^Wouldn't being 15 games under .500 where the Reds scored four runs or less imply that their pitching/fielding was performing like it should? That shouldn't imply anything about the offense being bad. Though I think we desperately need a couple new guys batting (especially in the lead-off position).

^Wouldn't being 15 games under .500 where the Reds scored four runs or less imply that their pitching/fielding was performing like it should? That shouldn't imply anything about the offense being bad. Though I think we desperately need a couple new guys batting (especially in the lead-off position).

 

It implies that when the Reds need a run, they can't scratch one out.  You're right, the defense was good last year, starting pitching was bad, but even when they got a good pitching performance, the offense wouldn't capitalize.  Another elite hitter that pitchers fear is what the lineup needs, not just another player.  Jay Bruce is supposed to be that slugger, but he continues to disappoint, so the organization would serve itself by going out to get someone who is a proven .300/.375/.475 or anything resembling a feared bat.

Reds are rumored to be in the midst of a 3 team trade with the Indians and Diamondbacks. Stubbs and Gregorious would go to Cleveland for Choo so they could deal Cabrera. Sucks he may only be a one year rental but his offense would be a huge upgrade over Stubbs.

done deal.  You will like Choo, but his agent is a jackass.

Here's the trade details from ESPN/AP: Reds acquire Choo in 3-team deal

 

I like this deal for the Reds.  I've always liked Choo.  Significant upgrade over Stubbs.

 

Even if he's just a one year rental.  The Reds didn't give up much.  They're better next year.  And it bridges the gap until Billy Hamilton is ready to play CF.

^Excited for Choo.  He's not the usual bag of bolts Reds GM Walt Jocketty typically brings in to leadoff.  Shin-Soo can actually play.  The other day I said the player Cincinnati needs should have a line greater than or equal to .300/.375/.475.  Choo's career line?  .283/.373/.441.  Great job, Reds!

 

The only caveat is that the Reds traded their 2006 top pick in the MLB draft for a one-year rental, albeit a good one.  That means the organization failed badly with Stubbs, who just turned 28 and is physically in his prime.  A typical Walt Jocketty move would be to extend a player he just traded for, which I fully expect him to do.  I think the Reds will avoid Shin-Soo going to arbitration and they sign him for three years, $20 mil.

 

 

^Choo isn't signing a three year 20mil deal.  The Indians have already tried that. His agent will have him out of there in a year....

Reds fans, is Stubbs as bad as I fear?

^Choo isn't signing a three year 20mil deal.  The Indians have already tried that. His agent will have him out of there in a year....

 

Cleveland is one of the worst teams in baseball; Cincinnati is one of the best.  A winning track record and future does a lot to convince players where they need to be.

 

Reds GM Walt Jocketty said that he liked the Choo deal because he's a one-year rental, and the organization has elite CF prospect Billy Hamilton waiting in the wings for 2014.  I think Walt was blowing smoke and that he will find a way to sign Choo to an intermediate deal. 

 

I can see Ludwick gone in 2014 or spot starting as a 4th OF.  There's always a chance Hamilton will struggle, almost certain to struggle at times, and having a good outfielder to plug in there, whether against certain pitching or to spell a regular, is a great thing to have.  Choo of course would be the everyday LF in a situation like this.  That team would have real speed and OBP at the top of the order with Hamilton and Choo.  I think Walt protected himself nicely this offseason for whatever may happen in 2014.

 

Hell, Billy may have to win the job from someone, which also favors the Reds trying to keep Choo around for at least one more year.  I could see them coming to a one-year deal with a sizable signing bonus.  Choo has never played on a big contract, and his agent realizes that his client is 30 years old and now is the time for a long-term deal.  I think shopping him at 32 years of age still allows teams to see him as a four or five year solution and he'll get his money. 

 

 

Reds fans, is Stubbs as bad as I fear?

 

I'm high on Stubbs as a talent, but the Reds organization never taught him how to bunt consistently to utilize his speed and up his OBP.  Drew is superlative defensively, and may be the fastest player in the bigs.  He'll be great for that wide outfield in Cleveland.

 

I think he needed a change of scenery and he can be a .265/.340/.500 player.  Stubbs has light-tower power and effortlessly can knock one out the park.  Cincinnati fans and media essentially ran him into the ground mentally and his performance last year reflected that.  Maybe Cleveland can make him more comfortable being in a town that isn't as critical of its own and the hitting coach can shorten up that swing a little.

^Choo isn't signing a three year 20mil deal.  The Indians have already tried that. His agent will have him out of there in a year....

 

Cleveland is one of the worst teams in baseball; Cincinnati is one of the best.  A winning track record and future does a lot to convince players where they need to be.

 

Reds GM Walt Jocketty said that he liked the Choo deal because he's a one-year rental, and the organization has elite CF prospect Billy Hamilton waiting in the wings for 2014.  I think Walt was blowing smoke and that he will find a way to sign Choo to an intermediate deal. 

 

I can see Ludwick gone in 2014 or spot starting as a 4th OF.  There's always a chance Hamilton will struggle, almost certain to struggle at times, and having a good outfielder to plug in there, whether against certain pitching or to spell a regular, is a great thing to have.  Choo of course would be the everyday LF in a situation like this.  That team would have real speed and OBP at the top of the order with Hamilton and Choo.  I think Walt protected himself nicely this offseason for whatever may happen in 2014.

 

Hell, Billy may have to win the job from someone, which also favors the Reds trying to keep Choo around for at least one more year.  I could see them coming to a one-year deal with a sizable signing bonus.  Choo has never played on a big contract, and his agent realizes that his client is 30 years old and now is the time for a long-term deal.  I think shopping him at 32 years of age still allows teams to see him as a four or five year solution and he'll get his money. 

 

 

 

True the reds are good. But none of that matters to Rosenhaus.  Choo can barely speak english, Rosenhaus is making all of his decisions.  NO way he signs for that little cash.

Scott Boras is Choo's agent...He's actually a bigger arse than Rosenhaus. Sorry City Blights Choo isn't signing a three deal in Cincy.  His agent will have him in LA, Boston, Chi, or NY.  I'd bet you a steak dinner on it...

Quit the Stubbs have talent talk. If he did he would have shown it. He has regressed EVERY year.

Reds fans, is Stubbs as bad as I fear?

 

Yes.  He is not a major league caliber hitter.  He has all the tools but cannot make consistent contact.  His strikeout numbers are so consistently high at this point that this is what he is.

 

As CB says, this is on the Reds.  It's not all about development, though--they just big-time missed on evaluating him.  This is a guy who struck out once a game as a high school hitter.  That is a major warning sign when you want to project someone to the major league level. 

I like Drew Stubbs. He wins games with his defense. Drop him to 7 or 8 in the lineup and he may surprise with the bat. At 28(like a certain QB) he may have peaked and I've read he's stubborn when offered batting advice. Could be a classic change of scenery guy.

If you haven't heard the news: Cincinnati: 2015 MLB All Star Game

Awesome news!!  Cincinnati is going to shine bright to the rest of the nation!

Dusty is an idiot. Almost like Narron or what ever that ex manager name is  who put the winning run on second on propose one game.

 

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2013/07/11/baker-to-stick-with-cozart-in-the-no-2-spot/

You can't get mad at Dusty. He invented the high-five.

Well, that was a decent start to the second half.  This next three weeks is the season, really.  3 against the Buccos, an 11 day trip out west, and then back home for Cards and Bucs again.  Need to turn it on now if they are ever going to do it. 

2nd time they had a chance to sweep the Pirates and could not do it. Votto double play in the 8th killed it.  He has had tough luck the past couple of weeks. Errors, HR taken away etc.

 

This is wild card time. So I have a feeling one and done.

No offense.  When a pitcher K's twelve and the other team only scores three, you should win that game.  Votto isn't Votto but he doesn't have a lot of help.  That's been my complaint about this team since Dusty has been here.  The GM keeps ignoring the offense and they fail to meet expectation every season.  You have to hit to win.

I've been working late at night and it has been great to listen to the Reds on the west coast, games that start at 10pm here.  Especially when they pile on the runs against the Giants, the team that defeated them last year in the playoffs.  Even our pitchers are getting on base.

Yes this team has been great to watch so far (with the exception of hits with RISP, but the Giants series was a good relief from those woes). Hopefully Latos, Arroyo, and Leake will continue to give us some solid starts and Bailey will figure out the concept of consistency (don't get me wrong, he has the right stuff). I also like what Cingrani has added to the staff. Mesoraco seems to be reaching his break-out point (behind the plate and at bat). Derrick Robinson has been a good backup for the outfield and pinch hitting. This offense will be very dangerous if Frazier, Paul and Cozart can start to get regular hits as well. Should make for an exciting second half.

Hopefully. Only 63 games left. Cards don't look like they will slow down. Pittsburgh lost their closer.  The last 3 games are with the Cards. It will be interesting with the pitching setup because If you have to play the one game wildcard playoff game. You will want to save your best pitcher for that.

The Reds set records for hits (55), doubles (15) and extra-base hits (22) for any team in a series at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Todd Frazier also set a doubles record for an opposing player in a series at AT&T.  :clap: That was a pretty impressive series (the players definitely were thinking payback for the dismal NLDS outcome last fall). The Giants series wins, coupled with Latos' win last night, are exactly what we need to boost confidence and get out of that hits-with-RISP slump. Also, it's important to not fall too far behind the Cards and Bucs.

There it is again.  Homer goes seven innings and gives up two runs and the team loses, 2-1.  Walt Jocketty, where is the offense?

Deadline is close and I don't see a hint of a deal. I think They have too much money into the team as it is.  If they had 5,000 or more fans extra a game they may have pulled the trigger.

Pitiful offense. Making a 5+ era pitcher(at least before this game) look like Cy Young. This has been an on going problem for YEARS. They may make the wold card. But once they lose. please fire Dusty. He needs to go. Ill settle for Terry Francona.

Pitiful offense. Making a 5+ era pitcher(at least before this game) look like Cy Young. This has been an on going problem for YEARS. They may make the wold card. But once they lose. please fire Dusty. He needs to go. Ill settle for Terry Francona.

 

Hitters paid to hit not hitting is Baker's fault?

Everything is Baker's fault.

Edwin Encarnacion, after 42 HRs 110 RBI's .280 last year, has 28 HRs 82 RBI's .278 this year.

Not a good trade for the Reds.

^True, but we also got Choo and Phillips in great deals for the Reds. He also didn't start to excel until he was moved into the DH position. Since the Reds don't have a DH, it could be argued that he would have never reached the productivity he currently is having. We traded him in 2009, too. It's not like we traded him last year and he took off.

Edwin Encarnacion, after 42 HRs 110 RBI's .280 last year, has 28 HRs 82 RBI's .278 this year.

Not a good trade for the Reds.

 

If the Reds would have just hired somebody to show him how to throw from third, they would still have a third basemen.  Encarnacion was one of my favorites on the Reds teams he was a part of.  He came through in clutch moments and had a good OBP to accompany his power.  I thought the Rolen trade was a whiff from the moment it happened.  People want to talk about the Reds making the playoffs in 2010 because of him, but realistically all Rolen gave the Reds was two good months of baseball for several million.  He was also overrated as a leader.  It's not that Scott didn't lead well, it's that Jocketty thought his leadership would rub off on the core players and it evidently hasn't.  Even in LF, Encarnacion could be helping the Reds right now.

 

Fans and media want to blame Baker because they think the team is so good, but what has Jocketty done to make his manager's job easier?

 

- Four years with the worst leadoff hitting options in the league

- Zero team speed outside of Stubbs, who is gone now

- Standing pat year after year with the offense, just hoping that their core players would have career years all at the same time

- Blind faith that Jay Bruce would evolve into Joey Votto with more power

- Assembling the worst benches in baseball.  Mike Leake has been their best bench bat for years.

- Playing shorthanded for weeks at a time every time someone is injured.  How hard is it to make a roster move to get back to 25 men?  Maybe the golf course is more important to him.

 

Fans pretend to not notice these things, but they get worked up about lineups and sac bunts.  The construction of this team is seriously flawed.  Not enough feared hitters in the lineup, plain and simple.

 

It's not as easy as "showing him how to throw from third."  If it was, the Blue Jays would have him playing 3B, but they don't.  His only future was as a 1B or a DH.  I'm glad he's doing well, but unless he was going to play 1B, he wasn't going to be the answer there. 

 

I agree with you on the DL thing.  I do not understand why we do this idiotic thing of having a guy not play for a few days but not go on the DL.  No way Corky Miller should be getting major league at bats. 

It's not as easy as "showing him how to throw from third."  If it was, the Blue Jays would have him playing 3B, but they don't.  His only future was as a 1B or a DH.  I'm glad he's doing well, but unless he was going to play 1B, he wasn't going to be the answer there. 

 

I agree with you on the DL thing.  I do not understand why we do this idiotic thing of having a guy not play for a few days but not go on the DL.  No way Corky Miller should be getting major league at bats. 

 

You're probably right about Edwin's mechanics, but Toronto hasn't had a good season in forever, so I don't know if their evaluation of anything is that great.  I do think he could have played LF though.

 

That's messed up. Enough said.

Is Chapman that good of a closer?  I feel that every time he comes up in the ninth the game could be lost.  Nerve rattling.

Only 5 closers have a lower opponents batting average than Chapman so far this season. Nine closers have worse WHIP (Walks plus Hits divided by Innings Pitched) than Chapman. It seems that Chapman gives up either homeruns or walks. It's hard for a batter to get a hit on Chapman, but when they do, it hurts. Usually seems to be a homerun or a double after a walk. He's performing middle-of-the-road as a closer right now in my opinion.

It's not as easy as "showing him how to throw from third."  If it was, the Blue Jays would have him playing 3B, but they don't.  His only future was as a 1B or a DH.  I'm glad he's doing well, but unless he was going to play 1B, he wasn't going to be the answer there. 

 

I agree with you on the DL thing.  I do not understand why we do this idiotic thing of having a guy not play for a few days but not go on the DL.  No way Corky Miller should be getting major league at bats. 

 

You're probably right about Edwin's mechanics, but Toronto hasn't had a good season in forever, so I don't know if their evaluation of anything is that great.  I do think he could have played LF though.

 

 

Left field might have been a possibility.  Because of the positional premium with certain places--catcher, 3B, CF, SS, etc.--you are always better off to play someone there if they possibly can.  By that I mean, even if the defense is subpar, if you can still live with it, you play a good offensive player at those positions (because most catcher are like Ryan Hanigan, and can't hit real well but can play well defensively).  The fact that he is not playing 3B but is playing 1B and DH--the two positions that are by far the easiest to hide a bad fielder, and where people who have played other positions eventually move when their defense can't cut it--tells me that EE is not cut out for third, at least. 

 

As for LF, who knows?  It's by far the easiest of the outfield positions.  Would have depended on if he could handle the running/positioning/breaking on the ball.  It's pretty doable, but then again Yonder Alonso looked awful when we tried him out there.  I think EE was more athletic than that, but it's hard to say.  He's certainly found a home and is raking.  Good for him. 

Is Chapman that good of a closer?  I feel that every time he comes up in the ninth the game could be lost.  Nerve rattling.

He's poorly used. He should have been used in that extra inning game when Parra was in trouble. He has only pitched 2 times in 10 days. All his blow ups is because of lack of use.

This team is done.

Do the Reds even scout teams? We can beat Pittsburgh. We can't beat Saint Louis, but the Pirates can beat the Cards.  Might as well not make the playoff, because I don't want to be embarrassed there too.

^relax. We are still 4.5 games up on the nearest wild card spot for the league. We have a good team and we are playing in a tough division. Any team can beat any other team on any given day. Detroit had the worst record of any team that made the post season last year, yet they made it to the world series. The Giants only had a better record than Texas and Baltimore (and Detoit) yet won the world series. Anything can happen, and as it stands now, it looks as if the Reds, Pirates, and Cards will all make it to october. It won't be easy, but we have a pretty good team that can compete.

^I agree that the Reds aren't cooked, but unusualfire's frustration is definitely founded.  I'm tired of seeing them fold every time they get a chance to show something, too.

Central is really tough this year. Cardinals lost like 7 in a row before they finally beat Pittsburgh, then took 2/3 from the Reds.

Dodgers are on fire since the all star break.

Most of the August schedule is manageable, Oakland for 2 games (they are good) then Padres, Cubs, Brewers, and 4 home games

with Arizona. They can put distance in front of Arizona - Nationals in August for the last wildcard.

^I think the Reds are in good position to get a Wild Card spot, but does anybody have confidence that they won't get blown out in that play-in game?

Kinda messed up. Who do you pitch if they need to beat the cards to get in ahead of Arizona? Will the cards save their best pitcher for the wild card game if it comes to that? The Reds need a big winning streak.

^I think the Reds are in good position to get a Wild Card spot, but does anybody have confidence that they won't get blown out in that play-in game?

 

I know that I'd rather see them play Pittsburgh than St. Louis for that one game.