***OFFICIAL Cincinnati Reds 2007 Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Fear & Loathing]

Wow! Josh Hamilton just killed an opposite field bomb...

Very impressive power there.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Josh Hamilton = Chuck Norris.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Josh Hamilton = Chuck Norris.

Josh Hamilton >>>>>>>>> Chuck NorrisI keep waiting for him to fall off hard, or at least come back to earth. But every time I watch him play, I come away more and more impressive. His talent is truly prodigious..

 

[Routilla]

Nice to salvage atleast one in ARI. On to CHI for the Cubbies. :(

 

[fasteddie_21]

Regarding EdE and Narron:

Jerry Narron on taking EE out of the game:

I was not watching the play, I wasn’t watching Eddie, I was watching the ball, but I saw Eddie come in with his bat, so I came in here (to the clubhouse) and looked at it and Eddie did not run and he told me he didn’t see where the ball was, but you’ve still got to run> I don’t care if we lose every game, we’re not going to play guys who don’t hustle. It’s as simple as that. We’ll pinch-hit pitchers, we’ll play pitchers if we have to. If you cannot hustle, you cannot play. It’s as simple as that. Eddie will probably be back in there Friday, but I tell you want, if they don’t run balls out, they’re not going to play. I don’t care if we lose every game, we’re going to hustle while they do it.

I was watching the ball, I was watching the baserunners. I wasn’t watching Eddie, that’s why he went back out on the field. If I’d have been watching him, he never would have takent he field. I love him, I think he’s going to be a great player. He messed up, but doggone it, you can’t be messing up in this game by not hustling. If you don’t know where the ball is, you find out where it is. One thing Eddie’s never done here is he’s never dogged it. It was an honest mistake, but it was a mistake.

Don't think I don't like Edwin Encarnacion, I love him.

Edwin said he thought it was a foul, but understood Narron's actions:

I understand because he likes everyone to play hard and run the bases and hustle. That’s who we have to play.

I know. I just have to keep playing like I always play, play hard. I understand why he did what he did.

Narron said he expects to start both Encarnacion and Hamilton on Friday. He could put Hamilton in center and use Freel somewhere in the infield, like second in place of the scuffling Brandon Phillips. Phillips was 1-for-3 on Wednesday, raising his average to .212. Phillips does have two homers, though. I thought he may put Freel at third for EE, but I think Jerry wants to send a message by putting EE right back in the lineup.

Anyway, here's what Josh said about playing at Wrigley: "They always say it’s the Friendly Confines, but I hear different,” Hamilton said. “We’ll see about that.”

Also, Josh said there were some kids in right field hounding him all night, saying, "Hamilton, you suck!" But after his double and homer, they were screaming "Hamilton, you rock!" I told him it's better that than going the other way around.

Thanks to the best beat write for the Reds, period, C. Trent Rosecrans His blog here!

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Narron on Hamilton:

"We've got to get him on the field with what he's done," Narron said. "The spring he had, the at-bats he's having right now. He looks like he belongs there. It's not going to be easy playing four outfielders, but we'll do what we can do."

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...PT05/704120330/

 

[shuke]

Wow, Naron pulled Encarnacion from the game in the second inning.

apparently he didn't leave the batters box after a pop up.that'll get you sat down in a hurry.i bet he sprints out every time he contacts from now on.

He didn't see the ball at first, but he did find it and still stood there. I like the move by Narron.

 

[Waggle]

Wow, Naron pulled Encarnacion from the game in the second inning.

apparently he didn't leave the batters box after a pop up.that'll get you sat down in a hurry.i bet he sprints out every time he contacts from now on.

He didn't see the ball at first, but he did find it and still stood there. I like the move by Narron.

Yes. That's what you've got to do to produce winners.Does he have any conservative approaches to the team, i. e., in the lockerroom? For example, no music? Bobby Cox doesn't allow music in the clubhouse.

 

[On The Rocks]

Wow, Naron pulled Encarnacion from the game in the second inning.

apparently he didn't leave the batters box after a pop up.that'll get you sat down in a hurry.i bet he sprints out every time he contacts from now on.

He didn't see the ball at first, but he did find it and still stood there. I like the move by Narron.

I love this move by Narron.In fact I love EE's reaction also.

 

[jafo]

Go Reds! 6 run inning brewing right now to take the lead. Cubs suck!

 

[Routilla]

It's great to beat Zambrano again. Seriously though, we needed this game after losing the series in AZ. Now we have 2 chances to win this series in CHI.

 

[cartel]

I think what we have seen from this offense is not a good sign. My guess is we will not win many games when we score one run given the starters/bullpen we have (unless Kyle Loshe becomes the next Cy Young...)

 

[Caesar]

Thought this was a good win today. Lohse looked great, and so did Lilly, but the ump had a bit of a wide strike zone. Love to see an old school game on Jackie Day. Only two hits for the Reds, but thanks to Conine, one of them was all that was needed.

I would take 15 more games just like this all year long.. Reds coming out on top or not, this was a good game to watch.

On another note, EE, Ross, and Freel are looking absolutely CLUELESS. I know batters go through slumps, but wow, these guys need to pull it together.

 

[On The Rocks]

Todd Coffey

 

[Routilla]

Todd Coffey

I know. Believe it or not I thought he was going to be a valuable guy out of the pen this year. So far his value is for the opposing team.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Anyone else growing tired of Thom's disgust at every little error and perceived mental mistep the Reds make. I'm all for some criticism but this is getting old already.

Oh, and Chuck Norris blasted another one tonight. I don't care how long that pitch hung in the strike zone , this kid needs to play.

 

[On The Rocks]

Anyone else growing tired of Thom's disgust at every little error and perceived mental mistep the Reds make. I'm all for some criticism but this is getting old already.Oh, and Chuck Norris blasted another one tonight. I don't care how long that pitch hung in the strike zone , this kid needs to play.

with the lack of hitting from the the middle infielders and 3B I expect Freel to be moved to the IF and Chuck Norris to be playing full time in CF...... right......... about......NOW.

 

[SoFresh&SoClean]

Josh Hamilton is a god. He'll be a superstar next year.

 

[Waggle]

Josh Hamilton is a god. He'll be a superstar next year.

He's got 3 home runs in 18 AB, or 1 HR for every 6 AB's. His slugging percentage is .833.Seems to have gotten his eye back rather quickly.Wow.

 

[meeka]

Any reason for the terrible attendence last night? Not fishing, but when I saw the highlight of Hall's slam the place looked empty.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Jeff Brantley is a breath of fresh air in the booth. He accurately predicted the 4-pitch walk to Alex Gonzalez with the bases loaded, and here was his analysis of Brewers' pitcher Greg Aquino: "It's awfully difficult to throw a strike with your right hand while your left hand is wrapped around your neck."



Nacho Libre with the bases clearing double after almost letting Aquino off the hook with a 2-0 swing.

 

[On The Rocks]

Anyone else growing tired of Thom's disgust at every little error and perceived mental mistep the Reds make. I'm all for some criticism but this is getting old already.Oh, and Chuck Norris blasted another one tonight. I don't care how long that pitch hung in the strike zone , this kid needs to play.

with the lack of hitting from the the middle infielders and 3B I expect Freel to be moved to the IF and Chuck Norris to be playing full time in CF...... right......... about......NOW.

Looks like Jerry Narron got my voice mail.Edwin goes to the bench, Feel goes to 3B and goes 4-5 and Hamilton goes 2-4.Nice move!

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Anyone else growing tired of Thom's disgust at every little error and perceived mental mistep the Reds make. I'm all for some criticism but this is getting old already.Oh, and Chuck Norris blasted another one tonight. I don't care how long that pitch hung in the strike zone , this kid needs to play.

with the lack of hitting from the the middle infielders and 3B I expect Freel to be moved to the IF and Chuck Norris to be playing full time in CF...... right......... about......NOW.

Looks like Jerry Narron got my voice mail.Edwin goes to the bench, Feel goes to 3B and goes 4-5 and Hamilton goes 2-4.Nice move!

Is this your permanent move? Encarnacion to the bench?

 

[fasteddie_21]

Anyone else growing tired of Thom's disgust at every little error and perceived mental mistep the Reds make. I'm all for some criticism but this is getting old already.Oh, and Chuck Norris blasted another one tonight. I don't care how long that pitch hung in the strike zone , this kid needs to play.

with the lack of hitting from the the middle infielders and 3B I expect Freel to be moved to the IF and Chuck Norris to be playing full time in CF...... right......... about......NOW.

Looks like Jerry Narron got my voice mail.Edwin goes to the bench, Feel goes to 3B and goes 4-5 and Hamilton goes 2-4.Nice move!

Is this your permanent move? Encarnacion to the bench?

As I stated in the Josh Hamilton thread, Roy Hobbs should be the starting CF'er and Freel should once again become super-sup, starting for Jr, BP, and EdE 3-4 times a week and PH'ing the rest of the time. This team is simply better when Hamilton is in the lineup.Capella be damned...

 

[fasteddie_21]

Btw, a few more interesting tidbits from the game on Monday...

from C. Trent Rosencrans(Reds beat writer and a helluva good one at that:

"Here's the transcription of one answer from one question. I asked Freel about moving aside for Hamilton, and here's what he had to say:

"Whatever it may be. I don’t know if it’s the advantage or disadvantage of being a utility guy. The disadvantage, I know when I was playing second base and Phillips came over here and started hot, he eventually ended up getting that position. He’s just a utility player. The next year I’m going to be playing center field and you’ve got a guy who can flat-out play. He’s a stud. There’s no question about it. He’s a fist pick for a reason. What he did in spring, the kid can hit. He hit .400 in the spring, I don’t care who you are, you hit .400 in the spring and play every day like he did, that shows a lot about your talent. I’ll be the first one to tell you, I can’t hit 20-25 home runs, I’m not going to get you 100 RBIs, this guy can. I know there are a lot of eyebrows raised about him playing, I’ll be the first to tell you, this guy needs to play. He’s that kind of a player. He can flat-out play. He’s a five-tool player. I know he’s gone through some off-the field problems, I know how focused he is now and his faith in God and what he’s done to get where he’s at, and now his talent has taken over. He’s going to be an All-Star, that’s what kind of player he is. Whether I am or not, I can’t tell you, but he is. If they want to move me back to the infield here and there, the last few days I’ve been getting ready for that. Jerry hasn’t said anything to me about it, but I can read between the lines. I know you have to have a guy like that in the lineup. He’s one of the better athletes I’ve ever seen. The sky’s the limit for him. I’ll put myself aside any day, any time in order for us to win a championship. Regardless of what he’s done, or what he’s being paid or whatever, he’s a guy who can play everyday and he’s going to put up big numbers if you stick with him. I don’t have any problem with that – especially now. I just want to win. He’s a game-changer, one swing of the bat, he can change the game. I’m not that kind of player, I’m the type of guy who needs to get on base, steal some bags, I’m not going to hit 30 home runs. I’m not going to do it."

How great is Freel?

And on Josh Hamilton's HR in the 9th vs Elmer Dessens, "I (Trent) turned to Josh Hamilton as I was headed out of the clubhouse and said, 'Man, you really got that one.' Heck, it was 396 feet into right, a place where the wall is 370. It was a good 10 rows up. 'No' he said. 'You want to see where I got it?' So he pulls out his bat and shows me the mark from the ball. It was on the part of the barrel where it is just beginning to taper down to the handle. He said Dessens tried to get a slider in on im, but it didn't quite slide enough. And, well, it went 396 feet.

 

[On The Rocks]

Anyone else growing tired of Thom's disgust at every little error and perceived mental mistep the Reds make. I'm all for some criticism but this is getting old already.Oh, and Chuck Norris blasted another one tonight. I don't care how long that pitch hung in the strike zone , this kid needs to play.

with the lack of hitting from the the middle infielders and 3B I expect Freel to be moved to the IF and Chuck Norris to be playing full time in CF...... right......... about......NOW.

Looks like Jerry Narron got my voice mail.Edwin goes to the bench, Feel goes to 3B and goes 4-5 and Hamilton goes 2-4.Nice move!

Is this your permanent move? Encarnacion to the bench?

NO! Definately not.....but he certainly needed to take a seat to make room for Freel and Hamilton right now.I agree with FE21 that as much as I like Freel as and everyday player, his role as "super sub" is perfect. And technically, he has the ability to play everyday at a different position.

 

[shuke]

Anyone else growing tired of Thom's disgust at every little error and perceived mental mistep the Reds make. I'm all for some criticism but this is getting old already.Oh, and Chuck Norris blasted another one tonight. I don't care how long that pitch hung in the strike zone , this kid needs to play.

with the lack of hitting from the the middle infielders and 3B I expect Freel to be moved to the IF and Chuck Norris to be playing full time in CF...... right......... about......NOW.

Looks like Jerry Narron got my voice mail.Edwin goes to the bench, Feel goes to 3B and goes 4-5 and Hamilton goes 2-4.Nice move!

Is this your permanent move? Encarnacion to the bench?

As I stated in the Josh Hamilton thread, Roy Hobbs should be the starting CF'er and Freel should once again become super-sup, starting for Jr, BP, and EdE 3-4 times a week and PH'ing the rest of the time. This team is simply better when Hamilton is in the lineup.Capella be damned...

I think Freel needs to be in there every day because he's by far the best lead off guy they have.

 

[On The Rocks]

Btw, a few more interesting tidbits from the game on Monday...

from C. Trent Rosencrans(Reds beat writer and a helluva good one at that:

"Here's the transcription of one answer from one question. I asked Freel about moving aside for Hamilton, and here's what he had to say:

"Whatever it may be. I don’t know if it’s the advantage or disadvantage of being a utility guy. The disadvantage, I know when I was playing second base and Phillips came over here and started hot, he eventually ended up getting that position. He’s just a utility player. The next year I’m going to be playing center field and you’ve got a guy who can flat-out play. He’s a stud. There’s no question about it. He’s a fist pick for a reason. What he did in spring, the kid can hit. He hit .400 in the spring, I don’t care who you are, you hit .400 in the spring and play every day like he did, that shows a lot about your talent. I’ll be the first one to tell you, I can’t hit 20-25 home runs, I’m not going to get you 100 RBIs, this guy can. I know there are a lot of eyebrows raised about him playing, I’ll be the first to tell you, this guy needs to play. He’s that kind of a player. He can flat-out play. He’s a five-tool player. I know he’s gone through some off-the field problems, I know how focused he is now and his faith in God and what he’s done to get where he’s at, and now his talent has taken over. He’s going to be an All-Star, that’s what kind of player he is. Whether I am or not, I can’t tell you, but he is. If they want to move me back to the infield here and there, the last few days I’ve been getting ready for that. Jerry hasn’t said anything to me about it, but I can read between the lines. I know you have to have a guy like that in the lineup. He’s one of the better athletes I’ve ever seen. The sky’s the limit for him. I’ll put myself aside any day, any time in order for us to win a championship. Regardless of what he’s done, or what he’s being paid or whatever, he’s a guy who can play everyday and he’s going to put up big numbers if you stick with him. I don’t have any problem with that – especially now. I just want to win. He’s a game-changer, one swing of the bat, he can change the game. I’m not that kind of player, I’m the type of guy who needs to get on base, steal some bags, I’m not going to hit 30 home runs. I’m not going to do it."

I love reading this kind of stuff!

 

[shuke]

Btw, a few more interesting tidbits from the game on Monday...

from C. Trent Rosencrans(Reds beat writer and a helluva good one at that:

"Here's the transcription of one answer from one question. I asked Freel about moving aside for Hamilton, and here's what he had to say:

"Whatever it may be. I don’t know if it’s the advantage or disadvantage of being a utility guy. The disadvantage, I know when I was playing second base and Phillips came over here and started hot, he eventually ended up getting that position. He’s just a utility player. The next year I’m going to be playing center field and you’ve got a guy who can flat-out play. He’s a stud. There’s no question about it. He’s a fist pick for a reason. What he did in spring, the kid can hit. He hit .400 in the spring, I don’t care who you are, you hit .400 in the spring and play every day like he did, that shows a lot about your talent. I’ll be the first one to tell you, I can’t hit 20-25 home runs, I’m not going to get you 100 RBIs, this guy can. I know there are a lot of eyebrows raised about him playing, I’ll be the first to tell you, this guy needs to play. He’s that kind of a player. He can flat-out play. He’s a five-tool player. I know he’s gone through some off-the field problems, I know how focused he is now and his faith in God and what he’s done to get where he’s at, and now his talent has taken over. He’s going to be an All-Star, that’s what kind of player he is. Whether I am or not, I can’t tell you, but he is. If they want to move me back to the infield here and there, the last few days I’ve been getting ready for that. Jerry hasn’t said anything to me about it, but I can read between the lines. I know you have to have a guy like that in the lineup. He’s one of the better athletes I’ve ever seen. The sky’s the limit for him. I’ll put myself aside any day, any time in order for us to win a championship. Regardless of what he’s done, or what he’s being paid or whatever, he’s a guy who can play everyday and he’s going to put up big numbers if you stick with him. I don’t have any problem with that – especially now. I just want to win. He’s a game-changer, one swing of the bat, he can change the game. I’m not that kind of player, I’m the type of guy who needs to get on base, steal some bags, I’m not going to hit 30 home runs. I’m not going to do it."

I love reading this kind of stuff!

I wonder if Farney told him to say that.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Wow! Josh Hamilton just killed an opposite field bomb...Very impressive power there.

Bump

 

[fasteddie_21]

8 hits, 4 HR's 8RBI's...just sayin'.....

 

[shuke]

 

[Routilla]

In hind sight I leave Santos in to start the 8th.

 

[On The Rocks]

 

[Routilla]

How much does a bull pen cost?

 

[Limp Ditka]

How much does a bull pen cost?

Obviously more than Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Dear David Ross,

You cannot pull a slider a foot off the outside corner. If your left hip is pointing towards the visitors dugout, you're not going to be able to hit the outside pitch.

If you're hitting .200 by June 1st, I'll eat my softball pants.

Thanks for listening,

F&L

Edit to add: Thom Brennaman -- "Only two outs in the inning, so Ross is gonna hit...or attempt to."

 

[fasteddie_21]

Great job by Hatte in the 9th. Is it me or did he look pissed off before that HR with 2 outs in the bot of the 9th?

And FINALLY this team shows some damn patience at the dish. Patience is what won the game tonight.

How bad of shape are the Phils in now? Wow....

 

[FBGirl79]

 

[Limp Ditka]

Narron is a ####### stroke

Dunn hitting 6th after sitting yesterday?!!?!?!?! WTF!!!!!!!

Get a ### ####ed lineup and stick with it you moron

 

[Jene Bramel]

Narron is a ####### stroke

Dunn hitting 6th after sitting yesterday?!!?!?!?! WTF!!!!!!!

Get a ### ####ed lineup and stick with it you moron

Never happen. Narron played 140 different lineups in 2006.

 

[On The Rocks]

Congratulations to my all-time favorite Red!

Reds to Retire #13

 

[On The Rocks]

Congratulations to my all-time favorite Red!

Reds to Retire #13

Somewhere Dave Pallone is picking a scab and cursing up a storm.

 

[On The Rocks]

So sure....the Reds won yesterday...but let me ask you this?

Do you think there lack of wins has more to do with poor play? Or poor managing?

I like Jerry Narron. But I think I am growing really really tired of the constant lineup changes. I know that is his signature card but it can't be a positive.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

So sure....the Reds won yesterday...but let me ask you this?Do you think there lack of wins has more to do with poor play? Or poor managing?I like Jerry Narron. But I think I am growing really really tired of the constant lineup changes. I know that is his signature card but it can't be a positive.

Poor play. No doubt.I think Narron has gotten a really raw deal from Reds fans. He's done a helluva job with the talent at his disposal since he's been here. He manages circles around Miley, so maybe I'm just giving him too much credit by way of comparison. I also think he's done an impressive job of getting Hamilton into the lineup and spreading out the bench time. As soon as EdE starts hitting like he can, I'm sure he'll be more of a fixture.As far as the lineup changes, that's nothing more than talk show fodder. Fans make a big deal out of it, but it's way down the list of things that matter. For example, he gets killed for hitting Gonzo 5th & Dunn 6th, but how many games in a row are you going to watch Dunn K almost every bat before you switch things up a bit? I'm sure Dunn will be back up near the top in due time, but there was a week or two stretch there where he was striking out constantly....it just happened to coincide with the week or two that Gonzo was tearing the cover off the ball. Good for Narron being flexible enough in his thinking to take advantage of a hot streak. For the most part, I haven't found a problem with his bullpen management. He's run a couple guys out there too often (what was the use of throwing Stanton yesterday for the 3rd day in a row?). Bottom line, he's given firm roles to the bullpenners Krivsky has provided, and they haven't done their part.

 

[WampusCat43]

I'm sure there's some deep, metaphysical, Bull Durham reason for batting Hatty-berg leadoff the other day, but it's

 

[fasteddie_21]

I'm sure there's some deep, metaphysical, Bull Durham reason for batting Hatty-berg leadoff the other day, but it's :whoosh:

To be honest, I think it was a good move. You know that Hatte is going to give you a quailty AB every single time up to the plate. He's amoung the league leaders in pitches seen per AB, and that is a big thing you want from a lead-off hitter. I'm not advocating batting him there every day, but it's not as bad as it may look on the surface.I'm not a fan of Narron, but that is not one of the moves I disliked.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

I'm sure there's some deep, metaphysical, Bull Durham reason for batting Hatty-berg leadoff the other day, but it's

Not deep or metaphysical, but he sees a lot of pitches and gets on base. I don't think it's anybody's idea of an acceptable permanent solution, but like fasteddie said, for one game it's no big deal.It's a lot like the A's use of Jeremy Giambi as a lead-off batter a few years back. Are we allowed to question the A's?

 

[fasteddie_21]

Quite appropriate for the league's worst BP....come on Wayne, you can't keep letting this happen!!!

Click here....

*thanks to smith288 on Redszone.com for the pic.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Regarding Narron's management of the bullpen, I hadn't noticed that Narron was the problem because in watching the games, he usually appears to bring in the right guy for the right situation. However, I hadn't noticed just how badly he is burning up his bullpen.

Per reader David Short in Trent Rosencrans' blog, I think this is a big red flashing sign:

Starter goes 7 1/3 inning.

Reliever A comes in and gives up a walk to the only batter he faces.

Reliever B comes in. Gets an out and gives up a three run bomb. Gets

the next batter.

Reliever C finishes the game without a pinch hitter for B.

7 1/3 inning from the starter and 3 relievers to finish the last five

outs. By my count 2 other guys warmed up. It may have been more.

Reliever A has been used in 4 of the last 5 days.

Reliever B has been used the last 4 days in a row.

Not ONE of those switches was caused by a reliever getting tired or

being ineffective or by a pinch hitter coming in. (That's not saying

the relievers were effective, but that the switches were not caused by that.)

Check out the games appeared vs innings pitched for the reds

pen. This is before last nights game. Almost every single guy in the

pen is being used as a loogy, lefty one out guy. Nobody is averaging

an inning or more per appearance.

David Weathers 13 games 12 2/3 innings

Todd Coffey 18 games 15 2/3 innings

Kirk Saarloos 17 games 15 2/3 innings

Victor Santos 14 games 13 1/3 innings

Coutlangus 13 9 1/3

Cormier 6 3

Salmon 2 2 2/3

Burton 1 1/3

The only guy averaging an inning per appearance is Brad Salmon who

only has two appearances. These guys are pitching ALL the time. Even

when they don't appear in the game, they warm up. It's no wonder they

started the season strong and then started getting pounded. It's a

usage problem.

Compare and contrast with Tony LaRussa over in St. Louis. La Russa is

famous for micromanaging matchups and swapping relievers in and out.

Five guys in the St. Louis pen are averaging more than an inning an

outing, Thompson, Franklin, Hancock Jimninez and Dove. It's more

sustainable for the guys doing the throwing. They know when they'll

be in the game and their arms have time to heal when they aren't

being called on to throw every night.

93 innings from the Cardinal bullpen. 82 from the reds. 96 innings

out of the brewers relievers...3 of them with more innings than

appearances. mets have the best pen in the game right now..94

innings....four of their pitchers including the closer are regularly

going an inning or more every time out.

3 of the top 10 pitching appearance leaders are on the reds. With the

starting pitchers throwing as well as they have, it's inconcievable

that the reds have that many guys on the leaderboard for appearances.

It's not uncommon for the reds to get 7 innings from the starter, use

3 pitcher and have 6 guys warm up. You can't win like that. Guy's

arms will fall off.

It's maddening that the cincy press hasn't picked up on this. They

are following the party line that there is no talent in the bullpen

because there is no recognized stud closer. It wouldn't matter. you

could have Charlton, Dibble and Myers down there and WITH THIS USAGE

PATTERN, the bullpen would suck. All three of those guys averaged

well more than an inning per appearance in 90. Same with Williamson,

Graves and Sullivan in 99.

Till the usage pattern gets fixed, the reds will not be able to

establish any kind of bullpen success. Without a good bullpen, the

team can't succeed deep into the post season. Frankly, it's the

biggest organizational problem they have right now. You can swap the

names all you want. It won't matter.

It would be nice to have the guys carve out roles for themselves, but

look what happens when they do pitch well. Chris Hammond last year

was the one that made me sit up and take notice.

Look at his game log for 06.

He had a couple of bad outings early and pretty much got buried in

the pen. Then he started pitching better till he got to be Jerry's

"hot hand" through May and all of a sudden he was being called on

every night in June and...guess what, he fell apart unable to handle

the workload. By the 80th game of the season, he had appeared or

warmed up in more than half of them and he was ineffective and

released and "sucked."

If you carve out a role in this system you get overexposed, your arm

gets destroyed and suddenly...you're a no-talent ineffective bum.

Todd Coffey is the second verse same as the first. The guy CAN

pitch. He just can't pitch every night and be expected to be

effective. Longer outings less often. They won't get better till it happens.

Great points. Very nice work...and reflecting extremely poorly on Narron's bullpen management skills.