Andrew Abbott’s magical start to his career continued on Sunday afternoon as he allowed one run over 7.2 innings and struck out 12 batters. He exited with a lead, but it lasted only a few minutes before the Padres tied it up. Tyler Stephenson had his pitchers back, coming off of the bench with a pinch hit 2-run homer in the bottom of the 8th to put Cincinnati on top for good as the Reds held on for the win over San Diego. Their 4-3 win keeps them in first place and gave them a series win.
| Final | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Padres (38-46) |
3 | 7 | 1 |
| Cincinnati Reds (45-39) |
4 | 5 | 0 |
| W: Sims (2-1) L: Cosgrove (1-1) SV: Diaz (23) | |||
| Statcast | Box Score | Game Thread | |||
Andrew Abbott ran into trouble early on Sunday afternoon. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto put together back-to-back singles in the top of the 1st inning with one out. The lefty clamped down and struck out Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts to strand both runners and end the inning.
The Reds tried to put together a rally of their own in the bottom of the inning after TJ Friedl led off with a bunt single and moved to second base when Matt McLain followed up with a walk. Things went nowhere from there as Jonathan India grounded into a double play and Elly De La Cruz struck out to end the threat.
Two innings later the Reds got some help from the Padres defense when Luke Maile reached on an error to begin the inning. He moved up to third base when TJ Friedl followed with a double. With a contact play on, Matt McLain grounded to shortstop and the throw to the plate beat Luke Maile by 15 feet, so he headed back to third where both he and TJ Friedl stood until one of them was ruled out. Jonathan India then grounded into a double play to end the inning.
In the bottom of the 4th it was a 2-out mistake by reliever Tim Hill that helped out Cincinnati. Hill, a left-handed pitcher, hit Joey Votto with a pitch to keep the inning alive. That brought Spencer Steer to the plate and on the 5th pitch of the at-bat he hit the ball 441-feet halfway up the bleachers in left field to put Cincinnati up 2-0 with his 14th homer of the season.
Andrew Abbott walked his first batter of the game with one out in the top of the 6th inning. Fernando Tatis Jr. then hit a grounder up the middle. Matt McLain made a diving stop and flipped the ball with his glove from the ground towards second base where Jonathan India had to stretch and bare hand the ball for the second out of the inning.
You've seen plenty from Matt McLain's bat, time to show off the glove. @mattmclain_ pic.twitter.com/OspA7caIa1
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 2, 2023
The Andrew Abbott show continued rolling in the top of the 7th inning. After getting a fly out to start the inning, the rookie left-handed starter struck out Gary Sanchez and Jake Cronenworth to pick up his 9th and 10th strikeouts of the game and hold onto a 2-0 lead. He would return to the mound for the 8th inning, having thrown 92 pitches up to that point. Abbott struck out Nelson Cruz and Trent Grisham to start the inning, setting a new career high with 12 strikeouts. But the first pitch he threw to Ha-Seong Kim was crushed into the first row of seats in left field and made it a 2-1 ballgame.
David Bell walked to the mound at that point and made a pitching change as Andrew Abbott walked off to a standing ovation. Lucas Sims trotted in from the bullpen to face Fernando Tatis Jr. with two outs in the inning, hoping to hold onto a slim 2-1 lead. He didn’t. Tatis Jr. hit the third pitch he saw 420 feet into the bleachers to tie the ballgame up. Juan Soto would fly out to the warning track in center to end the inning two pitches later.
Stuart Fairchild came off of the bench to pinch hit for Jake Fraley against a lefty reliever with two outs and he drew a walk. With Joey Votto due up the Reds called on Tyler Stephenson to come off of the bench to pinch hit. The Padres countered by calling on right-handed reliever Nick Martinez out of their bullpen. It didn’t work out as well as San Diego had hoped as Tyler Stephenson crushed a 2-run home run on the first pitch he saw into the Padres bullpen to give Cincinnati a 4-2 lead.
Alexis Diaz took over in the top of the 9th inning for the Reds, looking to rebound from his first blown save of the year. He got Manny Machado to ground out to shortstop to begin the inning. Diaz then struck out Xander Bogaerts, but Gary Sanchez kept the Padres alive with a 2-out single that brought the tying run to the plate. Sanchez took second base on defensive indifference and then he scored easily when Jake Cronenworth doubled into left center, pulling San Diego to within a run.
The Padres called on Rougned Odor to pinch hit for Nelson Cruz. He battled with Diaz before lining out to Jonathan India to end the game and seal the win for Cincinnati. With the victory the Reds also grabbing a series win.
Key Moment of the Game
Tyler Stephenson’s 2-run home run in the 8th inning that broke a 2-2 tie.
Notes Worth Noting
Andrew Abbott had never pitched into the 8th inning in his professional career as a starter, even as a minor leaguer (he pitched in relief once after a big league rehab appearance from Luis Castillo where he pitched the final six innings of the game). His ERA now sits at 1.21 through six starts, the Reds have won all six games, he’s given up just 20 hits and 13 walks in 37.1 innings, and the lefty now has 42 strikeouts.
Spencer Steer remains hot. With two more hits on Sunday, including a home run, he’s now hitting .283/.374/.502 with 14 home runs and 50 runs batted in on the season.
The series win gives the Reds seven series victories out of their last eight series.
Up Next for the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals
Monday July 3rd, 6:05pm ET
Luke Weaver (1-2, 6.96 ERA) vs Jake Irvin (1-4, 4.72 ERA)
Great win for the Reds, too bad Abbott could not have gotten the win. Hopefully Law coming back helps the bullpen. Need more bullpen help, the current bullpen has to be very tired. Can’t wait until All Star break for much needed rest!
It is strange for Lucas Sims to get the blown save and the win.
Things like that have always been stupid in determining who gets the win. Makes no sense. There were no men on base. Abbott should get the win and Diaz the save of course.
Headline needs a bit of editing…
Gotta get India out of the 3 hole
His 2 GIDP killed the reds early in the game today. In a lineup this deep it just doesn’t make sense to have him there through this long slump he’s been in
+1000
+10.000!
That should be a key metric to consider in the two and three holes. Steer Ann’s McLain are excellent extra base hitters
Abbot is awesome. And kudos on the call to ph TySteve for Votto. Great series win.
And, not Ann’s. Lok
At least Bell isn’t all tied up in honoring Votto and made the right call to pinch hit for him. Looking more and more like Votto is done. That’s a shame.
Video showed Joey cheering the homer. Seems willing to accept his fate. Maybe the end of Joey…but maybe not yet?? We’ll see.
Alexis Diaz is beginning to remind me of Don Stanhouse the closer for a few years for Earl Weaver’s Baltimore Orioles. I think Weaver called him Fullpack, or something like that, because Weaver had to smoke a full pack of cigarettes as Stanhouse was struggling to close the game…as he usually did. I hope that Diaz isn’t getting arm weary.
I concur. He’s throwing too many balls and getting behind in the count. When he does that, he’s hittable.
What a win. That one would’ve hurt if it got away.
Diaz needs a IL stint and skip the AS game imo. Tired arm. They never blow anyone out so how is going to rest without the IL? Now is the time to go out and get a Graveman or Middleton or somebody with good stuff & high leverage experience.
Fix the lineup w/Steer. 7th is ridiculous. Stephenson is hot too so move him up.
CES with a HR today. Ask not for whom the bell tolls. Its tolls for thee Joseph V
They need to incent him NOT to go to the AS game. Period. It means little in the face of what these guys are showing us. Think longer term, please.
Insert CES for Votto. Simple as that. And what happened to platooning? Stephenson, Fairchild and Senzel, all on the bench going up against a left handed pitcher? I don’t mind Fraley and Friedl against lefties,..but no excuse for Votto being the DH against a southpaw with those three right handed batters on the bench. Shades of the old Bell. I had hoped he was learning. So much for that. Luckily, we won anyway,..in spite of that bad move.
I didn’t even mind Benson starting against the southpaw,..as he is a man. I did mind Votto at DH!
Benson down 0-2, gets an 11 pitch walk. Stu, pinch hitting, down 0-2, gets a 7 pitch walk. Those are impressive and meaningful at bats.
Didn’t mail it in like certain Padres. I wasn’t worried about McLain’s bobble on the leadoff grounder because I know Machado doesn’t hustle
Absolutely true. And him blocking third with his foot. Lazy, sometimes dirty, talented prima donna. Have fun with him for 10 years San Diego!
Absolutely. I was worried until I remembered it was Machado running. Threw him out by two steps.
The more I think about Benson, the more I hope someone in the front office is all over this. What happened? Was it 1-21 to start the season with all those Ks? That’s beyond a slump and into “does-not-belong-overmatched” territory.
Who was, or were, the coaches that fixed that? Did Benson do it largely by himself? If so, can he coach others on that, and if so, pay him a fractional bench coach salary.
I understand his career path has been a similar series of upward adjustments, but those typically peak or sputter out in MLB. If he persists at all somebody needs to examine how it was done.
Happened last year with Friedl and Fraley when they went down. Don’t know if it was the same coaches or not. But what does that say about MLB coaches?
I would suspect it, with all three players, was more about pressing in the majors more so than anything else.
Sometimes a 2×4 to the nose moving a mule has similar results to getting down to minors for a ball player. It can either make you better or end your career. Spring Training was so easy for Wil maybe he needed that 2×4 to get focused again.
Keep riding Abbott’s success until he needs to be pulled back due to innings/pitches. He’s doing his part.
Steer is a stud. No question about it.
Looking forward to watching the boys play in person, even if I’m in enemy territory. What have the Nats got to cheer for right now anyway, right?
Hoping the weather allows the game tomorrow. Tuesday looks stellar.
Great spending time with y’all after another cardiac win.
Have fun in DC. Please give us in-person, first hand report of the game.
Hope to make it to Wednesday’s game. Ashcraft is scheduled. Looking at seats behind the visitor’s dugout
Enjoy DC. Hope the weather cooperates.
When is a good time to pull Abbott back?
Answer: There is no good time.
Great win. And now that the team has won yet another series while being outscored by the opposition, it’s time to make a few moves.
1) Get some pitching help NOW. Relievers. Starters. Whatever. Don’t wait. Tired of hearing people say it’s not possible to make a decent trade now. It was obviously possible for Texas.
2) Relatedly, do not allow Weaver to make another start. At the very least, use an “opener,” but come on. He’s not a decent major league pitcher. He’s probably not even a major league pitcher. It’s not a fluke that he keeps giving up a lot of runs.
3) Enough with the three catchers already. Didn’t we all just notice how nice it was to have an extra guy on the bench who can hit, run, and play the outfield? This could come in handy on a regular basis. The third catcher does not. (And by the way… there are MULTIPLE guys in AAA with an OPS around 1.000.)
4) Start batting your hottest hitters at the top of the order and get your struggling hitters to the bottom or the bench. Enough with the theories about where guys “ought” to be hitting or the benefits of “stability” (which only seems to apply to certain guys for some reason). There’s no reason for India to be 3rd and Elly to be 4th every day when they aren’t among your best four hitters at the moment. Steer and Benson have no business being in the bottom third of any order until they prove they can’t handle being in a higher third.
“there are MULTIPLE guys in AAA with an OPS around 1.000.”
Yes. 3 of the 8 just got to AAA and, thus, should stay there.
Two are already up here.
One was sent down because we simply had no need for him with the big club.
One is injured and hasn’t played since May 19.
The only one left is CES. And, if you bring him up, where to you play him? I mean, we already sent one down to move Elly up here. Where do you play CES? 3rd? His fielding% at third is 0.895; he’s not playing 3rd up here.
Bottom line, CES would be part-time up here or make others part-time who haven’t done anything to have their time cut. Oh, I can understand, “Get rid of a C, bring up CES.” But, then, where does he play? Again, he’s going to be taking time from others who haven’t done anything to deserve having their time taken.
CES will be up here when the rosters expand. He will be up here next year. He’s playing regular down there. Let him play regular instead of part-time here.
I can’t help thinking the only thing bringing CES up here is going to be Votto’s immediate retirement, that is, if you want to see CES up here this month.
There are definitely different points of view as far as when to bring CES up. Of course that’s okay. I’ve already express mine more than once.
A) I’ve explained three or four times where CES could play without forcing anyone to the bench more often than once every 10 days or so. You simply refuse to acknowledge it. If I say 2+2 is 4, I think you’ll probably argue about it.
B) For example, playing for the Bats today was a guy named Ramos, whose OPS dropped to .992 today because he only went 1 for 4 with a single. Also playing for the Bats (though he seems to have had the day off) is a guy named Reynolds, whose OPS is 1.038.
I say there are MULTIPLE guys because those two guys plus CES is MULTIPLE. (There’s also Hopkins, whose OPS is pretty close to 1.000, and Robinson is over .900, but I wasn’t even thinking of either of those two guys. I was thinking of the other three.) But you insist CES is the “only one left.”
I say 2+2 is 4. I wonder if you’d agree with that, or find some way to insist it can’t possibly be true because I said it?
expressed *
B) And we sent Reynolds down for a reason; we had no place for him, with the emergence of McLain, Steer, Benson, Friedl, Fraley, and others.
Where are you going to play them all?
What, just because a AAA player does good, you are going to move him up? You have to have a place for him. Who deserves to have their playing time cut with the big club to make way for a minor leaguer who an directly take their place?
They are playing full-time down there. Up here, they would be part-time, as well as make others part-time. No one wants that. They will be up here when the rosters expand. They will be up here next year.
A) that part has already been debunked as fanatical.
What about the fact that David Bell likes to give guys days off anyway and probably will?
Steve, my man. All I said is that the Reds had multiple guys in AAA with an OPS around 1.000. I didn’t say the Reds should bring up Reynolds or Ramos. Obviously, I want them to bring up CES — I’ve made this very clear elsewhere — but I was merely pointing out that they have multiple guys who are tearing up AAA hitting right now. That’s it. You’ve chosen to argue with this mathematical fact for some reason.
And by the way: “we sent Reynolds down for a reason; we had no place for him, with the emergence of McLain, Steer, Benson, Friedl, Fraley, and others.” That was not why Reynolds was sent down. He played two games for the Reds this year, and they were on April 30 and May 2. He was then DFA’d on May 6 and wound up in Louisville on May 9 because he wasn’t claimed. (Which I bet several teams now regret.) McLain wasn’t in the majors yet. Benson had been sent back down to the minors because he’d been a total flop to that point. Neither of those guys had anything whatsoever to do with Reynolds being sent down.
You’re just making stuff up in an effort to “prove” I’m “wrong.” Please stop before you embarrass yourself any further.
DH! DH!! DH!!!
Fun fact: Reynolds was actually DFA’d when Myers was ready to come back from the injured list and the Reds needed to create a spot on the roster for him. Funny how things turn out…
Please stop with the Reynolds talk. He isn’t on this team because he’s not a good player, and the back of his baseball card proves that. I don’t care that he’s having some crazy out-worldly run in AAA. Maybe some GM can be fooled, so try and deal him, but NO to putting him on the Reds.
There is ONE move to make, and that’s DFA Casali and bring up CES. The lesser move would be to also trade Newman, and bring back up Fairchild, because he’s going to have to get sent down again.
Chris, I agree that’s the right and obvious move. It’s been the right and obvious move for the past several weeks. There are some, however, who insist CES “can’t” or “shouldn’t” be brought up if he’s not going to be starting virtually every game. And my point is that the Reds have actually had other guys in AAA hitting extremely well, and the argument about CES doesn’t apply to those guys, and yet Casali remains on the team and those guys remain in AAA with CES. What this says to me is that the real reason they haven’t brought CES up isn’t about CES, it’s that they simply don’t want to part with anyone on the major league roster. It doesn’t matter who’ve they’ve got in the minors or how well they’re hitting; the Reds simply don’t want to part with Casali. Period. That’s why he’s here and not Reynolds, not Ramos, and not CES. They just can’t let go of this this three catcher theory.
DH and first base. Simple.
DH mainly then 1B/3B
Reds have been winning a lot of close games they might well have lost last year or in previous years.
I’m ready to watch them win a few blowouts.
The problem is that they don’t like scoring runs unless they’re behind. Sometimes, like today, they’re willing to score a run or two when it’s tied, but that’s it. This makes blowouts almost impossible.
Yep. They are not a front runner team for whatever reason. Maybe playing against Washington will change that. We can only hope. But I’ll miss the thrilling come from behind wins though 🙂
If Weaver actually pitches, I don’t think we’ll have to worry about the Reds being too far ahead.
Nats have won 3 straight series.
It’s criminal that Sims gets the win after the way Abbot pitched. I know it’s the rule but man o man….
Agreed.
He’s sure giving up some bombs lately. Luckily all solo shots. Abbot was sensational
It’s high time for the qualification for a win needs to be changed in the rules. So many times, the person that deserves the win doesn’t get it. Somehow, they need to remake that stat and make it a credible stat once again.
If you blow a save or hold opportunity that person should not get the win period. At this point I’d rather they not issue a win to anyone over the silliness of giving it to someone who clearly put the win for the team in danger.
So how would you change who gets the win? Abbott could not possibly get the win, because the game had been tied after he was gone. If not Simms, then who? Diaz? If Diaz gets the win then he can’t get the save. Maybe we should just give the win to Stephenson. 🙂
Abbott because he pitched over seven innings and left with the lead.
If you blow a save or hold opportunity that person should not get the win period.
That would be a great new rule. Then leave it up to the Official scorer to pick the W. In yesterday’s game -easy call Abbott 5-0.
India and Votto’s spots need to be moved back a bit. Assuming they keep the 1, 2 the same, I’d like this.
Friedl, McLain, EDLC, Steer, Fraley, India, Votto, Stephenson, Benson
Need to acknowledge EDLC’s struggles against LHers while we’re at it.
They are plain to see. We do have some good hitters off lefties that can PH for him once in a while during a slump like this.
Not only against LHers. Elly plainly strikes out WAY TOO MUCH!!! His speed might justify keeping him in the line-up for the time being,..but he should be moved out of Clean-up and down toward the bottom of the line-up if he can’t put his bat on the ball. Recently, he mostly likes to get his photo taken with the players who are hitting home runs. Time for him to hit one now and then,..instead of striking out constantly with men on base. Noteriety only goes so far. Jmo. See the ball,..hit the ball. Please and thank you.
@Harry, That’s why I like him surrounded by RHB’s. Right now a team can throw a lefty out of the pen, and get EDLC on his weak side, then Fraley, and Votto. It also insulates Fraley from the same issue.
India was much better as the leadoff hitter. Friedl as #2; India on base would help open that right side up for Friedl.
I’ve said this before. Just swap Steer and India. Problem solved. I personally like Benson 9th, because he’s like another leadoff hitter with speed.
Fairchild is the unsung hero today with the two-out walk. Great call by Bell to ph for JV, but he shouldn’t have been hitting 6th to begin with. Hitting .143 and falling by the day. He did get on base with 2 outs, but it was because he got plunked square in the back.
We have to give Bell credit for undoing his original lineup mistakes. Better late than never, I guess.
Bullpen runnin on fumes.
Going to Washington now. Wouldn’t mind the old Moneyball Rincon deal and just have Kyle Finnegan switch dugouts. He had a 0.79 era in June and I saw him hit 100 about 10 days ago
AA making a strong case to be NL rookie of the year. With Corbin Carroll hurting – and shoulders can be tricky – AA could sneak in there if he continues to pitch like this. Corbin Carroll’s OPS last 15 games is about .630.
The other Reds rookies – McLain, Steer, EDLC are all having very good years but Abbott is just incredible. If he doesn’t hit an innings limit, he could be starting game 1 of the NL division series. Simply incredible!
As much credit as Krall deserves for some of the recent trends, I’m concerned about his ability to make trades in the other direction. He seems to be a genius when it comes to trading proven major leaguers for prospects, and he has a knack for finding undervalued little-known players like Drury and Maile, but his attempts to acquire “proven” major league talent have not been so stellar. A few have worked out okay (the Castellanos signing worked very well for one year out of a four-year deal, and I guess Solano wasn’t bad), but he’s the same guy who thought it would be a good idea to invest in Myers, Minor, Weaver, Moran, Pham, Moose….
So, while I desperately want this team to make some sort of deal for some legit major league pitchers, I just don’t entirely trust Krall’s judgment evaluating potential incoming talent, and when the team says “we couldn’t find the right deal” or “the asking price was just too high,” I really question what that means. We’ve just seen Chapman traded for what seemed like a deal the Reds could as easily have done. Why didn’t they do it?
Krall saw some teams who wanted to “sell their future”. Krall simply doesn’t want to do that.
Don’t get me wrong. I believe we do have enough pieces to trade. But, that is only a small part of it. The other team has to have what we want AND is willing to part with it. We have to have what they want and be willing to part with it. Then, cross some t’s, dot some i’s, and it’s done.
It could be as simple as something like we will deal Collier but they want Marte. Just similar for us, we want one pitcher, but they are only willing to give us a lower pitcher.
I hope any trade the Reds make for pitching goes beyond some over priced innings-nibbler and include a contract that might lock someone in for more than a year or two of control.
The Gray deal comes to mind as an example.
Trading off Collier or Marte for a year or two of mediocrity seems shortsighted.
Think of what the Twins gave up to get Mahle.
Not my kind of deal.
How Seattle traded for Castillo…and then signed him…seems a strategy to bring to the operation.
I would welcome either of two kinds of trades. Either trade a top prospect for a good young pitcher under team control for at least another couple years, or trade a not-so-good prospect (or prospects) for a 2023 rental. I don’t think many people are suggesting the Reds ought to be trading one of their top-10 prospects for a set-up guy who’s probably gone after the season. The Rangers just traded two prospects who were WAY below that to get a pitcher just like that. Why couldn’t the Reds beat that deal by a little bit? It concerns me that they apparently didn’t try.
I thought Williams signed Moose?
I don’t know what his actual role was behind the scenes, but Krall was certainly part of front office that signed him. That signing was credited to “Williams and Krall” in media reports.
Williams was responsible for Castellanos and Moustakas; not Krall.
Here’s an excerpt from a Mark Sheldon article in 2019:
Reds general manager Nick Krall reached out to Moustakas and Boras on the first day of free agency in October, and talks began in earnest during last month’s General Managers Meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz. “Nick was locked in,” Boras said. “I could see that he really knew what Moose could mean to this team.”
So, I’m afraid I’m gonna have to stand by my claim that Krall had something to do with Moose coming to the Reds.
Well good news for tomorrow, Gibaut, Cruz, Young all two days of rest. Law now coming back and fresh.
I wouldn’t mind if Farmer was able to get another two days rest. As some have mentioned the cracks are appearing slowly.
I am anxious to see Williams and Ashcraft pitch again to see if they have turned a corner and if so well..
I, Like many wish they would do away with carrying 3 catchers.
If they want to keep Fairchild up, they will have to move someone else off the 26 man roster to create a spot for the 13th pitcher which they seriously need.
Tony Santillan was with the team today in Cincinnati and supposedly is going to travel with them. Thus, he looks to be the 13th pitcher. Mills was DFA which opened a 40 man spot for Santillan. However, no candidates to be DFA or optioned to make room for him on the 26 man roster pitched today.
My guess is that Fairchild was recalled because Washington is a big OF; and, they wanted him available for duty there. That leaves open the question of who goes to get them back to 13 pitchers. Maybe the 3rd catcher?
@jim
Been saying this for days. Fairchild isnt being called up to go back down. It’s 3rd catcher or one of Senzel/Newman who neither played today despite lefties.
We shall see
Stephenson is playing great
Newman nor Senzel is going down to keep a .230 hitting young outfielder. Not going to happen. My bet is that Fairchild was up here for one game, or Casali is getting DFA’d.
When you think about it there really is not much of a role for Newman any longer as all the spots in the infield are covered by more than one and he can’t play outfield that I know of although he probably could. An argument can be made Senzel only has a role in the outfield now and that Fairchild is better. Who know’s what they’re thinking. We shall see.
This is what good teams do. The Reds have won 7 of their last 8 series. Quite a turnaround from last year.
Alexis Diaz has got to be really tired, and lately it is starting to show. Glad Reds had a two run lead in the ninth of todays game. Again, the All Star break comes at a good time, giving a much needed rest for the Reds bullpen.
Except Diaz will most likely pitch in the All Star Game
Here’s how Bell should set the rotation imho for these last 7
Monday Weaver
Tuesday Lively
Wednesday GA
Thursday Stoudt or unknown/bullpen game
Friday Williamson
Saturday AA
Sunday All hands on deck (GA on 3 days rest)
1. No Weaver vs Milw
2. Milw hits .215 (642 ops) vs lefties and this would give both Williamson and AA 5 days rest
3. Saturday for AA also gives him 5 days rest until Milw on Friday night after the break
Barring and injury, Stoudt can’t be recalled until July 10 as pitchers can’t be recalled for 15 days after being optioned.
We all got along today 😀
I for one am trying to do better
It’s easy to get along when Bell doesn’t make any bone-headed moves during the games.
Bell did a good job today. Every move he made was the exact move I wanted him to make. Since Abbott pitched deep into the game, it didn’t allow Bell much space for him normal bullpen over-managing.
“The exact move I wanted him to make.” Luckily we’ve got you around. It’s getting delusional in the Bell hater parts of the world, no wonder you don’t see Doug comment much anymore. How is this thread dealing with the fact he’s way closer to being NL Manager of the Year than being fired? One could use this experience to accept that managers don’t matter nearly as much as players do….. Or, wait until they lose again to blame bell for everything…… Let’s see what they choose.
In fairness, Bell could have over-managed by pulling AA out too soon. He also did what many managers would have done, and that’s bat for the aging HOFer, knowing that by pulling him back a righty would face his right handed pinch hitter. Bell actually managed this game to perfection.
Somebody beat me to this suggestion, but, can we hire Abbott’s dad as a pitching coach?
Outstanding outing by Abbott with 7.2 innings pitched, one earned run and 12 SOs!
Now on to continue our winning ways against the Washington Gnats!
Reds face a right hander tomorrow. I am not one for who should or shouldn’t play. Maybe I am and don’t remember posting about it.
I think Votto needs a day and so does India.
Maybe Fairchild as DH and Move Mclain to 2nd, De La Cruz to ss and Senzel to 3rd. I know Senzel doesn’t hit right handed pitching much, however its one game and lets see what happens
I think Fairchild was brought up in large part because DC is a large OF. If so, that would seem to rule him out as a DH
Great point Jim!!
Question for anyone out there! Why does ESPN show Milwaukee at the top of the NL Central standings with an identical record as the Reds?
I’m glad. Keeps a collective chip on our shoulder.
Just spitballin – alphabetical team name – (B)rewers, (R)eds? Media bias? Insulting disrespect?
I’m going with using the head to head record as a tie breaker, but that’s just a guess.
Is there a tie breaker based on head to head results?
Just for fun, I tried to imagine what a Reds-Angels blockbuster trade for Shohei Ohtani would look like. It would probably look something like this:
REDS GET: Shohei Ohtani
ANGELS GET: Christian Encarnarcion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo, Chase Petty and probably another top 30 prospect.
Starting lineup:
CF Friedl
SS McLain
3B De La Cruz
DH Ohtani
1B Steer
RF Fraley
2B India
LF Benson
C Stephenson
Rotation: Greene, Abbott, Ohtani, Lodolo, Ashcraft
Obviously any trade for Ohtani would have to include him being signed beyond this year, which would be something like $475 mil over 10 years.
I personally wouldn’t do it, but imagine the media frenzy that would surround a trade like that.
The thing with Ohtani is, it would be like getting 2 players in a trade. A power bat AND a top of the rotation starter.
@Ron “I personally wouldn’t do it” me either, but I’d offer him that contract in the off season. Urias would also be an Ace level FA to target. If they want to go a bit cheaper Giolito, Snell, or Gray could be solid choices, but not Ace’s.
I actually would do that. You get the best pitcher and the best hitter in the game. You are only giving up 4 top prospects. Again, this assumes you re sign him.
Oh I think Ohtani gets 10 years $600M from the Dodgers. Top5 player and SpP in one. And based on what top SP’s are getting ($40M+/yr.), he would be grossly underpaid.
Reds take 2/3 against the Orioles and 2/3 against a ridiculous batting order in SD. Went to the game again today and its fun.
I mentioned it yesterday and I will say it again. Tyler Stephenson is back and ready to be a primary catcher. Kudos to Krall for the 3 catcher system after Stephensons surgery and 3 injuries, but he is back. The 3 catchers are no more needed. Move forward to a (2) catcher system. Senzel and Newman didnt play despite multiple lefties and Fairchild did.
I see (2) major moves coming. Fairchild as a 4th OF and the end of the (3) catcher system. There will be roster decision on Senzel or Newman this week and another one on the catchers over the AS break. Votto gets 7 more games to prove he is a starter after the AS break. I hope he crushes it but CES needs to be ready.
My thinking exactly. Stephenson didn’t say it but credit his turnaround to feeling healthy. Caught back to back games for the first time in a while Like Casali but would rather keep Maile’s bat, which seems to have cooled with sporadic playing time
I’ve commented along the same lines, but think they’ll juggle the roster it until the trade deadline or an IL spot opens. But – see Moose and Myers moves.
As things stand now, I agree about CES and Fairchild. How they manipulate the roster to get into this configuration will be interesting and sure to stir the pot of both thoughts and feelings among fans
However, one point that could change the situation is if one (or both) of CES and SF them are involved in a deal for pitching. Another is if a deal for pitching grew to the scale it also brought back a substantial position guy.
I think there is a fine line between teams that can pick each other up and those that can’t.
Years past when a Reds team was being held together by duct tape and bailing wire the team would fall apart during stress or pressure.
The talent was not quite there pitching or hitting.
This year the hitters are good enough to pick each other up and the amazing thing is this includes rookies or second year guys.
Now many are calling for trades for pitchers but even there the Reds have done well enough to get where they are.
Different starters have been a stopper when needed.
Relievers have developed into serviceable players.
Diaz has been lights out and maybe is tired as others have pointed out.
Even on defense in spite of tootblans here and there they have performed well enough to win.
Can this continue? Yes.
Guys will heal.
Guys will rest over the all star break except for the Reds’ participants.
Guys will be called up and possibly contribute.
The young guys have learned and will continue to learn.
This team is so much fun to watch. Never over until the last out.
Some calling for CES; that is the furthest of our priorities right now. It should be nothing but pitching. Worry about CES when/if Votto retires, or gets injured, or if CES gets injured, etc.
Pitching should be our top, if not only, priority. Get our starters back. Get our relievers some rest. Hope that our relievers can maintain how well they’ve been pitching most all season.
The problem with getting quality pitching is that teams are going to want some combination of CES, Marte, and Arroyo. I just don’t see Krall giving up any of them. Newman, Senzel, Votto, Fraley or Fairchild, etc. just aren’t going to get much in return. My prediction is that he chooses to ride this year out with what he’s got and hope that Greene, Lodolo, Santillian, etc come off the DL and shore up the pitching. We will all see soon enough.
Krall can chew gum, and walk at the same time, so I bet he can promote CES, and trade for pitching at the same time.
“Krall can chew gum, and walk at the same time, so I bet he can promote CES, and trade for pitching at the same time.”
I dunno. There are only so many hours in the day. The paperwork to promote a guy and either demote or DFA another guy is a basically a 24/7 job, and he needs to focus on trading for pitching.
Putting the best lineup on the field and the mound would be a good priority to have imo. That includes getting arms if it fits the plan and batting the best 9 in a run maximizing order. As I see the world both things can be accomplished, call me crazy.
Luis Castillo, Sony Gray and Michael Lorenzen named to the AL all star team
WOW! No Reds made reserve? I didn’t think anyone would start. But, I thought 1 or 2 might make reserve, of the field players.
Well, Diaz is in there. But, he should rest. I mean, go to enjoy the activities. But, I wouldn’t pitch.
Could that be why Bell pitched him today? I mean, wasn’t there some rule that some pitchers can’t pitch in the ASG if they pitch the last game prior to it?
Yeah but the game isn’t until next week. A 1st lace team deserve more than one player IMO.
Hopefully the young Reds just use that as motivation to go ahead and just win the whole darn thing. No one on that team would trade a World Series appearance for a night at the All-Star game.
Friedl cheated by the stats rules – have to believe lazy voters/writers have no idea what he’s doing.
I sure do miss Castillo and Gray.
The Joey Votto Crowd on this website is delusional and pathetic. It’s about winning and whether Votto adds to that. He’s NOT! Reds are in first place. Joey is 5-35 and is absolutely abysmal. I am willing to give him 7 more games till the AS break to prove himself but the notion that Votto plays everyday regardless of performance is abject stupidity. Hes 39 turning 40 and if hes old or cant recover or whatever…doesnt matter. Joey votto needs to hit…period. If he cant…bench him. no one is bigger than the team. That said…I hope he blows up in Washington and I will root for him like crazy. If hes not better a week from now….He’s #26 on the roster and pinch hitter and occasional DH. Joey needs to catch up to his teammates.
Who are the “Joey Votto Crowd” here?
Are they posting secret messages?
I don’t read anything from anyone suggesting Votto should play every day irrespective of his performance.
There’s actually been a fewvfolks suggesting that the Reds DFA him.
Honestly, the number of straw man arguments like this that get set up here is astounding.
I know I’ve contributed my share in the Pinder/Vosler/Newman days. But that was mostly me being delusional and paranoid.
But maybe I’m missing the ‘delusional and pathetic’ support of JV.
Can you provide some citations of such?
Read the thread. Dont worry about CES unless Votto is injured or retired.
I have read the thread and honestly can’t find any evidence of what you are talking about.
I did see two guys continuing their running argument…one guy thinks it’s easy to work CES into the mix and the other guy with his knickers twisted up about spoiling the ‘chemistry’.
Maybe the ‘delusional and pathetic Joey Votto Crowd’ deleted their posts?
Wow seriously calling people delusional and pathetic? Reading your post confuses me. You call the “Votto crowd delusional and pathetic ” yet you hope Votto hits well.
Totally uncalled for
Votto needs to earn his spot
I hope he does
At some point …. He doesnt and thats a week from now at the AS break
Hes been awful and many folks say hes earned the right to continue to be awful
I say not after the AS break
Clear decision point
Okay, so it’s dump Votto time. Are you suggesting we dump India too? As bad as Votto has been, he’s had a higher OPS, SLG, and OBP than India in June. I’m not real happy with Votto’s numbers either, but no one is going to just dump Votto with the career that he has had, after 40 plate appearances. Votto has played in 10 games so far, and in 20% of those, he was a huge difference in them. Should he be sitting a bit more? You bet, but outright dismissing him after 40 plate appearances is just silly, and unrealistic as well.
Old-School it’s generous of you to give a future Hall of Famer,with a lifetime OBP over .400,another 7 games.
Overall, I enjoy your posts, they are usually well
thought out and rational, but this one is reallyrock bottom.
Completely agree, and per my post above, he’s been better than India in the month of June. Old School never mentions India and sitting him though. Maybe Old School just doesn’t like Votto. For some reason that’s been the common thread amongst Reds fans over the years.
Besides any Radicals on here, all people have ever said about Votto is to play him about 5 of 9, 6 of 10 games, more if the bat gets going, less of not. Votto has earned that would this organization.
You bench him, you may be sending a message to every FA that comes in here, “Oh, they are just going to bench me just because I go through a dry spell.”
Oh, the club will probably buy him out in the off season; I would. But, Votto has earned his spot given his service through the years.
You know…Joey has been able to turn things around in the past. Can he do it again, I don’t know. We need just a half season from him.
But if he was to, you would want him in there. Is 7 more games enough? It will be an interesting dance between Krall, Bell, and Joey. In the end I’m confident all will agree on the right thing to do. Joey will want to be in the dugout during the Playoffs, even if he will sit on the bench.
Abbott can flat out pitch. He locates well, up-down-in-out, depth, & rise on that heater. The hitters body language was very telling & enjoyable to see with them guessing wrong and being baffled.
Benson’s ab’s vs the lefty looks good and just missed hitting a bomb. But, he digs in and there was no flinching in his lower right leg at all, same for TJ on that point.
Steer 14 hr & 50 rbi. 3,4 or 5 hole hitter in the making. Not out of the question to end up around 27 hr & 97 rbi’s or more with hot humid weather and August tired arm pitching and the pitch clock.
That 14th positional player paid off big time on this day for Ty’s 2 run dinger.
Also gotta give Bell credit for his decisions today. I’m usually pretty critical of him so it’s only fair to give kudos when deserved.
I want to see Benson given more opportunities against LHP going forward.
Actually, I want to see the same for Fraley too. He just missed having 2 hits against LHP today by literal inches, one hit to the hole in right that the 2B barely got to, and a liner to SS that he had to jump to barely snag. A few inches to the right, or a few inches higher, and those are hits.
Just bad luck.
Two things to consider about JV. 1. He desperately wants to be part of a winner. His conversation about how exciting this team is gave a pretty good indication that he wants to ride into the sunset with this team. 2. His ranking numbers don’t look good on his HOF resume. These next few games have these two factors hanging in the balance.
You’re right with us HOF numbers. He’s nowhere close to 3000 hits and only has around 350 homers. I doubt you’ll get in with a high OBP or the amount of walks you have. He’s also a below average defensively. To assume he’s a shoo in for the HOF is a bit of a reach. Matters who’s also eligible. Hanging on and having 2 terrible years to end your career won’t help his cause. He was an icon in his time. But with this exciting new team he is becoming an afterthought. Ask the average Reds fan who their favorite player is you’ll get McClain, EDLC, Steer, Friedl, Fraley etc. I’m with out with old and in with the young. And I’m an old guy.
I would think he’s in. In the early 2010’s, he was possibly the most dangerous hitter in the league. Many teams pitched around him.
It will be tight, though.
Reds 5-4 against the Braves Birds and Pads.Thats good but still need a thumper in the middle of the lineup and that will make this lineup long and yes comparable to the best in the majors the Braves.Pen is tired but Soto,Machado and Tatis are really really good as are the Braves and the Birds.Yeah we pretty much out scored them but what our starters did in this series was very encouraging. Can’t take the Nats lightly at all cause they play with house money and that can be dangerous.They have some young players trying to make a name for themselves and the back end of their pen is good with power stuff.India,Joey and EDLC need a day off to recharge.Must protect Diaz as well so lets get out early and keep pounding them.GO REDS
Ty Steve even before his pinch hit homer is beginning to look like what we have seen him do before the injury.Think about it with him 7th or 8th now when he was in the 4 spot a lot says it all IMO.Just one final thought and I will go away and that is I trust Krall in a big way.He chose to say so long to Moose and Myers and flipped this roster to what you see now.Once Garrett and Lodolo return nobody will want to play the Reds.
EDLC, EDLC, EDLC – all we heard. Was called up. Has done some spectacular things, but blowing hot and cold. Striking out a lot.
CES, CES, CES – all we’re hearing. Who will he be when called up? EDLC? McClain? There are no guarantees, and CES has not been tearing it up his last 35-40 ABs.
Even after struggling EDLC has numbers of .281/.330/.479. If that’s the worst the he or CES will do I’ll take it. We know the upside is much greater.
I’ve seen moments with DLC, but I’ve also seen moments with Aquino. Where’s Aquino now?
Adjustments. That’s the name of the game at this level. You have to be able to make adjustments. Then, as soon as you do, the other team is going to adjust back, making you to adjust again. DLC has to adjust.
CES – there’s simply no place for him up here. Oh, I could see him easily coming up here. Not to hard to see moves that could do that. But, where’s he going to play? His 3rd base defense% is 0.895; he’s not playing 3rd up here.
That leaves 1st and DH for him. Platoon with Votto? How many left handed pitchers will we see? DH? That takes time from several other players. What did they all do to warrant having their time cut to part-time? All CES would get is part-time up here.
Listen, I will agree, the best thing would be for Votto to retire now, yes. But, till then, Votto deserves his opportunity. So, then, the best thing for CES is to be playing full-time, down in the minors. He will be up here when the rosters expand. He will be up here next season. There’s just not a place for him right now.
The club’s priority, first, second, and third priority needs to be pitching. Get what we got healthy, give it some rest, find some we can bring in. Unless we trade CES, he can’t help with that.
Agree. Right now this team belongs to McLain, Steer, and Abbot.
I think I would rather see the Reds play the Braves before having to go against the Padres again. They play the Reds so tough and honestly Hader scares me. Really nice work getting two of three.
We need to really focus on our best when playing the Brewers this month. Overcome them and we win our division. They are our biggest concern and hardest for us to beat.
The Padres are a tough team, but they’re a franchise that has spent a lot of money without getting much in return in the last twenty years. Spending money at an opportune time is important, but just spending as a winning plan rarely works out.
I agree CI3J, both guys. Fraley has led us rbi’s & Homer’s going into today, and that cries out for more ab’s alone for Jake. He’s tweaked a few thing mechanically and mentally since the Seattle days, and the start of his Reds career, and he’s not altogether the same guy. Bell can cherry pick when & where to get a larger sample size vs lefties, not the top lefty starters to begin with. Him and Benson are solid energy guys with good hit & power tools that possibly can be cultivated beyond platoon status. Defensively, late game I prefer them over Senzel and only trailing Friedl and Fairchild(when he’s on the 26) as our best defensive OF’s.
The Baseball gods are smiling on this young Reds team. That line shot at India to end the game emphasizes the point. The pinch hit homerun by Ty Steve on the first pitch of his at bat … This is hair raising stuff. We are watching incredible baseball on almost a daily basis…
Joey Votto needs to hit one and ride off into the sunset…
The Nats always play us tough. They won a World Series against the Astros a few years back where the home teams never one a game. The Astros had more home games…
Looking forward to more Reds Magic in the games to come… WOW !
This is not the same Nationals team that won the World Series by a long shot.
========================
DH CES 4/9 Votto 4/9 India 1/9
========================
1B Steer 8/9 Votto 1/9
2B India 7/9 McLain 2/9
3B EDLC 5/9 CES 4/9
SS McLain 6/9 EDLC 3/9
========================
RF Benson 7/9 Fairchild 2/9
CF Friedl 8/9 Fairchild 1/9
LF Fraley 7/9 Senzel 2/9
========================
C Stephenson 6/9 Maile 3/9
========================
I’ve put this out, or ones similar to this out a couple of times. The only reason I do this is there are a lot of people who seem to think that there is no room for CES to play with Votto up here. Obviously there are a mirad ways of configuring a playing time rotation, this one only illustrates that there’s plenty of playing time for all of our big bats.
CES will never play 3rd up here. His fielding% at 3rd is only 0.895. That’s 4 games that need replacing. This would make CES a part-time player up here, when he could be playing full-time at AAA and not make other players part-time.
What about Newman and Casali? Casali has been said to call the best game of the 3 C’s. What did he do to lose his time? He gets replaced to make room for CES?
Replacing Newman’s bat I could understand. But, when CES is very limited in what he can play, when Votto is very limited in what he can play, and Newman has played every IF position for us this season, exactly what you want from a utility IF, I would have to wonder why cut Newman for CES.
My 2 cents about Joey Votto:
He looks bad to me. He seems somewhat off balance and slow to react. Doesn’t really seem to have any kind of plan at the plate, and in the past it often seemed like he had a specific goal in mind. (Hitting the opposite way, driving it into the outfield, looking at as many pitches as possible, etc.) Now it seems like he’s just reacting and hoping to hit the ball *somewhere.* He’s hit a few balls hard the last few days, but also failed to move a runner from second to third with nobody out (the one time he really should have been trying to hit it on the ground to the right side, he popped it up to shallow center or left), failed to put the ball in play with a runner at third and less than two outs, doesn’t seem to hit anything with authority to the left side any more, etc. I wouldn’t have him hitting in the middle of my lineup, that’s for sure. I sure don’t want a game coming down to Votto at the plate with Steer waiting on deck hoping to get a chance.
However, I can’t begin to count the number of times people have written this guy off and been utterly wrong to do it. He’s had quite a few slow starts and then come roaring back in the second half. He’s had off years, then looked great the next year. During his rehab stint this year, I saw reports that he looked “old” and “slow” and so forth (I saw him play in one of those games, and my thought was that he just looked somewhat miserable being there), and then he went on a tear, got up to the majors, and promptly started smacking the ball about as hard as he ever has. Suddenly he was “Joey Votto” once again… until he wasn’t. But who knows which version shows up tomorrow. Wouldn’t be shocking to see him hit a couple home runs… or go 0-4 with three strikeouts.
I certainly wouldn’t give up on him anytime soon. But I also certainly wouldn’t have him hitting between Fraley and Steer, that’s for sure. And, unless/until he starts to look a lot better, I think it would be reasonable for him to be given some days off even when there’s a righty on the mound.
One of my favorite things from this game was seeing how excited Benson was to draw his walk after Steer’s home run. I know people have mentioned how hard he worked to get that walk, but what I loved was the fact that he celebrated it as if he’d just gotten a hit to drive in a run. Even though the Reds had just taken a 2 run lead, and even though there were two outs and Maile was on deck, it was clearly *important* to him that he find a way to reach base against that lefty, and he was willing to work a walk if that’s what it took. I just don’t remember ever seeing a guy get so excited about a walk that didn’t come with the bases loaded in a close game. I’d love to see more at-bats like that =from everyone on the team — even when it’s not late in the game and the team is ahead by a couple runs and the bases are empty and the next guy isn’t a particularly good hitter. That’s how to win games.
I like Benson’s attitude in general. He’s really passionate and seems like he’s enjoying every second he’s a part of this team.
Not only will July be a golden opportunity to beat Milwaukee head to head, but the Brewers play the Braves 6 times between July 21 and July 30. The Brewers schedule coming out of the all star break is brutal. The Reds could really separate themselves if they take care of their own business.
I’m mildly concerned that bullpen overuse is starting to show itself, but hopefully the all star break, and Greene/Lodolo coming back in August, will help with that.
It would be nice if any moves are going to be made to strengthen the team that it would be done BEFORE we start playing the Brewers.
But… but… but…
No doubt. Right now the rotation for the first Brewers series looks like Abbott, Weaver, and TBD. Not our strongest set. A DC rainout or trade could shift things slightly to Williamson, Abbott, and Weaver. Looks likeAbbott and Weaver are almost certainly 2 of the 3. Next series will be both teams best 3.
My biggest worry is still #1pitching, #2 Votto as long as we’re still winning and adding to our winning %.
As long as we are still winning a majority of series that gives the Reds time and Votto AB’s to either get right, or for him to honor what he said that he would do if his return attempt goes south.
The next thing that I would like to see Bell do is to drop him down to the 8 hole. I’d also cherry pick when to play him, and only start him against righties that he’s had past success with. I would also only DH him so that he would only have to focus on the hitting aspect and allow him to hit in the cage beneath the stadium during the game and view his AB’s more closely on the tablet. That’s what I’ve heard former full time DH’s say that they would do to stay loose and be better prepared to hit when their 1/2 inning to hit would cycle around. If he regains his ability to be productive then platoon him against righties and bat him accordingly. If not, he’s the 26th man, and he may choose to retire as he had indicated previously, unless I errored. What seems like an easy call is quiet complex in detail for the organization, a lifer Red, will be in the Reds Hall of Fame, and a potential MLB HOF’er(I used potential – because of fickle media voters).
Except Votto smacked Wacha around in the past, but Saturday he Ks on a 3-2 pitch in the dirt. He’s always a slow starter and that’s why I didn’t really want him back. His power can help, but not when he hits .180 with a K and 2 grounders to the right side because he’s trying to pull everything.
Sad to see because he was always such a smart hitter. Just a gut feeling, but I think he’ll retire soon
With the ASB break coming up, that would be the perfect time for Votto to retire.
Wait for the game and festivities to finish, then the next day, bam, Votto announces he’s hanging them up and has agreed to become a “special coach” for the Reds for the rest of the year.
Votto always said he’d retire if he felt he could no longer play at high level. Let’s see if he really does it.
Yes.
Good point. That was a long, hard earned 8 or10 pitch AB too. He knew that he battled & grinded that out for his teammates.
Shows the exuberance & positive culture that the young guys have infused into this 23 team, and winning culture.
Nice to see. We’ve seen to much of the stoic lack of expression from veteran laden teams. Winker was an exception, and Nick C. was more self ego imo.
From all accounts Votto has helped the young players this year. A few players have even said how much he has helped them. Benson, CES, Mclain among those who have said he has been a big help. Votto in my opinion is just as important to this team if not more so as he in my opinion with this young group that Vet presence. I know some don’t think that matters all that much, however in listening to a few interviews I do believe Votto has helped this club in other ways so far this year.
Votto is struggling for sure right now, and not surprisingly some have reacted accordingly. Fraley went through a slump, India is going through one Steer I think went through one as well as Stepheson, Senzel, and right now De La Cruz. It happens to all major league players (maybe not to Mclain lol) and to me these guys see or can watch how Votto reacts to being in a slump and learn from him.
Votto is now 100% healthy and in my opinion he will help this club this season.
I do think he should have a day off or two to regroup, however same can be said for India and De La Cruz. This team is fun to watch and one player doesn’t make or break a team.
Just my two cents
I just haven’t seen Votto drive the ball to left-center in a few years or atleast its very rare now. I think he’s trying to cheat on fastballs? Thats more Moose then Joey. I think the time has come, but he’s a smart guy and maybe he’ll adjust again. I wouldn’t be shocked
Indy, I think he is definitely trying to drive the ball because he thinks that is what this team needs. And he is right. It will be interesting to see if he adapts. We all know that he is capable of going to left. I would definitely only play him against Righties until he gets going. Hope he does, but he might not. I would be shocked if he decides to retire. I for one will not count out Votto until the day lady sings.
I think when players are asked about Votto, They are mature enough to say the right thing. I mean, no player ever is going to come out and talk bad about a team mate.
That said, Votto can continue to be a veteran voice – big brother to these guys, without playing every game.
Very true, however from my perspective when the players talked about him the tone in their voices suggest they were very sincere.
I agree playing a few games a week is good.
Most guys that have been so good for so long like Joey was rarely go out on top.That to me is the really bad side of just getting old as a ball player.No pitcher fears Joey any more to start with and second Joey knows unless he bangs doubles and homers he really can’t help this team.The walks won’t be there because he is trying to bang and the pitchers don’t fear him and even if he does walk he is station to station at best.First base and DH is for thumpers and unless he thumps he adds no value.Bottom line is Joey will decide but it will not be this year and that is going to be a big problem for this team unless again he bangs.Its just sad.
Pujols hit 24 HRs last year in only 304 ABs.
The Cardinals played him sparingly.
The Reds should do the same.
I can agree. My thought, also, is Joey has always been a slow starter. That, with age and coming back from injury, Joey may never be able to get it started again.
Yes, I do agree that the best thing Votto can probably do right now is to retire. However, I can understand him wanting to finish the season. And, frankly, Votto has earned that right, IMHO. I just hope that he and Bell doesn’t talk about how he should be playing everyday.
That glove flip out from McLain was sick. I’m asking myself, “could Elly have made that play?” and “Could any other SS have made that play?”
Of course, India’s side of that with the one handed grab and stretch was almost equally impressive.
One of the best plays I’ve ever seen. McLain is a plus defender at SS. Who plays there long term? Good problem to have.
Actions I would look to take:
– we have pieces of our “future” we can give up and not affect our “future” that much. We may have to lower our expectations on what we get back. But, I would have to say pull the trigger on 1 or 2 starters, as long as we don’t give up too much of our future.
So many people worried about CES. He should be nowhere near our main priorities. Main priorities have to involve pitching.
– If anything with the lineup, I would move India back to leadoff. He seemed much more effective there, I believe. So, then, maybe, in general: India, Friedl (with India on, that would help open the right side for Friedl), McLain, Elly, Fraley, Stephenson (DH/C), Benson, Votto, then C/DH.
– Bell has to change his staff management. Take last night’s game for example. I believe he did right in sending AA back out for the 8th. And, allow AA to finish the 8th?pull him? That can be questionable. I would have allowed him one more hitter to try to finish the 8th, but I had no problem pulling AA.
Previous games, this was one Bell would have pulled AA after the 6th inning. We just can’t do that to the relievers anymore. We need to push the starters for every out they can get, especially when they are going good. So, I was happy that Bell left AA in as long as he did.
What I had a problem with Bell doing is not giving the other relievers opportunities. I mean, we do have other pitchers than Diaz, Ian, Farmer, and Young back there. For example, where’s Cruz and DD? Why couldn’t Bell have started one of those 2 in the 9th? Just because it was a save opportunity? Our first priority from here on out needs to be giving pitchers rest. At least allow Cruz or DD go out for one hitter. If they don’t get them out, then send Diaz out there. But, if they do get them out, just imagine: 1) We give a key reliever another day off, and 2) We may have someone else we can go to in a high leverage situation. We have got to get the other relievers in there to take some time from the big 4.
Our first priority needs to be winning games. Cruz or DD to close a game with a one run lead is definitely NOT the answer to that. You save your relievers the best you can. Bell has done a very good job of that this year while at the same time putting them in a position to succeed.
Two run lead, as it were. Same premise.
You have the 3 batter minimum that you have to honor. With only a 2 run lead you have to nail that win down to win that series. Tonight’s game is where I don’t use Diaz.
The Braves series I noticed the arm fatigue. Farmer is really gassed, Gibaut, Diaz. Buck & Alexis delivers are not the same. Arm angle for Diaz, and Buck is not snapping the pitches off on his release. He’s missing his target and his release point is high. They’ve been over used and it is going to hurt us big time.
I agree on India, leadoff suited him & he became wired for that. India, TJ, Matt, EDLC, Steer/Fraley, Tyler, DH-Votto, Benson.
ATH… That was an awesome play! I yelled for my to come and watch the replay!
The fans are coming to see the young core play & I love it! It’s their team now:)
Hey, I finally fixed the headline to reflect the correct score…. like 22 hours later. Applaud me.
*buries head in shame*