The Cincinnati Reds completed a 3-game sweep over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. The home team used a big 8th inning to build a 4-run lead and pull away, and holding on in the 9th inning for the 7-3 victory.
| Final | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Diamondbacks (54-46) |
3 | 10 | 0 |
| Cincinnati Reds (55-46) | 7 | 13 | 1 |
| W: Law (4-4) L: Gilbert (0-1) SV: Sims (2) | |||
| Statcast | Box Score | Game Thread | |||
Luke Weaver got himself into trouble int he top of the 1st when he handed out a 1-out walk to Ketel Marte and then saw Corbin Carroll single. He would get out of the jam with back-to-back fly outs. Elly De La Cruz then led off the bottom of the 1st inning with a 407-foot home run to put Cincinnati on top 1-0. In the bottom of the 2nd inning Christian Encarnacion-Strand picked up a 2-out single and then scored when Nick Senzel homered 10 rows deep into the seats in left field to make it 3-0.
Weaver once again found himself in trouble in the top of the 3rd when he gave up a leadoff single. Ketel Marte would single with one out, but he was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. Corbin Carroll walked to put runners on the corners with two outs, but Weaver wiggled out of the inning by getting a fly out from Christian Walker to end the inning.
The next inning was more of the same. After retiring the first two batters of the inning, Weaver hit Dominic Canzone and then gave up a single to Carson Kelly. Once again, though, Weaver was able to get out of the inning unscathed – striking out Alek Thomas for the third out.
With Cincinnati still holding a 3-0 lead, Weaver headed back to the mound for the 5th inning to face the top of the order for the third time. Things did not go well. Geraldo Perdomo singled to lead off the inning. He then scored when Ketel Marte beat out an infield single that also saw Spencer Steer throw the ball over first base and into foul territory in right field, moving Marte up to second. Corbin Carroll then hit a game tying home run onto the riverboat above the batters eye in center. Christian Walker then doubled before David Bell finally chose to go make a pitching change and bring in Buck Farmer.
Farmer got a ground ball to Elly De La Cruz, who fielded the ball and was able to tag out Walker who was trying to advance to third, but the throw to first was in the dirt and wasn’t able to be scooped cleanly. After a strikeout, Dominic Canzone singled to put runners on the corners, but Carson Kelly hit a lazy fly ball to center to end the inning and Farmer was able to keep the game tied up.
The 6th inning both went well and poorly for the Reds. Matt McLain led off with a single and then he stole second base. Until he didn’t – the play was challenged and the call was overturned and he was determined to be out. Spencer Steer then singled and he came around to score on a double by Jake Fraley to give Cincinnati a 4-3 lead. Fraley, though, was thrown out at third base after trying to advance on the throw back to the infield.
Ian Gibaut took over for Derek Law, who threw a shutout 6th inning, and he picked up two strikeouts sandwiched around a ground out to hold onto Cincinnati’s 4-3 lead. Fernando Cruz worked a perfect top of the 8th inning.
The Reds offense got to work in their half of the inning. TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, and Spencer Steer put together three straight singles with the latter plating a run to make it 5-3. After a fly out, Jonathan India walked to load the bases. Christian Encarnacion-Strand then singled in two more runs and made it 7-3.
After padding their lead to four runs, Cincinnati called on Levi Stoudt to come out of the bullpen to try and finish the game. Geraldo Perdomo led off the inning with a triple that clanked off of the glove of a diving Jake Fraley in right field. He then walked Ketel Marte to put runners on the corners. Stoudt struck out Corbin Carroll for the first out of the inning, but that was all he’d get as David Bell opted to call on Lucas Sims to come in from the bullpen. He would then walk the first batter he faced to load the bases, but got out of the jam with a grounder to short that saw Matt McLain flip to Jonathan India at second, who then fired to first for a game-ending double play.
Key Moment of the Game
Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s 2-run single in the 8th inning that gave the Reds a 4-run lead and a little bit of what turned out to be some much needed breathing room.
Notes Worth Noting
Matt McLain picked up two more hits on the day and is now hitting .305/.371/.528 on the season with 31 extra-base hits in 59 games played since being called up.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand picked up his first big league walk on the day. He also drove in his 5th and 6th runs in just his 7th game played since being called up.
Lucas Sims had a tough month of May, giving up eight runs in 11.2 innings. Since June 1st he’s allowed 10 hits and 10 walks in 22.2 innings while posting an ERA of 2.38 and striking out 27 batters. He’s also allowed just one of 20 inherited runners score in that span.
Cincinnati has now won five games in a row and are nine games above the .500 mark.
The Brewers just lost and the Reds are now a half-game back as they head to Milwaukee tomorrow to start a 3-game series.
Up Next for the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds vs Milwaukee Brewers
Monday July 24th, 8:10pm ET
Graham Ashcraft (5-7, 5.77 ERA) vs Colin Rea (5-4, 4.64 ERA)
and made game up on the brew crew!
CES – “I’d rather hit for average than for power. The power will come”.
Good man = #4 hitter…for a long time.
Yep… he is going to be very good, just very even-keeled. Love the interviews I have heard him give so far. I just checked his stats… only 2 strikeouts in 23 at bats …. six RBIs in seven games… and he certainly hasn’t gotten hot yet by any means. He just gives you a good at bat a high percentage of the time. He doesn’t over swing and chase bad pitches. The walk he had before the two RBI single was just a really good ab where he wasn’t tempted by a couple outside balls that were decent pitches but clearly not strikes. This will be his first major league road series and it happens to be a big series against a good team that has been in our heads this season. Hopefully he and the team can keep their emotions under control and just play their normal game, instead of pressing and playing so poorly like we have against them for most of the year. Would be great to go 2-1, but 1-2 is fine
Maybe “even keeled” CES will make a difference. 🙂
>>>only 2 strikeouts in 23 at bats
Yes!!!!!!
Makes me wonder if that’s why they decided to bring him up? Give him a few games to get his feet under him and then they have “new blood” and “new eyes” for the series against the Brewers. Hopefully between the new eyes of CES and the rest of the team hopefully having a bit of a chip on their shoulder, they can bust through invisible wall that they keep running into against the Brewers.
And who were those guys who said Newman was a better option? I wonder if Krall has the guts to send Newman to AAA when he returns from the IL. He got him as insurance for Barrero and the policy is no longer needed.
Yes!!!
Nice win to build confidence headed to Bernieville.
We did it by hitting across the board. EDLC’s lead-off blast was sweet, but that RBI single from CES really lit the final fuse.
And HDTBell is smiling during his interview AGAIN!!! Showed some teeth, no less.
Weaver pitches, the Reds win. Like clockwork.
9-1 … it’s more of a miracle than a dream
Can Weaver start all three against the Brewers?
He can be our designated two pitcher opener for all games. :)…guess he has to pitch to three batters.
That is a Satchel Paige thing. He pitched the first inning about everyday so they could advertise him as the starting pitcher. Could be Weavers road to HoF . 🙂
HUGE series.
GO REDS
Take 2 of 3
I think the way Ashcraft is pitching and with his mindset, this first game is one we could definitely get and if you win the first one then you’re kind of playing with house money for the last two because it takes a lot of the pressure off.
It’s good that Ashcroft and Abbott will pitch against the Crew. Time for some payback!
Awesome game/sweep, Reds! Offense great, relief pitching great, except for Stoudt – fortunately picked up by Sims (minus the walk). My highlight of the game was Farmer’s mop up/lock down which saved Weaver. Speaking of Weaver, what next? Not a good line, and we needed six relievers to finish the game. And yet, we are 11 or 12- 5 when he starts, I believe. Hard to argue with “success” or time to make a change on behalf of the relievers?
We see Burnes and Peralta again in Brewtown.
And they see Abbott and Ashcraft again. Nature of this convoluted July schedule.
Those three 8th inning singles by MM, Steer, and CES were works of art. They looked like three guys who’ve been in the league for years, aren’t trying to impress anyone by doing something spectacular, and just want to win. All these young guys are really something else. (I just wish the organization hadn’t foolishly decided to face Milwaukee six times without CES’s bat in the lineup, but I’m trying not to dwell on it…)
Nothing against Friedl but if we had a lineup that looked something like this, which we certainly could, it would be the top four as rookies. Pretty awesome.
Steer
EDLC
McLain
CES
If Elly can get things figured out and the other guys just continue doing what they’ve been doing, there’s almost no way to mess up the batting order with Elly, Benson, Friedl, Fraley, Steer, MM, and CES as your top 7 against a right-handed pitcher. Other than saying CES should probably be hitting third or fourth, I really wouldn’t care what the order was.
I like McLain at #3 optimal or if not #1. He’s the BEST all around hitter on the team.
Well, if we’re being precise, yes, I would definitely have McClain in the top 3. Against a righty, with the way everyone is currently hitting, I’d probably go with something like: Benson, McClain, Steer, CES, Fraley, Elly, Friedl, Stephenson, India. (I’m afraid Votto is on my bench with the way he’s hitting right now.) But really there’s almost no way to mess it up other than sticking India and/or Votto in the middle of it. This is *almost* a Bell-proof collection of players.
I’ve moved over to the Benson batting in the top 3 gang. I’m not sure I’d just put him there over night, but instead I’d give him a few opportunities up top, and see how it goes. Maybe if all goes well it could look like this.
Benson’s slugging for the month of:
May .462
June .600 (2nd for the Reds)
July .638 (1st for the Reds).
EDLC 3B McLain SS Benson LF
CES 1B Fraley RF Stephenson C
Votto DH India 2B Friedl CF
With Steer floating up and down the lineup, batting for who has the off day. I like him anywhere 1 – 9, but don’t love him at any spot more than another. His versatility might be his strongest attribute, and his biggest weakness for securing an everyday spot on the field, or in the batting order.
The more people talk about the lineup, Steer just strikes me as a classic #2 guy. In this lineup India seems like a perfect fit at 8 if you want to have your number 9 guy be a pseudo “leadoff” after the first inning. I think it may help him get some better pitches and maybe he can get out of his slump.
I just don’t put Elly up until he figures things out. I mean, with Elly, I feel like I’m watching the NBA slam dunk competition these days. Full of very talented individuals, but they haven’t put it together yet to be effective day in, day out.
Just like with Stubbs and Hamilton, you can’t steal first.
Make it 10 games vs Milw without CES & the first 4 without Elly.
Really ridiculous holding CES down when Votto wasn’t even available for the first half. First series with them we had Steer 1B and Newman in the lineup.
You’re making it harder for me not to dwell…
And twice they waited until after losing a series to the Brewers to make a move which was more than justified before the series, 1) brought up EDLC after losing 3 of 4 at home to Brewers June 2-5 and 2) brought up CES after being swept by the Brewers at home July 14-16.
Situations like these are part of what makes me wonder if Krall and Bell are often not on the same page. Krall has been aggressive all year about going with youth; but from what we have heard from and about Bell, one can imagine him not wanting to make changes in front of a big series for fear of upsetting the team environment (I refuse to use the word “chemistry” in this context).
Yet every time this year younger (in actual age and/or MLB experience) have been called up they have responded. Benson and Fairchild were major players in getting the 12 game winning streak off and running. with OPS of 1.097/ 29PAs/ 8 appearances/ 7 starts (WB) and .897/21PA/ 8 appearances/ 7 starts (SF) in the first 8 games of it; but, Fairchild is sent down because the choice is painted as needing to be between him and Benson when Votto was activated. But still, they had room for the 3rd (almost never used) catcher plus BOTH Senzel and Newman???
Some things only make sense if a person has a static view of the roster structure; and, Krall has not shown to have that sort of view.
I’ve actually wondered if they’ve brought those guys up after losing big series as a way to generate some enthusiasm at a time when everyone (fans and players) might be starting to think “uh-oh, here we go again…”
But I suppose it’s sort of the same concept said a different way. When they’re winning, they don’t want to “upset the chemistry” (sorry to use that word, but I’m just quoting them), so they won’t bring up a star rookie after winning a big series. But when they’re losing, they figure “why not.” Losing 5 of 6 to Milwaukee finally got them to “why not.”
I agree it does seem to line up more with Bell’s instincts than what we’ve heard about Krall. If they’ve been winning while doing X (Weaver starting every fifth game; India hitting high in the order and Benson hitting at the bottom; etc.) then why upset the apple cart by proactively changing those things? (The only exception to this rule is that he feels he HAS to change relief pitchers after every inning. That’s the one area where he’s TOO proactive.)
“Situations like these are part of what makes me wonder if Krall and Bell are often not on the same page.”
Yep. It’s kind of encouraging to me that Krall said they aren’t in extension talks with Bell. Maybe Big Bob is pleased with what Krall has done and finally giving him the ability to make more decisions.
Preaching to the choir….minus Steve S
Still living in your head, Teddy? Poor thing. Still can’t let things go.
I’d skip Elly as leadoff. I mean, his power just isn’t needed up here. Leadoff is a high OBP guy. The way the numbers land, I would go with Steer, or even India only because that’s where he’s had most his success (2nd on the team in OBP only to Friedl when in the 1 hole this season).
Then, I’d use Friedl. With India, or anyone on first, that would help open up the right side for Friedl, as well as open up his possible bunting skills. Unless you can show me the numbers of a right handed batter who like to go the other way (that’s where I draw the line at looking so far into the numbers).
For 3-5, then I start looking at my power guys. In NO SPECIFIC order, that’s Benson, McLain, and Fraley. Elly is just out of there. Once Elly figures things out, then he goes here. He adjusts, manager adjusts, the name of the game at this level is adjust. I do think McLain could handle 3 or 5 here, maybe even 4.
That leaves, in NO SPECIFIC order, the Steer/India head who’s not leading off, Elly, catcher and Votto/CES. I’d go higher with Steer and CES, lower with India and Votto. Probably last with C, unless Tyler gets his bat going.
It’s just so hard for this team to make a batting order, because there are so many good bats where one can easily make an argument that they deserve to bat higher. Definitely a good problem to have.
So apparently the Reds can compete with good teams as long as it isn’t Milwaukee. And Tinker Bell, EDLC isn’t comfortable as s lead off hitter. Put him in the #3 slot with Steer or CES hitting behind him. And Votto should be platooning and hitting in the bottom 3
I said the Reds will be fine because we don’t play Mke every day, until we do. Look like Ashcraft vs Colin Rea (?), Abbot vs Burnes, and Lively vs Peralta. Winning the first one is crucial.
Let’s just go ahead and sweep. 🙂
I like the way you think Melvin.
It’s a team hame and the team has just won five in a row with EDLC leading off four of them. Could not have had a better team result no matter where he hit.
Game, not hame
I’m not too worried. Sometimes, teams just have your number. I believe someone posted on here how one of the years of the BRM, we won the division, but the Dodgers beat us a majority of times.
Sure, it helps the cause to beat those in our division. But, it’s not as necessary like it is in football. In football, you only have 16 games to make your statement. In baseball, you have 162. Like we did just recently, if you lose a series to the Brewers, you better beat the other teams.
Edwin arroyo another 3 hit game including walk off single to win. Excited to watch the lookouts and see Dunn, Boyle, Hinds tonight.
Hard to know which team to watch. Minor leagues are fun this year. 🙂
I like to watch Boyle pitch because you never have any idea what is going to happen. Same as him.
Was at Dragons game last night. Arroyo looks like he is a little more motivated than he has all season. I saw speed out of him on those triples I haven’t seen all year. His running was a wow moment.
Lively Williamson Weaver weekend starters against the Dbacks and reds go 3-0. Raise your hand if you called that! This is a fun year. Bring on the Bernies!
Williamson looked really good again! Glad to see it! Glad for him! The Reds have their #5 starter moving forward. And that trade with Seattle just keeps look’n better and better.
On radio last night Welsh doesn’t think the Reds have a true ace and would hate to put a number on any of them. Just 5 good starters.
I agree with Welsh, and that’s our biggest weakness in the playoffs. Greene may become a number 1, but isn’t yet. The rest land in the 2 – 5 range.
Double digit hits today, a bunch of singles. That’s when the Reds are at their best. Take the HR from Senzel and tuck it away, don’t think about it. Focus on getting on base with singles and doubles.
That’s what I liked about yesterday’s game. Saturday, I would have gladly taken another half dozen hits in return for a HR or 2, honestly, especially if a couple of them could have come in addition to what we had in the first on Saturday.
Reds ended their 10-game homestand against Brewers, Giants (4 games) and DBacks finishing 5-5 overall. Before the homestand they were leading the NLCD by 1 game and after that they now are 2nd one half game behind first place. Not so bad really, especially when they started losing the first 5 matches.
The next series is huge but tough too…The Reds will look for at least win 2 out of 3 in Milwaukee.
Hmmmm…… I think I’m beginning to see a pattern here.
“Luke Weaver got himself into trouble in the top of the 1st…”
” Weaver once again found himself in trouble in the top of the 3rd…”
“The next inning was more of the same.”
“Weaver headed back to the mound for the 5th inning to face the top of the order for the third time. Things did not go well. “
Yet bell and company was still not prepared for it to start the 5th.
As a general rule, I don’t think you take a guy out of the game when he’s pitched four shutout innings. But this was Weaver, and, as a general rule, he’s probably not going to make it through five innings, and he’s *certainly* not making it through five innings without giving up some runs. Tough call whether he should have been allowed to start the fifth, but no doubt he should have been on an extremely short leash. You can’t allow him to give up a game-tying hit, because that’s exactly what he’s going to do if given the chance.
@J. Not saying I take him out. But I have someone up and ready incase one or two people get on. I don’t let him face Carrol with a chance to tie the game.
>>>Hmmmm…… I think I’m beginning to see a pattern here.
I heard that!
A braves fan I work with asked me Friday if I thought the reds would win the central. I told him it doesn’t matter that this young team is playing meaningful games. I don’t see this as a one and done this is Big Red Machine talent. Weaver is amazing he always seems to pitch as badly as one can and still win. Win or lose in Milwaukee this will be a competitive team for quite awhile
Reds swept Arizona and SF got swept by the Nats. Thats 5 games up on SF in 5 days! We’re up on Miami & Philly and of course Milw lost.
Good times….just have to get atleast 4-5 on this trip with 2 in Milw preferably. Dodgers & Cubs are scoring a ton of runs, but we can score too. We still need a proven reliever or 2 imo
Pads lost too which helps a little. They could get on a huge run at any time if they don’t sell. We’re up 6 on the Cubs & 6.5 on the Pads
Agree with Old School, the Cards are dead. They just don’t have the pitching for a sustained run.
Sometimes it’s not so much who you play, as when you play them.
Earlier this season, the D-Backs were really hot for a stretch. Now, they’re cold. Their starting pitching is probably their weakness.
The Cubs are actually pretty hot now. LOOK OUT!! They brought up a bunch of their AAA players (and they had an offensive powerhouse at AAA), and these guys are starting to catch up to ML pitching. The Brewers just lost 2 of 3 to maybe the best team in baseball (outside of Tampa, maybe). And the Red’s generally play poorly in LA.
The Reds’ rotation looks good for facing the Brewers, but the bullpen…it’s already a little tired after the All-Star break. The two starts by Weaver wore them out (SF and now the D – Backs).
There has to be a solution to Weaver as the fifth starter. Maybe Connor Phillips in ten days (or less)?
If we can get to August and maybe get green back and then Lodolo combined with a trade or 2. We win the games weaver pitches but it is b/c of bullpen, and now they are wiped. Almost need to move Lively to long relief role if all that happens and let him and Williamson pitch 3 or more innings if possible if we get in a bind to give our bp a break.
Seems like killer travel the next three days. Milwaukee to LA to Chicago. Would have been nicer to play Brewers and Cubs back to back, then LA.
SF is climbing and Arizona is in freefall. Both were just ahead of the Reds in the WCR. Reds take 5 of 7 from them. Great! Both will most likely go big before the trade deadline, though.
SF is climbing??
They lost 5 straight.
Swept in DC
Who knew? The Reds are master Snake Wranglers! Now on to Milwaukee and flatten their beer!
Anyone find the humor in Sadek extolling the virtues of Votto volunteering at the youth academy and they take a shot of Joe on the bench and he is flipping off one of his teammates?
yes. i liked the moment of dead-air silence–almost a vacuum–as the camera panned away and the subject was changed.
Who thinks that by replacing Weaver with a solid SP and picking up a solid long reliever, that the Reds couldn’t hang with any team in a series?
Twins are back in first, so S. Gray, I’d say, won’t be moved. Even though the Twins have Keuchel (who’s found his stuff again) at AAA, Maeda isn’t doing so well, and the team is injury prone, so they’ll probably keep what they’ve got.
There are five teams within 1 game of each other for those three WC spots. The Reds are at the top of the heap with the Giants and Diamondbacks 1/2 game back and the Phillies and Marlin 1 game back. The Reds are of course just 1/2 game behind the Marlins in the Division. In other words, the Reds are in the thick of the playoff hunt on Jul 23. I will take that all day long.
I think you meant 1/2 game behind Milwaukee?
Yes….ugh..drat those typo type mistakes!
Indeed! Beats being mired in 5th place in the NL Central.
Some really talented young guys up from AAA, and some other guys that were here (Friedl, Fraley, and others) picking it up too. The return of Joey Votto!
I don’t think this team and its success are a fluke. as I am sure few here think that (think that it’s a fluke, that is).
A little more pitching is obviously what’s needed.
Connor Phillips from AAA, or a trade for another starter, or a better reliever?
Will TJ Antone come back? Will Hunter Greene return from the DL and be dominant? Nick Lodolo? Vladimir Guitierrez? CAN YOU STAND THE DRAMA?
Tune in tomorrow for……Redleg Nation!!!!
Antone is still about 3 weeks away from returning…if all goes well.
I hope it’s for more than a day!
Any chance the Reds avoid Kershaw in the upcoming series in LA next weekend?
Yes, Kershaw is on the IL. None of the starters facing the Reds in LA look too terribly imposing.
So…none of them is Godzilla? 🙂
Still, it’s Dodger Stadium, where they have that really steep mound. How do they get away with that, anyways?
Kershaw has been on the IL since the All Star break
MAYBE the National League Central is not quite as weak and horrible as everyone (including myself) thought. Seems like the Reds and Brewers are both pretty dang good.
Barrero and Fairchild are both on the field for Bats Sunday night game in Louisville. Looks like neither will be with the Reds on Taxi or called up for the start of the trip.
Stu just K’d to open the game for Bats on an almost hung breaking ball he seemed to anticipate but mistime. Looked like an unhappy camper walking away.
I don’t see a reason to bring up Barrero, but Fairchild is a good bat off the bench, and a good defensive replacement. Both seem like “if emergency break glass” type of options for the Reds.
With CES up here, the amount of AB’s to non starters will be considerable less. No matter which 2 out of Senzel, Newman, Fairchild, or Barrero are on the bench there’s only going to be so many opportunities available for them.
“With CES up here, the amount of AB’s to non starters will be considerable less.”
That’s why I like Fairchild as the best option simply for pinch running as he’s the fastest while playing good defense at all outfield spots.
Took my kid to his first game today. Not a bad one to watch.
Cool
That’s exciting on many levels. Great job Dad!
Great sweep of a team in the hunt for a playoff berth! Don’t look now, but the Yankees are looking at the Reds left-handed hitting outfielders.
Cool. Where did you hear that?
The Yankees are a half game from last place, so it doesn’t surprise they are looking for help wherever they can find it.
The question is why do we care if they are looking? Their prospects are always overhyped. New York would not be the first place I would look towards for improving this Reds team.
Just always interesting to see what other teams are interested in and what they might give up.
I guess, but I would suspect most teams would be interested in our hitters. According to reports, the Yankees balked when the Reds asked for Volpe in exchange for Luis Castillo last season. Anthony Volpe has been underwhelming this season with an OBP in the .260s. Of course, he could still end up being a good player, but I also think the New York media build up the Yankees prospects up to mythical status a lot of time. Can you imagine is Elly came up through the Yankee system?
“Can you imagine is Elly came up through the Yankee system?”
They’d give him Michael Jordan status all over the world. LOL
Remember when they wouldn’t part with their shortstop for Castillo after he owned them?
Now that SS is struggling and we have Marte
We Got our top 3 pitchers going against those Brewers. If we can get 2 of 3 then we will be 1/2 game up on the Brewers for the lead in the NL Central, and back to our season best 10 games over .500.
Let’s go!
Marte is up to .328 at Louisville. Their batting coach deserves a big league job somewhere
Cincinnati would be a good place for his first ML job!
Could not agree more Dennis +5000
I didn’t realize until today that our MLB hitting coach is a rookie as well.
Joel McKeithan is 31.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mckeit001joe
Slight correction. He was assistant hitting coach before last November’s promotion.
I’d give him a nice pay increase to keep him right where he is instead. I like having these MLB ready hitters just popping up whenever we need them. Our AAA team is leading the league in OPS by a fair margin. CES, EDLC, McLain had something to do with it, but look at the guys down there now, most all are producing.
If there is something special there in AAA, we have several guys who could benefit from our AAA finishing school next year. Dunn, Hinds, Hurtubise, Free, McGarry, and Trautwein are all having nice seasons in AA.
His name is Alex Palaez. He seems to have worked his way up the Reds organization from a quick wiki search.
This is, what, just the second year of the top-to-bottom hitting development program that parallels DJ’s pitching development program? News Flash! It’s working. It’s also extremely on point with the rules changes this year.
Team wins by starter (min. 5 starts):
Andrew Abbott 7-2 (.778)
Brandon Williamson 8-4 (.667)
Luke Weaver 11-6 (.647)
Nick Lodolo 4-3 (.571)
Graham Ashcraft 9-9 (.500)
Ben Lively 5-5 (.500)
Hunter Greene 5-9 (.357)
Luis Cessa 1-5 (.167)
Not making any point here or commenting on anything, just thought it was fun.
i think there is something to this. the “little 3” are 24-15 and the “big 3” are 18-21. I think a lot of it is the mentality of the pitchers. I just think guys like Williamson and Weaver are just trying to “keep their team in the game” and I think that is sometimes better than trying to be perfect and striking out everybody. I would also like to see duration of game between the 2 groups. Especially with Greene and Lodolo it just seems like the games last forever because they throw so many pitches. I think this makes the position players less engaged perhaps?
You do realize Weaver has been awful in almost all of his starts, right? He’s lucky his record isn’t more like 2-12. Whatever he’s been doing, he should start trying to do the opposite.
I think it’s mostly what point in the season they got most of their starts and how the offense has been during that time frame. Greene is 5-9 but most of his starts were during the era of Jason Vosler, pre-AAA Benson, and everyday shortstop Newman. The Bullpen also took 6 weeks to become what we currently know them as.
Miniscule comparison. The big 3 have missed a lot of time.
We’ll be heading to Milwaukee for the game tomorrow. Reds always seem to win when we go to the games, so here’s hoping for some good luck.
We’ll be expecting a win then for sure. 🙂
Another “pleasing to the eye” game by the reds. a lot of fun. I am a big Joey fan but even I have to admit the offense looked a lot smoother today with him out of the lineup and I hate to admit that. I certainly hope he has some more moments and makes more memories FOR the rest of the year but it is hard to Justify starting him over CES or Steer at first at this point.
Also I think there is a lot of duplication with Senzel and India. They both give you a similar at bat and over the course of the year would give you similar numbers so I think one of these 2 will be traded soon, especially with Marte knocking on the door. Senzel, to me, I think actually has a little higher offensive ceiling than India because I think as he ages he will hit more home runs and is versatile in the field. But of course he is injury prone and his base running just seems to get worse every time I see him. ( i can’t believe he didn’t beat out that dp ball in the 8th). India is the team leader but his offense is just consistently inconsistent to the point of frustration. so it will be interesting to see what the reds do.
Luke Weaver just might make a good reliever given the uptick in his stuff, for one, but also because he doesn’t seem well suited to a second time through the lineup, let alone a third time.
Seems like he has plenty of arm and may do pretty well as a guy coming in to start an inning. Given the pretty good possibility he’ll lose his role as a starter when reinforcements arrive, I think a long/middle reliever job would be a good fit.
Agreed unless he is blocking someone better. Right now it doesn’t look like that person is out there and ready.
Agreed, I want to see Phillips get the next start, Weaver head to the pen, and Stoudt back to Louisville where he can pitch regularly in their rotation.
Agree that his stuff is ok, Probably better than ok. But based on what I see, his problem is he makes bad pitches at the most in opportune times, that he’s not tough minded to battle when there’s runners on base. And that’s not good to be a reliever. He won’t be able to strand runners when he’s called upon.
Coincidentally I was going through security today at the Phoenix airport with a Reds scout. He told me they have been focusing on athleticism and I thanked him profusely for his contributions to the Reds renaissance of relevance and fun baseball. Small world, as I live in CA and never meet Reds fans! He gave me knuckles and said he would be at the Dodgers game next Saturday that I am taking my 5.5 yr old son to. His first ever.
Whoever said the airport can’t be fun? Go Reds!
That’s pretty cool! Hope you and your son have a great time at the game!
@Erich have a great time and hope you and your son see a winner. Dodger Stadium is a great place to watch a game.
Very Cool!!!
I’d like to inquire on this. . .
I read on here how so many people believe that CES should be batting higher in the order because he is such a good batter. . .
But. . .
At the same time, they will say Benson is fine in the 9 hole, that he shouldn’t move up, that if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
Sorry, but it sounds like to me, you are wanting your cake and eat it, too.
We’re consistently inconsistent, apparently. I like having a balanced and formidable batting order, top to bottom. We’ve seen a good number of games in which the winning rally came from the bottom half of the order.
One thing I will say with this team, there are so many good bats, one can easily make arguments that one should be batting higher in the order.
Even with India, for everyone who has batted in the 1 hole, India has the highest OBP still on the team. Why Bell moved him out of there, I simply have no idea why. And, why left him to slump in the 3 and 5 holes for so long, again, I have no idea why.
I’d just like to have an idea of how the FO stands on working the trades. For me, that also means that Castellini is in the picture. Why? He unloaded so much payroll over the off season, how much is he willing to take on?
Myself, I can see 3 scenarios:
1) Does nothing – Really, just keep doing everything the same, pieceworking the pitching staff with rubber bands and duct tape, hoping that when everyone else comes back, they are going to be effective.
2) Goes out and gets 1 pitcher, starter or reliever – no rental, someone that can help get us to the point when others are coming back, so we won’t need so much rubber band and duct tape
3) Goes out and gets 2 pitchers, starter or reliever – in short, going for it, what skin we put into the game be da**ed.
That last statement for me is key. For, I believe we had the “number of pieces” that we can easily make a trace. I mean, 4 SS’s slated to be here, in 2026, for example. That’s simply not needed.
But, just as important a question is “what are the pieces” we give up. Will anyone be untouchable?
For me, that all depends upon what we are getting back. As far as I’m concerned, everyone major and minor leagues is on the table, but that doesn’t mean I’m actively shopping them. But, what am I going to get back?
Thinking off the top of my head, Lively and a SS prospect for Lucas G? I might do that. But, “Ashcraft or AA” and a SS prospect for Lucas G? Nope.
I mean, I know Krall said they are in buying mode. But, that’s simple to say. I can say I need to go to the grocery. But, I could never tell you want I’m getting. I might just be going to check the price of milk and eggs these days.
I’m not opposed to upgrading the team through a trade at this point but I wouldn’t be disappointed if we stayed just as we are until the off season. Love the chemistry on this team. Enjoy how they are always supporting each other. Love how the coaches have utilized the roster to get us in a contending position. This team has earned my support. I’m bought in. Let’s finish strong and put a exclamation mark on a great season to this point.
Honestly, that’s how I feel as well. I mean, honestly, sure, I hope we win the WS every season. But, I know, in reality, that is simply a long shot, even this year still, when you consider all the teams involved. Oh, sure, a better chance than other years, but still a long shot. Give me at least a 40% chance of winning the WS, then I would say we have a pretty good shot.
I just enjoy baseball, every season, especially this season. Why every season? Because it’s baseball. It’s summertime. It’s outdoors. It’s the Reds. Why this season? Because we are winning. But, even if we weren’t winning, I would still be enjoying baseball.
I enjoy watching players, managers, and coaches learn and develop from their mistakes. Sure, I hope they win, but win or loss, I don’t care. We’ve all seen how the difference between a win and a loss can be by just a few inches. As far as I’m concerned, did my team do everything they could to win the game? If they did, then we can’t complain about anything; it just wasn’t meant to be. If they didn’t, I just hope the players learn that they need to give it their all.
But, either way, I’m still going to enjoy baseball. It does get much better when we win, though, doesn’t it? It’s like “just the hamburger”, then “also the cheese and ketchup”. It’s like “just the spare ribs”, then “being smothered in barbecue sauce”. It’s “oh, that much sweeter”.
Nice posts, Steve and Jim T.
Bob C and group have far exceeded my initial expectation for this team. We are contending with a number of young first year players having a big hand in the winning and still have a very strong group of minor leaguers available in the minor leagues. Couple that with the the amount of payroll falling off the books after this year and we are primed to have a few years of very good competitive teams to follow going forward. The only question I have will Bob continue to invest. Judging from attendance figures the fans are showing up proving they will support a good product. Ball is in ownerships court.
Agreed.
I still believe that Bob C may be trying to build Tampa 2.0. And, I’ve recently learned on here by some wannabee that I need to include with that. . .along the lines of having one of if not the lowest payroll in the league but still have winning baseball (they thought I meant something else by it).
@Steve in our size market I think we need a blend, wise spending, trades and player development are key to how small market teams can contend regularly.
Agreed. That’s why I honestly wouldn’t have a problem with how the Cubs did it, just on an extended timeframe.
From what I can remember, they got rid of most everyone but one player (don’t recall who) for prospects. Then, when those prospects started to come up, they went out and got Lester and Zobrist, also, a couple of veterans who can help show the youngsters how to do everything. Thus, a WS title. Just keep going that route. I believe the Cubs gave up on the development aspect.
@Dough, could you please start today game thread now? 🙂 this being the last series against the Brew, there are just so many things to discuss.
Reasonable trades for some arms that will help us finish strong would be fine by me. Cannot empty the farm system, especially not for rentals. We’re not getting Verlander or Otani and, quite frankly, we don’t need that kind of distraction anyway.
Keep playing fundamentally sound baseball (yes, we still need to improve) and make the best use of the roster we have. No need to go “all-in” for this season only.
The 6 game losing streak was not due to lack of pitching but rather lack of clutch hitting. Adding CES has helped. But I think we need to add a reliable veteran bat that can handle RHP and LHP. I remember way back the Reds picked up Gregg Vaughn and that was huge. We need a bat like that. Of course, there’s never enough pitching, so another reliable LH reliever. I know, that’s a lot to ask.
Reds attendance figures rocketing upwards and now over 23,500 game and within 100K of passing all of 2022. Should pass 2022 attendance on the next home stand and on pace for highest attendance since 2015. Two million fans in GABP 2023 is a definite possibility. Fans have been great.
I saw something like 40+k per game the last 3 games. That’s very impressive.
I was lucky enough attend Friday night’s game against the snakes. Great game, great crowd. Also really enjoyed the “meal deal” for five bucks. With this team, I think I’d be at half the home games if I lived near Cincinnati. Go Reds!
Weaver is the worst SP in baseball and should be DFA’s immediately. I don’t care who his replacement is as they cannot be any worse. He is 1/17 in QS this year with the worst ERA in MLB of any pitcher over 60 innings. Reds keep winning but he is single handedly destroying this BP with his short starts. We have 4 relievers in the top 5 in term of games played in the NL. They are already starting to burn out and the crash is coming soon thanks to Weaver…