The Cincinnati Reds will look to turn things around tonight as they welcome the San Francisco Giants into town to begin a new series. And Cincinnati’s getting a reinforcement from Triple-A, calling up Christian Encarnacion-Strand in an attempt to strengthen and lengthen the lineup. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm ET.
Starting Lineups
San Francisco Giants
|
Cincinnati Reds
|
| Austin Slater – LF | Elly De La Cruz – 3B |
| Wilmer Flores – 1B | TJ Friedl – CF |
| Michael Conforto – DH | Matt McLain – SS |
| J.D. Davis – 3B | Jake Fraley – RF |
| Patrick Bailey – C | Jonathan India – 2B |
| Mike Yastrzemski – RF | Joey Votto – 1B |
| Luis Matos – CF | Christian Encarnacion-Strand – DH |
| Casey Schmitt – SS | Tyler Stephenson – C |
| Brett Wisely – 2B | Will Benson – LF |
| Logan Webb – RHP | Brandon Williamson – LHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Brandon Williamson | 46.2 | 5.21 | 1.35 | 19 | 38 |
| Logan Webb | 126.0 | 3.14 | 1.11 | 23 | 127 |
| Links: Brandon Williamson’s Stats | Logan Webb’s Stats |
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Brandon Williamson
When it comes to weather, Williamson has had some bad luck lately as he’s seemingly caught up in any and all rain storms that happen to catch a series with the Reds involved. Two of his last three outings were cut short due to rain, including his last one in Washington prior to the All-Star break on July 6th – meaning he will have had 11 days between starts.
Left-handed hitters have hit for a solid average against Williamson this season. What they haven’t done is walk often or hit for any power – they have yet to pick up an extra-base hit against him this year in the big leagues. Teams aren’t sending many lefties out there to match up against him. Right-handed hitters get far more chances. They aren’t hitting for as high of an average, but they walk at a good rate against him, make plenty of contact, and hit for a lot of power.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 163 | 35 | 10 | 1 | 8 | 16 | 29 | .240 | .319 | .486 |
| LHH | 37 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 | .273 | .324 | .273 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 92.6 | 88.5 | 73.0 | 81.5 | 84.4 |
| Usage | 34% | 27% | 8% | 16% | 15% |
Logan Webb
The last time he took the mound, Logan Webb threw a complete game shutout with no walks and with 10 strikeouts. That came on the back of an 11 strikeout, 2-run performance in his previous start. To say he’s on a roll would be an understatement.
While his splits aren’t big, Webb does have some reverse splits. Right-handed hitters have a 71 point OPS advantage compared to lefties. Righties make a little more contact, walk more often – though still not much – and hit for a little bit more power. Not shown below in the splits are the home and road numbers. Webb has been dominant at home and merely solid on the road, where his ERA is 4.24 (2.02 at home) and hitters have a .707 OPS against him (.613 at home).
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 253 | 61 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 14 | 62 | .259 | .303 | .394 |
| LHH | 249 | 56 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 65 | .235 | .269 | .357 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | 2-seam | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 92.8 | 92.3 | 84.2 | 87.4 |
| Usage | 3% | 39% | 22% | 36% |
When and Where
- Game time: 7:10pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv, MLB Network
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 80°, partly cloudy, 15% chance of rain
News and Notes
Kevin Newman to the IL
You’re probably fully aware that the club called up Christian Encarnacion-Strand today. We found that would be happening last night. But we didn’t know what the other side of the transaction would be….. well, Kevin Newman is heading to the injured list with gastritis.
The Reds have signed more draft picks
Cincinnati’s 2nd round pick Sammy Stafura was the biggest signing of the day that featured two other draftee signings and a non-drafted free agent signing, who have no signed 14 of their 21 draft picks. The club has signed 10 of the 11 picks that they had in the first 10 rounds.
Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Brewers | 52 | 42 | 0.0 | 74.3% |
| Reds | 50 | 44 | 2.0 | 21.3% |
| Cubs | 43 | 49 | 8.0 | 7.2% |
| Pirates | 41 | 52 | 10.5 | 0.8% |
| Cardinals | 40 | 53 | 11.5 | 6.1% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
Wouldn’t it make more sense if Benson was batting third, McClain still second, and Friedl last? or Benson second and McClain 3rd? You would increase your odds that someone would get on base this way (especially with Benson). And shift everyone up a spot by sliding India down to 7th.
Of course it would. Bell hasn’t learned that yet.
Bell, with NO ML managerial experience when hired by the Reds FO, is still learning on the job! And, YES, he’s a slow learner!
Like Sisler, Heffner, Bristol in 1960s and Sparky in late 1969.
The Reds used to have a kid named Michael Beltre, who eventually got to AAA with the Yankees and now scouts for the Red Sox, who just did not have any offensive success unless he batted ninth. He was a Midwest League All Star batting ninth. Just maybe Benson likes the nine-hole and Bell doesn’t want to screw up something that is working. We actually don’t know that kind of stuff.
I’d really like to see Votto move up to 4th if this is the version of the lineup we’re going to see for a while, but the bigger issue is this: I don’t understand is why Bell won’t switch Benson and India? Hit Benson at 5 or 6 and India 9th where he can kind of be a second leadoff hitter. I assume that is the reason for Benson hitting 9th…and hitting leadoff was the role he was best at before being moved to 3 where his hitting has been pretty brutal since….for most of the last 7 weeks. Benson probably has the best eye on the team and generally gets on base and puts the bat on the ball with people in scoring position, so why in the world are you not taking advantage of putting him in a better RBI producing spot? I just don’t get it AT ALL.
Marcus Semien’s ops #s for his first 4 seasons as a starter:
.715, .735, .722, and .706. This is a guy with 16.3 WAR since 2021. India could be better. Possibly? Its 60% thru season #3. I’m not giving up on him. He works hard, but I think he needs to crowd the plate more. He could do more with outside pitches, which they seem to feed him, and he might get 30+ hbp. I don’t see how anyone could argue against dropping him down though.
It’s quite easy. He’s not hitting. Why give him more AB’s that others who are hitting?
The way India has been playing he is killing the team for a very long stretch. Why in the world are you not trying to give Benson, who’s basically been an on-base machine and having really good at bats all year, more at bats every game? And the other thing is, we all agree India is a better leadoff hitter and they’re using the nine-hole like a semi leadoff hitter, so why not put him there and put the guy at 5 who actually can have quality AB’s and drive in runs consistently….and not hit into a bunch of inning killing double plays or strike out every time you need contact to produce runs. It just makes no sense… stubborn stupidity
Still think India should be a good trade candidate, along with Newman and Senzel.
Newman, no. He has some trade value but not much.
Likewise, Senzel. Trade value but not a while lot.
India, maybe. Why would other teams trade you their good players for your players who are struggling in mid season?
Yes. If not before the trade lead line then certainly in the off season. He’s still a pretty good player that should be able to get a decent amount in return due to years remaing of team control. Package him with Senzel or Barrero and get a quality starter that you can keep for two or three more years.
I love how everyone says guys like Newman and Senzel have no trade value but somehow they’re critical to the Reds. Maybe it’s the fact that no one other than the Reds wanted Newman in the first place.
One word comment on the call-up of CES! FINALLY!
Done is done
I think, historically, Votto hasn’t done well in the 4-hole, but I agree with the vocal majority that India needs both to sit a day or 2 to get his head right AND to be moved lower in the order. Maybe have him 7th or even 9th. He’s been struggling for nearly a month now, even if he did get on and score yesterday. We also need someone to help out Elly just a tad – remind him of the change he made after the beginning of the season in AAA, that it’s OK to walk. ? Here’s to the offense breaking out!
My preference for Votto is actually 3, where he’s played most of his career and been very productive and would be comfortable at 3. I think he is the best three hole hitter on this team as it’s currently constructed. He’s hitting the ball harder more consistently than anyone else and he is probably been the best at producing RBIs consistently. Now McClain or CES may change my feeling on that but I would rather have Votto at 3 than 4, but since they moved McClain to 3 and I assume he might get a reasonable length of time to produce at 3 then I would put Votto at 4 for now…no further down than 5.
My preference would be a sofa in Toronto. He is the past not the future.
Looks like David Bell doesn’t trust CES as much as he did McLain and EDLC. He put them in the top of the lineup right away. No worries. I’m a very happy camper that he’s here. Yes the bench is now stronger no matter who of the nine rotational guys sit out. Now David Bell can, and you know he will, sub in Steer for one of your LH bats tonight if they bring in a lefty late in the game. Now we need Fairchild for pinch running duties late in the game. Casali kind of lacks a little in that area. 🙂 First things first I guess. Let’s WIN!
A corporate attorney I worked with many years ago had a profound saying for those that wanted to focus on events in the past! He said “Done Is Done!” That applies to the recent series with the Brewers! The Reds have 7 more games remaining on this current home stand! Time to refocus and start with a win tonight!
The Brewers may be gloating over their sweep of the Reds but they have a tough series on the road against the Phillies followed by a home series against the Braves!
A lot can happen with the 7 games the Reds have before the next series at Milwaukee!
Almost time to Kick This Pig!!!
I’m geared up in my City Connect stuff, so I’m doing my part.
New streak starts tonight!
Chastise me if you wish, but I don’t care much for the City Connect uniforms or any black baseball uniform!
Me too at least as a regular thing.
Your choice, Dennis. I respect that. I like them very much. Other clubs choices … not so much … 😀
I’m SURE Mark looks good in them though. 🙂
Dennis, they were not designed for your age group but the 15-25 range (players and fans). They are trying to excite young (the future season ticket holders) fans.
Glad to see EDLC in the leadoff spot tonight! Hope he is selective AND successful!
And I agree with Will the Red that India needs a break of a day or 2 which the Reds can manage now that CES is on the scene!
I hope Elly is looking at the leadoff spot in the light of growing as a hitter… needing to take more walks and being more selective. Quit swinging for the fences, which I think is causing him to swing at a lot of bad balls in the dirt and too much guessing looking to crush Homers. Just get on base, increase your on base percentage with walks and let your legs produce runs. I think if he changes his approach and focus to getting on base it will probably lead to hitting more home runs once he’s not trying to hit them anymore because he’s got so much natural power. Line drives… that’s the ticket laddie.
Kevin Newman has gastritis? That makes me sick to my stomach! Just kidding!
I have had a bout or 2 of gastritis in my lifetime! Not fun! Hope he gets better soon!
We need QS from Williamson tonight to have a chance. And the offense can put up 4-5 runs, that’s a tough ask against Webb. Will see how things pan out. A buddy buddy of mine is a die hard Giants fan and he and I have been going at it about this series. A lot at stake here 🙂
Timing is everything, especially in a long season like baseball where everybody goes through good and bad streaks. The Giants have won five straight and the Reds have obviously dropped four straight with their offenses falling off a cliff, so I don’t love your chances but we’ll see what happens. Uncle Mo is definitely on their side
I actually like my chances
I’m all for getting the Michael Jordan of baseball as many ABs as possible in the leadoff spot. 🙂 We have enough hitters behind him. No lineup is even close to the Great Eight but this might by the best top to bottom we’ve had since then. Just have to start hitting like it again.
Good start by Williamson. 🙂
Sparky was obviously overpaid with the BRM! The bat boy could have filled out the lineup card! Still remember listening to those west coast games when I was dating my future wife in 1975! I lost her in November of 2019 after 44 years of marriage,
She had the patience of a saint for putting up with my moodiness when the Reds lost! I’m sure she has the best seat in the house!
Sorry for your loss buddy.
Slater whiffs 2x … he did NOT check that swing. Universe corrected. Balance restored.
“Throw the next one at the Bull …”
Nice inning from Williamson.
Jinx! 🙂
Nice first inning by Williamson.
Williamson has really been improving. Could be that the former top 100 prospect has got his groove back.
Agreed. I’m anxious to see how he does tonight.
Now that EDLC is batting first, will he take the mandatory first pitch fast ball?
Look at that. Change up on first pitch.
Good way to kick off. Maybe got away with one pitch to Slater but other than that the redo of the pitches are at the top or bottom of the zones and mixing in all 4 pitches. Let’s go offense
Williamson sharp first inning.
Almost. Good AB by EDLC.
Where’s the rain? Williamson is like a rain magnet!
McLain!
Snuck that one over the wall … 😀
We will take it
Hello Mclean… goodbye baseball
Atta boy McLain
McLain! HR RIGHT FIELD! He is just SOLID all the way around.
We are so lucky this year, I’ve never had so many nights where I say he’s my favorite rookie, no he’s my favorite, oh I forgot about him, or him.
Yeah. Maybe another one now tonight! 🙂 I’ve NEVER seen or heard of so many rookies on one team doing so well. We’re living a miracle.
MattyMac appears to be the 1st Red emerging from their slump
Im not against McLain and Elly manning the left side of the infield and hitting 1/2.
I think Im elevating McLain to the lead of the Reds ROY. Admittedly a tough decision with these great rookies. Fun to watch.
I reserve the right to change my mind!
Great play by De La Cruz. 🙂 Good thing Votto is tall.
That’s exactly why I want to keep him at third. Few others make that play. I think he best serves the team and our future there.
Elly at the hot corner. Wow.
Serious question. have we found our left side for the infield for the next 8 years?
I vote yes, I like how consistent McLain is at SS, and Elly’s arm plays so well at 3B.
What’s up with the wrap tape on EDLC’s left hand? Has he always had that? Imdid that contribute to his flying bat?
I’m liking tonight’s version of Williamson. A few too many pitches so far, but you can’t argue with the results. Weak contact for the most part and letting the boys back him.
Time to see if India is going to let that MattyMc kid show him up … 😛
Somebody wrote on here the other day that they haven’t seen anything from EDLC at third base to say he can play third base. I would like to know if that person even watches the games.
Obviously not. I think he’s our best option there.
Elly can definitely pick it at 3rd, but more and more I think his speed and arm strength would be best utilized in center field. His range in the outfield would be elite, and I want to see him bring back a home run that was going to land 3 rows deep.
Elly accidentally throwing his bat when he swung and missed in the first inning made me think, is there any chance that not being able to use that knob piece anymore (thanks Davy Martinez) is impacting him at the plate right now? Not sure if it’s that serious, but I remember David Bell initially saying that it was something Elly had always used in the minors while he was coming up.
He still uses the knob piece.
It was deemed legal by MLB.
Only 1 AB vs the Nats he didn’t use it.
I thought I read that MLB decided he couldn’t use it anymore and had to take it off after the all star break. Maybe I imagined that.
Who sent him? When you are scuffling like that you take what you can get. Bad choice to press there.
Of course, that AB from Votto would have been a GIDP.
C’mon CES!!!
He got a change up right down the middle and just missed it, out in front a bit.
India is not running well. Maybe banged up.
Pop up to right field. I knew that minor leaguer wasn’t any good. 🙂 Sorry. Couldn’t help myself. 😀
Listening to Larkin he just said CES puts on quite a show in batting practice
I bet. 🙂
Shut it, Melvin lol. Steve is gonna be insufferable.
Why?
Steve, given how anti-call up for CES you’ve been over the past few weeks, I expected you to seize his lack of production in this game as a short-sighted “I told you so”.
Webb seems to give the Reds some pitches to hit. Need to take advantage of it
Bike Helmets!!!
I never get tired of watching them turn those.
A big boy blast … 😮
Monster shot
Oooops. Tie game.
McLain looks like Zach Cozart except much faster and a much better hitter x for Cozarts (1) Donkey year
+500
57 pitches through 3 innings. Bullpen better be ready. Unlikely to get a QS from Williamson.
Stephenson 0-20?
India and Stephenson having tough year 3’s.
India and Stephenson : The ones most talked about extending as part of our core. Funny how things change.
Great comment Melvin. I think i let things play out a few more weeks and other than a cheap FA pitching rental or 2 …see what we have. It’s a long year.
Not meant as a response LT.
No problem Old-school
Tidy inning from Williamson, great job. Reds offense, let’s make Webb work here
Williamson needed that inning, 6 looks likely now.
Hopefully
Man Fraley has that dive down pat. Very underrated fielder. If Senzel attempted that, he’d be on the IL.
Webb’s going to go like 8 innings isn’t he.
His ERA on the road is only 4.24… just gotta hit em where they ain’t… which seens tough to do right now
Falling like flies. Out in front of Webb’s change up constantly. Gotta make in game adjustment
Soft and down. That cat is out of the bag, and it’s on them to make the adjustments that kill it.
Boy how many times can our guys hit it hard at somebody in the infield.
No wonder SF P Webb is so successful…he hita a lot of corners… not very often in the middle of the plate. And he gets it and lets it go pretty quick….he could probably work with a 10-second pitch clock with no problem
What words can describe that play? 🙂
What in the HECK did we just see??? 😮 😮 😮
The Reds left side of the infield for the next 8 years.
We are watching the Reds 2 best players and they are rookies.
A darn good third baseman. That’s going to save a lot of runs.
YAWN. Just another great play on the ELDC highlight reel. 😉
Geez EDLC has skills
De La Cruz showing off his defence tonight with another great play.
EDLC looks so much better than I expected at 3rd.
Yes, leave him there for at least the next six years.
I guess I’ve always assumed McClain would eventually go to 2nd and Elly to SS, but it would be really hard to move Elly from 3rd. He makes very hard plays look really routine. He has an absolute rifle for an arm and he never misses a throw, everything is right there. Maybe Marte ends up at SS in 2024?
Keep him at 3B. He’ll make whoever mans SS a better fielder. Together they’ll cover the left side like a tarp.
I could go either way. You have to consider what kind of out-of-zone plays he might be able to make at SS with his freakish ability. Can you imagine putting an Elly at each of the 9 positions? Catcher would be tricky and a bit of a learning curve at P, but about as good of a candidate for that as the game has seen.
Glad India did not stretch that to a triple :). Let’s go, drive him in.
India obviously feeling lucky tonight. It was a very good throw and India just beat that tag.
Right now everybody has this young teams number.Word gets around on how to pitch guys and until they make the adjustments it is what it is.NO worries for me cause these guys are really young and our vets outside of joey are in year 3 with injuries for both causing them to miss time.I like ELDC at the top for sure but I love these young guys.They all have multiple skills that play in the big leagues and will for a long time.Bell can help them right the ship but he has to make some moves in the batting order and he started today but Benson strikes me as one that needs out of that 9 hole.
India’s like no not again.
Double by India. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their (BALLCLUB not country). Votto, CES, et al
Just lost audio for about 10 seconds. Pure heaven.
Hahaha My son just came over and wants me to mute and go to radio. 🙂
At least moved him over. And then left him stranded.
I’m starting to think EDLC is an acronym for a top secret military program, something about an electric driven laser cannon.
+5,000
That’s 2 highlight plays today alone.
Boy, when CES hit that ball I thought that was for sure into center field for an RBI. They had him made played perfectly…ball was right over the bag. And Stevenson hit another ball very hard right at the shortstop. I’ll say this, we’re not having any trouble hitting the ball pretty hard off Webb…just a lot of balls right at them.
That is twice now for CES.
Can’t hit the changeup right down broadway.
Just now can’t hit a sinker right down broadway.
Welcome to the big leagues, kid.
He hit them both.
And got jacked around on human calls that the AAA ABS would not call as strikes or let stand if challenged on a human call.
I am thinking human upping may be one of the biggest adjustments rookies coming up from AAA may face this year.
Unbelievable. Votto looked at a sinker right in his hitting zone for strike 3 . CES missed a sinker right down the middle. Stranded a lead off double. Nothing new here
Tough crowd, I mean, that Votto strike 3 had like a foot of arm-side run. Logan Webb has great command and good movement.
Webb is tough. Guys just beating it into the ground against him
He is. His stuff is not light out but his pitch selection and how he changes his pitch sequence is very smart.
Williamson must change his pitching pattern in the 6th inning. Giants are very good at making adjustments. Those high 4 seamers will be hit.
EDLC’s range is from 2nd base to the 3rd base dugout.
Ive seen enough folks . Elly is the reds third baseman. Hes making plays 15 feet behind the bag and 10 feet in foul territory look easy. his athleticism and cannon make him the best 3b in baseball right now.
Solo shots in GABP happen. Can Williamson recover and give us the full 6 innings?
Aren’t going to win when you score 1 run in your own ballpark. Williamson has kept them in the game.
Reds down by a run, seems like 5
I knew it. 6-7 inning have killed the Reds because the other teams make adjustments and we don’t
Because other teams have a “manager” and the Reds have David Bell.
Yes Votto had a man on 2nd , no outs and looks at a 3 rd strike! That is Not good for our team. I think he should play, but as a DH only and not against left handed pitching and if he gets on base he should be pinched run for.
Webb had an ERA of 5.22 in 8 starts in 2019 and a 5.47 in 2020. Then 3.03, 2.90, 3.14. Williamson. Williamson entered the game at 5.21 in 10 starts. He is not as good as Webb and it’s easier to make adjustments to Williamson. Check back in a couple years and Williamson might frustrate Giants hitters on his third time through the lineup.
Williamson strong 6 innings. Let the young guys play. Get some runs.
Another QS from Williamson. Can we wake up the bats and back him? I’m talking to you, Jobu!!!
Need to come up with different name calling. 3 pitches to strike Elly out. They don’t respond to Jobu 🙂
Jobu is, apparently, wasted on rum under a bridge by the Ohio River.
How about a bucket of Kentucky fried chicken (in lieu of live sacrifice)?
I’m sold on McClain @ short and EDLC @ 3rd. Case Closed
Silky smoothie at SS, and electric on the corner. I like it!
Mr. Smooth and the Electric Boogaloo
Wow, nice catch McLain, and good Job Williamson 6 IP 2 R. Let’s see the offense get him that W.
Williamson ERA down under 5. He is going in the right direction. The Reds offense stinks right now. 3 hits isn’t going to do it. Pretty hard to steal bases when you are never on base. Let’s hope Benson can start us off.
Time to relax and think about the basics of hitting.
I believe the WLW booth commented that Webb through a complete game his last outing. He’s certainly on his game tonight.
I’m a big Votto fan, but his last at-bat was one of the worst I’ve ever seen, and a perfect example of how little this team understands baseball fundamentals. That was a just-put-the-ball-in-play and get the guy to third situation, and he gives up a strike on a check swing and then takes strike three down the middle. Just insane. The situation seems to make absolutely no difference to anyone. Even Votto seems to have no idea what he’s supposed to be doing. The manager has to take some responsibility for this. It’s his team.
+1000000
-10000000000
Why are so many of you guys embarrassing yourself on this thread?
I understand the frustration, but I’m sure Votto would like to get an education from you on baseball fundamentals.
It’s called discussion of that particular play you ***hole
If you think Votto’s approach in that at-bat was the correct approach, we’ll just have to agree to disagree. And you’ll be incredibly wrong.
“I’m a big Votto fan, but his last at-bat was one of the worst I’ve ever seen, and a perfect example of how little this team understands baseball fundamentals.”
Votto takes a called third strike on a pitch with excellent movement from out of the zone to within the zone. “Worst you’ve ever seen” is hard to believe. I’m not happy about it but really “how little this team understands baseball fundamentals”?
It’s embarrassing because you and others’ comments are so out-of-proportion and carry such a dramatic negative tone over an inning of baseball, not because the discussion points have no merit.
You seem to be the one with no perspective. I didn’t say it’s one of the worst things I’ve ever seen a human being do. I said it’s one of the worst at-bats I’ve ever seen. And I stand by it. Votto isn’t .210 lifetime hitter who struggles to make contact. he’s a hall-of-fame hitter. He’s GOOD at hitting. And he’s particularly good at hitting the ball on the ground to the right side of the infield. He’s capable of doing this against any pitcher on the planet. I don’t expect him to succeed every time, but I expect him to at least TRY. He didn’t. He checked his swing at a pitch he could probably have put in play, and then took strike three on a pitch he could absolutely have put in play. The one thing he should NOT be willing to do in that situation is strike out without at least making a good faith effort to put the ball in play, and he failed to do that one thing. How can an at-bat be any worse than not even attempting to do the most important thing you should be trying to do — and especially when you’re a hall-of-fame hitter who’s very good at hitting? It doesn’t matter who’s pitching or how well they’re pitching or how good a pitch they throw, it’s up to the hitter to decide if he’s going to allow himself to take strike three, and Votto did. It’s just hard for me to imagine how he could have approached that at-bat any worse than what he did. Throw the bat at the ball? Try to kick it instead of swinging the bat? How could it have been any worse? Please explain.
Make it a package deal. Fire Bell and Sadak. Or trade them for an expired Chipotle gift card.
Funking our way out of a nice season. Nobody can do anything? India doubles and Votto fails to move him over. Same as yesterday and we all knew they weren’t scoring.
One of my favorite teams were the 1961 Reds. They went into a deep funk a couple of times during the pennant race. These guys are just figuring it out. It’s all good
The 1961 Reds were my first Reds team that I followed on a regular basis!
This team is striking out way way too much lately…it’s ridiculous
Im not trading prospect capital for starting pitching. This team suddenly cant hit. Williamson pitched great and deserves more starts as does Lively as does Ashcraft as does Abbott.
Hit and score runs and offense not getting it done.
Same. The last couple of weeks have convinced me that starting pitching is not as dire as it looked. Abbot-Ashcraft-Williamson-Lively has started to look like a really solid foursome. If we can find a serviceable number 5 to replace Weaver until Lodolo/Greene gets back, I think we’re okay.
No problem with that. I’m with you. But PLEASE,…NO WEAVER!!!!!!!! Weaver might be the worst pitcher I’ve ever seen. Why would they start him again? “Well,..we’ve won all the games he started.” Heh You much be kidding me. He’s no lucky charm,..and he can’t pitch. Anyone but Weaver. Jmo. What we mostly need right now is some hitting. Stephenson has becomes an automatic out. Much prefer Luke behind the plate. He at least has a prayer to get a hit when you really need one.
Cruz did his job. Back to the boys to find a couple of hits and string them together.
Off-speed down in the zone. Killing the Reds right now. Webb has them completely off balance.
Had some things to do this evening. I see they still aren’t hitting. I guess we’re back to swinging for the fence or striking out.
Yeah … that’s been a strike all night. Bat on the shoulder doesn’t work well when Webb is pounding the zone.
Terrible strike call on McLain. Bring on the challenge system.
Jon India!!!
Climb on the India Caravan!
Need more than this game. Now saying that, I love India and would love to see him in the outfield. His glove is a liability at second and Reds have other options for 2nd. Would love to find out how his arm is out there in right.
Woah! India ties it! 🙂
Huge homer by India with the rain clouds closing in.
Told you guys not to give up on India yet.
It’s a shame the umps are so bad though
Bad but consistent from what I’m seeing. I don’t like it, but at least it isn’t the Flex-o-Zone.
Let’s give him his extension after one game.
Oppo HR to get off the schneid and a triple shy of the cycle. Just went with it. Nice stroke.
Count me in.
Nick Krall just called somebody: “Will you trade me a pitcher for him now??”
Skies are dark here in Cincy. Of course, it IS night time 🙂
Ok, It’s pouring now in North Central Cincy
The best way to get out of a slump is to just use an oppo approach on every swing.
India had a couple of loud outs the other way a few days ago.
McLain and India big HRs tonight. With Webb’s reverse splits, might have been good to play Steer instead of Fraley or Votto.
This India kid seems great. Imagine how much he’d be able to produce in, say, the 3-hole.
Exactly. One game is meaingless. What’s the trend?
It helps this game, only this game. It’s meaningless to tell anyone about the player.
Joc Pederson has put on some weight.
Bike Helmets. Need Bike Helmets.
Did NOT need that double.
Need Ian Houdini now
Let’s give it right back.
Wonder if we finish this tomorrow prior to starting the Tuesday game … wouldn’t be the worst outcome.
Might be a break after 11. Don’t know what the umps will do with that. Maybe simply ask the managers about it? The host club officials? City officials?
And for the 18 millionth time: this is why you don’t remove a reliever who’s pitching well and has only thrown 15 pitches…
Cruz has been awful everytime they bring him back out for a second inning. I like switching, but I think I would’ve started with Sims as he is normally our 8th inning guy. Just my opinion/preference.
He pitched two innings against Baltimore on 6/26 and gave up one unearned run, pitched two scoreless innings against Atlanta on 6/24, and 1.2 scoreless innings against LA on 6/6. He’s perfectly capable of pitching more than one inning, especially when he’s pitching as well as he was tonight. That was a poor decision.
Tonight was the best I’ve seen Cruz pitch.
I stand corrected, J. From my memory he had been poor at it.
For a while he was just generally not pitching very well, but lately he’s been pretty good in whatever role he’s been asked to fill. Rarely has he ever looked as good as he did tonight. This was definitely a time when he should have been sent out to start the next inning — especially given the distinct possibility that the inning would be interrupted by rain.
I’d rather put a reliever out there for another inning than bring in another reliever, especially with what is possibly going to be a taxed bullpen, especially in a close game where we may need some relievers in the extra innings.
Sadak gives play by play of pulling the tarp out. smh 😀
Lol. Dude was just as excited about the tarp and rain as he is when Votto hits a HR. I listen to 90% of the game on mute nowadays to avoid him.
I’m all in on Leclure and Geisenschlag as the new game announcers. I love those guys
That would be cool with me. I was watching classic Reds games on YouTube recently. Had Marty and Joe on there. So refreshing.
The umps handled this poorly, inning should have never started.
Very poorly indeed.
Despite his two hits tonight, Jonathon India is replaceable. The Reds should move India and Stephenson for some pitching. If not this month, then in the off season.
The Reds have plenty of options to replace Indiaand Tyler Stephenson isn’t that much of an upgrade over Luke Maile.
I would agree about moving India in the offseason. Not so much on Stephenson. Catchers are harder to replace and I’m not sure how much injury has been an issue for his lack of power this year. I’d like to see another year of recovery first.
So the rumors that you’re planning on new name of India4life was fake news?
Yeah, lets replace two guys are the leaders of the team. Sure. Let’s dump’em
“Who are”
And just what about India and Stephenson makes them leaders?
The whole “leadership” thing is pure non-sense.
Your opinion!
They are not leading men into battle. They are playing a game.
If you have made it all the way to the major leagues and you still need someone to “lead” you, then you are pretty weak minded.
Young guys need veterans to guide them. Help them with situational baseball. Votto has been reluctant to be a leader, yet he has fed off of the enthusiasm of the young guys. Rolen was a “Leader” Perez was a “Leader” Baseball may not be a battle in your mind, but when they take the field, they need someone to look up to. You may call it “weak minded”, but I call it smart team management
SOQ,
Excellent point. Another reason to be careful to just bring in a minor leaguer.
Votto has been reluctant to be leader, not to mention has been injured. So, actually, that would make India and Stephenson as de facto leaders. Are they leaders of these guys? For example, would they call closed door clubhouse meetings of only the team? Would the youngsters listen to them?
Now, a team could even be able to get away without out, if the manager would take up that role. Bell calling a player only team meeting?
These are things that we can only judge from out here. We can’t tell what goes on in the clubhouse.
SDQ how are Stephenson and India going to “provide veteran leadership” when they are at most a couple years younger than the rookies?
So, I will ask you again what makes India and Stephenson leaders? It’s not what they do on the field, because they both have been struggling for some time now.
Maybe you think mugging for the cameras in a gangsta pose or wearing a silly hat constitutes leadership.
What makes them leader is that the Younger guys LOOK UP TO THEM
It isn’t that hard to see. Is it????? Geeeze Open your eyes
BTW it’s SOQ, not SDQ
India has 3 hits tonight.
Now, that might get someone.
Out. Folks. It’s heavy rain.
Congrats to Williamson and India and Mclain for great games.
Elly phenomenal at 3b tonight.
What a rifle arm. If Elly is going to be an infielder, I prefer him at third base with shortstop well covered by McLain or Marte. The bottom line is the Reds are loaded. Maturity is needed and that comes with adjustments and ups and downs along the way.
Can’t have a walk by a lefty to a lefty to start the 8th.Just can’t any more then you can watch strike 3 with a runner at second and none out.Just can’t and expect to win ball games at any level.The hitting will come around but right now these guys need a win in the worst way so so they can take a deep breath and relax some.
Votto has 2 grounders to 2nd…except when he should have after the India double
Pirates brought their #1 pitching prospect up today, and was tagged with 7 ER’s
The radar on TWC shows the band of t-storms continuing well past Midnight. I’m thinking the field won’t be playable again until tomorrow at that rate.
Anyone hearing anything different?
Watching the dreaded Cardinals they are playing much better. I am still not sure they won’t catch the Reds. They will be 12 under after tonight. The Reds need to win one soon or this could become an epic collapse in a short amount of time.
I think you’re the 3rd person in a row thats mentioned the Cards instead of the Cubs…and they both suck. I’ll be long gone if the Reds start threatening to fall past 2nd place. In fact the Reds haven’t kept my main interest in September for a long long time. That one year I just dialed in for the playoffs vs Atlanta, but skipped September. You have to win and they don’t.
On another note the Reds should go after Cabrera, who the Cardinals dfa today. Left hander with a lie arm.
who can’t throw strikes …
Watching Chapman blow guys away for the Rangers right now is a little depressing.
haha Yeah.
Have to admit I was wrong on the shift ban. I really thought that would boost scoring and make baseball more exciting, but there’s almost always a guy up the middle anyway. Thought CES had an rbi hit but theres the guy right by 2b. Hard to watch nice hits for 40 years turn into routine outs. It’s like changing first downs to 11 yards or something
Game needs to be suspended until tomorrow, pick up where we left off in 8 inning. Umpires wasting both teams time by just delaying it. Once again, MLB Central office that handles replay, and is the MLB Central Office needs to take over deciding on raining games, whether to delay it and play later time on same day or night, or suspend it for next day. The umpires are not doing there job, wasting both teams time. MLB Central, please take over this responsibility.
Game Suspended. Picks back up at 5:40 ET tomorrow.
Bell has to go with Diaz first thing tomorrow I would think? Picked up a half game on the Fish & the Cubs atleast
So does Diaz take over tomorrow with runners on 2nd and 3rd? He’s had rest now.
I don’t know what you do. A lousy Sac Fly might be enough to win the game. I might use Young for an IBB and then hope Young gets a strikeout or double play. Hate to use Diaz or Sims and then allow a run or two and be in the game for 15 pitches with a deficit. What do the percentage say? About 60% that the Giants get at least 1 run? If we hold them to one, is that a success?
Rob, I agree with you, but this is David Bell so expect Diaz to be on the mound for the first batter, and then get pulled after 15 pitches, no matter the outcome, relieved by Sims.