Game 157: REDS HISTORY - HOMER BAILEY THROWS NO-HITTER!!!

Homer Bailey Pitches His Way Into History By Throwing Reds' First No-Hitter in 24 Years.

CIN  1  7  1  (95-62)
PIT  0  0  0  (76-81)

W: HOMER BAILEY (13-10)
L: A.J. Burnett (16-9)

Box Score

• Recap:
• HOMER BAILEY: 9.0 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 10 SO.  NO-HITTER.  A REDS PITCHER THREW A NO-HITTER LAST NIGHT.  AND IT WAS GLORIOUS.
• HIS NAME IS DAVID DEWITT "HOMER" BAILEY. HE WAS A FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK BACK IN 2004, AND WAS MAKING HIS DEBUT IN THE MAJORS AT THE RIPE AGE OF 21 BY 2007.  ITS BEEN ARGUED THAT THE REDS ORGANIZATION RUSHED HOMER ALONG TOO QUICKLY AND THAT IS PROBABLY TRUE.  AS REDS FANS, WE SAW HOMER SUCCEED AND FAIL, AND DO BOTH OF THOSE THINGS AT MAXIMUM LEVELS.  HE WOULD AGGRAVATE US TO NO END WITH HIS IMMATURITY AT TIMES AND THEN ASTONISH US WITH HIS IMMENSE TALENT AND POISE IN HIS VERY NEXT OUTING.  IT WAS CONFOUNDING FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE SEASONS.  YET, SOME OF US STILL DEFENDED BAILEY BREATHLESSLY AND WITHOUT HESITATION THROUGHOUT ALL THAT TIME.  SOME OF US SHUNNED HIM AND WERE SALIVATING AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO USE HIM AS TRADE BAIT IF HE EVER PUT TOGETHER A FEW GOOD STARTS IN A ROW.  ENTER 2012: NOW, SIX SEASONS INTO HIS CAREER, WE MAY BE WITNESSING THE HOMER BAILEY WE ALL HAD HOPED FOR WHEN HE WAS THE TOP PROSPECT IN BASEBALL. HE HAS TOPPED HIS NUMBERS ACROSS THE BOARD AND LIKE THE REST OF THE STAFF, HE HASN'T MISSED A START.  HOMER BAILEY DOES NOT LIKE PITCHING IN GREAT AMERICAN BALLPARK.  IN RETURN, GREAT AMERICAN BALLPARK IS NOT GENEROUS TO HOMER BAILEY.  ON THE FLIP SIDE, NEARLY EVERY OTHER BALLPARK IN THE LAND IS HOMER'S BEST FRIEND WHEN HE IS ON THE MOUND.  HIS ROAD START STATISTICS ARE EXTRAORDINARY TO SAY THE LEAST.  HE AND JORDAN ZIMMERMAN OF THE NATIONALS OWN THE BEST STATS FOR PITCHING AWAY FROM HOME.  THE NO-HITTER TOOK PLACE IN PITTSBURGH (WHERE HOMER TYPICALLY DOMINATES).  AND WITH LAST NIGHT'S FLASH OF BRILLIANCE, HOMER BAILEY MAY HAVE SECURED HIMSELF A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE WITHIN THE REDS PITCHING ORDER FOR THE PLAYOFFS.  I'M VOTING FOR HOMER BAILEY TO PITCH IN GAME 1 OR 2 (MOST LIKELY 2) IN THE NLDS.  AFTER ALL, IT'LL BE ON THE ROAD.
• Reds Offense: Phillips, Cozart and Rolen all had two hits apiece.  Votto reached base twice with a single and a walk.  The Reds' only run was scored on a sacrifice fly by Todd Frazier that scored Brandon Phillips.  That was all they needed.
• Below are some articles to read regarding this wonderfully awesome day in Reds history
• But first, I have to thank my friend Nick Martin for alarming me of the situation that was going down in Pittsburgh without my knowledge.  I was very busy at work and wasn't using my MLB.com Gameday Audio like I do every single game when I can't watch.  Luckily, Mr. Martin sent me a text in the 8th inning and I was able to listen to Marty Brennaman and his call of the final three outs of Homer Bailey's no-hitter. You really feel like you are a part of history when you get to hear it or see it when it as it unfolds live.  Thank you, Nick!
• ESPN - Homer Bailey Gives Reds Another Weapon
• ESPN - Pittsburgh Feels Like Home For Bailey No-No
• Reds.com - Homers Odyssey: Reds Righty No-Hits Pirates
• Reds.com - Seventh Heaven: Bailey's No-No Ties MLB Record 

FoxSports Ohio's Coverage of Homer's No-No

Hall of Famer

Marty Brennaman's Call of Homer Bailey's No Hitter

Been Gone Too Long (Out Like Trout)

By Nick Hall

Ok, ok, ok,ok.  First of all, sorry for the delay.  I've been a slacker.  I'm back now, so hang in there.

I want to talk about why Mike trout has had one of the greatest Rookie seasons ever, but is nowhere close to being the MVP over Miguel Cabrera. I have been reading article after article about how Mike Trout is the "clear" MVP choice.  This is based only on WAR, which is a BS stat and I'll show you why. Let's just start by looking at the numbers.

                                            Miguel Cabrera                 Mike Trout

                                BA               .327                                   .321
                                AB                609                                    539
                                Runs            108                                    125
                                Hits              199                                    173
                                2B                 40                                      25
                                3B                  0                                        7
                                HR                43                                      29
                                RBI              136                                     79
                                SB                 4                                       47
                                BB                65                                      64
                                SO                97                                     132
                                OBP            .391                                   .393
                                SLG            .604                                   .555
                                OPS            .995                                   .948

So, Miggy leads in Batting Average, Slugging Percentage, Hits, Home Runs, RBI.  He has more at bats and fewer Strike outs, 83 extra base hits versus 61 by Trout.  Let's not forget that Miggy is leading the Triple Crown with 4 games left in the season, and his team is on track to win their division.

Trout is no slouch, I love watching him play. He does lead a few categories like stolen bases, a slim lead in OBP, and more runs scored.  Nothing to scoff at, especially for a rookie.  Furthermore, Trout fields his position better than Cabrera fields his....sort of.  Trout has a .988 fielding percentage as an outfielder, which is pretty average, really, for an outfielder.  He has made a few more flashy plays, but overall, he is not really outstanding in the outfield.  He actually has more errors than assists in the outfield. Don't forget that Miguel switched from playing first for the bulk of his career to being a full time 3rd basemen.

The point is this, how can you really argue that a guy who is about to win a Triple Crown and take his team into the playoffs, is less deserving of an MVP award than a guy who leads a couple of categories and is going to miss the playoffs?  To me it isn't even close.  Cabrera, in my opinion, should be a unanimous decision.  In fact, since the all-star break, I really didn't even consider anyone else as being a contender.  That is, until I started reading article after article about how Trout was more deserving.

Mike Trout is an amazing baseball player.  He is hands down Rookie of the Year.  He has had one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time.  I believe he will continue to be a great player, and not a flash in the pan.  I love watching him play.  With that said, he is not the MVP this year.  In my opinion, he isn't even close.

Game 156: Walkoff Heroics in Reds' Home Finale

Reds Score Both Runs With Two Outs in Bottom of the 9th; Frazier and Navarro Play Heroes

MIL  1  5  0  (80-76)
CIN  2  6  0  (94-62)

W: Jonathan Broxton (4-3)
L: John Axford (5-8)

Box Score

• Recap:
• Mat Latos: Overshadowed by the late inning improbables, Latos was once again a beast on the mound. 7.0 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 SO.  Only a solo homer in the 3rd inning from one bad pitch stopped a possible second-straight shutout for Mat.  Terrific performance yet again.
• Todd Frazier!:  Finally, a home run!  Todd hit his first home run (19) in what seemed like forever, and it came at a great time too; the bottom of the 9th with two outs and down a run.  Fantastic.
• Dioner Navarro: Navarro looks a lot like the All-Star catcher he was in the American League a few years ago.  He has come up huge (that cannot be understated) for this ballclub in the last several weeks.  And this game was no different.  After a Frazier bomb that tied the game and then a single by Jay Bruce, Navarro promptly delivered a triple to the right-center field wall that scored Bruce and won the game for the Reds in walkoff fashion.
• All this fun happened after there were two outs in the bottom of the 9th; and those two outs happened via strikeouts to Zack Cozart and Joey Votto.  It looked as bleak as it could look.  Then came Superhero Todd Frazier and his whoopin' stick.  Then came Jables keepin' things alive.  Then came the catcher we signed to a minor league deal in the offseason for precautionary measures who has become a force to be reckoned with at the plate.  Way to stick it out, boys.  Just another one of those nights that proves the old Yogi Berra quote true: "It ain't over til its over."

Game 155: Can't Win 'Em All

Brewers Gain A Spot in Wild Card Race After Big Win

MIL  8  13  0  (80-75)
CIN  1  6  0  (93-62)

W: Shawn Marcum (6-4)
L: Bronson Arroyo (12-9)

Box Score

Game 154: Reds Tied For Best Record After Cueto's 19th Victory

Cueto Notches Number 19; Reds Not Satisfied Just Yet

MIL  2  5  0  (79-75)
CIN  4  9  0  (93-61)   

W: Johnny Cueto (19-9)
L: Mike Fiers (9-9)
S: Aroldis Chapman (36)

Box Score

Game 153: Eh, Whatever.

Dodgers Take Series, But Reds Still High From 'Clinchmas'

LAD  5  8  1  (79-74)
CIN  3  6  1  (92-61)

W: Shawn Tolleson (3-1)
L: Homer Bailey (12-10)
S: Brandon League (14)

Box Score

Game 152: 2012 CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPIONS

Reds Become First Team in 2012 to Clinch a Division Title; Best Dodgers Behind Studly Latos

LAD  0  6  1  (78-74)
CIN  6  8  0  (92-60)  

W: Mat Latos (13-4)
L: Stephen Fife (0-2)

Box Score

• Recap
• The Cincinnati Reds are 2012 Central Division Champions!  Did you have any doubts?  This makes for two titles in three years in the Queen City now.  And this is a whole different ballclub than those pesky 2010 champs.  These guys are confident, capable, and a lot of them are out to prove something.
• Mat Latos has been nothing less than spectacular for the last three months and he was simply brilliant last night.  8.0 IP, 0 R, 6 H, 0 BB, 7 SO.  That was the game he put together in front of 42,000 people and a national television audience and to win a division title for his team.  I would consider that he be our ace going into the playoffs, not Cueto.  Cueto has been great all year long (until recently), but Latos has become the man with the fire we had hoped for...and gave up a lot for.
• Jay Bruce: Jables was able to play a part once again in another Reds division clinching game in his young career.  He tattooed a home run to right field for his 34th of the year.  I swear he must have been tipped off about the pitch type, location, and velocity.
• Brandon Phillips also crushed a ball to left field off the banner scoreboard under the second deck. It was home run number 18 for Phillips who reached base four times going 2-for-3 with two walks.
• Todd Frazier was 2-for-4 with a double (26) and nearly a home run.  His double did notch him his 63rd RBI and gave the Reds a 4-0 lead, which was only part of the 8th inning damage the good guys dealt.
• Zack Cozart was 2-for-4 including a big single in that same 8th inning that brought home two Redlegs and sent the crowd to its feet.  This initiated an awe-inspired smile from Zack standing at 1st base as he peered out into the sea of fans.  The fans whom he had just given an extra cushion of two more runs, all but solidifying the Reds chances of winning this division.  Essentially, we all felt a little safer at this point. 
• Aroldis Chapman made his long awaited returned (sidelined Sep.10) and it was impeccable timing to say the least.  The lead was virtually insurmountable going into the 9th for the Dodgers, Chapman had been stretching and warming in the pen for nearly two innings, and the crowd wanted it to end with the Missile on the mound.   Although Chapman walked Adrian Gonzalez and some command issues, he did show that his velocity was much better than it was two weeks ago.  He reached 99 mph a few times including his last pitch, which was a game-ending 4-6-3 double play.  Phillips-to-Cozart-to-Votto.  Game over.  Reds win.  We did it.
• Rejoice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clubhouse Celebrating: Courtesy of Ramsey's Blog

 

Video: From MLB.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Game 151: Thanks a Lot, Kemp! Reds Clinching Party Put on Hold.

No Division Title Yet.  But Its Coming...

LAD  3  7  0 (78-73)
CIN  1  4  0  (91-60)
F/10

W: Ronald Belisario (8-1)
L: Sam LeCure (3-3)
S: Brandon League (13)

Box Score

• Recap
• Bronson Arroyo: 8.0 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 0 BB, 4 SO.  One of his best starts all season long.  The old man has been ridiculous this year.  It's just too bad he was the only player in a Reds jersey that came to play baseball last night.
• The Reds struck out 14 times.
• It just wasn't pretty offensively, folks.
• We'll get it done today though!

Game 150: Sweep! Reds Become First Team With A Postseason Ticket

Cueto Earns Win Number 18, Finally; Reds Earn Playoff Berth

CIN  5  9  0  (91-59)
CHC  3  11  0  (58-92)

W: Johnny Cueto  (18-9)
L: Manual Corpas (0-2)
S: Alfredo Simon (1)

Box Score

• Recap
• Cueto: 6.0 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 2 SO.  Not the Cy Young Cueto we like to see, but the winning Cueto we're happy for.
• Definitely a resting day for the usual guys in this one as Speier (Not Dusty) put together a useful lineup of youngsters to do the job behind Cueto.
• Big 7th inning as the Reds crossed the plate five times and ensured a victory in that inning alone.
• Xavier Paul, Denis Phipps, Henry Rodriguez, Didi Gregorious all had starts in this one.
• Paul got the nod for the lead off spot and did not disappoint as he reached base three times.
• The only players in the lineup who really did disappoint were, in fact, the usuals in the middle of the order.  I cannot blame Speier for this one.  They (Frazier/Heisey) just didn't it today)
• Phipps had a pair of hits including his first MLB double.  Good for him. 
• Rodriguez had a hit that gave him his first two RBI as a Major Leaguer.
• The team was 4-for-12 with RISP.  Not bad considering the youth involved.
• Kudos to Manager Chris Speier.

***The Reds are the first team in Major League Baseball this season to clinch a playoff spot!  Next stop, Division Championship!

Game 149: Remember Drew Stubbs?

Stubbs Has Breakout as Reds Beat Cubs in 11 Innings to Take First Two in Series

CIN  6  13  1  (90-59)
CHC  5  9  1  (58-91)
F/11

W: Logan Ondrusek (5-2)
L: Alberto Cabrera (0-1)
S: Jonathan Broxton (26)

Box Score

• Recap
• Mike Leake: 6.0 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 1 SO.  Not terrible, but not good against a terrible team.
• J.J. Hoover: Something was awry with him in this one.  He walked the bases loaded and just was not the J.J. we've come to know and love.  But he is a rookie and I think we can give him a break on this one.  Plus, we won the game in the end anyway.
• Sam LeCure: Magnificent.  1.1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 3 SO.  He is on it right now.
• Drew Stubbs:  3-for-5 with three runs scored, an RBI (40), his 30th stolen base and the game winning RBI-single in the top half of the 11th inning.  What a great game for Drew. Hopefully it restores at least a little confidence.
• Joey Votto: Reached base four times (what else is new?) with two walks and two hits including another double (40) and get this, three RBI (52)!  Joey is finally off the snide and has knocked some runners home now for the first time since returning from his injury! 
• Scotty Rolen also had a pair of hits and an RBI (37)

Game 148: Hanigan Saves the Day and Makes a Winner Out of a Deserving Bailey

Reds Take First Game of Road Series in Chicago Behind Solid Pitching

CIN  3  4  0  (89-59)
CHC  1  4  0  (58-90)

W: Homer Bailey (12-9)
L: Justin Germano (2-8)
S: Jonathan Broxton (26)

Box Score

• Recap
• Homer Bailey: 7.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 SO.  Beautiful game for Homer.  Jeff Brantley mentioned on the radio broadcast that he has been the most unfortunate of the Reds starters as he had several wins slip away from him due to bullpen issues.  Which of course has been a rarity with the likes of our guys.  Nevertheless, Brantley was correct.  Homer is a tremendous talent and pitches like an ace when he is not on the mound at GABP.  I would like to see him on the playoff roster for a road start for sure.
• Marshall and Broxton were splendid.  Yet another job well done by the Reds elite bullpen.  Shut 'em down boys.
• With the bases loaded, Ryan Hanigan came thru in the clutch like he always seems to do and knocked in the whole darn bunch with a bases clearing double (14) (RBI - 23).  And that was that.  Hanigan procured the win for Bailey before he had to leave the game, and he provided the offense for the team to win.  Love that guy.
• Votto also had a double (39)

Game 147: Reds Get 17 Hits, Win in 11 Innings

Big Offensive Night For Redlegs; Take Getaway Game in Extra Frames

CIN  5  17  0  (88-59)
MIA  4  8  1  (65-82)
F/11

W: Logan Ondrusek (4-2)
L: Carlos Zambrano (7-10)
S: Jonathan Broxton (25)

Box Score

• Recap
• Latos was very good.  7.2 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 3 BB, 8 SO
• The bullpen was amazing as always: 3.1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 6 SO.  LeCure was outstanding (0 H, 3 SO in 1.1 IP).  Kudos, gents.
• Three Reds players had three hits:
• Ryan Ludwick was 3-for-6 with 2 RBI (79)
• Dioner Navarro was 3-for-6 with an RBI (8)
• Didi Gregorious was 3-for-5 with an RBI, his MLB first.
• Votto reached base four times with a pair of hits and a pair of walks.  Nice job as always there, Joey.
• Todd Frazier had two hits including the only extra base hit of the night in the 17-hit-affair for the Reds with a double (25).
• Bruce, Heisey, Phillips, and Paul all had hits as well.

Game 146: Marlins Get to Reds Early, Reds Downed Again

Cueto Pounced on for 3 Runs in 1st, Loses 3rd Consecutive Start

CIN  4  8  2  (87-59)
MIA  6  10  2  (65-81)

W: Mark Buehrle (13-12)
L: Johnny Cueto (17-9)
S: Steve Cishek (14)

Box Score

• Recap
• Cueto was bad.  It was unfortunate.  This make three straight attempts at 18 wins and three straight failures.  This one was especially poor.  The other games just had a moment or one bad pitch that decided his fate, but this game had several.  And the first inning was a disaster.
• Votto doubled! (38)
• Bruce tripled! (5)
• Ludwick hit a 2-run homer! (26)
• Valdez had two hits and an RBI

Game 145: Oh Well. No Big Deal I Suppose

No Offense For Reds' on First Night Out in New Marlins Park

CIN  0  3  0  (87-58)
MIA  4  9  0  (64-81)

W: Jacob Turner (2-3)
L: Bronson Arroyo (12-8)


Box Score

• Recap:
• Bronson Arroyo - Pretty good.  Not great by any means. Enough to earn a no decision on a lot of nights at least. 
• Bullpen was good. A positive.
• The offense - Awful.  Three hits.  Only three strikeouts however. 

Game 144: Sweep! 30 Games Over! Magic Number Down to 8!

Bailey Has Another Great Start Against Pirates in a Rather Lackluster Affair

PIT  1  7  1  (72-70)
CIN  2  6  0  (87-57)

W: Homer Bailey (11-9)
L: A.J. Burnett (15-7)
S: J.J. Hoover (1)

Box Score

• Recap:
• Homer Bailey: 7.0 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 SO.  Homer has owned the Pirates and tonight was no different.  Only one run allowed through seven solid innings of work.  Not much help offensively either.  Terrific job, sport.
• Brandon Phillips had two hits and a stolen base (14).  He's batting .295 on the year and continues to swing a hot bat.
• Ryan Ludwick had the only extra-base hit of the night with his 25th double on the year.
• Wilson Valdez had a single and an RBI (14).  Two big nights in a row for Wilson.
• Scotty Baseball had a big sac-fly RBI (35).
• Ryan Hanigan made a great save at the plate to stop a suicide squeeze on a close play.  On an 0-1 count,  the runner broke for home and the batter attempted to lay down a bunt.  Bailey's pitch was wide and Hanigan had trouble grabbing the ball.  But he quickly picked it up, covered the plate, and tagged the runner...out!
• Sam LeCure had yet another good outing tonight in an inning of work.
• The rookie J.J. Hoover was called upon to finish this one off for the Redlegs and he managed just fine.  It was the youngster's first big league save.  Congratulations, J.J.!

*Magic number reduced to 8 games!
*30 games over .500!   87-57 overall. 
*11.5 games up on the Cards, 14 up on the Pirates...2012 Central Division Champions! (Coming soon)

Game 143: The Leake Redemption

Mikey Does it From Mound and Plate as Reds Take First Two From Pirates

PIT  3  11  1  (72-69)
CIN  5  9  0  (86-57)

W: Mike Leake (8-9)
L: Kevin Correia (10-9)
S: Jonathan Broxton (24)

Box Score

• Recap:
• Mike Leake: 7.0 IP, 3 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 3 SO.  2-for-2 with a run scored.  Great, great redemption for Mike after his poor, poor showing against Philly last week.  Very good, Leakey.
• Brandon Phillips: 2-for-4 with a double (30) and a homer (17).  He also knocked in a pair (74) and scored a pair of runs.
• Ryan Ludwick had two hits.
• Wilson Valdez reached base three times with two hits and a walk!  Wow. 
• Scotty Baseball triumphantly returned to the lineup and hit a homerun (7) off the first pitch he saw in the 8th inning to give the Reds an insurance run.  Way to go, Scotty!
• Ondrusek and Marshall: Combined one inning of work.  One hit allowed.  Nothing else.
• Jonathan Broxton got his first save as a Redleg.  In the absense of Chapman, JB went back to his old job as closer and had no real problems doing so.

*The Reds have taken the first two from the Pirates and need one more to sweep and ensure a winning homestand!  Let's get it done!

Game 142: 14 Innings, 5 Hours and 22 Minutes Later...

Ludwick Puts an End to the Reds' Longest Game of the Season in the Bottom of the 14th.

PIT  3  9  0  (72-68)
CIN  4  8  0  (85-57)
F/14

W: Alfredo Simon (3-2)
L: Rick van den Hurk (0-1)

Box Score

• Recap:
• Lord, that took forever! 
• Ryan Ludwick was the walk-off hero.  However, he was terribly bad in all five at-bats before that.  Luckily that RBI single in the bottom of the 14th won the game and made us all forget the day he was having prior.
• Dioner Navarro had a huge 2-RBI double in the 7th that allowed the Reds to tie the game and eventually win it....seven innings later.
• Chris Heisey homered waaaaaay back in the 4th inning.  It was his 7th of the year.
• Everybody and their brother had an at-bat tonight for the Reds.
• Mat Latos:  6.0 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 5 SO.  It wasn't pretty, but it was in fact a quality start.  Latos threw 106 pitches, and 61 for strikes.
• BULLPEN: 8.0 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 5 BB (3-Chapman), 8 SO.  Outside of Aroldis Chapman (that's right)this bullpen was absolutely tremendous.  Eight innings and no runs allowed?  Yeah.  Sure, there were a couple of scares (including Simon loading the bases with nobody out in the top of the 14th) but they overcame every obstacle and pulled this one out.

*Aroldis will be getting at least a week off with what they're labeling as left shoulder fatigue.  His velocity has dropped severely and all the electricity is gone.  At least, that is what's been easily detectable in his last three outings. 

*Reds reduce Magic Number to 12!

Game 141: Who Were Those Guys Playing the Astros in Cincinnati Today?

Cueto Has Off-Day on Mound; Lowly Astros Take Series.

HOU  5  12  0  (44-96)
CIN  1  5  0  (84-57) 

W: Edgar Gonzalez (2-0)
L: Johnny Cueto (17-8)

Box Score

• Recap:
• No thanks.  Just check out the box score if you want to relive that one.

Game 140: That-A-Way!

A Brilliant Bronson and Homers From Bruce and Brandon Net Payback Victory

HOU  1  9  1  (43-96)
CIN  5  8  1  (84-56)  

W: Bronson Arroyo (12-7)
L: Bud Norris (5-12)

Box Score

• Recap:
• Bronson Arroyo: 7.0 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K.  Terrific.  I'll take that every single time out of any of the five starters on this team.  Solid performance from the old rocker in this one.
• Jay Bruce: 2-for-3 with another home run (33).  En Fuego.  Muy Caliente.
• Brandon Phillips: A pair of hits including his 16th homer.  He also walked twice.  What a perfect night from the leadoff spot.
• Joey Votto: 2-for-3 with a double. Dr. Double does it again.
• Henry Rodriguez got hit first MLB hit.  Good for him!
• Marshall and Broxton: 2.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H (JB), 0 BB, 2 SO.  Nice. 

Game 139: Not-Very-Aroldis

Bailey's Performance Overshadowed by Rare Chapman Blown Save

HOU  5  9  0  (43-95)
CIN  3  10  2  (83-56)

W: Hector Ambriz (1-0)
L: Aroldis Chapman (5-5)
S: Wilton Lopez (3)

Box Score

• Recap:
• Oh, Aroldis...we can't stay mad at you.  Aroldis Chapman had a rare off-night on the mound last night.  The Reds had a 3-2 lead going into the 9th inning and the Cuban Missile had the bottom-of-the-order to face.  No problem, right?  I mean, he has recorded 27 consecutive saves to date.  Well, not so fast.  Chapman got Chris Snyder to pop up to catcher Dioner Navarro against the screen behind home plate.  One out.  Then it was back-to-back singles from Tyler Greene and J.D. Martinez followed up by a 3-run homer from Matt Dominguez.  What?  A ground out, a single, and a strikeout for out number three finally got Chapman out of the inning.  Unfortunately the damage was done and so were the good guys.
• Homer Bailey: 6.2 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 SO.  Other than a 2-run homer in the first inning, Homer Bailey was terrific.  He nearly made it through seven frames before Dusty took the ball from him.  Nine strikeouts to only one walk.  It's a shame he didn't get the win.
• Marshall and Broxton both pitched two-thirds of an inning and allowed zilch.  Good holds from those two.
• The top-of-the-order!  With Brandon Phillips and Chris Heisey manning the 1-2 spots in the lineup, there was a lot more producing going on.  5-for-10 with three runs scored.  Heisey had three of those hits including his fifth triple on the year.  Heisey also had a stellar diving catch out in center field.  I'll tell you what, there is a 200% difference with these two guys at the top of the lineup.
• Ryan Ludwick had a pair of hits and a walk.  He also knocked in a pair of runs.
• Joey Votto walked three times.  Twice using his keen batting eye, once using sheer intimidation.

*Well, forget about that one!  Delete from memory, please.  Let's get 'em back today, shall we?

Series Preview: Reds vs. Astros - For the Last Time

Houston and Cincinnati Hook Up For the Final Time as Foes From the Same Division

Yep, that's right.  There was a time in the late 90's and early 2000's that I would've welcomed the idea of not playing the Astros anymore.  It wasn't always series wins and rainbows when the likes of Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte took the field for the Astros.  And then there were the biggest 'Reds-Killers' of them all; Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman.  Man oh man, did they own the Redlegs for a good stretch of time or what? 

Fortunately, the last several years have been much more kind to the Redlegs when pairing up against the Astronomicals...and for the majority of the other teams who faced off against them.  And it doesn't look too likely that a sudden improvement is near for the Houston franchise.  But now, Bud Selig and company have decided to move the 'Stros to the under-teamed AL West.  Now all six divisions in baseball will have the same number of teams fighting for its respective pennant.  That means the NL Central will no longer be the lone division with six teams while all others had five teams, and the AL West was the smallest with four.

This also means that the full-season baseball schedule will see a drastic change in 2013.  Because of the even amount of teams in both the AL and the NL, there will be at least one interleague series match-up every day.  If you are a baseball purist, this angers you.  If you're like me, it is intriguing and frustrating at the same time.  It's exciting to know I can see my Reds take on teams and play on fields I've never seen them play on before.  I'm excited to see David Price pitch at GABP and Joey Votto to smash an opposite-field double off the Green Monster at Fenway.  And you know that Joey, a disciple of Ted Williams, will cherish just playing on the same field.  I want opportunites to boo and heckle Yankee players in Cincinnati and to see Jay Bruce crush a ball into the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium.  However, I can't help but feel all that interleague play will take away from the mystique and wonder of the game.  But I digress.  This is a whole 'nother topic for another day indeed.


Back to the Series Preview:

Friday, 7:10pm
Homer Bailey (RHP) (10-9, 4.09 ERA, 129 SO, 1.35 WHIP)
vs.
Lucas Harrell (RHP) (10-9, 3.81 ERA, 116 SO, 1.32 WHIP)

Saturday, 7:10pm
Bronson Arroyo (RHP) (11-7, 3.76 ERA, 107 SO, 1.19 WHIP)
vs.
Bud Norris (RHP) (5-11, 4.80 ERA, 143 SO, 1.41 WHIP)

Sunday, 1:10pm
Johnny Cueto (RHP) (17-7, 2.58 ERA, 149 SO, 1.12 WHIP)
vs.
Edgar Gonzalez (RHP) (1-0, 1.69 ERA, 5 SO, 1.13 WHIP)



*Joey Votto is back for his first full series! 
*Jay Bruce is on fire!
*Brandon Phillips will man the leadoff spot!
*We're playing the Astros!  That's fun, right?!

Reds Fans: Know This

It's All Good...

• So we lost a home series.  Oh well.  It was to a solid Phillies team that finally has its key players back on the field.  We should still feel like we are on top of the world right now.  Why?   

• The Reds are 83-55.  We have the MOST WINS in the MLB. Only one team in baseball has a better overall record (WSH at 82-54).  We are 8.5 games up on the nearest team in the Central, and 10 games up on third place. 
• Johnny Cueto has had a Cy Young season and continues to prove his case. 
• Mat Latos' second-half has been Cy Young-worthy.  He's 24 years old. 
• Aroldis Chapman is the most dominant force in baseball.  He shuts-down the opposition, always.  His moniker is "Missile."  And he just might be having the best season for a relief pitcher the game has ever seen.
• Brandon Phillips is not just a stellar defender and above-average hitter anymore.  He's a leader and a tremendous hitter. 
• Todd Frazier is going to be the NL Rookie of the Year!
• Ryan Ludwick is going to be the Comeback Player of the Year!
• Jay Bruce is on one of his tremendous hot streaks.  And he is among baseball's greatest offensive threats when he is on.  And boy is Jables on! 
• The best hitter in the game has returned from injury.  His name is Joey Votto.  He plays for your Redlegs. 
• Smile.  We're pretty darned awesome.

Game 138: Leakey Night In Cincy; But Joey's Back!

Leake Has Poor Effort; Votto Back and Lookin' Swell

PHI  6  7  0  (66-71)
CIN  2  10  0  (83-55)

W: Roy Halladay (9-7)
L: Mike Leake (7-9)

Box Score

• Recap:
• Mike Leake:  2.1 IP, 6 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 SO.  Yuck!  Mikey couldn't make it past the 3rd inning in this one.  It wasn't pretty.  He gave up a 3-run homer and a 2-run homer in his short stint on the field. 
• Bullpen:  6.2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 6 SO.  Add-A-Superlative.  These guys were on it!  Too bad the ugly version of Mike Leake already occurred before they were sent to put out the fire.  Great job by Simon, Marshall, LeCure and recent call-up Pedro Villareal.
• Joseph Daniel Votto:  The Return.  It was solid.  Four plate appearances, two singles and a walk.  That's the production he brings every night.  Thank heavens the man is back!
• Heisey and Navarro:  Both had a pair of hits on the night.  Navarro's night included a double.
• JAY BRUCE:  Wow.  What else can you say?  We all are aware that Jay goes through incredible hot streaks and long cold spells.  And we know that both are drastic no matter what spectrum.  Currently its Red-Hot.  Bruce had three more hits in this one including two doubles (34), two RBI (93), and yet another home run (32).  Insane.  Joey is back and Jay is on fire.  Let the good times roll, baby!

Game 137: Latos and Bruce Boost Reds Over Phillies

Latos Earn's 12th Win, Chapman Saves Number 35, Bruce Pounds His 31st

PHI   1  4  0  (65-71)
CIN  2  7  0  (83-54)

W: Mat Latos (12-4)
L: Kyle Kendrick (8-10)
S: Aroldis Chapman (35)


Box Score

• Recap:
• Mat Latos: Splenid.  7.0 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 6 SO.  The big kid worked himself out of a couple of sticky situations and earned himself a well deserved win after seven solid innings or work against the Phils.  He has been nothing short of magical in the second half of this 2012 season.  Kudos, Mat.
• Jay Bruce: Jables just keeps on keepin' on doesn't he?  He reached three times tonight by singling, walking, and pounding out his 31st homer on the season, which came with a runner on base to score the only two runs for the good guys. 
• Ryan Hanigan had a pair of singles on the night.
• Xavier Paul had a pinch-hit double.  He's batting .333 in his short time with the Reds.  Very respectable.  A solid, low-risk pick-up the X-Man has been.
• Ryan Ludwick walked and singled.  Stubbs had a base knock.

The Return of the King: Baseball's Best Hitter Returns to Cincinnati

And There Was Much Rejoicing

by Ryan Bramwell

Do you remember the day we all learned of the Votto injury? It was July 15th, and it was just plain awful news.  The Reds had a mere one-game lead over the Pittsburgh Pirates and had not been playing their best ball of late.  An arthroscopic surgery took place on July 17th to repair the torn meniscus cartilage in Votto's left knee.  His expected return to action was 3-4 weeks and all was bleak in Reds country. 

Yet the Reds managed to go on without their potent three-hole hitter and confident first-baseman.  They reeled off win-after-win as they began to build a lead in the Central.  Then we learned that Votto had reinjured the knee while performing a sliding drill in his rehabilitation stint and another surgery was scheduled.  On August 10th, Votto underwent his second surgery in just a few weeks and the team would have to continue to play without the game's greatest batter.  And they did so in tremendous fashion.  As we have discussed here on this very blog, the Reds players seemingly found themselves, their roles, and their abilities during their time without Votto on the field. 

We saw some truly amazing baseball during the absence of Joseph Daniel Votto.  Brandon Phillips moved to three-hole and has since brought his batting average up to .300 as he has proven himself to be the best second baseman in the National League both offensively and defensively.  Ryan Ludwick had a miraculous July and August as he has shown Cincinnati fans that Jocketty and company were geniuses when they picked him up in the winter.  Ludwick will most certainly be the Comeback Player of the Year and be resigned by Cincinnati in the offseason.  Then there is Todd Frazier.  What can I say?  I've made it readily apparent that Todd has been my favorite Red outside of Votto.  He is a wonderful baseball player and a tremendous clubhouse guy.  Only Ryan Ludwick had better luck at the plate than Frazier during the Vottopocalypse.  Frazier saw time mainly at first base and third base, and he played them like a gold-glover.  He was a vacuum and made a point to the brass and to Dusty Baker with his defense and confidence to play a variety of positions when called upon.  Todd Frazier will be the National League's Rookie of the Year for 2012 (he also just won the Rookie of the Month award).  Scott Rolen finally got himself going during this period as well as he batted .321 in July and .323 in August.  His OBP during those months was an incredible .413 and .425.  The play of Chris Heisey and Ryan Hanigan should not be overshadowed either.  It was a real, true team effort in every sense of the phrase. 

Tomorrow marks the first day we will see Joey Votto on the field in eight weeks.  The Reds went 33-16 during his absence and even cruised to the best record in baseball overall at one point.  The Reds went through the trade deadline without making much noise, much to the dismay of a lot of fans.  But they did snag closer Jonathan Broxton as their only move.  And in hindsight, it was probably the best thing the organization could have done.  They bolstered an already dominant bullpen and grasped the nickname the "New Nasty Boys" with the addition of Broxton to go alongside Marshall and Chapman.  With all the winning, the unveiling of Ludwick/Frazier, spectacular starting pitching, dominant relief pitching, and overall excellence we nearly forgot that the best Redleg of them all had been sidelined since mid-July. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Joseph Daniel Votto is back.  The number three spot in the lineup is now filled so tightly that even using the phrase "tighter than O.J.'s gloves" would be an understatement.  And with that, there is a domino effect that allows the Reds lineup to blossom into it's absolute full potential.  The top-of-the-order is no longer a nagging issue, as Brandon Phillips and his .300 average will take over the top spot.  The number two spot is a question still, but it is guaranteed that whoever bats in front of Joey will see some hittable pitches.  So that alone takes care of batters 1-2-3.  Then there are hitters 4-5-6, the middle of the lineup.  Ryan Ludwick, Jay Bruce and Todd Frazier.  I think that'll suffice in any arrangement, don't you?  And when you have a guy with an OBP of .465 hitting in front of that kind of middle-of-the-order...well, you can smell those RBI's already can't you?  Then there's a wide variety of options at the bottom: Hanigan (terrific OBP-guy, himself), Stubbs, Heisey, Cozart, etc, etc. 

Remembering what we are getting back:

No trade-deadline addition or waiver pick-up of any caliber by any team this season will match the importance, the production, or the enthusiasm of what the Reds obtain when Joey Votto returns to the lineup.  Joey Votto has been the best offensive player in baseball over the past two and half seasons according to many sources and statistics.  The Reds have seen a significant boost in play from everyone during his departure as noted earlier, and now they add a true great into the mix to bolster an offense that needed that one extra weapon.  And if Votto were a weapon he would be a nuclear bomb.

BA .344, HR 14, 49 RBI, .465 OBP, 1.065 OPS

• Bleacher Report: Joey Votto Staking His Claim as the Best Hitter in Baseball
• ESPN: Joey Votto Literally Having A Babe Ruth-Type Season
• Huffington Post: Joey Votto Hits 3-Homers, Walk-Off Grand Slam

Remember Mother's Day?

Marty's Call: Mother's Day Goosebumps

Game 136: Reds Don't Labor Much on This Day as Cueto Gets Rare Loss

Reds Drop First Game Against Phils; Bruce Homers Again

PHI 4  8  0  (65-70)
CIN  2  6  0  (82-54)

W: Tyler Cloyd (1-1)
L:  Johnny Cueto (17-7)
S: Phillippe Aumont (1)

Box Score

• Johnny Cueto: 7.0 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 0 BB, 5 SO.  He was very good until the 5th inning when he allowed back-to-back hits from the #8 hitter and the pitcher which led to a Jimmy Rollins 3-run jack in the next at-bat.  Like I said, Johnny was pretty solid other than that time frame.
• Jay Bruce homered again (30).  Unfortunately it was a solo shot that didn't do more than put the Reds within two runs at the end of the game.  Fortunately, it certainly seems as though Jay is back on one of his patented hot streaks and at the right time.
• Ludwick had a pair of hits including a double (24).
• Phillips and Frazier had the only other two knocks for Cincy.  Only hitters 3-thru-6 had hits in this one.
• J.J Hoover and Logan Ondrusek both pitched perfect frames in the 8th and 9th innings.

Game 135: 5-Run 8th Proves Difference in Win Over 'Stros.

Arroyo Just Misses 12th Win; Bruce Hits 3-Run Homer in Reds Big 8th Inning


CIN  5  9  0  (82-53)
HOU  3  9  2  (41-93)

W: Jose Arredondo (6-2)
L: Xavier Cedeno (0-1)
S: Aroldis Chapman (34)

Box Score

• Two hits apiece for Xavier Paul and Brandon Phillips
• Jay Bruce had the big hit of the night, a homer (29) that drove in three runs (87)
• Heisey had a pinch-hit double
• Stubbs singled and walked
• Frazier and Cairo also had hits
• Arroyo was very good but did not factor in the win: 6.0 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 SO.
• Jose Arredondo was terrible:  1.0 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 SO.  Awful.
• Jose Arredondo was the game's winning pitcher: See above line for details.
• Broxton and Chapman were both magnificent: 1.0 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 SO Apiece.

Game 134: Oh, Man. Let's Not Have Another One of Those.

Bailey's Terrific Start Blown By Poor Offense, Valdez's Defense.

CIN  1  7  1  (81-53)
HOU  2  4  0  (41-92)

W: Wilton Lopez (6-3)
L: Sean Marshall (4-5)

Box Score

• No Red had more than one hit on the night.  Bruce and Rolen had doubles.
• Wilson Valdez let a ball go through his legs at second base (where he was filling in for an ejected Brandon Phillips) in the 9th inning, which allowed the winning run to come home.
• Homer Bailey was brilliant: 8.0 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 SO. 

Moving beyond baseball?

By Joseph Dant

So, seeing as I am the fan of a team that has been out of contention since about April, I suppose I will be the one to do the first non-baseball post. As was noted in my profile, I am a rabid Notre Dame football fan. I was raised as a fan, and my devotion has only grown as I've aged.

Something that has been discussed ad naseum on ESPN recently is the idea of Notre Dame's relevancy. How relevant is a team that hasn't won a national championship in 25 years, or even contended for one (realistically) in nearly 20? I pride myself on trying not to be a blind fan just spouting rhetoric. I try to take a measured approach and be realistic with my opinions and expectations. In that vein, I have several reasons as to why I believe that Notre Dame is still very relevant in the upper echelon of college football.

What determines value? I have always believed that something is only worth what someone is willing to give you for it. Notre Dame was offered by the BCS a seat as the only independent school on their council. They were offered a huge television contract by a major network. Are these an indicator of value? I think they are.

What determines the "power schools" in college sports? Success is a major part of the equation, but I would postulate that the ability to draw to high-end recruits is just as important. Despite the fact that they are not in an exactly desirable location, despite the fact that they are not in a major conference, and despite the fact that they have not been a success on the national championship front for years, Notre Dame still manages to attract top 10 recruiting classes annually. I have heard many analysts state that Notre Dame means nothing to younger athletes. If that is the case, then why do so many of the top athletes keep choosing to attend the school?

I also think that Notre Dame holds its relevance in the fact that it is one of the few traditional powers that can hold aloft its athletes on the academic level. The school has refused to lower its academic standards to pick up a few more wins. This is what all of the other schools say they do or that their goal is to have great "student athletes", but few of them actually measure up when it comes time. Does being more than a so-called football factory equate to relevance? I think that until the NCAA comes out and admits that football is the minor league program for the NFL and eliminates the academic requirements, it absolutely does.

Now, by no means am I equating relevancy with success. If there is one thing that should be readily apparent by reading my posts, it is that I am an incredibly cynical sports fan. I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop. As opposed to being excited about the fact that we beat Navy 50-10 to open the season, I worry that it will inflate the ego of the team and cause us to overlook opponents. I have been burnt too many times to be an optimistic fan.

The argument for Notre Dame's relevance is the same as the argument for the Cubs' relevance. Yes they have not been overly successful in recent years, but they are both still very relevant and hold a lot of sway in their respective sport.

Everybody's Seeing Red Nowadays

Go Searchin'! Articles on the Reds are a Dime-A-Dozen These Days.

• Here's one of my favorites from over at Grantland.com:
• "The Reds' Embarrassment of Riches Problem" by Jonah Keri
• Excerpt: "Todd Frazier has reached base in 22 straight games. He's hitting .294/.354/.554, making him a top-25 hitter in his rookie season. In the past 30 days, only Buster Posey, Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and teammate Ryan Ludwick have put up bigger numbers. In that same 30-day stretch, the Reds have gone 19-11, blazing to the best record in baseball and giving themselves a shot at their first World Series in 22 years."
• Grantland.com again: on this week in the NL Central
• "The Red Menace" by Shane Ryan
• Excerpt: "They even seem collapse-proof at this point, with lots of remaining games against teams like the Cubs, Astros, and Phillies. Time to pay attention, America."
•  From Bleacherreport.com
• "10 Things the Cincinnati Reds Need to Do to Top Nationals For NL Home Field" by Kyle Newport
• "5 Reasons the Reds Will Go Deep Into the MLB Playoffs" by Joshua Ramsey
• "5 Ways to Keep Reds' Todd Frazier in the Lineup When Joey Votto Returns" by Joshua Ramsey

Game 133: Best Team Beats Worst Team. Simple Enough.

Quality Start From Mikey, 3-Run Shot From the Beaumont Bomber; Reds Win 4th Straight.

CIN  9  13  1 (81-52)
HOU  3  9  1 (40-92)

W: Mike Leake (7-8)
L: Fernando Abad (0-2)

Box Score

• Recap:
• Mike Leake was solid last night for six innings in Houston, Texas.  Although he didn't need much, he had plenty of help from the offense.  The Reds had five extra base hits on the night; three doubles and a pair of longballs.  Jay Bruce hit a homerun off a left-hander giving him a pretty cool distinction according to the Elias Sports Bureau: " It was Bruce's 28th home run of the season and his 10th off a left-handed pitcher; he had hit 12 homers off lefties in 2010 and 11 last year. Bruce is the lone left-handed hitter with 10-or-more home runs against left-handed pitchers in each of the last three seasons (that is, 2010, 2011 and 2012). And he has tied the Reds' record of three straight seasons with 10-or-more lefty-on-lefty homers; Ted Kluszewski (1953-55) and Adam Dunn (2004-06) are the others who did that."  So that's pretty neat-o in my book. 
• Reds Offense:
• Brandon Phillips: 3-for-5 with his 29th double and his 71st RBI.  The best second-baseman in the National League plays for the Cincinnati Reds and is batting .300 on the year.
• Zack Cozart: Two big hits for Cozy on the night; the first was a two-run homer (15) that sailed into the Crawford Boxes in left that gave the Reds an early boost.  His second hit was launched even further but landed just under the yellow line off the tall wall in left-center for his 32nd double.  (Maybe having Heisey behind him rather than Stubbs helps a little?)
• Heisey and Navarro:  Heisey had a pair of singles and two RBI (29) as he continues to swing the bat very well as of late for the Reds.  He always got an uncontested, stand-up steal (6). It's hard not to imagine what it would be like to have Chris in the daily lineup over Drew right now. Navarro also had a pair of hits last night including a double.  Last night was most likely Dioner's last go 'round with the Reds big club barring any unfortunate scenarios.
• Jay Bruce: Jables reached base three times by walking twice and pelting a three-run homerun (28) that put the game out of reach.  It was also Jay's 82nd, 83rd and 84th runs batted in.
• Frazier and Ludwick:  Both had a hit on the night.  Ludwick also drew a walk.
• Miguel Cairo:  The old fart came in to pinch-hit in the 8th and battled out a long at-bat in which he ended by singling over third base and driving in a run (12). 
• Reds Pitching:
• Mike Leake: 6.0 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 6 SO.  Mikey scattered some hits but was really only in trouble one time in the game when he allowed back-to-back jacks in the 4th inning.  Outside of that, Leake was splendid.  When "Leakey" is going strong, he is a very good number five pitcher and would be welcomed in that role by any ballclub.
• LeCure and Simon:  3.0 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 1 K.  LeCure looked terrific in his one inning as he didn't allow squat and struck out a batter.  Simon got into some trouble in the 8th and allowed a run, but he was still quite solid overall.
• Something I wanted to add:
• Fernando Abad gave up six runs on nine hits in just 4.1 innings.  It was 'a bad' night for Fernando!  Ha!  Yeah, its a dumb pun.  So what?

**It'll be Homer Bailey (10-9, 4.24) vs. the best pitcher Houston has to offer, Lucas Harrell (10-9, 3.92), in the 7:05pm (ET) game tonight between the Reds and the Astronomicals.  Let's go Redlegs!  I would love for us to come back to Cincy with a perfect 7-0 road trip under our belt.



-Votto Update:  Seeing as the Redlegs just keep on winning and Joey is just now getting back into the swing of things, we won't see him until after this series in Houston.  The Reds return home for a series against the Phillies on Labor Day and we are keeping our fingers crossed for a return on that date.  Votto has been playing in Dayton the last few days as he continues to rehab his way back to where he belongs; batting third and playing first base for the best team in baseball.