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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2011 > June > 28 > Entry
Reds waste a strong effort by Cueto
Real McCoy
UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave while wishing Logan Ondrusek had faced Eva Longoria instead of Evan Longoria in the ninth inning Tuesday night as the Cincinnati Reds lost a tear-inducer to the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3. But I hear Eva Longoria is a heavy-hitter, too.
As advertised and promised, the Johnny Cueto-David Price match-up was a pitching clinic. The Price was right and Cueto was Johnny-on-the-spot.
As so often happens, though, neither pitcher was around at the finish when the game was decided, a lead-off walk-off game-winning home run by Longoria, the second time on this trip that the Reds lost on a walk-off home run (Derrek Lee did it to them in Baltimore).
IT LOOKED as if the Reds wouldn’t score on this night. Price retired the first 14 Reds until Jonny Gomes reached on an error with two outs in the fifth (It should have been a hit, the ball was hit so hard at the shortstop. But official scorers won’t rule anything a hit unless it is a clean hit).
The next batter, Ramon Hernandez, singled sharply to right field for the first hit. But Drew Stubbs struck out on three pitches.
Meanwhile, Cueto retired the first seven before issuing a walk to Sam Fuld with one out in the third.
Tampa Bay’s first hit was a leadoff home run by Johnny Damon in the fourth and it looked as if that 1-0 score would withstand the game’s entirety.
PRICE WAS a strikeout machine, throwing mostly fastballs (29 of his first 30 pitches were fastballs) against a fastball-hitting team.
But the Reds broke through in the eighth with two runs. Stubbs, who had struck out his first two times, ripped a triple over center fielder B.J. Upton’s head. Edgar Renteria tied it with a single to left. Chris Heisey, asked to bunt, failed miserably on his first two efforts, then struck out. Then Price struck out Brandon Phillips, his 12th strikeout.
Joey Votto, who hadn’t touched a pitch while striking out twice and walking once, slashed a 0-and-2 double to score Renteria to give the Reds and Cueto a 2-1 lead.
In the bottom of the eighth, Cueto struck out Upton, but John Jaso singled and Fuld singled. Cueto got the second out and manager Dusty Baker decided to bring in left-hander Bill Bray to face left-hander Johnny Damon. Cueto had not thrown 100 pitches and he didn’t want to come out, but Baker wanted the lefty-lefty match-up.
Bray made Damon look bad with two outside pitches, but on a third outside pitch Damon reached out and poked a blooper to left. Shortstop Renteria lost it in the lights and Heisey tried to make a diving catch, but it ticked off the tip of his glove and both runners scored for a 3-2 Rays lead.
Game over? Not yet.
Jay Bruce, who hadn’t homered since June 1, led the ninth against closer Kyle Farnsworth with a home run over the 410 sign in center. At the time, Farnsworth was 16 for 17 in saves with a 2-1 record and a 1.99 ERA. He had given up only one home run.
So it was a 3-3 tie entering the bottom of the ninth and Longoria reversed Ondrusek’s second pitch into the left field seats. At the time, the struggling Longoria hadn’t had a hit in the series.
He began the series not wearing batting gloves. When that didn’t work, he put on a pair for his at-bat in the seventh and flied deep to left. Still wearing his work gloves, he cleared the left field wall in the ninth.
CUETO PITCHED 7 2/3 innings and gave up three runs (two coming when Bray was pitching), four hits, walked one and struck out six.
For his effort he was handed a no-decision.
Defensively, third baseman Scott Rolen made three straight amazing plays in the fifth inning.
So the series is tied at a game apiece, with Edinson Volquez drawing Wednesday afternoon’s assignment to see if the Reds can win their first interleague series of the year after losing their first four. It won’t be easy. Tampa Bay pitcher James Shield is even better than Price.
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By DeckFan
July 2, 2011 8:31 AM | Link to this
Guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree in this case as I assume that the fact that ER was at the plate again in the 9th inng would make no difference in your opinions. It does in mine - oh well. I did see a replay of the bloop hit on the web and it was obvious to me that ER was making a play (where did that ‘Lost in the lights come from’??) and apparently Heisey called him off or ER felt a collision coming - it is the OF play (correct??). Slag, 15 mgrs - you either had a long career (good), you bounced around alot (that had to suck) or those mgrs were too defensive minded and lost too many games (tongue in cheek!!). Until we meet again … . .
By Believe It
July 1, 2011 3:44 PM | Link to this
As others have pointed out this moron, Matt the Blog Cop, must always get his big mouth in the conversation, whether asked, or not. His{he thinks}is the all-knowing truth. He attacks anything and everything which does not agree with him—by including words that have NOT been uttered, written, or even suggested. Matt the Blog Cop says what fits his agenda for the day, whether or not, anyone said it. He stretches his comments, so as to make it look like someone said what he ridicules. He is not DD.He is, in fact, Matt, the annoying Blog Cop!Paul Janish is average in hitting alone. His range is above average and so is his arm! End of conversation.
By Believe It
July 1, 2011 3:44 PM | Link to this
As others have pointed out this moron, Matt the Blog Cop, must always get his big mouth in the conversation, whether asked, or not. His{he thinks}is the all-knowing truth. He attacks anything and everything which does not agree with him—by including words that have NOT been uttered, written, or even suggested. Matt the Blog Cop says what fits his agenda for the day, whether or not, anyone said it. He stretches his comments, so as to make it look like someone said what he ridicules. He is not DD.He is, in fact, Matt, the annoying Blog Cop!Paul Janish is average in hitting alone. His range is above average and so is his arm! End of conversation.
By Believe It
July 1, 2011 3:44 PM | Link to this
As others have pointed out this moron, Matt the Blog Cop, must always get his big mouth in the conversation, whether asked, or not. His{he thinks}is the all-knowing truth. He attacks anything and everything which does not agree with him—by including words that have NOT been uttered, written, or even suggested. Matt the Blog Cop says what fits his agenda for the day, whether or not, anyone said it. He stretches his comments, so as to make it look like someone said what he ridicules. He is not DD.He is, in fact, Matt, the annoying Blog Cop!Paul Janish is average in hitting alone. His range is above average and so is his arm! End of conversation.
By Believe It
July 1, 2011 3:41 PM | Link to this
As others have pointed out this moron, Matt the Blog Cop, must always get his big mouth in the conversation, whether asked, or not. His{he thinks}is the all-knowing truth. He attacks anything and everything which does not agree with him—by including words that have NOT been uttered, written, or even suggested. Matt the Blog Cop says what fits his agenda for the day, whether or not, anyone said it. He stretches his comments, so as to make it look like someone said what he ridicules. He is not DD.He is, in fact, Matt, the annoying Blog Cop!Paul Janish is average in hitting alone. His range is above average and so is his arm! End of conversation.
By DD
July 1, 2011 1:48 PM | Link to this
Paul Janish is average - not poor, not great - just average. Frankly, he’s lucky to be playing for a mid-market organization as a large-market team with substantial cash wouldn’t put up with an average fielding SS who’s offensive #s are as low as his. Having said that - you may find it hard to believe but I like Janish. Organizations like ours need average players who don’t cost much in order to be successful, and there are worse than Paul Janish. I just can’t stand it how Reds fans make guys out to be something their not. Bruce - while streaky - isn’t “overpaid and sucks” as some put it. Stubbs - who does strike out a lot - shouldn’t be released all together. Heisey and Lewis aren’t starting OFs in the majors (but great pieces to the puzzle). And, Paul Janish isn’t the second-coming of Ozzie Smith who should start 162 games a year (who does these days?) and would have made that catch in Tampa as some (not pointing a finger at either of you particularly) seem to believe he certaintly would have. Renteria is on the roster (so he’s going to see playing time) and is a SS so will spell Janish from time to time.
By Bruce
July 1, 2011 11:15 AM | Link to this
Deckfan,I must tell you that I agree with Slag and his assertions. No doubt in my mind that Janish should have been inserted the other night; but as I previously stated, it wasn’t, and isn’t EVER a good idea to start Renteria instead of the superior fielding Janish.
By slag
July 1, 2011 10:39 AM | Link to this
Deckfan, I’ve played ball up to AA in the Rangers farm system and played for 15 managers over the years. Not one guy ever, repeat, ever, suggested that you make defensive switches based on run differential. Whether it’s 1/2/3 run leads, the timing of the game always dictates this…You’ll never see this in the 6th inning or before because the hitter will have 1-2 more swings but it’s common moreso in the 8th/9th innings and it can happen in a tie game, a 1 run game, a 2 run game,etc… Again, Janish can, and does, run circles around ER and gets to balls that ER won’t even try to. He’s made several catches with his back facing the plate the past 2-3 years and makes these plays look simple. Of course there is no guarantee he makes that catch but a manager’s job is to put his best team out there and put players in positions to succeed. Facing a very average TB hitting team with a 1 run lead in the 8th calls for Janish 10 out of 10 times unless the reds are 2-3 men down in the game due to injury and even then I’m thinking heavily about putting him out there….
By DeckFan
July 1, 2011 9:12 AM | Link to this
Good comments and my apologies to you Bruce for doubting your authenticity. Too many here attempt to hide behind numerous monikers. Typically I avoid stooping to their levels, but recent attacks and name calling directed to other posters as well as Reds players and Dusty challenged my patience and dragged me into an old fashioned shoot out! Anyhow regarding your opinions, I agree that PJ is a step better than ER, but that’s all I’ll go for. Since his first real year – 2009, PJ’s defensive skills have not reached top notch levels. As far as who starts, as you probably realize Dusty plays them all to keep the position guys sharp (a style I have no issue with), so being critical of who starts when is a complete exercise in futility. Dusty has his reasons and I usually defer to his 40+ years in the game. Now, back to the original debate point – where do you stand relative to defensive replacements? My view has been well documented and criticized (and yes belittled) to this point and I’m genuinely interested in yours and others who care to join in.
By Bruce
July 1, 2011 12:00 AM | Link to this
First, I believe all of the sniping should cease. It isn’t appreciated. People should be allowed to express opinion without having posters comment with so much pompous assertiveness! Secondly, I believe it might have been you who said ER is the better hitter at SS. I would agree with that. However, I believe that Janish should have started the game[the other night}, because IMO, his defense,range and arm, is that much better than ER’s; and probably adds .100 points to his average. When a ball is hit to ER, more times than not, he isn’t trying to get to the difficult plays, because he can’t. I see him disappearing out of the picture on so many plays. That must be deflating to Reds pitchers. His hitting hasn’t been that helpful,either. So, basically, I’m saying Janish should be in the lineup, period. No substitution at SS should be done, if we are playing our best. At least, until they bring up Cozart, or make a trade. Janish arm and range is simply better than ER. ER can’t make the tough plays. Janish can. The other night’s bloop hit was a tough play! If I am a Reds starter, I want Janish, Phillips, and Stubbs behind me in the middle of the diamond for our best defensive lineup, for nine innings, or more. I’d rather see Janish/Cozart without Renteria in the picture; which on most tough plays, he isn’t. In addition, I would be a supporter of Lewis playing everyday in left field, and leading off. No one else has been as proficient as he has at making contact and getting on base. Plus he hits lefthanded. I really don’t want to see Gomes. Heisey, I don’t know. I do think he has yet to be played often enough to get a good measure of his ability. They seem to be against doing that.I noticed the other night when Heisey tries to sacrifice he doesn’t know how to bunt properly{like so many others on the Reds}. He was lunging and stabbing at the ball improperly. When he lays a bunt down for a base hit he does it properly. But squaring around to sacrifice, seems impossible for many including Heisey to do. Maybe it was a bad night for him, but it was ugly. My take. Thanks for the discussion. How refreshing.
By DeckFan
June 30, 2011 10:56 PM | Link to this
So Bruce (or whoever you might really be? – new here, really?) you want in this ‘vicious debate’ or just joining the belittling idiots (BI). Well, put a stake in the ground if you have the moxie. Just when is a defensive replacement called for? In the case of Janish for Renteria I say 3 is about right. Now if we’re talking Lewis for Gomes or Heisey, it might be a little different. Ninth inning, anything goes – depending on many variables. What Say you???
By Bruce
June 30, 2011 10:33 PM | Link to this
Of course, Deckfan being of great maturity,mentions not his stupid, adolescent remark about 3-run leads. Always, the fabricating liars change the subject when they have no answers. Perhaps, those guilty posters should all stop being Blog Cops, which, as I see it, is what they are guilty of, constantly.
By DeckFan
June 30, 2011 4:45 PM | Link to this
Some are so easy to suck in to a name calling diatribe - welcome aboard slag & BI, you both show an incredibly low level of maturity! By the way -could either solve the math problem???? I’ll help you out again - 6 as in the age difference between ER and your favorite SS lover (now theres a level you can both probably relate to- sorry). Get a life! and oh, BTW, ER, Ondrusak, Dusty and not even Heisey lost that thriller the other day. It was just one of those classic ballgames thet ended up with a few key plays here and there that in the end didn’t go our way. BASEBALL, still America’s most unpredictable game. Now go vote your favorite ALL STAR, but please - no Janish!
By DeckFan
June 30, 2011 4:39 PM | Link to this
Some are so easy to suck in to a name calling diatribe - welcome aboard slag & BI! By the way -could either solve the math problem???? I’ll help you out - 6 asin the age difference between ER and your favorite SS lover. Get a life!
By Believe It
June 30, 2011 3:31 PM | Link to this
You go Slag! As I have been saying, and you have just found out, as others will, also—this “GANG OF FOUR” are always telling lies to make themselves sound importantly accurate when most of their BS is made up, and has nothing to do with reality or facts.Just attempts to make themselves sound taller than 4’10”! Thanks for your participation in straightening out the Deckster! One might think,these people have all the correct answers; until they get their lies highlighted by someone who is a step ahead. Arrogant BSers is pretty accurate, I’d say. Thanks again! 3 runs…unbelievable!
By slag
June 30, 2011 12:20 PM | Link to this
Decks, you may be the single biggest douche moron in modern day civilization with that comment about having to have a 3 run lead before making defensive replacements. It’s like, as the other posters mention, you just say things and try to use as facts when your a**e-clown brain really believes it. Please STOP now. You’re a freakin’ embarrassment here…Yaaaaaaa, it’s against the law to make a defensive replacement with a 1 run lead…..LMAO..
By DeckFan
June 30, 2011 10:13 AM | Link to this
Here’s some more help for u slag - defensive replacements occur when you are protecting a lead of 3 or more runs. In a tight ballgame you usually want your better hitters in the lineup! For that- I’ll take ER over PJ everyday! Now - if you can figure it out - go cast your All Star votes (all 25 of them) for our Reds - and if you really think he’s that darn good - include Paul Janish! Sad to tell you - he wasn’t on my ballots.
By slag
June 30, 2011 9:47 AM | Link to this
DD, You really are a clueless a**e-clown. First off, 75% of those guys you mention have a refrigerator on their back in their ability to even get to the balls that Janish does, Secondly, 2 of his errors were dropped balls at 2b on a stolen base and on a force out where he did not have the ball long enough. 2 other errors were on throws to both 1b AND TO HOME PLATE. He’made a total of 7, yes 7, and 3 of them have been called “fielding” errors. Now come back out from tour meth-filled life and tell us you’d rather have Edgar as your everyday SS and especially as your defensive replacement…
By @Matt The Blog Cop
June 29, 2011 11:48 PM | Link to this
@double dumb: you can’t read and retain so someone else probably wrote this for you since you are a phoney LIAR.You must have the wrong statistics!
By @Matt The Blog Cop
June 29, 2011 11:44 PM | Link to this
@double dumb: you can’t read and retain so someone else probably wrote this for you since you are a phoney LIAR.
By DD
June 29, 2011 10:31 PM | Link to this
Really? Do you have proof otherwise? Straight from espn.com the 2010 NL fielding percentages: Wilson Valdez .991, Miguel Tejada .987, Jamey Carroll .986, Juan Uribe .984, Troy Tulowitzki .984, Stephen Drew .984, Edgar Renteria .983, Jimmy Rollins .982, Craig Counsell .982, Ruben Tejada .982, PAUL JANISH .981. Looks like 11th to me! This includes those that didn’t have enough total chances to qualify (including Janish), but I took out all those that didn’t play more than 11 games to make him look better. Include those, and Janish came in 31st. Ouch. Don’t call me a liar again. You’re a fraud.
By @dwarf Dopey
June 29, 2011 6:33 PM | Link to this
Dwarf Dopey: You are wrong, once again.Quit making up lies.And learn to read a$$.
By DeckFan
June 29, 2011 5:35 PM | Link to this
34 minus 28 = ??? According to some that would be 12 (the difference in PJ vs ER age) - how embarrassing! I agree with DD - it’s great to come here with opinion, but at least have some facts right as opposed to just spouting off!
By DD
June 29, 2011 5:20 PM | Link to this
Huh…Paul Janish was the top fielding SS at the end of last year? Interesting. Looking at his numbers last year he doesn’t even qualify to be a league leader in fielding %. Taking # of attempts out of the equation, Paul Janish finished in….no way…it can’t be….11th IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE. Believe it, learn how to read or do a little research before you open your mouth again you babbling idiot. And, quit posting under multiple handles. It’s extremely lame to post under KIA’s handle. Grow a pair and stand on your own two feet.
By Believe It
June 29, 2011 4:51 PM | Link to this
Gotta a new tag for DD— the modern day “Dugout Dopey”.I am happy to see Tom and many others speak out in disagreement with “Matt the blog cop”. He corrects EVERYONE doesn’t he. Even KIA{I thought that was a car}is finding he disagrees with this “Dugout Dope”. Way to go KIA. I’m proud of ya. I still think Lewis should be playing left and leading off, every game! Heisey should be replacing the “whiffers” Stubbs and Bruce on alternate days. Whenever either of those two are out of the lineup the Reds are stronger—Their slumps last much longer than their sucessful AB’s. Dugout Dope: Lewis 0—3 day had some screaming line drives! Nice try though. Thanks for demonstrating that you cannot offer comments without lying to make your points. Janish was the top fielding SS in the league at the end of last year; and regardless, this year he has outplayed Erroria and deserves to be the starter until someone else betters him. He WOULD HAVE MADE THAT CATCH last night! Were you ever a dwarf?
By DeckFan
June 29, 2011 4:31 PM | Link to this
I hate using this forum to educate others or name call, but slag needs some help here, so my apologies but this may take a while (he needs lots of help). First of all, the ridiculous comments about Janish being ‘one of the best SS in the majors’ clearly demonstrates an overall lack of knowledge. He can’t crack the top 10 in any category that demonstrates defensive prowess (fielding %, range or zone rating). We all understand his overall lack of offensive production. Secondly, the comment about ‘never, ever play for extra innings when you have the lead’ ranks right there with ignoring history (hint, it does repeat itself!). If this were little league you might be correct, but when you’re getting paid – planning ahead is pretty important. All good managers look ahead – not just batters, but innings. Think about this – you’re 1 run up, on the road against a team that’s been pretty hot and they have two more innings to get that run. Bench is already a man short, due to DH and your best PH is in the lineup already, so you’re short there too. But let’s play to win now with a defensive replacement!!! Get real! Let’s see, the Reds have already played one of the longest games this year, had their fair share of extra inn’g games already (8) and have had to rally in the 9th multiple times – but let’s ignore those facts and play to win now! If Dusty isn’t thinking ahead and planning for possible extra innings – then I’d agree with many that post here – he should be fired. In closing, sometimes silence is golden, but continue to read slag – you should learn something every now and then.
By DD
June 29, 2011 4:02 PM | Link to this
Son? You don’t have half the intelligence needed to be my dad. Nice try though. Janish has legs that he uses? Are those the same legs that have half the stolen bases this year that his elder Renteria has? Those legs? You’re right - I can’t say 100% that he wouldn’t have made the catch. The point is that everyone here seems to think with 100% certainty he would have. It would have been a tough catch for the best of defensive shortstops. Of which Paul Janish isn’t one. You also understand that guys get days off, right? That there is no intention what-so-ever for them to play a day unless an unforeseen circumstance like an injury or 18 inning game? Was Janish ready to take the field? I don’t know, do you? Did Dusty tell him to get in the game, only for Janish to not be able to get those oh-so-valuable legs loose? Or, was it simply his day off? It’s not like we had Ramon Hernandez playing SS. Chill out. Although you think you know so much more than our manager who’s sitting in the dugout, I’ve got news for you - you don’t.
By DD
June 29, 2011 3:57 PM | Link to this
Son? You don’t have half the intelligence needed to be my dad. Nice try though. Janish has legs that he uses? Are those the same legs that have half the stolen bases this year that his elder Renteria has? Those legs? You’re right - I can’t say 100% that he wouldn’t have made the catch. The point is that everyone here seems to think with 100% certainty he would have. It would have been a tough catch for the best of defensive shortstops. Of which Paul Janish isn’t one. You also understand that guys get days off, right? That there is no intention what-so-ever for them to play a day unless an unforeseen circumstance like an injury or 18 inning game? Was Janish ready to take the field? I don’t know, do you? Did Dusty tell him to get in the game, only for Janish to not be able to get those oh-so-valuable legs loose? Or, was it simply his day off? It’s not like we had Ramon Hernandez playing SS. Chill out. Although you think you know so much more than our manager who’s sitting in the dugout, I’ve got news for you - you don’t.
By DD
June 29, 2011 3:57 PM | Link to this
Son? You don’t have half the intelligence needed to be my dad. Nice try though. Janish has legs that he uses? Are those the same legs that have half the stolen bases this year that his elder Renteria has? Those legs? You’re right - I can’t say 100% that he wouldn’t have made the catch. The point is that everyone here seems to think with 100% certainty he would have. It would have been a tough catch for the best of defensive shortstops. Of which Paul Janish isn’t one. You also understand that guys get days off, right? That there is no intention what-so-ever for them to play a day unless an unforeseen circumstance like an injury or 18 inning game? Was Janish ready to take the field? I don’t know, do you? Did Dusty tell him to get in the game, only for Janish to not be able to get those oh-so-valuable legs loose? Or, was it simply his day off? It’s not like we had Ramon Hernandez playing SS.
By jeff
June 29, 2011 3:35 PM | Link to this
Great Series win by the Red legs today!!!! Facing that pitching should give them a boost. By the way the call on Votto for strike 3 was absolutely horrendous. What was the umpire thinking? Baker should have been out there faster to protect Votto. Oh well they got the win. Good game by Volquez he stepped up and Hannigans blast was clutch. I still think the reds need to bunt runners over more, they play too much for the big inning. Overall a good series win. They need to take 2/3 from the tribe
By slag
June 29, 2011 3:08 PM | Link to this
Janish’s fielding % has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with getting to that ball which I never said he would have gotten. I said your best defensive SS needs to be in the game, the guy that is 12 years younger that actually has legs he uses. Don’t sit here and embarrass yourself by acting like you know 100% that Janish would have not gotten that ball. All good SS’s with range (yes he has that) make catches well out in the outfield all the time, yet, your boy Edgar claimed he lost the ball in the lights so you know it was the SS’s ball. Hey, congrats that ER got an RBI last night. That’s wonderful so please tell me where I said he never should have started the game…I’m waiting, son…
By DD
June 29, 2011 3:01 PM | Link to this
2 out of 3 for all you whiners. We may be only 2 out by the time Cleveland comes to town.
By DD
June 29, 2011 2:59 PM | Link to this
slag…you’re making Janish out to be some Gold Glove SS. News flash: he’s currently got the 7th best fielding percentage among shortstops IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE. Defensive whiz he is not. On top of that, you need your head examined if you think Janish makes that play last night. And that’s not a crack on him - not many guys could. It was an unlucky bloop hit. Btw, that “fat a*s” as you put it was the reason we had the lead. Now, surely, even a guy like you can see that.
By slag
June 29, 2011 2:33 PM | Link to this
Deck fan, First off, nobody is talking about Rolen as he is the “best” 3rd baseman the reds have. See the difference? Secondly, your point about a game “looking like” it may go extra innings may be one of the dumbest I’ve ever read. You never ever ever ever ever ever play for an extra inning game when “you have the lead”. What you do is to try to do everything in your power (yes, defensive specialists included here)to “protect” that lead. If a guy hits a bomb so be it but that particular play was bad because you had a lousy defensive player, and a fat a*s, out at SS who has no athletic ability and you had your best SS, and one of the best in MLB, riding the pine. Now, surely, even a guy like you can see the difference..
By StuttgartTim
June 29, 2011 11:39 AM | Link to this
OK, I have criticized Dusty’s decision before, but I would also have pulled Cueto, and probably after the first hit. You don’t leave a starter in the game to lose it, after he has pitched a good game into the 8th. I also agree, however, that Janish should have been at SS. You at LEAST put him in as a defensive replacement.
By DeckFan
June 29, 2011 11:39 AM | Link to this
Funny how hindsight is always 20/20! Might I remind some that without the ‘old’ guys, Reds MIGHT have well been out of the game when the blooper fell. ER had a big hit and SB. Rolen had made more than a couple of good / difficult plays at 3rd. Game looked like it might have been headed to extra innings - having Janish available for a double switch (saving bullpen)might have been part of decision making. We sure don’t know and to resort to name calling directed at mgr and SS is just nonsense - keep it civil!
By bob
June 29, 2011 10:58 AM | Link to this
We all get old and can’t do the things we once did. Playing SS is a young man’s job; not one for Renteria or Jeter. If mgt. is too dumb to recognize that, go ahead and take the money. Hindsight says Janish would have made the play. This is not nearly the first time the “age” at SS and 3B hasn’t cost dearly. Dusty likes “old” so well, I’m surprised he doesn’t activate himself. He’d be no worse at playing than managing and at least have him out of the dugout.
By slag
June 29, 2011 10:58 AM | Link to this
Baker is a complete and utter morin, once again, for not having Janish as the defensive replacement for the slow fat-a*s Renteria…No freakin’ excuses.Heisey had a long long way to go and I’ve seen Janish make a few catches out in the outfield. Not saying he catches that one but he’s got a hell of a better chance than the pig they have playing SS last night. I have no issue removing Cueto from the game. He just gave up 2 hits to lefties in the bottom of the order and Damon already hit a line drive off od him and a homer earlier….It was just a combination of bad luck and not having your best defensive player out there who could have possibly caught that ball…
By Florida Buckeye
June 29, 2011 10:01 AM | Link to this
Hey All, I am of the opinion that Cueto was out there too long. As soon as the Reds got the lead, Cueto should’ve been sat. It was obvious he was slowing down, and having difficulty locating his pitches…Bray’s pitch to Damon means nothing, IF there are no runners…Sorry, just the way I see it…Janish vs. the Human Statue ER…hindight says YES, but at the time, I didnt have too much of a problem with it. Let’s hope we take the nooner today: Go Reds!
By ohdave
June 29, 2011 9:24 AM | Link to this
The problem isn’t Baker it’s personnel. After close to two years, it’s clear that Stubbs will never hit over .250. We get just average play out of left, Rolen is not the player he was a year ago, shortstop is killing us. We need upgrades at center, left, and shortstop immediately. Of course we’ve known that for weeks. Then Ondrusek makes a critical execution error in the ninth. Our rotation is seriously underperforming, close to last in ERA in the league. Without some personnel moves soon the season is lost. I can’t see things getting better.
By DeckFan
June 29, 2011 9:00 AM | Link to this
Regardless of outcome (my favorite team lost!) - that was a heck of a game. Reds showed lots of fire, even though K’g out a ton. I was pretty sure it was over early, but some key hits made it exciting. Great outing by JC! All the 2nd guessing is exactly why baseball is still a fan favorite. Need this afternoons game - ‘Big Time’!
By jeff
June 29, 2011 8:27 AM | Link to this
The difference b/t this years team and last years is that this team is losing the close games. They can’t seem to get the breaks they were getting last year. I agree with Baker using Bray against Damon, it was a the right move the way Bray has been pitching. I keep saying this team is too inconsistent but you know what maybe they are too consistent. consistently going to stay near .500. If Volquez pitches poorly again tonight I send him down again.
By joe
June 29, 2011 7:25 AM | Link to this
This is simply a bad team! No need to say more.
By KNOW IT ALL
June 29, 2011 7:13 AM | Link to this
Finally people are starting to see Bakers weakness as to line-up making, removing pitchers, wrong substitutions. Last nights game was a perfect example. Now we are in 4th place by ourselves. CUETO should have not come out of the game he was pitching fine. JANISH should have been inserted for defensive purpose or even have started the game to being with knowing it would be a pitching and defensive game. COCO or CHAPMAN should have been brought in to pitch the 9th inning. Why are we paying millions to these two relievers and they are not used in an game like last nights. MIKE IN KENTUCKY your prediction of Reds turning it around by this weekend aint going to happen. Walt you are not helping the team but will be selling out Saturday night because of DUSTY BAKER BOBBLE HEAD NIGHT, will he have a dirty toothpick stuck in his mouth??
By Jim M.
June 29, 2011 5:48 AM | Link to this
This was the kind of game the Reds won last year. But things aren’t falling their way nearly as often this year.“They’re not,” Baker said. “But they will.” Im tired of hearing this out of Baker!.. time for Walt to make the changes needed to get this team above 4th dang place!!! How many walk up tickets are you losing Walt?? the Cardinals are talking to the San Diego Padres about their Closer and SS.. Sadly we Reds fans heer how you Walt are happy with this 4th place team that isnt going anywhere but down in the standings.. You want to see ticket sales increase, prove to the fans your not satisfied with just a division title in 2010.. Get the help needed before the other teams above us do!! go after Kemp and Billingsly or Kershaw.. Dangle Stubbs and Edinson and Alsonso if you have too.. Still have Sappelt that hits and doesnt strike out 200 times at AAA to help in CF with Heisey. PLUS COZART if you cant deal for Reyes!! at least give the Reds fans hope and a reason to buy tickets. I dont want 2010 being the 1999 and we have to wait another 12 years!!! and please tell me you have the Dayton Dragons coaches not wasting Billy Hamiltons speed and teaching him to bunt-Not Like Stubbs who would rather strike out than lay one down to make the defense more nervous!!!
By Paul in fairborn
June 29, 2011 3:58 AM | Link to this
“Cueto had not thrown 100 pitches and he didn’t want to come out, but Baker wanted the lefty-lefty match-up.” In this case I will blame Baker. He is so into this lefty righty stuff, from his lineups to the in-game pitching, that he ignores his hot hand. now granted Bray has been great lately, but when was the last time Ondrusek was in a game and a pressure situation? Coco was ready. Cueto shouldnt have come out. the game shouldnt have been tied and closer or not you put Coco in to start the ninth, he had last night off. Jim M. is right time to let Walt share the heat. I still dont wanna fire anyone, but this one hurt, I was already having a bad night.
By Tom
June 28, 2011 11:15 PM | Link to this
One wonders if Paul Janish would have gotten to the bloop hit,had Baker had enough sense to insert his better SS an inning or so earlier, for defense. Or maybe when he was talking to Cueto, in the dugout about, whatever, he should have been inserting Paul then. Actually,before the game began, everyone in the universe, knew it could easily be a low scoring game; so why would we not have our best defensive SS, P. Janish, starting in this type of game? You know, so he could make difficult plays, like the bloop hit, that Renteria can no longer make! Nice hit ER got; but this game needed defense first and foremost. Oh, that’s right, I almost forgot, ER is a veteran—like Patterson, Taveras, Gonzo—all veterans who weren’t producing, but who all were starting every game. Funny how that has been occurring now for three years.
By jim m.
June 28, 2011 10:45 PM | Link to this
I wonder when this team will win 5 games in a row again? So far its not looking like anytime soon. And Walt and Bob will sit on their hands.. The Cardinals in need of a closer and a SS are talking to the San Diego Padres about Heath Bell and Shortstop Jason Bartlett.. Funny how the Cardinals have a need and are determined to go after a need. while our Reds say they are happy with this Win a game -loose a game routine!! 41-40 and no closer to winning the division. Cant bea the Pirates, Cant beat american Leauge teams in a series and all is well in Mayberry.. what a crock!!Come on WALT you waiting till the team is out of it by July 31st so you have a excuse NOT to do anything and watch ticket sales go down and then blame us fans for your reluctance to do anything????