By KNOW IT ALL

June 8, 2011 7:32 AM | Link to this

Yes I got it right on the money.. Check my blog yesterday 7 June 3:18 pm About 4 hrs before game time I said Reds 8 Cubs 2. KNOW IT ALL KNEW THIS ONE

By DD

June 7, 2011 10:24 PM | Link to this

I gotta meet this Matt guy. He must be an upstanding, intelligent individual. It’s a community service, Yep. Point out the dumb “predictions” in an effort to keep them from littering up the joint. You must be another Heisey jock sniffer to get your panties all up in a bunch over Gomes’ play last night. And another decent night tonight for that matter.

By Yep

June 7, 2011 9:35 PM | Link to this

DD is Matt The Blog cop! DD: J. Gomes says: “How do ya like me tonight”? One night does not a player make! Stop with your blog cop sh_ _!

By KNOW IT ALL

June 7, 2011 3:18 PM | Link to this

DD Good reponse to Jim M. I will follow up by saying Gomes had a great game and Bruce only got 3 yes Jim M. 3 hits. Reds need to sweep Cubs to get monkey off their back of heartbreak losses to Dodgers. Hey Mike M from St Louis you can say all you want about Phillips but if you saw him play defense last night he is the best in the league both leagues. Yea he may play alittle too much but all in all St Louis or any other team sure wish they had him playing on their infield… Tonight Reds 8 Cubs 2

By DD

June 6, 2011 9:15 PM | Link to this

Well, well, well. When are you people going to cease with your predictions? 3K’s for Gomes tonight, Jim M? He’s got more RBI tonight than that K prediction, and I’m writing this in the middle of the 6th. And, Bruce has a double in front of him with the “protection” of Gomes behind him. Give credit where it’s due - good lineup tonight!

By Chapman Fan

June 6, 2011 7:01 PM | Link to this

We have Cueto, Arroyo, Leake.Now lets give Chapman and Volquez the opportunity to win some games. Wood has been stinking up the joint. We need starters.

By jim m.

June 6, 2011 4:02 PM | Link to this

Well same old lineup.. come on. Gomesd batting 5th?? Bruce will be walked every time tonight.. What a joke Baker.. Give Hesiey a chance. At least try something DIFFERENT. Gomes will strike out 3 times tonight.. you watch!!

By DD

June 6, 2011 12:08 PM | Link to this

No need to panic…yet. Still have 102 games to go. But, we’re entering a critical stretch for the rest of June. Host Chicago this week, then out west to play SF and LA. Toronto and the Yankees come in after that followed by a trip to Baltimore and Tampa. 7 teams - 4 of which are above .500. Without a good June, July series versus St. Louis (twice) and Milwaukee could be meaningless. The team needs to start playing with an urgency its been lacking all season. Pitching, pitching, pitching!!! Even with limited production from LF and SS, this team is still 2nd in the NL in runs scored. But, only Chicago and Houston have given up more than our Reds. Most NL teams with winning records are giving up 1/2 to almost a full run less per game. Rotation - get the job done!!! Leake has looked better since time in Louisville - better keep it up tonight. Hopefully time with Power will do the same for Volquez - will find out tomorrow. Arroyo needs to get healthy along with Bailey. Lets go boys! Now’s the time to pick it up!

By KNOW IT ALL

June 5, 2011 11:41 PM | Link to this

After watching last nights disaster and today’s loss I have made up my mind that this year will not be a playoff year. The Reds are just going to end up as a .500 team which is just average. I expected too much like some others have but the ones that played so well last year are just not having a repeat. We have had injuries, lack of production with offense and pitching problems. So hopefully we will make some changes during the off season to open up so money and bring in players that will help us in the future. Remember even though we made the playoffs last year we really did not accomplish anything because we did not make a good appearance in the playoffs at all. As sportcasters say, it is not just making the playoffs it is how you play in the playoffs and getting to the World Series. I really feel this will be Baker’s final year with the Reds if he even lasts until end of the season. Today they played as if they have given up already. So wait until next year….

By Mike-Cinci

June 5, 2011 6:25 PM | Link to this

Scott Rolen Third Baseman 12/19/09: Signed three-year, $23.63 million extension (includes $5 million signing bonus deferred over life of contract). 2011: $6.5 million, 2012: $6.5 million, 2013: Free agent. Award bonuses: $200,000 for MVP; $150,000 for WS MVP; $100,000 for LCS MVP; $50,000 each for LDS MVP, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove; $25,000 for All Star. Full no-trade clause.

By redsfandownunder

June 5, 2011 6:17 PM | Link to this

It is well past time to DFA Fred Lewis and give Alonso…or even Hermida a shot. If neither of them work out, Sappelt should be healthy and he can have a shot. For #!*$!@!!’s sake they need to do something before the season is gone.

By Jim M.

June 5, 2011 3:13 PM | Link to this

the Reds have 4 glorying weak spots. 1) NO shut Down ACE,that can save this bullpen 2) Weakness in LF(Gomes/Lweis and when Heisey starts), 3) Rolen at 3rd isnt hitting and 4)SS guys are not hitting. Walt cant be this blind.!!! AND NIX is killing the ball since he left, Cabrerra in Cleveland is hitting well. This tells me the approach by our hitting coach has to be suspect. If the Cardinals and Brewers ADD the missing pieces to go for a division title and beyond and the Reds do nothing, I will be one ticked Reds fan. Time to shake this team up. a couple of trades to put this team over the top and show the Reds players the front office will fix the glowing problems and show the Reds fans a reason to believe the Reds front office isnt just satisfied with winning the division in 2010 and do NOTHING further!! Time to make some moves as this current team wont have enough to win it.. Hal, you cant sit there and say this team has enough!! We can live with Jainsh at SS IF they fix LF and get help at 3rd for the long run.. Our bench needs help too.. we have zero threat as a Left handed hitter off the bench. No Nix, No Edmonds, etc…

By Jaker

June 5, 2011 1:34 PM | Link to this

That is it,Dusty has to be fired!!. It only took Dusty until the first inning today to make another stupid mistake.man on 2nd ,first base open,batter up that just beat you yesterday with 2 HR and now has 9 in last 14 games and he is soooo stupid he does not walk him to at least try to set up a double play.What is he thinking?? why is he still the manager???

By Mike Marelli

June 5, 2011 2:01 AM | Link to this

When the Reds become sellers before the trade deadline, which players do you believe will be made available. How’s about Albert Pujols in trade for Joey Votto? Here’s another trade proposal, how about a bucket of used prophylactics and 3 used diapers for Brandon Phillips? Watch out for those Pirates, they’re right on your tail, and they mean business. MUHUHAHAHAHAAH

By Jim M

June 4, 2011 11:49 PM | Link to this

right now Gomes and Rolen are really hurting this team offensively. We can live with Janish if they can fix LF and even get another good 3B. Matt Kemp sure did well today. He would look real good batting 4th in our lineup. Walt has to fix the obvious problems as Rolen isnt hitting much with power since the 1st half of last season. Now the bullpen is starting to show they are tired. with Ondrusek pitching so often the beginning of the season he will be wore out if the starters keep pitching so poorly. cueto did great today and should have not seen his outing get blown. Lets see what Walt does, because the “Its early” statement is getting old

By ldonnjoo

June 4, 2011 10:15 AM | Link to this

MOST IMPORTANT THING SINCE YOU WILL BE IN MEXICO. IF YOU HEAR SHOOTING NEVER LOOK UP TO SEE WHERE IT IS COMING FROM. KEEP THE HEAD DOWN!

By Shawn in the ATL

June 4, 2011 10:03 AM | Link to this

I too would like to see Alonso at some point. But given the team’s MO and his ongoing AAA success, all my chips are on Hermida getting another chance first. I’ll be stunned if either Alonso or Sappelt (who’s been hurt for a good while)get a shot first. In fact, I bet we don’t see Sappelt at all this year unless we have a string of injuries or are out of the running down the stretch.

By DeckFan

June 4, 2011 9:04 AM | Link to this

I’m thrilled Bronson went 6+ and got the win. Notice my post was pre game and was not a complaint but a concern. His fast ball is not up to needed levels to have consistent success – IMO. BA was quoted in DDN as being lucky last night as his location was off. Doubt that luck will continue against quality offense. Team needs the consistent Bronson with all the other pitching woes, but not sure his health will hold up. Until Edinson and Homer get back (and produce) there is little option for BA, but he might be better off getting his strength back on the DL. As far as the Bill Hall rumor, interesting but would create more chaos on the 40 man roster. I would prefer bringing up someone already on the 40 man instead of making room for a Bill Hall, who has been abysmal this year.

By jeff

June 4, 2011 8:48 AM | Link to this

good win by the reds last night. arroyo pitched a great game with not great stuff. he’s due for one of his runs. The bullpen was great. If we can get to the 7th and go ondrusek, massett and co co it could be lights out…. Minus Rolen the team was 1-7 with RISP last night, still a big concern. our bottom of the lineup are easy outs. Hannigan is down to .234 and Janish at .218. I wish Cairo could play short, he gives great at bats. Reds have to do something for the bottom of the order they are struggling. Great win though we’ll take it. Need to win today because we won’t get much off Kershaw

By jim m.

June 4, 2011 8:27 AM | Link to this

I saw on mlbtraderumors.com that Bill Hall will be realeased today. He can play SS/2B/3B and OF.. Could he be a better option over Gomes? If he isnt claimed, his 3 million (4 million option for 2012) dont get picked up and can be had for the minimum. Plus he hits well at GABP!

By Dave

June 4, 2011 2:14 AM | Link to this

Deckfan: BP said on twitter he has a slight wrist injury but will be ready for tomorrow. On the other hand, to me Heisey is by far our best bench player and the way Dusty uses him is good with the current platoon in left between Heisey and Lewis. And about Bronson’s start, how can you complain about 6IP and only 1 run? This was the first time this year he looked like the Bronson we all love. I would take a start like this from Arroyo every time he goes out, he has always been great at finding what pitches are working and what aren’t and tonight was a perfect example of that. Bronson was spotting his pitches great tonight and now just a few minor kinks (long counts) to work out and he will be the ace we had last year.

By Tom

June 4, 2011 12:04 AM | Link to this

Actually,DD, I can appreciate your argument; but my intention would not be to play Heisey in LF. I would play Lewis there, and Heisey in CF, whenever Stubbs goes into one of his funks.I agree with Lewis leading off, because he makes consistent contact and looks more comfortable there than Stubbs. Instead of watching Stubbs{again tonight} refuse to make plays on balls 10 feet in front of him, I’d play someone in CF with some intestinal fortitude. I’m tired of watching him, as others are,allowing balls to hit the ground, which he has enough speed to catch. However, I think perhaps he is incapable of making those plays, as he demonstrated earlier this year, with clumsy attempts to dive on his stomach. Amazingly, I think he just cannot make that play, for some odd reason.I’m starting to believe that this guy is over-rated.I am certain that Gomes is.The main reason I would play Heisey, in spite of his supposedly not being outstanding ANYWHERE: Neither have Stubbs or Gomes! Why does the Cowboy mention that Heisey was a minor league player of the year a few years ago, if he, according to you, was never outstanding?

By DeckFan

June 3, 2011 5:34 PM | Link to this

Hate to disrupt the Stubbs / Heisey debate, but let’s comment on tonight’s lineup. First – BP out! Slump or injury related???? I suspect injury and hope not too bad. Even with him slumping – lineup needs his bat, maybe back to 4 hole or LEADOFF! Also – is this the end of consecutive starts for Bronson? He’s been a big disappointment this year – hurt or physically worn out from the mono. IMO, as much as I like him – this should be the last straw until he’s 100% He needs his heater (as second rate as it is!) to set up his benders. It has been indicated by the Reds broadcast team that Bronson hasn’t got it above 90 on the radar gun yet this year! LETS GO REDS!

By DD

June 3, 2011 3:55 PM | Link to this

Tom, when combined with all the other factors it is noteworthy. Heisey wasn’t a standout in high school, wasn’t a standout in college, wasn’t a standout in Louisville, and hasn’t been a standout in his 57 starts in Cincinnati. Yet, we should put him in LF the rest of the year. Why exactly? Believe it - were you saying the same thing about Bruce at the end of April when he was hitting .180? Be honest. If not, what were you seeing then in Bruce to make you believe he’d be the league leader in HRs and RBI at the end of May that you aren’t seeing in Stubbs today after his 17 game struggle? Remember, Stubbs was hitting .282 thru 40 games this year.

By Tom

June 3, 2011 3:28 PM | Link to this

Question: Are most athletes at their peak physically,when they are 18 years old, or when they reach their late 20’s or 30’s? Point made: most players take a while to improve their skills of speed and strength;so being drafted out of HS, is not noteworthy!

By Believe It

June 3, 2011 3:17 PM | Link to this

Personally, I’d give Heisey the number of starts, determined by how many games Drew Stubbs has had two or more strikeouts in his major league career. However many games that is; and for every game Heisey gets a bunt base hit, add another start! And, while Heisey is playing CF,in place of the strikeout king, I’d play Lewis in left, Leading off.Both players will hit the ball fair, more frequently than Stubbs ever will.

By Bruce

June 3, 2011 12:40 PM | Link to this

DD is right. Heisey is now what he will always be: a reserve outfielder who pinch hits. The Reds management will never let a FA get a clear shot at LF. I doubt he could hold it if he did. Management will always give a high draft pick like Alonzo or Sappelt the shot first. Hannigan is the rare exception, but that’s a catcher.

By DD

June 3, 2011 11:19 AM | Link to this

As for Stubbs…he’s been like 2 separate players this year. In the first 40 games this year, he hit .282 with 7 HRs 23 RBI and 44 K’s. Since May 15th, he’s played 17 games hitting .194 with 0 HRs 0 RBI (unbelievable stat there) and 29 K’s. He’s been struggling since the Reds’ struggles started after St. Louis series.

By DD

June 3, 2011 11:04 AM | Link to this

Heisey facts: Played his college ball at some small school in PA (translation - wasn’t good enough in high school to get drafted or even play D1 college ball). Was drafted in the 17th round by the Reds - hardly a top-level prospect. Played 83 games in AAA in 09 and 10, batting .241 in the highest level of MINOR league baseball. Frankly, Heisey is lucky to be in the majors. If it weren’t for a good Arizona Fall League (who’s teams are filled with prospects and very few major league players), he’d still be playing south of the Ohio River. Also, he’s started 57 games in Cincy hitting .223 with 61 K’s in those starts. Last year, he started 12 of 14 straight games (with pinch hit duties in the other 2) in late August/early September going 10 for 48 for a .208 average in those starts with 16 K’s. Guys with that track record aren’t “given” starts - they earn them. How? By performing in the limited time they do get. For all those still with a Heisey crush, I ask you this: How many consecutive games are you willing to give him? Obviously more than 10 since he had that last year. 20? 40? Be careful though, because the vast majority of people were calling for Gomes’ head at the end of April this year even though he had hit .265 with 20+ HRs for the past 2 seasons. And, don’t even go with the “Gomes has sucked since midseason last year” arguement because that’s actually not true. While he did struggle last July and August, Jonny did come back and hit .280 in 28 games last September/October. So, let me hear it. Take away the name Chris Heisey, how many consecutive starts are you willing to give a guy with the resume above?

By bob

June 3, 2011 8:52 AM | Link to this

Platooning as been around for a long time. I’ve never been a big fan of it, but Sparky loved it. But, I’ve never seen a mgr. platoon 3 players; Lewis, Heisey and Gomes. Ironically, Dusty always puts Heisey in late defensively for the other two, yet Chris’s stats in all categories are better. Several argue that Heisey hits poorly when starting. I feel his skills are such if Baker had played Chris as long as he did Gomes, he would never be on the bench again; and it hurt Gomes by doing it. What about Stubbs, I thought Dunn was a liability even though he had a 100 each RBIs and walks and Drew is totally lost at the plate. Takes strikes and swings wildly otherwise. I suspect the Reds are near the top in K’s. The worst OUT possible.

By RichardL

June 3, 2011 2:56 AM | Link to this

How about Alonso? Reds need to give this guy a chance to play either left field or try him at third. His bat should help.

By RichardL

June 3, 2011 2:56 AM | Link to this

How about Alonso? Reds need to give this guy a chance to play either left field or try him at third. His bat should help.

By BG

June 2, 2011 8:56 PM | Link to this

Stubbs, recently and throughout the year, has had numerous games of two and three K’s per game—much more than your suggestion about Lewis. In watching Lewis and Stubbs at the plate this year only Lewis gives one confidence that he will hit the ball somewhere between the lines.

By Tom

June 2, 2011 8:49 PM | Link to this

And,I would be of the opinion, that PJ’s basehits the night before should hold more weight, since he is a much better SS than is ER. I don’t buy the managers{or your’s} ‘veteran excuses’for sitting better ball players—just because of ER’s bubble gum card, which only applies to yesteryear…

By DD

June 2, 2011 8:43 PM | Link to this

Who averages 3 per game???

By BG

June 2, 2011 6:43 PM | Link to this

Isn’t 214 K’s in 205 starts averaging out to one per game? Isn’t that better than three per game?

By BG

June 2, 2011 6:35 PM | Link to this

After dinner comments:I do not think Gomes is the answer, anywhere. Low and away gets him anytime he faces good breaking balls—high and tight, he can’t extend on—the only thing he will ever hit are mistake fast balls belt high, or hanging curves…vs good pitching, ala the playoffs{and long before that}, he is toast. In addition, Heisey has yet to be given regular playing time. He is treated just as Dusty treated other outfielders{I’ll let YOU determine who THEY were}by playing him, only long enough, to ALMOST get comfortable—but not quite—and then he sits him down! So, quoting Heisey’s stats when starting does not impress me—Baker won’t leave him in the lineup like he has Stubbs/Bruce and GOmes—until he does, it’s a screw job!

By BG

June 2, 2011 5:49 PM | Link to this

DD, most of what you say is reasonable…I disagree with going back eons to comment on Lewis. I do not have access to your statistics. However, what I see in front of me, in watching Lewis demeanor at the plate{swing included}gives me hope that his leading off would be a great improvement over Stubbs—any day of the week.I think HE, LEWIS, is the best choice; but as I said, I like your other comments today.

By enotsder

June 2, 2011 5:21 PM | Link to this

Ok Cairo’s getting old but can still play almost any position. Hitting .317, 2nd in batting percentage only to Votto. He needs to be in the lineup somewhere… at least for a while. There are others that can fill his normal role as utility extroidinaire. Janish, Valaika,… Even if you keep Rolen at 3rd, Cairo can play left and present an offensive threat that is missing now.

By pdmorgs

June 2, 2011 4:58 PM | Link to this

Hello Cincinnati. I was born in Cincinnati in 1945. My family moved to Los Angeles in 1952. In 1958 I began following the Redlegs and have never stoped. I have seen the Reds play in LA, SF, SD, and at Riverfront. Anyone who knows me knows I am a Reds fan. I believe this team is overrated. True, Bruce is coming along nicely and Votto is a stud. He is so intense, to bad Phillips is a goof. Stubbs is not there yet and perhaps he will nev er be. Left field is a failure, Rolen is a great guy but he is washed up. Short stop should be Janish, Phillips is overrated, but I would have him spend as much time with Joey as possible. Votto is great, catching is fair minus. Pitching is poor and the manager is poor. These are the facts as I honestly see them. It will be a long time before we do what we did in 75, 76, and 90. I love Cincinnati and the people there.

By DD

June 2, 2011 1:21 PM | Link to this

KIA…this is still a young team. I think we’re seeing signs that maybe they out-performed their abilities (at this point in their young careers) last year, and maybe we all expected too much out of them. That doesn’t mean we can’t win the division this year as these young guys are talented and getting better. We just have to deal with the growing pains. Hindsight being 20/20, maybe the organization should have done something at 3B and LF in the offseason. Maybe letting Cabrera walk in favor of Renteria was a mistake. But, our biggest issues have been pitching. Once again, collectively the rotation may not be as good as we all hoped, but I have to believe they’re better than they’ve shown. Starters have to go 6+ consistently - and that’s just not happening. To top it all off, we’ve been hit hard by the injury bug this year. Having said all that, the future is BRIGHT for our Reds. If they all stick around, think about a lineup built around upper-20s/low 30s Votto, Bruce, Phillips and Stubbs. And, Mesoraco, Grandal, Sappelt, Alonso, Cozart, Billy Hamilton, etc. approaching their primes. While I’m all for trading some talent to improve this years ballclub, I don’t want to forsake the future for a one-year run. That includes rushing some of our young guys thru the minors hoping they’ll be the key piece that’s currently missing. Odds are, they aren’t. Let them develop and I think we’re going to have many enjoyable summers in the future.

By KNOW IT ALL

June 2, 2011 1:00 PM | Link to this

DD you are so correct Stubbs and Gomes are the best that they can field right now. Gomes may start coming out of his slump, as Rolen still continues in one. I truely think the hitting will jump start back into gear as Bruce may continue in June what he did in May. Alls we need is one or two more to start hitting with consistency. Pitching is still the concern so if we can just hit and play defense until Pitching can get straight we should be ok. St Louis lost last night and basically we own the Brewers so LA comes in hot but hopefully we can cool them off also

By DD

June 2, 2011 10:53 AM | Link to this

BG…did you see Lewis’ stats as a leadoff hitter? 214 K’s in 205 starts. That’s making contact? I said it earlier, Stubbs isn’t a leadoff hitter either. But, he’s the best option we’ve got. He’s a 2nd year player who’s already better than Lewis ever was or ever will be. Lewis, similar to Heisey, is a solid #4 outfielder. Too bad Gomes hasn’t played the roll of #3 OF that he’s supposed to fill, although he’s showing signs of pulling out of his slump. I’m willing to admit Stubbs could have caught that ball in the 8th, but I’m not suggesting he’s not a solid defender. He’s playing conservative. Why? Is it his nature? Is he being told to? Is he playing the situation? I don’t know.

By DeckFan

June 2, 2011 10:37 AM | Link to this

The beauty of baseball is that it lends itself to second guessing decisions by all of us fanatics. Personally, I usually try to understand a decision whether or not I agree or disagree – if that’s drinking the kool aid, so be it. In the case of Janish vs Renteria, right now neither seem worthy of being in the lineup, so Dusty has a bad choice between the worse of 2 evils – pick one! ER’s prior success against Marcum would appear to be a logical reason why he got the call. And – here’s another theory; ER is a Walt guy, have you Tom ever done anything in your job that tried to appease your boss???

By BG

June 2, 2011 10:14 AM | Link to this

A great catch by Stubbs, to be sure! it is,however, good that it wasn’t directly over his head—he doesn’t do those very well, nor those in front of him, as I have often pointed out, and you have, finally, acknowledged. And, yes Stubbs is now leading the NL with 73 K’s, with 27k’s in his last 64 AB’s. Playing Lewis in LF and leading him off,regularly, would seem to even a casual observer, to be called for—since he does make regular contact,whenever the stubborn manager decides to see the light…Some of us find good reason to ‘blame’ Dusty…lets see, 75 K’s, or consistant contact?????

By Tom

June 2, 2011 9:56 AM | Link to this

So does that mean, since I have seen Marcum pitch, that I can play? Sounds like you always drink the cool aid. I don’t.

By DeckFan

June 2, 2011 8:35 AM | Link to this

Speaking of those nice fellas in St. BooWhoUs- I saw where the lights conveniently went out in the ninth inng last night delaying the game for 17 minutes. Don’t suppose it had anything to do with the fact that the Giants closer – Wilson, was on the mound and was putting the Cards away! Too bad that little bit of TLR strategy failed to work. Reds only 4 games back after just an abysmal stretch!

By DD

June 2, 2011 7:29 AM | Link to this

I wasn’t aware of the rumors of the Cards possibly going after Bell. That would suck after seeing Franklin blow another one last night! Breaks my heart - couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of guys. The Reds offense in general continues to struggle. Stubbs (I’ve defended his D, but as I was sitting in the moondeck last night will admit he should have made a play on that ball in the 8th - he would have caught it. But, what about that play earlier in left-center? Indcredible.) is in a funk that has seen his average dip from around .280 to .250 in less than 3 weeks. Awful. No production from SS or LF. Hanigan not hitting like he’s capable. Hell, Votto only has 7 HRs - he’s got more pop than that. Starting pitching continues to get us in holes early. We used north of 20 pitchers in the last 14 days. All of these issues, yet we’re only 4 games back. I find it hard to fault Dusty Baker when the team is above .500 (albeit by only 1 game) with all the issues these guys are having individually that have hurt this team collectively.

By DeckFan

June 2, 2011 12:01 AM | Link to this

I can think of another reason Tom - he’s at lest seen Marcum pitch as opposed to PJ. As a matter of fact, ER was 4 for 10, but that probably means nothing to your sensabilities!

By Jim M.

June 1, 2011 11:47 PM | Link to this

Well DD, I guess stubbs striking out 3 times is the best answer at the top. I am still shocked the Brewers pitchers pitched to Bruce with Renteria on deck. I am glad they did, but that wont last if Rolan doesnt get it going. His swing doesnt look right at all. I ONLY suggested Heisey or Lweis as they can bunt at least..and it would give stubbs less at bats to strike out at the top of the order. I hope the Reds FO will address this before the deadline. I guarantee the Cardinals and Brewers wont stand pat by the deadline (Cards looking at the Padres Heath Bell). Anyway I am glad Votto and Bruce came thru tonight. Time for the rest of the lineup to step it up. ALSO like to see Stubbs stop letting little fly balls fall in front of him. It looked like Bray wasnt to happy he did that when Dusty came out tonight to change pitchers. Thank God Massett got Hart out!

By Tom

June 1, 2011 11:35 PM | Link to this

Renteria is stupidly inserted into the lineup, for one reason only, he’s a still breathing veteran. Dusty would, and always has, played them. It doesn’t matter to him whether they are still capable, or not. It only matters what they did, once-upon-a-time!

By Tom

June 1, 2011 11:23 PM | Link to this

And, how often in history do you suppose that, otherwise intelligent men, performed stupidly under pressure? Fire Baker.Euthanize Renteria!

By DeckFan

June 1, 2011 10:44 PM | Link to this

Don’t take Dusty’s comments literally! As I recall, the count was 3-2, and pretty sure Dusty is hoping for a walk, a hit, a fly ball but no DP – PLEASE. I don’t for a second believe that he’s a stupid man. Hal has written previously in a foxsports column that Dusty works and studies his lineups and strategy harder than any manager he has followed – we have to believe that. I do however believe that sometimes paralysis through over analysis sometimes overcomes his decisions.

By birdie

June 1, 2011 10:23 PM | Link to this

Why wouldn’t I want him to bring in CoCo? Tell me what did you actually think of Dusty’s comment about Reineke? Wasn’t I at least right about that comment or is that the way you expect a manager to talk?

By DeckFan

June 1, 2011 9:54 PM | Link to this

Do the names Mike Quade, Brad Mills, Bob Green or John Farrell do anything for you Birdie – how about Bobby Valentine???? Honestly I wasn’t in favor of dusty when he came on board, but he’s won some of me over. How can you find fault with a man that has improved the record every year he’s been at the helm, made the post season for the 1st time in 15 years and been a part of developing some young talent (Bruce, Votto, and Phillips) including an MVP. Hard to argue with these successes I think. As far as your disagreement with lineup and adverse impact on Bruce – sure hasn’t impacted him tonight! Suppose you didn’t think he should have brought in Coco either! Has the season been somewhat disappointing thus far, sure but it’s only June 1. Get over your dislike and enjoy the team.

By birdie

June 1, 2011 8:26 PM | Link to this

To Deckfan, the ones that are unacceptable actually do outnumber the ones that are. As for the new manager you name him and I would approve him(unless it is Dusty)

By DeckFan

June 1, 2011 8:09 PM | Link to this

Was wondering - has Dusty ever made a move / decision that is acceptable -Birdie?? Would be interested in your suggestion as to who should replace him and why?

By birdie

June 1, 2011 8:02 PM | Link to this

Looks like opposing teams will not have to figure out how to get Bruce out of his hot hitting streak. Our Manager “Dusty” has done it for them by moving him from 5th to 4th in the lineup.It is just amazing how he manages to mess this team up and still keeps his job!!!

By BIRDIE

June 1, 2011 7:54 PM | Link to this

I s Janish injured? If not, why has Renteria started the last 2 games at SS instead of Janish who had 2 hits and drove in a run in the last game he started and the Reds won? Also to all the Dusty lovers how did you like his idiotic comment about Reineke hitting into a doubleplay in the 4th inning with the bases loaded.He said “we were hoping he would strike out or pop out”.Doesn’t he know all he has to do is tell the batter not to swing and he either walks or strikes out.Just shows how stupid the Red’s manager is and why he should be fired!!!!

By DD

June 1, 2011 5:09 PM | Link to this

Well, Jim M. has it all figured out! I guess he failed to notice Heisey is batting .204 in games he’s started this year, and Lewis has 214 strike outs in 205 career starts in the lead off spot. Not really great leadoff characteristics, don’t ya think? While I’ve stated before Stubbs isn’t a leadoff hitter and will be in the 3-6 hole in the future, he’s the best option we have available on the roster as it stands today. So…if Heisey and Lewis aren’t the answer to lead off and you want Stubbs to protect Bruce tonight, who’s leading off? Hanigan? Renteria? Cairo? It’s not as easy as many of you here seem to make it out to be. Especially if you fail to do the research to look at the numbers.

By Jim M.

June 1, 2011 4:33 PM | Link to this

Well Dusty tonight has Bruce protecting Votto and who is protecting Bruce? Renteria!!!!! What a joke!! I can do lineups alot better than that!! Plus I would end Stubbs at leadoff, bat him 5th if Rolen cant play tonight. 6th when Rolen is batting 5th. Let Lewis/Hiesey leadoff..

By Ken Mink

June 1, 2011 11:34 AM | Link to this

Hal: This is a test to see if you have an incredinble memory. We worked together at the Daily News in 1961-62. Got some interesting news for you me. Please email me.

By Ken Mink

June 1, 2011 11:34 AM | Link to this

Hal: This is a test to see if you have an incredinble memory. We worked together at the Daily News in 1961-62. Got some interesting news for you me. Please email me.

By Ken Mink

June 1, 2011 11:30 AM | Link to this

Hal, this is a test to see if you have an incredible memory. We worked together at the Daily News in 1962. I have some interesting info I want to pass on to you if you can email me at kenmink@aol.com. —Regards

By Ken Mink

June 1, 2011 11:30 AM | Link to this

Hal, this is a test to see if you have an incredible memory. We worked together at the Daily News in 1962. I have some interesting info I want to pass on to you if you can email me at kenmink@aol.com. —Regards

By David

June 1, 2011 8:40 AM | Link to this

Hal, enjoy your trip to the Riviera Maya. My wife and I are headed there in late June. And once you’ve had your fill of margaritas, try a “Miami Vice” - half Pina Colada, half Strawberry Daquiri. They are mighty tasty!

By KNOW IT ALL

June 1, 2011 7:33 AM | Link to this

Baker did the right thing for once and only once by moving Bruce up in the order. However Rolen doesn’t need to be in the lineup right now as he is not hitting worth a crap. We need to win today to take the series but a sweep would have been better. I am still surprised that Baker is now starting to once again insert Gomes in the starting lineup. He hasn’t really showed me anything just one game he did some hitting. Some of you say the Reds do not have a good team, I will tell you they will soon start another winning streak and hopefully this one will be solid enough. Remember it is June 1, 3 plus months to go folks. The ship will right itself trust me..

By joe

June 1, 2011 7:19 AM | Link to this

Haven’t I told you people all along that this was a bad Reds team?

By Steve in Richmond

May 31, 2011 10:43 PM | Link to this

Hal, do not drink the water. By the time you get back we will be in first or fifth. For sure I will have a fifth in the meantime if the Reds do not come out of this funk.

By Steve in Richmond

May 31, 2011 10:43 PM | Link to this

Hal, do not drink the water. By the time you get back we will be in first or fifth. For sure I will have a fifth in the meantime if the Reds do not come out of this funk.