Results tagged ‘ Scott Rolen ’
Some Reds news, most of it not so good
Dusty Baker announced today that Harang may be starting on Tuesday which would make him eligible for the playoffs. Am I the only one that thinks this is terrible news? He can’t get out AAA hitters so what makes the team feel like he can make a quality start in the Bigs, especially during this final stretch. Mike Leake was also placed on the 15-Day DL for shoulder fatigue and Juan Francisco was called up to take his spot giving the Reds another bat with Laynce Nix ailing with a sore ankle. The final news is that Brandon Phillips is not in the starting lineup with his sore wrist. Leading off in his place is Jay Bruce who hasn’t lead off since his rookie season. Valaika will be making his first big league start tonight. I’m not sure if Bruce and Valaika give us the best hitters to get on for Votto but we’ll see tonight.
Tonight’s Lineup
Bruce 9
Valaika 4
Votto 3
Rolen 5
Gomes 7
Hernandez 2
Stubbs 8
Janish 6
Cueto 1
I think I just lost a year off my life, Reds Win!!!
This game was looked at by many as a must win for the Reds after the two embarassing losses. Homer looked like he had his good stuff and the Reds jumped out to a 10-1 lead. Than Bailey gave up two runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth. But with a five run lead the Reds still looked to be in good shape, especially with the way the bullpen has been pitching. Than the wheels fell off, two of our best relievers Ondrusek and Rhodes each gave up 3 runs to let the Giants tie the game. With the Reds down by 1 in the ninth Paul Janish once again showed why he should have been the shortstop all along by singling in the tying run. That was the last score until Joey “I better win the MVP” Votto singled in the go ahead run with two outs in the top of the 12th innning. Cordero came in for his second inning of work and as he usually does he made things very interesting. Sandoval opened with a single, Uribe flied out, Cody Ross struck out, Fontenot singles off Cordero to put Sandoval at third. Previous to Fontenot’s hit he popped a foul ball along the third base side which glanced off Rolens’ glove for what would have been the third out. It looked like that play could have doomed the Reds until Cordero finally gets Andres Torres to ground out to Miguel Cairo. Reds Win!!!
As expected Edmonds DL bound, two callups
Mark Sheldon has reported that Jim Edmonds was placed on the 15 day DL with a strained oblique, also pitcher Jordan Smith was optioned to Louisville. Chris Valaika will make his MLB debut and Sam LeCure was called up to add depth to the bullpen. I still don’t understand why the move to Chapman wasn’t made but I’m hoping they know something that I don’t. The Smith move isn’t suprising with the way he has been pitching. Travis Wood will pitch tonight and I’m hoping he can keep his steady pitching going.
Tonight’s Lineup
Phillips 4
Stubbs 8
Votto 3
Rolen 5
Gomes 7
Bruce 9
Hernandez 2
Janish 6
Wood 1
Reds up 4-0
Hernandez hit a 3 run homerun after Rolen and Gomes reached base. Gomes hit broke his longest hitless streak of the year. Bruce followed with a homerun of his own to continue his hot streak. I hate being right but Stubbs started the game with two strikeouts. Can anyone remind me why he is batting second?
What the Reds need to do this offseason
If you watched the Reds after they traded for Scott Rolen and Jay Bruce came back you probably saw a pretty good team. The main pieces are there, the Reds just need to get a few positions solidified and they could really contend in what looks like a winnable Central division.
The main question marks going into this winter are SS, LF and our fifth starter. Paul Janish is a wonder with his glove just not his bat. However there is time, and he showed flashes at various times this season. The Reds are no strangers to a slick fielding shortstop that didn’t always hit, Dave Concepcion anyone? Concepcion was a career .267 hitter but made up for his lack of hitting and power by his defensive prowess. Rolen is a huge upgrade at 3B over the inconsistent Encarnacion, especially when you factor in the leadership he bring to a very young clubhouse. In leftfield a platoon of Gomes and Dickerson sounds pretty good until Heisey of Frazier are Major League ready.
Recent reports on Reds.com say that Adam Rosales has been playing left field while in Mexico. Sounds like he could become the next Ryan Freel with his versatility and non stop hustle. He is a hard worker and seems to be a personality that any manager needs on his team. Fifth starter is the tough one, until Volquez returns the Reds need to find a viable .500 pitcher to anchor the rotation, this is toughest hole to fill from within of all the Reds needs.
Finally if the Reds can find any takers to unload Corderos mega contract they should jump on it, even if it means they pay for part of the salary. Nick Masset looks like a great possiblity closing games and maybe Jared Burton can handle the setup role if he is 100% healthy physically and mentally.
Just my two cents
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