thigh will be done, on first as it is on 3rd.
And, if you are a fair and just God, please allow Abbott to provide us a complete game.
Amen.
I think Thigh Will Be Done is a late night movie on Cinemax
Actually, it’s being shown on The Food Network.
I think Buck Farmer does a cameo?
If Abbott tosses a complete game today, they need to have a redo of the Findlay Market parade!
I believe tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of the last Reds’ complete game: Tyler Mahler, Diamondbacks?
Kiss if death from Sadak.
Abbott needs to go down and work on some things. How dare he give up a run. 🙂
Hahahaha
well, wasnt going to go unscored on forever
The way I look at it is Abbott has that 0.00 ERA monkey off his back now! It’s now a gaudy 0.95 ERA!
And, it’s not like this team has not been behind and come back to win!
Spotty comments from me as I work through afternoon meetings.
Actually glad that first run monkey is off Abbott’s back. And it was wind aided.
Of course, as I type, the second one flies out. At least both were solo shots.
We’ll be fine. Got ’em right where we want ’em, right?
To Cowboy’s point, he’s not shying away from the strike zone. That’s a good thing in my book.
Speed can kill. . .in more than one way.
I’ve always said “Run with your head”.
As much as I like Fraley, he’s not a good IQ baseball player. He often runs into outs and he clearly doesn’t understand that with a runner like EDLC on 1st base, you have to take a pitch or two.
LoL..
“I’ve always said “Run with your head”.”
That would hurt wouldn’t it? 🙂
Once he hears GONE, Jake has to take the pitch when Elly is stealing.
Where are you getting that from?
Jake needs to understand who is on the base ahead of him….1st pitch swinging is not a smart move
Time to give Abbott some run support!
Has anyone considered a hit and run was on? De La Cruz missed a sign, or Fraley. I don’t know Fraley personally, however I am sure he is a smart baseball player .
This was the same guy who was thrown out by 10 feet trying to make it to second when his team was down by 2 runs with a guy at third, one out, and one of the best hitters due up next. Everyone who understands baseball understands you don’t try for second in that situation unless you’re 99% sure you can make it, and he was out by a mile. He often seems to play with his heart more than his head.
You generally hit and run with a slower runner that can’t steal 2nd straight up the majority of the time.
Is this a “Bullpen Day” for the Rockies?
Yes. Officially a bullpen day.
Abbott settling in. Now find green space and back him, boys.
I’ve never liked Grichuk. Not at all. 😮
I think Abbott will be a much better pitcher on the road, he is a fly ball pitcher.
Probably. But he’s not issuing walks, he’s getting K’s, and his pitch count is relatively efficient again today. All stuff we can work with even at GABP.
NO WALKS makes Dennis HAPPY!
Abbott is either SO or HR today
Well, the good news for the Reds is they have an extra mediocre reliever who can pitch one inning today, so I’m confident everything will work out.
Time for offense to make some noise here
3-0 swinging after the guy before you walked. Not great. Lots of little things plaguing them today. Hopefully they can rally.
He hit it 111 mph.
That’s the definition of what you want to happen when you swing 3-0.
Ok. Still not a smart baseball play.
I don’t care if he hit it 200mph. Perfect double play. Not smart.
And yet, a walk would have been a better outcome. There might be a lesson in there somewhere…
The pitch was a strike right down the middle.
This is why it’ll be tough for the Reds to overcome Bell’s lack of leadership. Even a guy as talented as EDLC can hit into a double play on a 3-0 fastball, which is why most guys (even stars) will take a pitch in that situation. Reds’ players don’t seem to be asked to take pitches in any situation, ever. “If you feel like swinging, swing. There are no expectations and no consequences” seems to be the principle. Of course all of Bell’s players love playing for him. Why wouldn’t they?
Sigh
EDLC’s chance of a 105+ exit velocity in a 3-0 count are greatly increased. I’d give him the green light in that situation all day every day.
I despise managers requiring their batters to take a pitch. It’s the batter’s stats on the line. The batter has a much better chance of getting a good pitch to hit on a 3-0 count. Most 3-0 pitches are right down Broadway because the pitcher believes the manager will flash a take sign.
Guys are playing a little bit tired today. Still in this game, but need to string together some solid AB’s with runners and Crooked Numbers.
Back to Abbott to shut the Rocks down in the 5th.
Abbott did his part 😀
So far, it looks like the the Reds’ offensive magic has run out.
From the Elly TOOTBLAN, to hitting into double plays, to the Rockies making amazing catches to deny hits, it’s been the opposite of good luck for them today.
Still half the game to go, but it’s been a frustrating start.
Used to be the Reds would do this until the lost the game.
Not this team.
It just means Colorado is dodging bullets but sooner or later the Reds will get ’em
Looks like lots of fundamental flaws on Gamecast. Need to win games when Abbott is so-so – not great, not good, should be good enough – looks like he’s pitching well, just not throwing – HRs seem small, medium and large, typical GABP.
Two of the snuck over the yellow line. The one by Grichuk is out in any park.
Abbott hasn’t done a bad job. His pitch count is low and he given up 3 GABP home runs. The problem thus far is on offense that looks tired. The winning streak may be the problem. I would send down one of the new pitchers for the Braves series and bring up Strand.I also think Weaver is running out of chances, with Phillpps coming soon.
The first two homers were off really good pitches and barely over the fence. Lark talks like Abbott’s not supposed to throw the ball over the plate. Sometimes credit goes to the other team.
Well, so far, this Rockie makeshift bullpen is making us look like minor leaguers.
HBP twice in a game is rare if accidental
Joey legit just stuck his elbow out there to turn strike three into a HBP Veteran moves
Nice AB by Benson. Force Black to make another pitching change.
Was that an impressive AB by Benson? Reads like it was.
Very patient. Probably walked before the end but the 3B ump called one a swing not a check.
Use Senzel or Newman right here to pinch hit.
Sorry…thought Black motioned for the Lefty
Now is the time, in the past they would often get only 1, or even 0, in this situation. Must have at least 2.
There’s your 2 runs, Mark. Maile went with it and turns the lineup over to TJ.
That’s why you don’t swing 3 and 0. Guy can’t find the plate. Really though it should be Bell that gives him the take.
Come on Reds!
Gotta have the killer instinct.
Don’t let anyone up off the mat, get these guys
Huge hit by Maile!!!
Sat on a pitch and went with it.
Attaboy TJ!!
Nobody should EVER doubt this team. I’ve learned this the hard way.
That’s the way to go Reds. Sic ’em
Another big hit by a different player. Elated.
We’ve got a good hitting lineup. That Friedl is something isn’t he JB?
OK, India, time to show why you are a leader on this team. Make ’em pay!
Speaking of India, am I the only one who really, really wants to see him back in the leadoff spot?
Were it up to me, the 6 in the lineup would be this every day:
2B India
CF Friedl
SS McLain
3B EDLC
DH Steer
LF Fraley
I loved him leading off.
Although I think it’s about a wash with the switch so far.
Yes, his avg and OBP are going down quick. It seems his mentality has changed. Like that proposed lineup.
Interference call … I’m afraid it was. Too bad as we would have Maile home on that terrible throw.
3 is ok, but Steer and India have to give them the lead. Oh well you can’t be greedy.
Steer hosed on the strike 2 call.
But had a chance to overcome on the next pitch.
whiff.
India…bad look there. Not swinging ….then interfering.
Learn from it…move on
That was not exactly a “leadership” kind of at-bat. Take strike three and then interfere? It’s the mental side of the game that continues to be the team’s Achilles heel.
Yep. He walked right across the plate. Not a good look at all. He knew TJ would be running.
Man that kid hits the ball hard!! Between that and his speed, it’s gonna pay off a high percentage of the time. Wishing that was 4M out there with a glove on his flipper today.
Strong outing from Abbott. Couple of GABP specials, but didn’t seem to rattle him at all.
At this point he’s avoided a loss and has a quality start. Let’s see if he starts the 7th on a short leash.
Very short 🙂
A shame the Reds did not score to get him another W.
Every Reds starter is on a short leash once they hit pitch 80, ergo the self inflicted bullpen crisis.
Zone might be growing just a bit
Like to have see Abbott try to go seven.
This is my huge problem with Bell. I just don’t believe Abbott is tired after 86 pitches, and having struck out the final 4 guys he faced. This is why the bullpen is absolutely spent. It’s easy to blame the starters for not going deep, but then again, they have no choice, whether they are on their game or not.
Yup. It also turns them into worse pitchers, statistically, because they’re taken out when they’re cruising along. Maybe next time they’ll be struggling in the third or fourth inning, but he’ll leave them in until they’ve given up a bunch of runs.
Abbott pitched 112 innings last year.
What are we looking at for his ceiling this year?
145-150?
He’s already at 77 innings this year
At 6 innings per start, we’re only looking at 12 more starts.
Very good point. I also wondered why he was yanked while on cruise control but didn’t consider the innings limit for the season. Give the coaches a little bit of credit.
Gutty 6 innings by Abbott! He’ll have to live with that 1.14 ERA!
I’m sure somebody on here will whine about that ERA.
I’m still trying to process the fact that India looked at a fastball for strike three in a put-the-ball-in-play-and-score-a-run situation. I wish I understood what goes on in players’ heads in situations like that. That’s more baffling to me than the interference.
Good point
Another screwup from Bell. We finally get a starter who could at least easily start the 7th, saving a reliever, and Bell takes him out.
That’s the problem with his bullpen management.
Yep. It’s the most glaring issue with Bell’s management style. I get that is how the game is evolving, but Bell abuses this subject more than most. Only Dave Roberts is worse from what I’ve seen, but that’s only in the post season. I’ll never forget Roberts pulling his future HOFer after 4 innings a couple of years ago, and Scherzer showing a subtle discust.
I’m a bit surprised, I think that’s overprotecting Abbott. He seemed to be just getting stronger.
OK, two quick outs by Sims. Setting him up for 2 innings perhaps? 😀
Seems a little strange to pull Abbott at 88 pitches following 4 straight K’s.
Okay, 9 pitches by Simms, will he go back out? I doubt it.
I’m going to say the pre injured Sims is fully healthy.
Especially putting in Sims for the 7th when Diaz is likely unavaliable, so you would think Sims would be the closer today… oh well. More Bell pitching decisions I don’t get…is what it is.
Farmer is the designated closer.
I’ve just watched a Reds player strike out on a check swing for the billionth time this season. Does anyone on the coaching staff ever notice these things? If so, does it concern them as much as it concerns me?
Good team overcomes mistakes. Move in and let’s go win this game
Ump is horrible. Has taken away walks from Steer and Maile. Two baserunners in a tie ballgame is a big freakin’ deal.
I’m so tired of bad ball/strike calls deciding outcomes of at-bats in close games.
Need to see “Good Ian” today.
That’s not the right way to start 😮
That’s a hard way to take a bat to the face
Sims had to leave the game because scientists have determined another inning will cause him to have major arm problems.
Karcher must have taught Gibaut that pitch 🙂
Brings us to 4M … bike helmets would be great here.
His bat looked REALLY slow.
Another screwup by Bell. Sims just pitched a pretty easy 7th. There shouldn’t have been a problem with him coming out for the 8th, to get 1-2 outs anyhow. Possibly save a reliever for the day.
It remains THE MOST PUZZLING aspect of HDTBell’s overall strategy and managerial approach.
It’s crazy. Same with the first game of the Houston series, which really hurt because they then threw a clearly tired Diaz out there and he hasn’t had the same effectiveness since that game. Sims has gone 1 2/3 innings a few times this year, so it’s pretty incomprehensible why he has been pulled so quickly over the last week.
Man we are on a 10 game win streak and people are still complaining about the manager.
Sorry … you like the decision to use a hot-hand reliever for a single inning knowing your designated closer is gassed, we’re not ahead yet, and tomorrow is an off day?
Not all of us are “complaining” but are very puzzled at the repeated pattern. That’s where I land … and I readily admit I don’t know anything more than the average fan about who is available to do what.
I don’t know enough about pitching, nor how each individual guy feels, among other things to make an educated response to whether I prefer one guy coming in over another guy. By win probability added, we have the best bullpen in the Majors, so I definitely don’t believe I could make better decisions than Bell.
And as a side note, what does HDTBell stand for?
All good points. The stats I’ve seen say our BP is up to the 3rd best. Much of that on the back of Diaz and a couple others. My main point is that we’re thin today with the fresher arms being the call-up guys.
“Handy David Tinker Bell” 😛
Is it okay to complain about the manager every time they’re on a losing streak? What are the rules?
Perhaps all moo points (those even a cow would understand) after what Rake just did.
I would rather use Sims when it’s tied in the seventh than not use him at all because they lost the lead with somebody else.
Let’s go India.
Redemption time.
Nope. Not this inning.
Can someone help me with something? I just can’t remember. It’s with the new rules.
I will try to keep it simple.
Ian is pitching, has a guy on first, guy at the plate. He throws to first twice. Runner doesn’t go. Ian gets the guy at the plate out. NOW, FROM THAT POINT, for the next batter, can Ian throw to first again?
So, was it two throws “for each runner” or “for each at bat”?
Two freebies per batter. Do it a 3rd time and you HAVE to nail the runner. It does reset with each new batter.
Almost another over-slide there, EDLC 😀
He can’t help himself:)
EDLC obviously needs to stop hitting the ball so hard.
Frailey!!!!!
That’s how to rake, Fraley
Rake sneaks a laser rope of a GABP special into the second row. That’ll do, especially with EDLC on ahead of him.
The reckless Fraley puts them ahead. Lol
“Don’t think, just hit.”
I was just getting ready to comment that what we don’t need today is an extra inning game!
TySteve finding that same hole again.
GABP giveth.
Thrall saying his biggest question was how hard it would come off the wall (hit was at 109mph). Cowboy answered it was the 3rd row.
And Coors taketh away.
Ian Gibaut is going to lead the NL in wins in 2023. Mark it down
That would be pretty cool. 20 wins. Do you think he would get votes for CY young ?
He would have to, I assume.
Obviously that’s why Bell used him with the score tied.
Bard with .093 ERA before the Rake missile.
The Rockies have at least 2 relievers I wouldn’t mind getting.
Benson has the best eye on the team.
Lucky Buckeye!
Per GameDay, Mailed walked on five balls.
I thought the ump was kidding on that 4th pitch.
The 5th pitch should have been a strike if the 4th was. Neither pitch was remotely close to being a strike.
The “strike” was probably even more of a ball than the ball that called ball four.
Nice called strike Ump. Blind .
Worst we’ve seen this year.
Benson’s OBP is absolutely insane. Maybe he should be hitting leadoff.
Umpire is terrible. They need to be removed .
Terrible call … 6 inches above the zone. It’s definitely been growing as the game progresses.
OK, finish off the Rocks so they can pack their bags and head to CVG and then DIA.
Makes the guy last night look like the gold standard for HP Chumpiring.
This ump is one of the worst I have seen. The strike 3 on Freidl was awful. Let’s go Farmer.
Boy, what does it take with this ump? Does the pitcher have to scalp the ump for the ball to be too high?
This ump is single-handedly attempting to redefine the modern strike zone.
He and a host of his peers.
I’ve seen a lot of bad umpiring this year behind the plate but this is clearly the worst and it’s really not close. His strike zone is literally 6 in above a strike and it’s over and over. I for one am looking forward to the automated Strike Zone because I’m tired of watching this… too much influence over the game.
+5,000
The “human element” argument gets played in response, but it rings increasingly hollow for me. The Flex-o-Zone and inconsistency added to the flat-out missed calls are beyond frustrating.
Yes! And besides the Home plate umpire is still there behind the plate when they’re using ABS.
Ump is the worst I’ve seen this year. And that’s saying a lot.
Have I mentioned how much I dislike Randal Grichuk???
11 in a row!!!!!
Just a note … Joey probably doesn’t snag that line shot. Makes no difference since we’re on a HUGE roll with 11 wins.
Sure am glad that was steer not votto at first.
The kids are alright. All Aboard!!!
1) Diaz doesn’t have to be the only closer on this team. Even if he *can* pitch doesn’t mean he *should* pitch.
2) Steer should play first. Votto should DH.
3) Never a doubt!
Agree with you J on all 3 points!
Excellent!
America’s Team.
Ballgame. Well deserved day off tomorrow and see how we stack up against NL best Braves. Can’t wait
Pending the outcome of the Bos/Min game, Reds now 1/2 game out of the basement in the AL East – love the NL Central!
Sweep complete
Nice defensive sub for the 9th.
Votto might have had that, but why chance it.
Benson’s OBP for June is now over .500.
Unreal. The kid literally gets on base half the time he’s up there.
That’s something I believe we all have definitely noticed this season. The offense, people talk about stepping up. It seems this team has gone up a staircase, to me. I just don’t remember the last time the Reds have had an offense like this. I mean, right now, if it was a game they had to win, they could legitimately put out on the field, among the starting 8 and DH, 8 players with OPS+ over 100. I don’t remember the last time we could say that about a Reds offense.
Just keep this up, not only this year, but keep the pipeline going. Develop those minor leaguers. Make the trades if need be.
Sometimes the Reds win in spite of Bell. Some days they win in spite of themselves (batter interference, HIDPs, called strike 3’s with RISP, etc.). Today was the latter!
I’m glad we won but I don’t understand the bullpen use. How is Sims not the closer today? His stuff is clearly the best in the bullpen besides Diaz, and Farmers been getting hit pretty hard lately. After the strikeout all three Rockies hitters absolutely scorched the ball…lucky again. This is two times in the last five games where Bell has really screwed up the bullpen management and got lucky… last game in Houston and now this one. It’s great to win but that’s not the point. If you’re going to aspire to greater things this year you won’t keep getting lucky having to overcome bad manager decisions. He has done a really good job managing the roster and helping to create a great culture in the Reds clubhouse. However, his pitching decisions just don’t make sense a lot of the time when it comes to when he pulls the starters and how he’s using the bullpen and it’s going to come back to bite us… it’s a long season.
I woke up with a headache and congestion, so I need to stop wondering about stuff like that today 😛
It will take more than luck to win a single game against the Braves!
I think Bell uses “The Force”.
I agree with you. There’s no reason why Abbott couldn’t have gone another out or two anyhow, why Ian couldn’t have gone another out, why Sims couldn’t have gone another out. Then, we save a reliever for another day, what we are suppose to be doing, and all of those relievers are probably ready for the next day.
But, I’m trying to consider we have an off day tomorrow. That’s nothing but a good thing. For, we have 16 games left before the AS break, 12 against playoff caliber teams. We are going to need all the break we can get.
Steve….So today Bell brings his best available reliever (Sims) to face to the top of the lineup in the 6th, exactly what you complained about him NOT DOING in the previous game, but today you want him instead to milk an extra out or two from Abbott and each reliever so someone is fresh for the off day? Not getting it at all.
I didn’t like Bell’s handling of the lineup and bullpen a couple years ago with Winker and Moose always hitting in top 5 against LHP. But he’s impressed me with his use of the pen this year and he deserves credit.
These complaints are just complaining to complain it seems.
I won’t bite much on what Bell does or doesn’t do cause if WILD THING is the choice regardless of how it happened and he comes through then give me some more of whatever he is drinking provided it is non alcoholic of course.GO REDS
I don’t have a problem with who Bell chose to close. My problem is how he got there. Bullpen is tired, and he pulls his starter after he has just dominated with 88 pitches. He then brings in a reliever (Simms) who throws 8 or 9 pitches in the inning and then removes him. I just think you are asking a lot for ALL your pitchers to come out and pitch excellent every time. Seems two innings when a pitcher is throwing excellent would make so much more sense on so many levels. Frankly, Bell’s pitching decisions is my only real issue with him; everything else has been working. Bullpen usage has too, but it’s a short term mentality. He’s going to burn these 4 guys.
Another day. Another win. Go RedLegs!
Job Well Done.
Rest.
Next Test. Braves and Orioles will not be easy. If we can just get 500 with them, I would be happy. I will cheer to win all. But, I will be happy with 500.
Braves, Orioles, Padres, and Brewers all before the AS break. Boy, what a way to finish the first half.
3-3 playing .500 ball the next 2 series would be great…follow that up with 6 or 7 wins out of the last 10 before the break.
Bravos are +102 run differential (behind only Tejas and TBR). Orioles are +35. So we know the next two teams can score whilst holding off their opponents. We’ll need to bring our A-level offense to keep this juggernaut alive.
May be time to break out the Jobu doll
Tough timing to be facing the Braves. Their hitters are likely licking their chops coming in here intent on breaking the Reds 11-game streak and having the good fortune of missing both Greene and Abbott, instead getting Weaver, Ashcraft and Williamson. They have won 7 straight and lead the league in HR’s…yikes
Yikes is right
Three catchers are going nowhere, nor should they. They all bring something and they are helping the young pitchers . They need these guys to help the young pitchers because there is a good chance they won’t get a starting pitcher without severely over paying. Every team needs starting pitching.
I disagree. Worst starting pitching, so the catchers aren’t doing that much. I think Casalli needs to go; bring him on as a coach. I’ll take CES over Casalli.
Yep, especially now that Hunter is going to miss at least a couple of starts. Kind of negates his only real value. (Casali)
JB – I agree. Casali and Maile are here to help the pitching staff. Give them some credit. CES can come up when Newman or Senzel are traded. This should’ve happened a month or two ago.
Great game by Reds 11 game winning streak. Abbott 6 innings and no walks. Bullpen shut down the Rockies.
Bell and company keep on rolling. Lets see how they do against the Braves this weekend. Maybe Weaver and Lively will pitch great!!
Again kudos to pitching coach Johnson as he has the bullpen guys pitching well. Bell made all the right moves today. Happy Wednesday. 😛
Looks like the Louisville Votto has arrived.
I would sure like to see another hitter join this team for the next series — say, for example, the best hitter in AAA, or even just a very good one — rather than carrying an extra mediocre relief pitcher that you hope you NEVER have to use in a close game. How about someone who could actually help in every single game rather than a guy whose main role is to pitch an inning or two in a 9-1 game? Because, you know, you’re now trying to WIN. Just a thought…
You can’t cut out a relief pitcher when you have a manager that just will not let anyone throw more than 90 pitches, except for maybe Greene, who is on the IL.
That’s something I believe we all have definitely noticed this season. The offense, people talk about stepping up. It seems this team has gone up a staircase, to me. I just don’t remember the last time the Reds have had an offense like this. I mean, right now, if it was a game they had to win, they could legitimately put out on the field, among the starting 8 and DH, 8 players with OPS+ over 100. I don’t remember the last time we could say that about a Reds offense.
Just keep this up, not only this year, but keep the pipeline going. Develop those minor leaguers. Make the trades if need be.
Need CES & AC asap!