http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090514/SPT04/305140050/So+far++so+good+for+Reds

Contenders or pretenders?

While it's still early, I have been impressed with how well they have been able to small ball their way to victories with bunts and sac flies. The team has been talking about doing this for years but I didn't think it would ever really happen. The departure of Dunn and Griffey seems to have cleared the way for a different offensive approach.

If they won two-thirds of their games when Harang, Cueto and Volquez pitch, and half the games when Arroyo and Owings pitch, they would win 60% of their games. I'm not saying they will do that good, but if they can come close to it they would be competitive for the entire season which would be a huge leap in the right direction.

Either way they are building a team the right way and so with any luck have a chance to keep improving for a couple seasons and maybe make a run.

"We do do, and we do it at a very, very high level," Lewis said.

Lets bring this thread up after the 4th of July..

Franklinite, not July 4th, lets bring this up in September



I'm going to go with history and say Pretender

------------------------------------------
In Memory of Darren

I certainly hope they're for real. I've been to one game so far this year, which is a sure way to guarantee a loss, but I sensed a different spirit on this team. They certainly have the pitching to pull off a playoff birth. The starters are good and so are the relievers. My fear is that Dusty will work the younge guys (Cueto and Volquez) so hard that by July they'll have a couple of wet noodles hanging from their shoulders. Hopefully they can both continue to throw strikes and get into the 7th or 8th inning before reaching the 100 pitch count. Another thing that gives me hope is the depth they have at AAA Louisville. There are starters down there such as Homer Bailey, Matt Maloney & Darryl Thompson who should be able to come up if needed and do a satisfactory job.

What continues to worry me is hitting. Right now they are riding high but hard times will come. This team is heavy on good left handed hitters and light on good right handers. But as long as Brandon Phillips, Taveras and Hairston Jr. are going good they'll be alright. Their problem seems to be that their division is the best in the league again. With 4 out of the 6 teams above .500 it makes it tough.

I say contender, as long as the arms stay healthy.

I've been a fan long enough not to get excited about how the Reds are playing in May.

Wait for July/August...

"The American Cancer Society says uninsured patients are 60 percent more likely to die within five years of their diagnosis."

It could happen, look at the 1999 season. Out of nowhere they were playing well and everyone kept saying wait till Sept. They won 96 games that year.

Dusty Baker = Pretender.


The Reds will be out of the race by July 15th. Why? Because Dusty wears out young arms. Pretender and nothing more.





"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

...They are for real competitors. You could see it coming last year with the pitching potential they were putting together. If they can figure out what the deal is with Arroyo, this could be the best starting rotation I can ever remember the Reds having, and that includes the Big Red Machine days.

I expect them to compete this year, but probably not contend until next year. But they are definitely on the right track, and the team is finally at least fun to watch.

SWAMP

I think that is a binch of crock when people say Dusty ruins young arms. I honestly think we baby these pitchers now a days. We let them pitch 5 2/3 innings and bring in the relief. Look at pitching in the past...Look how many complete games and shutout they had in a season. I remember pitchers who would lead the league in CG with double digits....now they are considered good when they have 5 CG. It seems Mgrs. only keep a pitcher in the game if he has a shut out or no hitter going. Remember Tom Browning, Gullickson, Soto.... Wood and Pryor were hard throwing pitchers who both came up lame....they both have never blamed Dusty. He was the scapegoat.

Pitchers are pansies compared to those of yesterday

Dusty is an OK manager. The manager may account for 10 wins in any given year. Got to give Dick Pole and the Reds brass some credit for trading for Volquez developing Cueto. Homer Bailey should have been traded long ago while his stock was high.

Anyway, I agree with T. Look at this guys stats for Complete Games:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sotoma01.shtml

Those were the days my friend. 63 CG's in 5 years. Unheard of even in his era.

Soto pitched CG's in games that he lost 2-1. You'd never, ever see that today.

I think they do need a big bat at fourth spot. Man with all that OBP we are getting, it would be a dream for a guy like Tony Perez. A good left handed power bat to get 40-120 would round it out. I know we need some more seasoning but they are on the right track.

Peace

I agree with Shalom...they need a big bat in the line up.
Votto/Nix/Bruce are nice but would be 10 x better if they a power hitter in the middle of those guys.
I like this team, and I believe the pitching can be a great rotation.
I don't think they contend for the entire season based on the hitting, but they are moving in the right direction.
They are fun to watch but lets see how they stand in august.

Brandon Phillips is the most underated player in the majors.
Still wish we had Hamilton, but pitching wins championships.
Not a fan of Dusty Baker, but he is a non factor most of the time.


"Despite how the conflict has been portrayed by our glorious media, if you gave any U.S. soldier a gun with two bullets in it, and he found himself in an elevator with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Osama bin Laden, there's a good chance that Nancy Pelosi would get shot twice, and Harry Reid and bin Laden would be strangled to death."

Shalom, I'm not so hung up on the HR numbers, I don't what a 40 HR guy batting .215. But I do agree that someone like Perez, a dangerous clutch hitter would round the order out nicely.

I think Bruce or Votto can be that guy. They are still young and I would hate to see some ego maniac come on and ruin the team spirit. aka...Griffey or Dunn. Their high and mighty look at how much I make attitude is a family destroyer.

They have some good young talent - this may not be the year - but they are closing in.

 

T

I also agree with Shalom. Although, it would be nice if the 4th spot was not a HR/SO king. He needs to have a well rounded game with power...

"The American Cancer Society says uninsured patients are 60 percent more likely to die within five years of their diagnosis."

Votto left the game again last night. He probably has vertigo and his career is over, ala Nick Esasky.

If the Reds are still in contention by the trading deadline I hope they go after Jermaine Dye of the White Sox. There was a lot of pre-season speculation about a Dye for Homer Bailey trade but it fizzled out because of Dye's $11.5 million salary and the White Sox refusal to eat any of it. Maybe if the Sox GM and Castellini both loosen up a bit it could happen.

Well, it was nice while it lasted

I'm goin back to pulling my toenails out with pliers now. Wake me up when Jerry Hairston learns how to bunt and decides he's not too good to try.

About this team is they have pitching. I believe we need some more pop in the middle of the lineups. There is ducks on the pond-- we need t odrive in more runs.

That Saturday 16 inning game was a heartbreaker. Look for some tough games against the Phillies but we can beat them with good pitching and small ball.

Peace

The Reds did nothing but lose with "pop" in the middle of the lineup. So they finally got rid of Dunn and Griffey. Go look up their W-L record, not just for this year, but starting when they got rid of that "pop" in the middle of the lineup. They went after pitching and defense, which is how you win unless you have a Rose, Morgan, Perez, Bench, Griffey Sr. (in his prime), et. al. Which nobody has anymore.

Yes the Reds could use a power hitter who hits for average and makes consistent contact in the middle of the lineup. Who wouldn't? But guys like that are A LOT easier to come by than decent pitching. Hey between Rhodes and Cordero, these guys are lookin' a little like the Nasty Boys -1. The "pop" in the middle of the lineup will come. Who would you like, and who on this young and talented team are you willing to give up? I say let Votto, et. al. develop. They're competing finally. The big bats will show up. Its the pitching that's makin' me happy. Do you realize the Reds have never had a Cy Young winner? Wouldn't that be nice if it happened just once?

SWAMP

Pretty good sign this year's team may be different: they just swept the 'Stros for the 1st time since the 2000 season.

They needed it too, next up a couple of road series' against the Brews and the Cards.

"We do do, and we do it at a very, very high level," Lewis said.

pretty good sign things are not changing...and status quo...lost 7 of 10, couldn't hit worth a s*** against anybody lately, who knows what's going on with Votto...Edwin is going in for an MRI tomorrow (sore wrist still), and Baker is still Baker (one of the most over-rated managers in the history of the game)

interesting thing I found on the net...it seems the bengals and the reds have something in common with their lack of a proper medical facility and staff...

http://www.basement-dwellers.com/2009/06/holy-crap-reds-players-spent-more-time.html

more and more each day i believe i will have to move to a different state to see a pro sports championship before i die...**** even Detroit is about to have one (Cleveland got close)

"and Baker is still Baker (one of the most over-rated managers in the history of the game)"


Thanks. I guess that's one objective thinker on this board that sees what I see--that Baker IS overrated--and he couldn't do anything with a talented team that should have won at least one WS in San Francisco and at least one in Chicago.

The guy's an idiot. That's why Cincinnati was able to pick him up for cheap.





"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

Cheap!!! are you insane go check out his salary pin head. I dislike baker as much as the next guy, but as usual your mind is on your sandwiches.

Dusty is making 3.5 million this year. I think he is one of the top 10 highest paid managers in MLB.

"The American Cancer Society says uninsured patients are 60 percent more likely to die within five years of their diagnosis."

"Dusty is making 3.5 million this year. I think he is one of the top 10 highest paid managers in MLB."


Then that means the Reds are the 2nd dumbest franchise in the 'Nati. That's not hard beating Mikey. har har har.





"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

I thought we got him on the cheap...which one of your statements are you going with?

"The American Cancer Society says uninsured patients are 60 percent more likely to die within five years of their diagnosis."

The team has issues at the plate.
Everyone knew this going in, why are they shocked now?
No right handed power, without Votto, little left handed power.

Pitching has been solid on most nights, defense is decent, but you have to score runs.
The object of baseball is to score more runs than the other team, not hope they don't score more than 2 runs against you.



"Despite how the conflict has been portrayed by our glorious media, if you gave any U.S. soldier a gun with two bullets in it, and he found himself in an elevator with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Osama bin Laden, there's a good chance that Nancy Pelosi would get shot twice, and Harry Reid and bin Laden would be strangled to death."

Give falc a break Bronco....he is a very confused little girl.

REds are still in the hunt (though this means nothing since its June), they should sweep the Nats...

"The American Cancer Society says uninsured patients are 60 percent more likely to die within five years of their diagnosis."

Little girl!!!! Tiitr have you seen this guys pics? Falc looks like 350 pounds of chewed bubble gum.

Far from me to defend falc, but I've seen photos of some of you dudes swigging beer at the stadium and not one of you is any kind of shape to be calling out anyone.

Does anyone have any Votto theories?

I feel like that could be another thread in itself.

They have done well keeping it under wraps, but I've heard social anxiety disorder or possibly even a non-performance enhancing drug problem like Favre had years back. Not that I have any sources, just water cooler stuff.

One gal I know suggested that maybe he's gay and that was related, lol. Never heard of anyone landing on the disabled list with gayness before. I don't know why she would even think he is gay, because he's Canadian?

Anyway, you guys heard of or got any theories?

"We do do, and we do it at a very, very high level," Lewis said.

I think this is one head case you get some immediate attention to or get rid of. Its like going into battle...you need to know who you can count on...is this guy someone you can count on? Or is going to crawl into a corner?

The reds should of done a better job protecting this as well. Now you have all the fans wondering whats up and questioning his man hood...me included..should of just called in a pulled groin and put on DL for 30 days. rehab with the Sluggers and back in...maybe we will see him and chad on Springer.

T

I agree. If it is social anxiety, and most people seem to think it is, then the mystery surrounding his absence cannot be helping the situation. Should have just called it a pulled groin and moved on.

"We do do, and we do it at a very, very high level," Lewis said.

"Far from me to defend falc, but I've seen photos of some of you dudes swigging beer at the stadium and not one of you is any kind of shape to be calling out anyone. "


LMAO--thanks USC--I think.





"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

Yeah poor victim falcie walcie. Since your alter ego has noted the photo of the other mbs memebers at the stadium surely he remembers then too that you called them fat a$$es. Then suddenly someone finds a pic of you on the internet and low and behold you are tubby as well. So needless to say if jeff didn't make the intial comment then no one would have said a word to him. Right mr. hypocrisy.

Ok Mr. No Sign-in, I really do not give a rip what anyone looks like, and why should I? I'm a disgusting, greasy, bearded fat Mexican, 6-5, 400+lbs. But, for some to come on here and rip another guy based on looks is true hypocrisy. I'll judge more of what one puts into print. And you sir, are one of thee biggest douches to grace the pages of MBS.com. You've obviously been booted from the site for undermining everything that is good about this place and have been put in your place. Somehow you've done an around end to do what you love to do and that is to be Mr. Troll. You add zero to this site. And you are dead wrong dude, I'm not falc, or Oldschooler or Goose. I don't roll like that. But carry on fool.

Obviously, dummy, you missed everything that I said. Or you read it and are indeed falc, why else would you get mad? The only reason falc catches cr@p from me or anyone is because of his hypocrisy. What people look like is no concern of mine it just bugs me that someone feels the need to put someone down to feel good and as it turns out he is just like what he calls others. Get it that time pin head? Probably not, for the record nope never been banned just never had a loggin. Funny you talk about dwbtc were you even a member when he was around and that sounds quite a bit like jeffs go to blame...hmmmmm.

It's just USC was the first to say it. And it was highly accurate, dickbag:

"And you sir, are one of thee biggest douches to grace the pages of MBS.com. You've obviously been booted from the site for undermining everything that is good about this place and have been put in your place. Somehow you've done an around end to do what you love to do and that is to be Mr. Troll. You add zero to this site. And you are dead wrong dude, I'm not falc, or Oldschooler or Goose. I don't roll like that. But carry on fool."


LMMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

I think anonymous is Dunn...from heaven!

Hi Dunner!

can you make my wife's boobs larger?

The only one who thought it falc was you. Everyone else knows you are a hypocritical @ss. You and your alter ego are the only ones who have a problem with me beatin you down. You think anyone else gives a damn about you, really. You go around startin cr@p with everyone for no reason and then you get some of your own medicine and you cry like a baby. You expect everyone to feel your pain, please give me a break you big baby. You dish it, you take it little boy.

TIITR, I'll see what I can do, maybe I'll cash in a few of my favors with the big guy. No promises though ok.

"The only one who thought it falc was you. Everyone else knows you are a hypocritical @ss. You and your alter ego are the only ones who have a problem with me beatin you down. You think anyone else gives a damn about you, really."


If you don't give a damn, then why do you bother, Mr. Non-login?

Cuz you are an @ss? Mr Hypocrisy.

My bad Mr. No Sign-in, I do not pour over your every word, as you have a very narrow focus. All of your posts read the same. So you are not DWBTC. I'll just add you to the growing list of useless twits that are hung up on falc/Oldschooler.

Back to the topic at hand...I believe Votto's problem stems from the death of his father.

No problem there falc 2. Don't have a focus just call it a pet peeve. You know what a pet peeve is don't you? It's kinda like when you are put off when the workers at the ice cream shop keep putting the mayonaise on top of your whip cream instead of under it like you requested when you ordered your sundae.

You know you don't have to pour over everything I say to get what I am talking about. Just try to comprehend what you read and you will be just fine.

I wasn't even aware Votto's father passed away. How long ago was this? What has made me curious about the whole Votto situation is that he has been hanging out with his teammates at batting practice during home games and apparently showing no signs of stress. Now sorrow is another thing altogether. We all grieve in diferent ways and I hope Joey works his way through this at his own pace. I've had my own issues with unresolved grief and I know it's a very destructive thing. His teammates couldn't hit a bull in the butt with a bass fiddle right now so they need him. But some things are more important than sports....... Jeeeez did I just say that????? Oh well. If the Reds end up fighting Pissburgh for that last teat again this year it won't be like we all aren't accustomed to it. Life goes on....

This division is hysterical.

The REds lose 4 in a row and they are still only 2.5 games out of first...makes no sense...

"The American Cancer Society says uninsured patients are 60 percent more likely to die within five years of their diagnosis."

I had no idea Votto's father passed either.

I would in no way criticize him if that is the reason he needed time off, like JB said some things are just more important than a game, even if it is your job.

What I don't get is why not just say it was cuz his dad's death? Now people are whispering about social anxiety disorder, possible drug problem, even that he might be gay. Hopefully Votto doesn;t care about what idiot fans in the peanut gallery say anyway, but isn't just easier to say he is grieving the loss of his father? Who would not respect that?

"We do do, and we do it at a very, very high level," Lewis said.

Votto's father passed away last season, if I remember correctly he went on bereavement for a few games and his first game back was a three homerun game. I could be mistaken about the three home run game as for its time, but it seemed to happen right around the same time as his fathers passing. As for as whats bothering him now I cant speculate, sure it could be grief still, but my honest opinion is it is anxiety.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/reds/2008/08/20/ddn082008spredsnotes.html

Him being upset about his father is pure speculation on my part. He may be consuming too much Red Bull before game time for all I know. I have no idea what he is going through right now. But, being a young man as Joey Votto certainly is, Votto's father must have been under the 55-60 year age range, I'm guessing. That is very young in this day and age....probably the 1st time Votto experienced any sort of loss in his life. I'm sure it was devastating. We all have our own experiences and can relate, I am sure.

That said, any kind of social anxiety is not something you go on the DL for, for a couple of weeks and its over. This could last a lifetime. But, at least he's addressing the issue head on. I only wish the Reds did not lie to us about the inner ear infection. They should have said he has a problem inbetween his ears.

We all can share the joys of life but with grief we have an entirely private matter. You cannot share it, you must do it alone at a pace that seems to be outside of our control.

"I'll just add you to the growing list of useless twits that are hung up on falc"


Just who's this "Falc" guy anyway.

Wow. I think I actually miss D-Bag. LOL!!!!!!!!






"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

USC,
looks like your intuitions were correct:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4281409

He had social anxiety because of his father's death, who was only 52.

Seems to be a good sign that he can talk about it.

"We do do, and we do it at a very, very high level," Lewis said.

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090623&content_id=5484002&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin

As someone else suggested at lease some of Joey Votto's problems were indeed related to unresolved grief from his fathers untimely death. He says he was always fine with them team but once he got home or back to his hotel room he went stir crazy being all alone. Depression and anxiety attacks severe enough to cause him to sleep while clutching his cell phone in case he had to call 911. I feel for the guy. I'm glad he's back. But this guy needs a girlfriend fast...and not the latex kind bronco uses that fart loud and fly out the window when you bite em on the neck.

Not a told you so, but something we will all eventually go through. I certainly have experienced tragedy. I believe the guy needs to begin living his life in memory of pops and try as best he can to move on. Sounds cold but...

On a personal note, my son died in a car wreck at age 27 in 1990. I am just now able to speak about it in a rational way.

To all you guys on this board I say just be smart about everything you do.

USC,

Sorry to hear about your son. Due to some of your responses on some topiucs on here (DUI, crim law, ect), I assumed you had lost someone close to you.

I lost my dad in 1991 when I was 16. He was 49. Long bout with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, kidney transplant and a stroke (mostly attributed to anti-rejection meds). Its difficult to lose someone before their time and before you have had a chance to really know them (I only knew him as a father, but I always wanted to know and understand him as more of a peer when I was older).

"The American Cancer Society says uninsured patients are 60 percent more likely to die within five years of their diagnosis."

Don't know why I typed 1990, my son died in 1999. I'm really aging myself.

bronco, it must be very tough to lose your dad at such a young age, especially when you are just starting to come into your own...but looks like you've made a success of yourself and I am sure your dad sees you now and is happy. You'll be together again.

This may sound bizarre to you but what you can do here on earth is be that dad that left you alone at age 16. Whether it is in marrying and raising a family yourself or putting your time into a child that does not have that dad. You'll find a lot of strength in seeing your dad through that child. Its almost a cure. It is amazing how much a child teaches us about ourselves. Know this: Your dad will always be there to help you through the tough times. He is with you always.

USC, I appreciate the kind words. Very sage advice and it is appreciated.

In a sense, I have already started that path. I started being a "Big Brother" out here in Vegas about 3 years ago. My lil bro is an awesome kid. His mom and dad were dating - he knocked her up and when Taylor was born, dad's real wife showed up on her door telling Taylor's mom that while he will pay child support, he WILL ABSOLUTELY NOT be a part of Taylor's life. Apparently, they already have a family and she didnt want Taylor "screwing it up"...

Regardless, he has been a joy to tutor and spend time with. It totally changed my mind on having kids. Having said that, I havent found a Mrs. Bronco just yet...I usually get tired of them after 6 months or so...sad but true...

More people should follow your example. This world of pain and sorrows would be a better place. Sad that the couple you describe are so selfish. But good for you, glad to know you.

Bronco...all you have to teach that kid is the joy and passion of OHIO STATE and the scum and hate of the school of north.

Teach him those two things and everything else will work its self out.

"Bronco...all you have to teach that kid is the joy and passion of OHIO STATE and the scum and hate of the school of north."


That the PUNK-10 sucks too. LOL. I still hate them from the Rose Bowl Alignments for all those years.





"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

Well it's July 30th and their falling apart. Any questions?

Same sh!t, different year...SIGH

"The Reds will be out of the race by July 15th. Why? Because Dusty wears out young arms. Pretender and nothing more."-Me


So much for my "bad" predictions. LMAO.





"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

Ok, Nostradamus. Like this is a tough one to predict. Gee, look back at the last 8 years, how often do the Reds fall apart in July/August.

That's right every year. That's why most of us said not to get excited in May and June.

Your non-stop self-promotion kills me. Its like you never emotinally matured past the age of eleven...

"Falc, just because I respond, please dont take it to mean that I give a sh!t about you. I respond because you are the type of person that needs to be told what a whack job you are or else you will go on thinking your behavior is normal and accepted. "

"Ok, Nostradamus."


Yes, as a matter of fact I am. Don't forget it either. Or do you forget how I successfully predicted the National Championship Winner last year as well (and even who was going to be in the game which we all were debating on). Or the Super Bowl Winner last year--whatever dumbazz. I can't remember your predictions ever going far.





"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

Yeah, predicting Florida as the winner was real tough.

The difference between the rest of us and you is you break your arm patting yourself on the back after getting something right. As I mentioned before, have you matured past 11 years of age?

"Falc, just because I respond, please dont take it to mean that I give a sh!t about you. I respond because you are the type of person that needs to be told what a whack job you are or else you will go on thinking your behavior is normal and accepted. "

Lets see, are Reds for Real... hahahahaha.

lost 9 of last 10. NOPE!!!

The Reds don't have heart. I believe a big reason they fall apart around the allstar break every year is that they have no team leaders to step up and call guys to task to right the ship. These guys seem like a bunch of lemmings to me. I'm personally tired of hearing all these losers talk about being a "quiet leader" or "leading by example." That's a bunch of crap. Anyone remember Prince Fielder getting in Manny Parra's face last year when he started pouting like a baby? Anyone remember Pierzinski of the White Sox doing the same thing to their wienified shortstop just a week ago? No, I'm not advocating fights in the dugout. The point is that nobody on this team would even think about standing up and taking charge like those other guys, or calling a teammate to task for being a lazy bum!

Having said all that I do think there might be 2 guys of this team who could develop into leaders. The first is Jonny Gomes. This guy is a brawler. He's got some fire in his belly and he hates to lose. The only problem is that he doesn't get enough playing time to be taken seriously. The other guy is Joey Votto. He just has to stop being so darned quiet and stand up and get in someone's face once in a while. Everyone else on this team is just another lemming imo, including Brandon Phillips and Bronson Arroyo.

Now, they just traded Edwin Error-nacion to Toronto for Scott Rolen. Rolen might be the leader type, dunno but hope so. The only problem with Rolen is that he's at the end of his career and he's spent as much time on the DL as Levi Jones.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/90650/thread/1225356655/This+is+great+to+see


I picked the National Championship GAME back on November 2, 2008. Other people were picking other opponents then like Penn State or Texas to get in. If it was so f*cking easy like you were saying--then why wasn't everyone else predicting it?





"So he got fired? Big deal. It's happened to the best of us. So he got kicked out of his house by his 400 lb'ed wife?!?!? That's probably better for him anyways."-OldSchooler on ChrisMBHater's absence

With the addition of Rolen, the Reds are poised to make another "Dead Reds Bounce" run.

------------------------------------------
In Memory of Darren

You gotta love Cincy for its consistency with the "Dead Red Bounce" and the "Dead Cat Bounce"...LOL

"Falc, just because I respond, please dont take it to mean that I give a sh!t about you. I respond because you are the type of person that needs to be told what a whack job you are or else you will go on thinking your behavior is normal and accepted. "

Anyone think Dusty will make it to the end of the season?

This guy has got to go....he is not a good mgr. and I dont think Reds fans like him. 

I agree Dusty is a questionable manager but he is far from the problem, for some reason or another, both Cincinnati's pro teams have been horribly mismanaged for 20 years, its so unbelievable the amount of mistakes these teams make year in and year out, its almost too bizarre to be a coincidence.


I'm waiting for Alan Funt to step up and announce we are on a hidden camera show and were part of the worlds longest practical joke.

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In Memory of Darren

...is the 1st place they should start. I have said all along the team goes nowhere so long as Dusty is the manager. He mismanages pitchers, and isn't comfortable managing young players. That is why the Cubs dumped him.

They can't fire the guy soon enough in my opinion.

Anyone else want Marge Schott back?! They said she was a stain on the city, but Mike Brown is not?! The performance of our sport franchises is the real stain on this city.

Did anyone else catch Dusty pinch hit Homer Bailey the other night?! WTF!? I know it was to bunt anyway but shouldn't one of your bench bats be a better option than a pitcher who has never had a clutch at bat in his very short major league career? He bunted foul for a strike out after TAKING the first pitch as a strike by the way, lmao! Way to fool 'em Dusty, if he doesn't put the first one down I am sure everyone will assume he is swinging for the fences!

"We do do, and we do it at a very, very high level," Lewis said.

I would kill for being in wild card contention...

"Falc, just because I respond, please dont take it to mean that I give a sh!t about you. I respond because you are the type of person that needs to be told what a whack job you are or else you will go on thinking your behavior is normal and accepted. "

I am dpne with Baseball anyway. I am sick of the steroids and the name dropping. Next will be Griffeys name.....Its a shame our past time has come to this.

 

I am with takingitintherear...... kinda. Like, I love baseball, but without a salary cap, and now, everyone doing steroids, blah..... and the Reds are pathetic, thank god football is right around the corner, and even English Premier league is about to start this weekend. Thank god!!!!

Dudsy will make it into next year. The Reds have already thrown in the towel and are preparing for next year. Dudsy is getting a pass because of injuries. His crappy managing style has not been totally exposed with so many fragile players on the DL. If they come out of the gate slow in 2010, Dudsy will be a goner. Then Jockitchy can bring in his own manager and crew. Bob Cashtilweinie is supposedly making a statement by trading Edwin Errorcanacion and bringing in Scott Rolen. I'll give him credit for not putting up with a lackadasical approach to the game. Matt Holiday should have been a Red. The Cardinals just go out and get guys. We sit around and wait for our scrub Spring Trainee invitees to catch lightning in a bottle. Reds have a MAJOR hole in Shortstop ( there is nothing in the minors), LF and CF/leadoff. Douchebag Taveras (aka Corey Patterson II) needs to be shown the door. Home Bailey should be relegated to the Minors for another year. Don't bring him up until 2011 at the earliest.