RedsOctober.com

12/28/2012 1:14:22 PM #

New caps for Spring training

espn.go.com/.../first-look-new-mlb-batting-practice-caps

12/28/2012 1:14:57 PM #

espn.go.com/.../first-look-new-mlb-batting-practice-caps

here it is again. Some good and some very bad.

12/28/2012 1:15:41 PM #

for some reason the Reds will do a home and away version.

here is the away

www.uni-watch.com/wp-content/uploads/reds-road.png

12/28/2012 2:50:09 PM #

I like the addition of Mr. Redlegs on the BP caps. Not a big fan of the black color for the away cap.

12/29/2012 2:01:51 AM #

I like Redlegs too, but I think I prefer the black cap. I'm not sure why -- perhaps because it is so strange for a Reds cap.

Frank_Robinsons_Ghost |

12/28/2012 2:23:20 PM #

Just sayin' hi so I get updates on this thread.

12/29/2012 3:41:10 PM #

Just posting so Doc gets an update. He needs a break from shoveling snow anyway.

12/29/2012 3:50:14 PM #

12/29/2012 4:44:04 PM #

In an effort to have something to which to look forward, I e-mailed Fox SportsOhio and inquired if they would be airing Reds Rewind games in 2013. Here is their response:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding content aired on FOX or our affiliates. We do our best to address the questions and concerns of our viewers. However, the high volume of inquiries means that although we read all messages, we may not be able to respond to you directly.

Sincerely,

The FOXSports.com Support team

Maybe they need fewer viewers or more employees . . .

Statmom |

12/29/2012 7:18:46 PM #

Not fewer viewers! We need to squeeze every dime out of that TV deal we can get.

btalbert25 |

12/29/2012 10:47:38 PM #

UT held Eggs Savior scoreless for 10 minutes. Hey BJS, give your Vols a high five from me.

12/29/2012 11:07:23 PM #

Just got a look at the prospect list for the Reds. For a team that has no major holes at the Major League level and that could win 100 games next year, they've got a good amount of high level prospects. There are four guys in the top 100 - Hamilton (14), Stephenson (55), Cingrani (57), and Corcino (71).

This pitching staff could be real good for a real long time.

Ashlandateam |

12/30/2012 7:45:36 AM #

Yep. And pretty amazing that we didn't have to trade a single one of them to solve the only glaring problem from a 97-win team.

12/30/2012 8:08:52 PM #

That was my exact thought as well Doc. Well done Walt.

12/30/2012 10:18:46 AM #

Funny how he doesn't mention Ryan Ludwick as part of the offense here--maybe that's what he meant when he listed Ryan Hanigan?

bostonglobe.com/.../story.html

12/31/2012 10:57:22 AM #

Happy New Years to all.

I just had to get in one last post for the year!

You know what, I don't see a typo?

.genewv |

12/31/2012 10:58:17 AM #

OOPS! Happy New Year to all.

I knew it was too good to be true. Dang!

.genewv |

12/31/2012 11:17:02 AM #

Mr. R ‏@MisterRedlegs

Amazing NYT story on Ryan Freel. Family donated tissue for evidence of CTE. Family believes he had 15 concussions. http://ow.ly/grOB2

Mary |

12/31/2012 3:06:12 PM #

Wow, 10 or 15 concussions. You don't generally think of concussions in baseball, but Freel certainly played with reckless abandon.

Every time I read about CTE I'm thankful none of my 3 boys play football.

12/31/2012 2:32:00 PM #

Happy New Year, Gene, and everyone else, too! I'm watching it snow...again...and dreaming of Arizona sun.

Amy |

12/31/2012 3:09:25 PM #

I'll second Gene's and Amy's wishes for a Happy New Year to everyone. I can't wait until October when the Reds when the World Series!

12/31/2012 3:12:50 PM #

when the Reds when the World Series!

trying to outGene GeneVW?

I do like the sentiment, very much so.

Mary |

12/31/2012 3:59:53 PM #

Ha! I thought I'd join Gene in ending 2012 with a typo.

12/31/2012 3:49:25 PM #

Happy New Year, everyone!

I am also watching the snow and dreaming of Arizona sun in just a coupla months. I am also remembering that six months ago, Statson was playing in a tournament in Dayton and the gametime temperature was 104!

Statmom |

12/31/2012 4:16:13 PM #

Baseball season has quite the extremes! I can remember in high school season pitching here in NKY and snow was falling during a game, then that same summer I pitched a game where they coaches had towels in a water cooler of ice water they would put the towels on mine and the catchers head and neck then and pour cups of the ice water on the towels as they were on us to keep us cool. Oddly enough, I really miss those days!

btalbert25 |

12/31/2012 5:25:45 PM #

This past season featured 70 degree weather in March, sleet in April and 100 degree temps in the summer. I enjoyed every minute of it, though.

Statmom |

12/31/2012 5:39:35 PM #

A Joyous and Blessed New Year to all my friends here at Redsoctober. I would also like to take this end of year opportunity to thank RedFaced for hosting us here. Another big thankyou to all our moderators for their hard work and vigilence. And finally, to all the thread starters and contributors who make this the absolute best source for all things Reds related. May the upcoming year bring us another Championship or three!

12/31/2012 8:35:36 PM #

Ditto! Well said.

.genewv |

12/31/2012 9:22:07 PM #

Preach it, Dawg!

1/2/2013 9:36:49 AM #

Well I had a first last night. Had an RO member participate in one of my dreams. Bet you didn't even know it did you Doc?

Seems I was visiting a certain University and stopped by your office to chit-chat. Yep, I have boring dreams. Next time I'm hoping Ash visits so it will be more exciting or perhaps I'll go fishing with Gene in Canada or visit Dawg or Champ in a warmer climate. Or perhaps I'll take in a UK game with talbert (he loves UK) or visit with Amy and her friend Angela with The 26th Man or maybe the whole gang as we watch the Reds win the World Series in 2013!!! Yeah, that's the ticket.

1/2/2013 9:43:09 AM #

Sorry I was so boring! Thanks for stopping by. Did I convince you to major in Communication?

1/2/2013 9:49:34 AM #

Actually you and your wife were quite pleasant. We went out and had a nice dinner with several of your colleagues. I think I was hitting on one particular young professor. Sorry if I embarrassed you guys any.

1/2/2013 9:52:16 AM #

Glad to hear we were good company. And leave that young colleague alone--she's married.

1/2/2013 9:57:16 AM #

Well that explains why she wasn't very receptive to my advances. Gotta learn to check for the ring.

1/2/2013 10:19:49 AM #

Oddly enough Redfaced, I've probably been to 30 UK games or more.  I used to be a huge fan if you believe that, but over the years I've fell out of favor with them a lot, mostly over the crazies in the fan base.  2 times, while I was cheering for them and wearing their gear I got in a debate with a different fan, and was just having an honest discussion and the other party wanted to get violent with me about it.  I diffused the situation quickly, by just shutting up.

I have plenty of friends who are great fans and great guys, but I just found it impossible to be a fan and be objective without it causing more trouble than good.  I likely would do the same thing if I lived in Columbus where my Buckeyes are huge.  I just can't deal with the lunatic fringe of a fan base, since I don't live where my team is, it's easier for me to not encounter those types.  I enjoy having good discussions/debates about my teams, and I found it impossible to have civil discussions about UK, like we do here with the Reds.

Comments I make on FB about UK, though, are mostly too troll some of those lunatic type fans I despise.  So, don't take much I say on there seriously!

btalbert25 |

1/2/2013 12:42:24 PM #

I understand man, I often find myself shaking my head at the lunatic fringe. They are out there for practically every team.

I have an acquaintance who is a Louisville Cardinal fan and I often stoke his fire on FB too but just because he falls into that lunatic category.

Actually the only reason I said anything was because of the Facebook comments during UK's last game. Thought you'd get a kick out of it, didn't mean it as a negative comment so I hope you didn't take it that way.

My luck I'd go to a UK game with you and they'd get beat.

1/2/2013 12:51:09 PM #

No I didn't take it that way at all! My comments were made because the guy who kept responding is one who always rips people when they complain about officiating.  I thought it was funny that he was basically being a hypocrite.

My buddy  used to have season tickets for about 10 years at Rupp so I've been to a games over many years.  I wouldn't cheer against them.  I respect the program and tell people all the time you have to see a game at Rupp if you are a true sports fans.  It's one of those special venues.  I wouldn't be decked out in blue, but I also wouldn't be "that guy" who is being an ass in the stands and ruining everyone's time.  There's just something different about watching a game at a place where it matters more

That same buddy, his aunt had tickets about 4 rows off the court and decided she wanted better seats.  So she donated a ton of money and she actually has seats on the floor, the folding chairs.  My friend got to use the tickets one night and he was sitting next to Goose Givens.

btalbert25 |

1/2/2013 12:56:34 PM #

"The Goose was Golden" I believe that was the Sports Illustrated cover after the 78 championship game - thanks for stirring that memory. And very cool that your buddy got to sit next to Givens.

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.../index.htm

1/2/2013 12:07:42 PM #

WVU fans are lunatics as well.

We have slowed down some since we ran out of couches to burn. Those darn things are expensive!

This is especially true once mom and dad quit paying for them, .

.genewv |

1/2/2013 2:06:09 PM #

Happy New Year everyone!
I found out over the holidays that my brother and I are taking my mom to Arizona to mark the 80th birthday she just celebrated. We are planning to hit Goodyear for one day. Any suggestions from the group about restaurants, hotels, etc.?

vjwace |

1/2/2013 2:09:46 PM #

We'll be in AZ March 10-17... is it better to hit a day or night game at that time?

vjwace |

1/2/2013 2:12:41 PM #

And where should we sit at the park? Sorry for the disjointed questions!

vjwace |

1/2/2013 2:16:04 PM #

If you're talking about Goodyear Stadium, I'm not a fan of seats in the sections directly behind the dugouts because they have a net to prevent balls from going there. We like Section 106, just to the left of the Reds dugout.

1/2/2013 4:06:03 PM #

Agree. 106 or the high-numbered seats in the front rows of 105 (like, seats 12-16)

Amy |

1/2/2013 2:13:27 PM #

Most of the games are in the day, although there are a few night games. The best part of Spring Training (IMHO) is watching batting/fielding practice on the practice fields near the Goodyear ballpark around 9:30 in the morning.

1/2/2013 4:06:44 PM #

Agree with this as well.

Amy |

1/2/2013 4:09:55 PM #

Lots of agreements among the natives, it seems.

Baseball season must not have started yet.

.genewv |

1/2/2013 4:16:36 PM #

Oh, and vjwace, I've only ever stayed in Goodyear for spring training, but I know DocProc has advice for other parts of town. If you're only going to be in Goodyear for a day, I probably wouldn't stay there--there's more of a variety of things to do in other suburbs.

Goodyear restaurants: top two are probably Raul & Theresa's and NYPD (pizza).

Amy |

1/2/2013 4:42:09 PM #

As most on here know, I like Scottsdale--lots of good dining, activities, shopping, etc. (and nearby casinos and golfing, if you like those).

1/2/2013 5:14:25 PM #

We are going to be in AZ for a week, but will probably spend part of it up near Flagstaff. There are night games on 2 days that week, but only 1 day game (SF!).

vjwace |

1/2/2013 5:19:38 PM #

Anybody know if they still do the morning BP when they have an evening game?

vjwace |

1/2/2013 5:26:49 PM #

That's a good question. I've never been to a night game there, so I don't know. You might be able to email John Fay that week and ask him (I'll probably do the same because I want to know as well).

1/2/2013 7:26:29 PM #

I just wrote John Fay and he said that the Reds start practice around 1 p.m. when they have a night game.

1/2/2013 6:29:42 PM #

If you are going to Flagstaff I'd like to make a suggestion for a drive. It'll add some time to your trip, but if you have the extra time it's well worth it. On 17 north get off at Camp Verde, the road, I believe is 260. Go west on 260, toward Cottonwood. When you get in town there's 89A, take 89A north and that will bring you through the Red Rock Country and into Sedona. 89A will take you through Sedona, and into the Oak Creek Canyon, that road has a lot of switchbacks and goes up the Canyon. At the top there is a really nice viewing area and you can see the whole valley it's really pretty.

I would also recommend if you are in Sedona, head to airport road, there is a sign on 89A that tells you where to go. It takes you up a hill and there is a pull of area with a scenic overlook there too. From up there you can see all the Red Rock formations and the whole town of Sedona. It's really amazing. Sedona and Flagstaff and have made that drive several times. On your way back to Phoenix take 17 south again, but if time permits definitely take the other route it's an amazing drive.

btalbert25 |

1/3/2013 12:51:46 AM #

Lots of agreement as Gene says.

I second the section 106. We sit there every year. Night games have more of a buzz, the crowd is more electric. If the opponent has a good fan base out west like SF or LAD it may be a bit too crowded for my liking. I like it quieter.

Seems like the afternoon practice for a night game can be all over the place. I'd trust Jamie Ramsey before Fay. As for hotels Scottsdale and Tempe are cool areas but I don't know which hotels to look at in those areas. Goodyear hotels are way out there.

Listen to Talbert on that drive. Before by traveling partners lost their flipping minds we took that drive through Sedona and had lunch and then went on the scenic route to flagstaff. Pretty amazing drive. The views are spectacular.

I think we'll probably do a food preview before ST but since we usually stay in Goodyear our food selections are somewhat limited to that area. There are lots of ST articles and blogs pointing out some cool places to eat in PHX.

1/3/2013 9:35:16 AM #

I have plenty of other suggestions for places to see too that aren't really off the beaten path at all so if you don't have the extra time but want to see some pretty neat places. Montezuma's castle is pretty neat and it's not too far off the freeway. You can probably get off the freeway see the castle and back on the freeway in a matter of 1/2 an hour.

Right outside Flagstaff there's a place called Walnut Canyon, that is really cool. They have a paved trail and steps that take you into the canyon and through cliff dwellings that native americans lived in. It's pretty neat, but coming back up is a bit of a bear. It's a lot of steps and they are steep.

btalbert25 |

1/3/2013 3:02:08 PM #

Sounds like good exercise after all the hot dogs and beer during the game.

Just an opinion.

Jabberwocky |

1/3/2013 3:15:48 PM #

Doc, that Burger joint Mad Mikes has expanded to your side of the Licking. They now have a location in Newport. That's quite a bit of growth now in the little bit of time they've been in business.

btalbert25 |

1/3/2013 3:21:38 PM #

Saw that in the paper recently--hope to try it in 2013!

1/3/2013 4:06:15 PM #

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions! We're going to talk about what we want to see this weekend between the Phoenix and Flagstaff areas so we can book hotels (and ST game tix). I'll definitely try for section 106.

vjwace |

1/3/2013 6:48:38 PM #

Good list:

bleacherreport.com/.../1461596-eight-new-years-resolutions-for-the-cincinnati-reds-in-2013

1/3/2013 8:00:06 PM #

www.mlbtraderumors.com/.../...king-extensions.html

If Latos and Bailey get locked up, I'm not sure what we'll have to talk about anymore. Seriously - we'll have the entire core of a young team that's won 97 games before and has an unlimited ceiling locked up for the next half decade. Seriously - there will be nothing to talk about at all.

And with nothing to talk about, what will we complain about!?

Seriously - I'm not sure what I'll be able to do with myself when all there is to do is watch a really great baseball team win 95+ games a year and contend for the next five World Series'.

1/3/2013 8:54:28 PM #

Come'on AAT...we'll find something. We are Red's fans if you don't recall.

1/4/2013 10:16:12 AM #

I too am positive that even a 150-12 season would still cause angst ("we could have been the first Reds team since 1869 to go undefeated if only--fill in the blank-- wasn't so crappy")

Mary |

1/3/2013 9:09:40 PM #

The netflix gods have been good to me over the christmas break. Almost half way through season 2 of Breaking Bad. What a show.

As far a TV dramas are concerned it's right there with the best for me. Over the past 15 20 years there have been some magnificent programs.

1. The Wire(still the best show ever)
2. Game of Thrones
3. Breaking Bad
4. The Shield
5. Boardwalk Empire
6. Deadwood
7. Justified
8. 24
9. Dexter
10. Friday Night Lights

I have some shows I've not yet seen like Mad Men, Walking Dead, Homeland and The Sapranos. The Sapranos will be next after i get through Breaking Bad. HBO GO is the best but streaming Netflix is a close second.

1/3/2013 9:32:32 PM #

Funny you should mention 24--we started watching it on Netflix a few weeks ago and are hooked. We never watched it while it was on the air, so we started from scratch and have already gotten through two seasons. We started Season 3 this evening.

1/4/2013 9:20:36 AM #

Doc - season 3 is where it started to fizzle for me. I loved the show in the first two season, got through season 3 but it really got old fast - too much repetition for my liking.

1/4/2013 9:28:38 AM #

Interesting. I'm guessing the same thing might happen to us.

1/4/2013 9:40:33 AM #

Just letting you know, for those first 2 seasons and most of season 3 I couldn't get enough 24 - wanted it changed to 48. So enjoy it, hopefully you'll get further than I did.

1/4/2013 9:41:22 AM #

Reports are that Scott Rolen is likely to make a decision within the next week. Saw on mlbtraderumors.com - I believe it was reported by John Fay.

1/4/2013 9:44:57 AM #

Ash- we will still be able to discuss the development of Billy Hamilton.  I'm looking forward to that.  Might get a small season ticket package to see him play in Louisville this year.  Ticket prices in AAA are so cheap.

Plus there's the development of Chapman as a starter.

Not to mention the usual Dusty discussions.

But I do hear what you are saying and I for one will be happy to have less contract talks and trades to discuss. Although I fear the discussions will turn to how we overpaid for so-and-so and how we need to dump one contract for a better player and so forth, as time goes by.

Oh Happy New Year everyone!!

1/4/2013 9:56:07 AM #

I think the topic we have discussed more than any over the past few years has been Dusty's lineups--especially the top two spots. If he sticks with Choo and BP in those slots, I hope we have very little to discuss.

Of course, if Rolen comes back and Dusty plays him in front of Frazier, then we'll have something to discuss.

1/4/2013 9:59:52 AM #

We will always have Dusty's bullpen management to discuss - I don't see that changing. Without Chapman in the bullpen it may become the most talked about item in 2013.

1/4/2013 3:06:52 PM #

Don't forget the usual..."Why did we sign that guy? He's been a supersized steaming pile of Monkey Poop all year! We just need to DFA him and bring up Johnny Mneumonic from the Ville!"

Jabberwocky |

1/4/2013 3:28:24 PM #

If Johnny Mneumonic is going to be in the Ville this year I'd definitely getting some tickets

1/4/2013 1:35:06 PM #

Found this article linked from the bleacher report article that was posted above.

Mentions Reds had top radio ratings last year.

cincinnati.com/.../

1/5/2013 2:18:41 AM #

WLW had the largest market share in Cincinnati last year? All that tells me is that the satellite stations continue to drop like flies. Years ago I listened to the Reds on WFTM-FM out of Maysville, then WPAY-FM out of Portsmouth. I prefer listening on FM stations but I no longer have that option. It's WLW-AM or nothing.

SilentBob |

1/5/2013 10:23:56 AM #

I wonder if that are a lot of Reds' fans like me that subscribe through MLB.com. Presumably we're included in the market share numbers?

1/5/2013 10:25:29 AM #

I thought these pretend soccer jerseys, including the Reds', were pretty cool: mwillis.com/.../soccer-out-of-context-the-nl-central.

Of course, I would have picked a P&G brand other than Braun to include on the jersey

1/5/2013 10:27:40 AM #

Can't BELIEVE they put "Braun" on the Cinci jersey!

1/5/2013 3:12:27 PM #

Clearly the designer doesn't follow baseball that closely. Presumably he picked Braun because he thought the logo worked on the jersey. I liked Soccerdad's suggestion of using Old Spice.

Other than the Braun logo, I loved the jersey.

1/5/2013 10:30:33 AM #

BTW, they also misspelled the name as "Proctor" in "Procter & Gamble" and used an "and" rather than an ampersand. While I like their misspelling better, they clearly don't understand P&G.

1/5/2013 11:00:39 AM #

I may have been tempted,too. Really good looking jersey, except for the steroid/cheater reference.

1/5/2013 12:57:45 PM #

I think Old Spice would be a better Procter&Gamble brand to use. It's traditional like the Reds and the color scheme works. I think a contrasting sleeve and body like Aston Villa or Westham United would work.
image-load-balancer.worldsportshops.com/.../watermarked_thumbnail.aspx

image-load-balancer.worldsportshops.com/.../watermarked_thumbnail.aspx

1/5/2013 1:05:54 PM #

A white body and red sleeves mimics the traditional Reds look. The horizontal hoops look like Celtic FC wouldn't be a real good look for Broxton.

image-load-balancer.worldsportshops.com/.../watermarked_thumbnail.aspx

1/5/2013 6:26:41 PM #

Rooting for the Bengals isn't very fun.

Ashlandateam |

1/5/2013 7:09:43 PM #

It's WORK.

1/5/2013 7:42:22 PM #

The Reds couldn't get a hit with men in scoring position.

The Bengals couldn't make a play on third down.

Both teams had chance after chance after chance and couldn't get it done. No wonder the city is so cranky.

Ashlandateam |

1/5/2013 8:08:08 PM #

0-9 on third downs. Can't win in the playoffs that way. The Bengals are lucky the score was as close as it was.

1/5/2013 9:19:27 PM #

I wouldn't say they were lucky Doc -- the defense was very stout. The offense was nearly completely ineffective. Regrettably. After 3 playoff appearances in 4 years (which is the best stretch in Bengals history) just getting there is not enough.

Frank_Robinsons_Ghost |

1/5/2013 9:26:00 PM #

Defensive line put zero pressure on the QB. Foster ran roughshod. Rey looked way overmatched at linebacker. I think it was more about the Texans' offense choking in the red zone than about the Bengals defense looking stout. If the Texans turn those field goals into TDs, the game is a rout.

1/5/2013 9:40:05 PM #

Rey has almost always been overmatched -- overpursuing. Burfict will replace him.

Schaub checked down to his hot read repeatedly -- checking to his RB and TE, because of pressure sometimes and sometimes due to good coverage in the secondary. The Bengals had problems covering the TE, but they always do. The team lost due to the offense, not the defense.

Frank_Robinsons_Ghost |

1/5/2013 9:50:37 PM #

Oh, I totally agree. As I said at the outset, 0 for 9 on third downs by the offense was the killer.

1/5/2013 9:51:54 PM #

Rey is a problem. This team needs 3 things in FA. A real #2 receiver, a pro bowl caliber OL and a LB.

In the draft finding a RB to compliment Green Ellis would be nice.

1/5/2013 9:56:49 PM #

Sanu looked pretty good at #2 receiver before his injury. Agree about Rey being a problem--he looked so slow tonight. And yes, Houston's O line showed what a really good one looks like. I'd also like to see a tough safety.

1/5/2013 8:15:14 PM #

Bengals aren't work it's cruel and unusual punishment.

1/6/2013 8:59:16 AM #

I thought Malaluga (sp) was going to be the premier LB on that team? That guy was an embarrassment last night. I quit counting after he got beat 5-6 times in the first quarter. When he went to the clubhouse in the first half the defense got better. #51 played better in his absense. I thought it took the offensive caching staff too long to adjust to the defensive preesure with the play calling. Also, the Texans were very succesful running quick slants for 1st downs. That is exactly what the Bungals should have tried on offense and maybe adjusted to on defense. They're frustrating to watch. That's precisely why I don't turn them on very often.

1/6/2013 9:11:58 AM #

Yeah, they actually named Maualuga captain this year. That's going to make it harder to ease him out of the lineup. Lewis keeps sticking with him, kind of like Dusty stuck with Stubbs.

1/6/2013 10:02:08 AM #

I didn't watch much Bengals football this year, but even as much as that LB got beat, I credit that more to Houston than anything else. Outside of 3 points the offense gave them, the Texans scored a whopping 16 points, and the defense got the only TD too.

That loss, to me, is squarely on an offensive gameplan that didn't make sense. They ran the ball well in the first half and then completely abandoned it; they didn't even target Green until the third quarter; they only took shots deep on third down and long, I.e. the down and distance that everyone expects those shots.

It wasn't even really bad offensive execution. If Dalton had done everything that was asked of him, I'm still not sure they score more than the 16 points the defense allowed.

Ashlandateam |

1/6/2013 12:07:22 PM #

there was very poor protection for Dalton and Gruden gave up on the run way too soon.

I wont give the Texan offense too much credit. there was no pass rush and that exposed Rey for what he is...too slow and a guy that takes bad angles. He needs to go. The DB's save us.

As for Sanu, he was good but he's young. They need an accomplished vet to take pressure off Green and open things up for Gresham.

1/6/2013 12:53:41 PM #

All I'm trying to say is that the Bengals D was great - 16 points allowed (I'm not counting the field goal that Dalton handed to them with his pick at the 30) to a Pro Bowl QB and receiver and the best RB on the planet not named 'Peterson' is awfully good. Yeah, Rey was the guy they targeted, but even still, the defense made plays when it needed to.

That offense though. You could be right and it was the protection, but the gameplan couldn't have been more vanilla and it couldn't have made less sense.

Oh well.

1/6/2013 12:08:03 PM #

If Dalton has time to go through progressions he will be more effective.

1/6/2013 12:11:06 PM #

marksheldon.mlblogs.com/.../

Here was Sheldon's what to do in AZ blog from last spring.

1/6/2013 12:55:18 PM #

All this Bengals talk is good for me though. I'm a Saints fan because of Drew Brees, but he won't be around forever, and that whole organization has really turned me off. I'm trying to figure out a new NFL team to like while still being able to root for Brees.

I had a mind to start following the Bengals - they're young and theoretically getting better, and there's the Cincinnati connection.

I have to say, though - I'm not sure I have the heart to hitch my wagon to those guys.

1/6/2013 9:46:38 PM #

Become a Colts fan.  It was cheaper for me to drive 100 miles and see one of their games when they were awesome than it was to go to a Bengals game at PBS.  It's a class organization that knows what they are doing.  They replaced Peyton Manning with a QB who may have a bigger upside.  Their one bad year was unusual and with a Rookie QB they are back in the Playoffs.

I think it's only a matter of time til the Bengals start screwing off again.  The organization still hasn't changed any.  They still have virtually no scouts, their front office is inept, and while lately they have been making good decisions in the draft I think it's only a matter of time til Brown starts seizing control again, and we know how that always ends up going.

I am totally and completely biased against the Bengals so I'll be very very honest.  I just don't think that family will ever do what's necessary to run a successful franchise for a sustained period of time.  They may prove me wrong, but history says they won't.  They still can't attract good free agents in their prime.  Everyone wants Marvin fired, but to me he's done something miraculous.  He's taken Mike Brown owned teams to the playoffs 4 times, something no coach for 15 years could do once before him.  If you let him go who replaces him?  Zimmer will bolt because he can get the head job at a competent organization and Jay Gruden is already being talked about for other jobs.  I know I'm completely negative about that franchise, but the way they have treated the city and their fans over the years, I just don't have any interest in supporting them.

btalbert25 |

1/6/2013 2:04:36 PM #

Ash - You just about need to be a saint and martyr to be a Bungal fan. I've given up on them, although I'll take a passing interest in a primetime game, occassionally. You're right that the defense was pretty good despite Rey. The big glaring hiccup was 130 yards rushing on 30 carries. That's 4+/carry. That plays out to a first down every series, on average. Won't win many playoff games like that. Alternatively, if the Bungals get 130+ from the law firm, they're in much better position in the 4th quarter. Of course, if the game is closer, the Texans would probabbly run more slant patterns through Rey's zone.

1/7/2013 9:05:16 AM #

Ash as a Bengals fan? That's a mental health experiment, right there.

1/7/2013 9:46:40 AM #

MH experiment? You mean as compared to Frankenstein was a medical experiment?

Ash's blood pressure would rise 220 points before kickoff if he started following the Bengals. I also don't think a man of the cloth should take the Lord's name in vain that often. I'm prepared for the lightning strike.

Jabberwocky |

1/7/2013 10:34:06 AM #

True, but might make the baseball off-season go by a bit faster for the rest of us.

Not sure you need additional outlets for your frustrations though Ash, at least not at Bengal Proportions.

1/7/2013 9:43:32 AM #

Man that game was ugly Saturday.  I turned it off about 1/2 way through the 3rd.  I don't care whether it's a run or a pass (although, I'm an old school football coach and prefer the run), but Gruden has to learn to be more aggressive in his play calling.  You will never win if you game plan not to lose.

BJGE needed at least another 15 touches in the 2nd half and Green needed to see the ball 5 or 6 times in the first half.

Marvin Jones and Mohammed Sanu will be the #2/#3 receivers next year and Baby Hawk will have more opportunities to juke and jive in 4-wide sets, if Marvin Lewis allows Jay to grow the offense the way it's supposed to be grown in the 3rd year.

Burfict is a stud and will be for years to come.  He's more suited to the outside though.  Taylor Mays needs another offseason in this defense as an SS in order to understand where his body is allowed to fly (the other color jersey).

Ash-pick the Packers or the Broncos.  Sorry, BTA, I'm surrounded at work by Colts' fans.  I really hated rooting for Baltimore yesterday but it has become my sworn duty to never favor the Colts.  It may be a good team and organization, but most of the fans with whom I deal are arrogant and over-officious jerks/jerkettes.

Jabberwocky |

1/7/2013 10:48:17 AM #

That's understandable lol.  Quite honestly, if one is looking for stability they should become a Steeler fan.  They have had 3 coaches in what 40+ years now, and they have 8 playoff appearances including 3 superbowls (winning 2) in the 2000's.

I don't care much for the NFL outside of fantasy football so I don't have a strong love for any team, and it probably doesn't help that most of my life the Bengals have just been horrendous.  I guess that's pretty much why I've never really been too passionate about them, and as I've grown older seeing how Brown has run that franchise and screwed the county and his fans has just turned me off to them completely.

I have a buddy who interned in the PR department and he still helps on game days.  I asked him one time, how come you never hear about a Bengals Community fund?  Do they just not do stuff like that or do they have the worst PR team in the NFL?  He said they do a lot of work in the community but just like everything else they have way to small of a PR staff to really get this kind of stuff out there.  They constantly cut corners and avoid spending money.  Raking in the profits they do is too easy.  It doesn't make sense for him to spend more money.  He doesn't care if he could make more in the end.  He just enjoys raking it all in.  If he were an MLB owner, the MLB would of given him the boot years ago, like they did Marge.

btalbert25 |

1/7/2013 12:16:38 PM #

If he were an MLB owner, the MLB would of given him the boot years ago, like they did Marge.

You mean, like they did Bud Selig?

Mike Brown is the polar opposite of Mr. Castellini. Mr. Castellini wants to win no matter the cost (ok up to a point). Mikey boy wants to win, but not if it cuts into his profit.

Jabberwocky |

1/7/2013 12:20:34 PM #

That's what drives me nuts when people debate about the Reds not winning playoff series in x amount of years and being no different than the Bengals. I'll agree in the time since the Reds last won a playoff series they've had horrible ownership that was right up there with Brown, but that's not the current regime. They proved in St Louis they were the real deal and what they've done here basically rebuilding the whole franchise from the top on down has been remarkable. I'm confident that the Reds are going to have success. The Bengals, nothing has really changed other than they've made some nice draft picks. Usually after 3-5 years with the Bengals though, promising young talent becomes "Bengalized and wants to leave" or they just kind of pack it in and give up.

They could prove me wrong in the end, but I have far more faith that the Reds future promises to be very bright than I do the Bengals.

btalbert25 |

1/7/2013 12:21:42 PM #

Did anyone else get the email about the Chapman Pick 6 ticket deal? You get the Chapman Bobblehead night tickets plus a selection of 5 other games and save 33 percent. Not too bad!

btalbert25 |

1/7/2013 12:28:48 PM #

I just send a terse complaint to the Reds marketing department about the fact that NINE of the 20 games in my "WeekNIGHT" package are scheduled to be played in the early afternoon (game times were just added to the schedule today). I know that day games are poorly attended, but I hate having them dumped into "WeekNIGHT" packages.

1/7/2013 1:57:26 PM #

That is pretty ridiculous. I know a guy who had season tickets, granted they were club seats, but when the Reds traded away everyone about 5 seasons ago, he sent his tickets back to the Reds with a letter saying he wasn't interested in being a season ticket holder anymore.

The reached out to him and said how can we make this better, he said give me 50 tickets in the club area for a game and they did. He gave them to my wife's school and the teachers, staff, and their family got to go to a Reds game in the club for free. It was pretty cool.

Granted, they won't do that much for your 20 game pack, but I wouldn't be surprised if they do right by you here Doc.

btalbert25 |

1/7/2013 2:05:34 PM #

Here's hoping. I'm pretty ticked.

1/7/2013 5:40:02 PM #

Fun fact of the day, from this article - www.fangraphs.com/.../

Kyle Lohse, over the last two years (and 400 innings) has posted a lower ERA than:

- C.C. Sabathia
- James Shields
- Hiroki Kuroda
- Madison Bumgarner
- Felix Hernandez

Seriously guys - Kyle Lohse has been really, REALLY freaking good. And he's no longer going to be a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.

We're gonna win this division by 10 games... over the Brewers.

1/8/2013 9:53:26 AM #

They get Carp back, Wainwright is another year removed from TJ, and they have two really good arms in Rosenthal and Miller waiting in the wings. The Cards are still going to be really, really good, discount them at your own risk

timmytwoshoezzz |

1/8/2013 4:22:50 PM #

They were 67-62 last year in games not started by Lohse. Also, Chris Carpenter will be 38 next year.

I cannot imagine the Cardinals being as good this year as they were last year. And last year, they lost the division by 9 games.

Maybe they can fight for a Wild Card, but they're seriously not a threat to us.

1/8/2013 4:29:51 PM #

To me Wainwright is the guy that is worrisome. I'm not that bothered by Carpenter anymore, he's old, and like most years with him, they can't be confident he'll make it through the season healthy. The Cards will probably be a good team still, but they have to catch up to Reds. Reds are going to be better and the Cards will likely be about the same or worse. If the Reds have good luck injury wise, the division is theirs again in my opinion.

I think 2010 and 2012 were similar to the early couple of successful seasons that Bob and Walt built in St Louis. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them got on a run like the Cards had for much of the 2000's.

btalbert25 |

1/8/2013 4:34:21 PM #

The Reds in 2012 will be deeper, in the rotation, in the lineup, and I'd argue even in the bullpen (I believe in Masset, a whole lot). And it's not like we weren't deep last year - our best stretch was with Votto out. If this team has the health that it had last year, 100 wins will happen.

Of course, we can't bank on that, which is why I'm not thinking 100 wins will happen. But outside of Carpenter, last year's Cardinals were astoundingly healthy. They got a nearly full year out of Furcal, a full year out of Beltran and Freese, and no major injuries from any every day guy or rotation member (outside of Carpenter, who was out before the year). They were, arguably, just as 'lucky' as we were.

And we still blew them out of the water.

1/8/2013 4:35:29 PM #

The Brewers do scare me, if for no other reason than their kryptonite is the easiest thing to fix - their bullpen. Their 1-8 and their rotation was stout; they just had the majors' worst bullpen.

I don't know if they fixed it. But it's an easy fix, and if they did, they're on target for a 90 win year in 2013.

1/8/2013 4:47:59 PM #

... how about deeper in 2013? (I know it's hard to believe that it is no longer 2012, .....or 1999)

Mary |

1/8/2013 4:55:39 PM #

HA!

That's roughly the 50th time I've gotten the date wrong the last 8 days.

1/8/2013 5:20:21 PM #

It's my belief with Choo and BP ahead of Votto, and the chip he has on his shoulder about how last year ended, we could see a historic type of season out of Votto.  Maybe not baseball historic but Reds anyway.  I'm going to go on record as saying he's going to have a WAR over 10 this year. Infact, he'll have such a good year that it will give Ludwick a lot of opportunities with the bases occupied where he'll see fastballs.  Where I didn't believe Ludwick would duplicate last year, I'm starting to believe he'll exceed it.

I think Bruce takes another step forward, even if it is a modest improvement he was pretty damn good last year anyway.

I don't know that Frazier and Cozart will improve over last year, but I don't think either needs to, and I love Hanigan.  Mes should be better too.

Definitely not going to have problems pushing runs in next year.  As long as the pitching stays healthy, things are going to be a lot of fun next season.

btalbert25 |

1/7/2013 6:51:34 PM #

Speaking of the Brewers, I saw a jet at Hartsfield today that was painted in the team colors/ complete with logos and all. That got me thinking. I wonder if the Reds have a "team jet" all painted up like that?

Dawgingulfport

Dawginnaples |

1/8/2013 3:56:56 PM #

Doug Gray posted a link today to an interesting study that shows power pitchers who throw Chapman-level gas tend to get squeezed on strike calls: www.baseballanalytics.org/.../...get-squeezed.html

Power pitchers still tend be more successful despite fewer called strikes, but apparently 98+ is too fast for the umps as well.

1/8/2013 5:47:54 PM #

I'm surprised to see Hoover on this list--I don't consider him a "prospect" anymore:

cincinnati.com/.../

1/8/2013 5:56:48 PM #

I guess 31 innings isn't enough to get him past the threshold, though I don't consider him that either.

1/8/2013 6:01:06 PM #

I'll be surprised if he's not in our bullpen to start the season.

1/8/2013 7:25:55 PM #

Based on recent history it is comforting to see 3 offensively capable outfielders in the top ten. It would be nice to see a couple middle infielders in there some where. Cozie and BP ain't going to play forever, even if they don't get hurt. And if they hang around a while, they may get expensive. Cost is the curse for middle market contenders.

Dawginnaples |

1/8/2013 9:25:38 PM #

Just caught up since last time I was on here.

Nothing new to add, just letting all know I am still here.

Never been much of a NFL fan the last 10 years, but I do like the Steelers and how they go about running their organization. I do watch them fairly often as my daughter follows them.

Dawg,

Loved the line about having to be both a saint and a martyr to be a Bengals fan. Well said.

Later

.genewv |

1/8/2013 10:05:22 PM #

I caught the end of the Reds Hot Stove League on WLW tonight and I heard Marty say the first Spring Training game to be broadcast will be on Friday, February 22.

Also, the Reds Caravan will be held Thursday, January 24 through Sunday, January 27.

cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/fan_forum/caravan.jsp

Statmom |

1/8/2013 10:30:45 PM #

Hey, that's only like 6 weeks until we can hear real live Major League Baseball? You know what? I might actually be able to hold out that long.

Dawginnaples |

1/9/2013 12:25:53 PM #

So anyone interested in a Caravan stop that won't be so busy I may have some info that would interest you. My parents moved to Switzerland County Indiana, by Belterra. Anyway, on Thursday the 24th, the Reds will be making a stop in downtown Vevay, IN at a place called the Hoosier Theater, they will be there from 3:30-4:30pm.

Here are the attendees:

Caravan Attendees: Thom Brennaman (broadcaster), Phil Castellini (Reds COO), Walt Jocketty (President, Baseball Operations), Corky Miller (veteran player), Jay Bruce (major leaguer), Ryan LaMarre (minor leaguer)

btalbert25 |

1/9/2013 2:12:50 PM #

no surprise....no one elected to HOF in 2013

1/9/2013 2:23:05 PM #

The Hall of Fame is, officially, a joke. This is a ballot with 8-10 guys who the general public assumes are HOF worthy, but because of nonsense, personal agendas, and general jackassery, no one made it.

This really is a sad day for the game of baseball. The HOF should be a celebration of the best the game has to offer. Instead, entire eras are (fairly or unfairly) being judged against guys who played during the Great Depression.

I guess the 80s, 90s, and 00s didn't really happen.

1/9/2013 2:28:02 PM #

Forget the steroid guys. Here's what we were told today:

- The winningest starting pitcher of the 80s,
- The best hitting catcher of all time,
- A second baseman with 3,000 hits,
- A starting pitcher who was among the very best for 15 years, leading multiple teams to World Championships,

are all NOT Hall of Famers.

I get arguing over some of these guys. But in the case of Morris, Biggio, Piazza, and Schilling, unless you're just going to pretend that entire eras of baseball history didn't happen, they're Hall of Famers. Period, end of discussion.

The REAL problem with the HOF is that guys that we see are being judged against guys we don't - no one can ever be as good as the guys that we only see in box scores and on grainy film (for a handful of games), because the game of past, forgotten has been romanticized.

But the question I have is this: what will I tell my kids about the era I watched? That they all sucked? That no one was any good at all. Yeah - that'll be really neat.

We're watching a dying sport slowly kill itself. And it sucks.

1/9/2013 2:45:00 PM #

One more thing: say what you will about cheating, but the guys in the 90s are being penalized because their drugs were too good.

Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, and nearly every HOFer from the 50s-80s used amphetamines. Amphetamines are performance enhancing drugs that are, currently, against the MLB drug policy. They are different than HGH and steroids in one way and one way only: they aren't as effective.

So, the truth is the HOF and its voters have no issue with PEDs. They just have an issue with good ones.

1/9/2013 3:15:02 PM #

I don't know how someone is a cheater if their sport didn't test for the drugs they were taking.

btalbert25 |

1/9/2013 3:19:00 PM #

I agree. But even if you assume the steroid guys 'cheated,' then the older guys have to be held to the same standards.

But they're not. Because the game in the past is totally, completely romanticized beyond any reason.

1/10/2013 8:13:46 AM #

Well, amphetamines were illegal, and there were also baseball rules against taking them for some of that period.

So perhaps you can say that they weren't cheaters, but they were criminals. Would that make a difference in the analysis?

Frank_Robinsons_Ghost |

1/9/2013 3:19:46 PM #

The writers version of the HOF is like a Vietnamese war museum; there's a story being told, but it doesn't reflect reality in the least. I have decided to never visit Cooperstown, which is too bad because its only a 3 hour drive from me now and could easily do it in a weekend.

timmytwoshoezzz |

1/9/2013 3:20:38 PM #

At the end of the day, what is the Hall of Fame for - what's any Hall of Fame for?

The fans.

This is something that's for the fans. It isn't the players who lose - they made their millions, set their records, and move on with life. Roger Clemens, plague or no plague, has his 7 Cy Young Awards; Bonds hit 762 homers, Hall of Fame or no Hall of Fame.

But to simply not elect anyone hurts the fans who care about this. Maybe we shouldn't, but we do. And for this year, Hall of Fame weekend is completely, utterly meaningless.

1/9/2013 3:54:06 PM #

Quite Frankly Barry Bonds may have been the greatest player to ever step foot on a baseball field. When he was younger, the man was an amazing outfielder. Offensively, well before the days he was bloated up from HGH and the clear and the cream the guy won more MVPs than any other player ever. He's the only player to ever have 500HR and 500 Stolen bases in his career. Most of those Homeruns and SB's came well before he ever cranked 70+ homeruns. It's ridiculous that these writers, who never played baseball, get to be on their high horse and decide who does or doesn't deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.

btalbert25 |

1/9/2013 4:35:52 PM #

The statement about it aint cheating if there aint no rule against it is a good one. However it was illegal to use the drugs. For that being bypassed a couple times seems reasonable. with the publicity this scandal received its hard to compare to amphetamines. That was a dirty little secret until well after many of those guys were in the HOF.

Guys like Biggio and bagwell were tied to Caminiti so suspicion lingers. Morris is still marginal as far as I'm concerned.

For me I would have not voted one of the eligible guys in either based on the first ballot precedent set by the writers.

Next year Biggio and Piazza would get in on my ballot. No Morris or Schilling...maybe ever although Schilling has the best shot.

Not sure when i'll be ready to vote Bonds, Clemens or Mac. If anyone would get in first it would be Bonds. There is no doubt he is a first ballot guy even if he laid off the roids. He would be in a class with Griffey. I question whether Palmerio or Bagwell would ever have beem more than Will Clark or Mark Grace without drugs and that keeps them out for me.

Tough day but it sends a message to those guys and guys playing today. I'm OK with it.

1/9/2013 5:17:25 PM #

To me, though, I think it's BS that the players are the only ones who have to pay for it.  Team Executives, the commissioner's office, writers, all knew about this stuff.  It was so blatantly out in the open because everyone knew there wouldn't be consequences.  Selig loved baseball at that time, it gained popularity and came back from the strike.

The same guys who are voting for Hall of Famers, turned a blind eye toward what was going on in baseball.  The Mitchell report and steroid scandal stories could of been broken 20 years before they were, but no one took the initiative to report it.  Don't know if they were afraid of losing their beat and access to clubhouses or if they were happy with the game being as popular as it was, but you can't tell me one writer worth a damn couldn't of put out something exposing the mess.

Everyone made money and fame off of that corrupt era. Players, owners, and people who made a living writing about the game.  If they would of taken this crap as seriously 20 years ago as they do today we wouldn't be having the conversation.

btalbert25 |

1/9/2013 5:27:50 PM #

I honestly could care less about these players. They knew what they were doing, they made millions.

The HOF is about FANS. It gives us something to argue about, discuss, look forward to (for 'our' players) and help put the game into historical perspective.

No one getting in takes everything that makes the HOF fun away.

1/9/2013 5:44:33 PM #

I actually don't mind years when players don't get in if there's not players worthy of getting in. There are guys who get debated about alot, and that's part of the HOF too, so like I would of been OK with Andre Dawson not making it. I hate to think there would be a day when baseball is like the NFL and has to let 13 per year or whatever their quota is.

If it is truly about the fans, gauging what the general sentiment seems to be from fans, maybe we got what we wanted this year. A lot of people don't think those guys should be in there. Even on this site, I'm probably in the minority about not caring about PED's. So if the fans don't want guys who are dirty in there, they got what they wanted. Even those who were assumed to be cheaters didn't get in.

A 2nd basemen with 3,000 hits should be a lock for first ballot, and clearly someone thinks he was a cheater or he'd be in there.

btalbert25 |

1/10/2013 8:18:06 AM #

No, Biggio will get in next year. He didn't make it this year because (a) some writers subscribe to a higher standard for first year inductees; and (b) he stuck around well into his declining years to break the 3k barrier.

Frank_Robinsons_Ghost |

1/9/2013 4:43:17 PM #

A friend posted his friends status on FB. His buddy lives in Australia not that it is relevant.

Dear all:

Life just gets better as you get older doesn't it. I was in a Starbucks Coffee recently when my stomach started rumbling and I realized that I desperately needed to fart. The place was packed but the music was really loud so to get relief and reduce embarrassment I timed my farts to the beat of the music. After a couple of songs I started to feel much better. I finished my coffee and noticed that everyone was staring at me.

I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my IPod! And how was your day? This is what happens when old people start using technology!

1/9/2013 5:17:49 PM #

This is freaking hilarious

btalbert25 |

1/10/2013 8:58:49 AM #

+1000

1/9/2013 6:32:55 PM #

This man, and his mustache, are being elected into the HOF by the Veteran's Committee. www.baseball-reference.com/.../whitede01.shtml

Also, he played for the Reds from 1878 to 1880.

So there's that.

1/10/2013 8:25:19 AM #

www.grantland.com/.../the-fallacy-of-the-baseball-hall-of-fame

Good article.

Frank_Robinsons_Ghost |

1/10/2013 9:12:30 AM #

I thought it was a good article as well.

Although I probably would have voted for 10 guys this year if I had a ballot, I'm not surprised no one got in. Because of the "first ballot" view held by many voters, I doubt Biggio, Piazza or any of the other first timers would have made it in even without the PED controversy.

I do hope Bonds and Clemens eventually get in. In my opinion, you can't tell the history of the game without the best players, warts and all. Just include information about the era, the allegations against them, etc. Of course, I also think Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson should be in. I think the Hall of Fame is a lesser place without those guys. Again, just include information on the controversy surrounding them.

1/10/2013 10:08:18 AM #

You don't think Bonds or Clemens would of been first ballot HOF guys without the PED scandal?

btalbert25 |

1/10/2013 10:50:03 AM #

I think those guys would have easily made it in on the 1st ballot without the PED scandal. I meant the first timers other than those two.

1/10/2013 2:34:17 PM #

Tried to buy tix for the Reds/Giants game in Scottsdale (today was the first day they were on sale) and all they had left were lawn seats--at about 40 bucks apiece after fees. Geez.

1/10/2013 3:09:04 PM #

Now that the Reds are doing well, it's like when a band you've followed for years is suddenly signed to a major label.

Frank_Robinsons_Ghost |

1/10/2013 3:41:40 PM #

and the Giants *are* the defending WS champs....

Mary |

1/10/2013 10:25:00 PM #

Last time we went to Scottsdale they were defending champs and we couldn't get tix. We couldn't even get scalped tix.

There were some on stub hub but we went to will call and waited for the players tix to be released. We got lucky. I'd do stubhub if I had to do it over again.

1/10/2013 10:29:47 PM #

The WBC has me spooked for my spring training trip. We could lose BP to the US team, maybe Bruce too. We might even lose Votto if his rehab is ahead of schedule. We'll lose Cueto to the DR and Choo to S Korea.

At least we won't lose Chapman to Cuba

1/11/2013 2:14:32 PM #

I'm not sure when the WBC starts, but it would suck for those of you going to spring training if half the team is gone while you're there.

1/11/2013 3:16:27 PM #

The WBC starts around the 8th or 9th in PHX for the pool the US and Canada are in and then if they both advance they go to Miami and mess with my trip.

Since its Mexico and Italy rounding out the pool I'd guess the US and Canada would advance although Mexico has an outside shot.

1/11/2013 3:23:10 PM #

I'm not excited about any oitcher going as well especially Cueto after he ended his season on the shelf. I want him under Price's supervision.

I don't think Votto should be out there either. He needs to bring it along slowly.

If BP gets the call I guess I'll have to live with it. You know Choo will be suiting up with Korea even though I'd like to see him bonding with his new team.

1/11/2013 4:00:24 PM #

Yep, yep, yep.

1/11/2013 2:17:37 PM #

I hate that Cueto is going to play in the WBC. I just don't like the MLB pitchers going and pitching in that deal.

btalbert25 |

1/11/2013 3:13:19 PM #

good stuff...enjoyed that read

1/11/2013 3:14:09 PM #

i was replying to Otter below...strange

1/11/2013 4:00:41 PM #

lol, I actually was laughing pretty hard. I was trying to figure out what buttons I pushed and how I pushed them there lol.!

btalbert25 |

1/11/2013 2:17:58 PM #

A Bailey pitch is deemed the worst called ball of the year: www.fangraphs.com/.../

Snacks gets some blame for terrible framing, although the author was quick to point out that their data indicates Snacks was an above-average framer for the year.

1/11/2013 6:22:53 PM #

That pitch had some run on it. Mes looked like he got fooled. I guess he was used to Homer's old straight as an arrow fastball and got caught snapping at it. It looked like a case of Mes being to comfortable and not bearing down. A terrible hitting pitcher is up and he got lazy. He owned up to it on the video, tapping his chest and saying,"My bad." I expect we'll see a more mature Mesoroco this year. I expect a good year out of him.
If you look at the video for the 2nd worst call, it seemed like the same thing: a fastball that tailed like a beotch and caught the catcher by surprise.

1/12/2013 9:05:33 AM #

Let's hope Choo holds to this (it's a few months old):

msn.foxsports.com/.../shin-soo-choo-south-korea-to-miss-world-baseball-classic-111212

1/12/2013 9:30:51 AM #

The WBC should ba played concurrent with or directly after the WS. WS participants being exempt would just be a small cost for protecting the health of the players. It could be coordinated around the travel days of the late playoff rounds and WS. Play the final directly after the WS. As it is now, I hate the damned thing. However, I didn't mind so much when the Reds were pretenders instaed of contenders.

1/12/2013 9:36:55 AM #

Agree with that last line, Dawg!

If Votto and/or Cueto play in the WBC, I'll be really ticked.

1/12/2013 2:02:37 PM #

MLB network is doing top 10 center fielders. Choo comes in 8th on the Shredder's and Bill James' lists. Ripken has him 9th. I'm guessing they all feel he'll be alright out there. Also, where is Stubbs on the list? Nowhere. FYI - Trout and McCutchen were 1&2.

1/12/2013 2:24:28 PM #

I'm convinced he'll be just fine out there--and even an upgrade on arm.

1/13/2013 10:27:15 AM #

The Shredder actually had Choo 6th.

1/12/2013 3:29:10 PM #

From Fay: cincinnati.com/.../

Sounds like Dusty isn't holding his breath about Rolen's return:

“It’s getting late,” Baker said. “Life goes on and business goes on. Since we signed Hannahan, it’s getting crowded. Plus, (Todd) Frazier deserves a chance to play.”

Also cool that Bruce volunteered to play CF. I think he should stay in right, however--this is a one-year deal.

1/12/2013 7:36:06 PM #

Nice gesture by Bruce, who I believe played CF during his entire career in the minors.

1/12/2013 3:55:51 PM #

I predict Votto will have nothing to do with the WBC. He seems, if anything, to be overly cautious, so I think he'll pass. I could be wrong (it happens once in a blue moon), but that's my feeling.

Amy |

1/12/2013 5:15:54 PM #

RedFaced: You'll be amused to know that we got about halfway through Season 3 of the TV show 24 and decided to call it quits. It was fun while it lasted, but you're right about the repetition--and the plausibility got awfully strained, too. We enjoyed Seasons 1 and 2 and are glad we gave the show a shot.

1/12/2013 7:44:11 PM #

Bruce in center needs to happen. He's younger, he's better, and it lets Choo immediately relax and just go to work at the plate.

I can't describe how great I think it is for a player of Bruce's stature to volunteer for that. But more than anything, it's the best thing for the Reds. I hope Dusty agrees!

Ashlandateam |

1/13/2013 8:30:00 AM #

Not trying to stir things up. Just really curious why you are so quick to put Bruce ahead of Choo defensively. Are you relying on the eye test or have you been looking into some defensive metrics? I think the arms are about equal but non-scientific comparison on stolen bases leans toward Choo having the edge in speed. Again, not challenging you. I just want to know if I'm missing something.

1/13/2013 8:32:25 AM #

I'm with Dawg--I think Choo is probably faster. But most of all, it seems silly to move Bruce for just one year. Very noble of him to offer, but let Choo play CF.

1/13/2013 1:32:48 PM #

You guys could be right. These are my thoughts, though:

- Bruce is younger.
- Bruce has played more center field (albeit in the minors).
- Bruce knows GABP.
- Bruce doesn't have the added pressure of a new team, new lineup, new league, new ballpark - and Choo is in a much more important spot in the lineup.

It's that last one that cinches it for me. There's a TON of pressure on Choo coming in. I'd rather he focus on figuring out NL pitchers and hitting instead of trying to do that AND learn a new position. Whoever moves will be doing something that will take time in the Spring - time that they won't be doing other things.

Bruce is established and settled. Choo isn't, and we need to Choo to hit.

1/12/2013 10:18:13 PM #

I have no problem with hitters or someone like BP in the WBC as long as he's healthy. It will help get locked in quicker and hopefully have a fast start.

Like everyone above, though, anyone who has the slightest injury has no business in that thing. I also hate it for pitchers unless its someone like Bronson or Leake. I despise it for Cueto.

bjsReds1 |

1/13/2013 9:41:06 AM #

First I hope Amy is right.

I just want this team in camp building chemistry. All the coming and going to play in the WBC is an added distraction.

Doc...you gave up too quick. The 3rd and 4th seasons are ridiculous as is the entire premise after season one. You let RF affect your enjoyment. By about season 7 I had given up but I still watched to see what happened.

Its a great guilty pleasure. Maybe you need a break.

In the meantime Breaking Bad just keeps getting more awesome as I get close to wrapping up season 3

1/13/2013 11:28:23 AM #

I don't think I'm right. Read something on Mark Sheldon's twitter feed saying that Votto wasn't on the provisional roster for Canada, but only because he had to get cleared by an insurance company since he'd been injured last season. I guess we'll see.

Amy |

1/14/2013 12:00:31 PM #

He did say late in the year that he would have to consider himself 100% to play in the WBC. The US pool is weak and it's likely that the US and Canada would move on but they play pool C in round 2 and it's likely Canada would be eliminated around 3/13. That gets votto back in camp the last 2 weeks.

Pool C has Ven, PR and DR and only 3 move on. Ven is a beast and PR and DR could match up evenly. Cueto could be out after round 1(fingers crossed). BP and Bruce could be the other Red's going and it's likely the US will play well into the later rounds. I'd really like to see Choo, Bruce and Ludwick log some time out there. Knowing the range of the guy in CF is big deal for a corner OF

1/13/2013 11:56:48 AM #

Champ, we may pick up 24 again sometime. It was fun to have marathon sessions during the holiday season.

1/13/2013 1:10:30 PM #

Good review of the Reds' top prospects: www.minorleagueball.com/.../cincinnati-reds-top-20-prospects-for-2013

Despite all the trades, the Reds still have some depth that's near MLB-ready.

1/13/2013 2:16:34 PM #

These reviews are keeping concerned about the future of the middle infield position. I wonder if Walt will attempt to do something via trade or free-agency to fill the apparent gap?

1/13/2013 4:30:55 PM #

Fortunately both Cozart and BP should have a number of years left, but I'm sure that's something they're looking at long-term after trading Gregorius. I think between Donald (SS) and H-Rod (2B), they could get by in the short-term if there was an injury.

1/14/2013 12:16:51 PM #

Latos is in pretty good company here: www.mlbtraderumors.com/.../...kdown-mat-latos.html

1/14/2013 4:14:09 PM #

Which probably isn't good news for the Reds' budget. I'd be interested to know what Walt and company have projected for him and Bailey in 2013.

1/14/2013 5:04:20 PM #

I expect the Reds to try and sign both Homer and Latos to extensions this off-season. At the very least Homer since this is the first year arb for Latos but I feel a more team friendly contract would be reached this year.

1/14/2013 5:18:27 PM #

I think so, too. The long-term deals for Votto and BP tell me that the Reds believe there is media money coming down the pike.

1/14/2013 2:50:21 PM #

Red October getting some bad press:

redtape.nbcnews.com/.../16507760-red-october-is-latest-super-cyberspy-virus-firm-says