Reds Insider: Opening Day lineup

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Opening Day lineup

Corey Patterson CF
Jeff Keppinger SS
Ken Griffey Jr. RF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Adam Dunn LF
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Scott Hatteberg 1B
Javier Valentin C
Aaron Harang P

Valentin or Paul Bako was the only question after Dusty Baker said what he said about Hatteberg.

Also, the Reds brought Mario Soto north with the team to help out with Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez. Smart move.

Highlight of the workout was Harang going deep. The fans loved it.

62 Comments:

at 3:24 PM

Matt said...

Maybe I am just way too much of an optimist but I really like this lineup. I like moving Dunner back in the order so hopefully there is a tad less pressure, and I absolutely LOVE JEFF KEPPINGER IN THIS LINEUP. I ope that Dusty finds rooom for him after Alex Gonzalez comes back.

at 3:31 PM

Unknown said...

Good move to play Valentin. Bako followed by the pitcher and Patterson would be 3 gimme outs.

at 3:40 PM

Hiney said...

So help me, Hopper or Freel in CF would be much more preferable to Corey Patterson. Plus, even though Votto proved he could hit major league pitching last September against quality competition, I guess that prove anything to Dusty.

As much as Marty talks about Dusty being a 'baseball intellectual', I find Dusty to be a baseball dichotomy. He talks about trusting the numbers on the back of a players card, but bases Hatteberg starting on that he had a 'great spring'! Well so what...Victor Santos had a great spring a couple years ago, and what happened to him? Evaluating readiness and ability based on 30 or 40 ABs in Spring Training is a pitfall that successful franchises avoid.

When we think about the 2008 season, who do you think is going to have more of an impact? Hatteberg or Votto? Patterson or Bruce? I submit that Votto and Bruce are going to be so exciting, so why not play them?! Answer - Dusty just can't help himself in reverting to veterans, nevermind the 'numbers on the back of their card'.

I wonder if Dusty has looked at Patterson's card lately (barf).

at 3:44 PM

Anonymous said...

John,

Will Soto be with the team for the whole season...and being on the bench and traveling with the team?

at 4:06 PM

Arden Dulou said...

Good moves. As much as I would like to see Votto play, he has to win the starting job. You can't reward a rookie after a poor spring camp with a starting job.

The amazing thing is, that at the end of last year the majority of fans (I am guilty here) had thought Bruce, Bailey, and Votto would be not just be on the major league roster, but starting somehow.

So the Reds have the potential of having one great trade (Volquez), one very good pick up (Patterson), and a pitching draft choice making the team as a difference maker (for the positive) in Cueto. The Reds might not have to make a midseason move for a playoff run.

at 4:20 PM

Anonymous said...

Hopefully AG is back soon, these young pitchers need defense behind them.

at 4:25 PM

Anonymous said...

Looks good to me.
Here is hoping that Patterson in the GABP makes people eat their ugly words toward him.

I think Votto has to win the position not get it handed to him.

I would have batted Encarnacion behind Hatteberg after this spring.

Its April it is time to be Hopeful!

at 4:31 PM

Redman said...

yo ryanrico, chill man! If dusty really only likes veterans than explain Cueti and Volquez. As for your comment on hatteburg, you have no choice based on how hot hatteburg is but to play him(at least for now). Are you saying they should bench him while he's batting .400 or close to it? You start out with who is hot man! Period! As the season goes on you make adjustments t who's hot and who's cold. You must think this line-up is set in stone. If Bruce or Bailey(or whoever) starts to show out in AAA, you can bet they'll be called back up! This is commen sense man not allgebra. So calm down bro and let the season play-out, Jesus Lord have mercy!

at 4:43 PM

Unknown said...

Arden, so his 40 or so spring at bats now suddenly means more than his monster numbers the last two years in the minors and his monster September??

If that's not earning a starting job then I don't know what is. I mean, it's not like we've got an all-star caliber 1st baseman in Hatteberg that he's replacing.

Hatty's what, 38 or 39 years old and musters roughly 45 RBIs a year?? Please.

Just another prime example of this organization messing with a young kids head!

at 4:46 PM

Redman said...

Yo ryanrico, chill man! If Dusty always reverts back to vets., explain Cueto and Volquez for me. As for hatteburg, it only makes sense for Dusty to start him considering how hot he is right now, the two key words in that statement were "right now". If he goes cold at anytime, I'm quite sure that Dusty will go with Votta and vice-versa with Votto. You must think this line-up is set in stone. Adjustments will be made accordingly I'm sure. If Bruce or Bailey or whoever start to show out in the minors, I'm sure they'll be makin their way back to the Reds MAAAN! Just chill cause u don't know what Dusty will do so give him a CHANCE to screw things up before u throw the gauntlet down on him! GOOD-GOD-ALMIGHTY!!!!!

at 4:47 PM

Steven Ross said...

RyanRico: absolutely NOTHING wrong with Hatty over Votto for now. Please. The former is the Reds best pure hitter. Votto's time is coming---be patient.

As for Patterson over Bruce, it's a long season. If Patterson starts hot...then what? Let's see how thing develop before ripping into Dusty early moves.

at 4:49 PM

NVreds said...

the reason in my opinion you go with patterson over bruce/freel/hopper is because of the small bit of upside this guy still has left. If,just if, this guy can stick to this team, the defense in the outfield would be stout when bruce takes over right. The range this guy has helps this clubs defense a ton. Ands its definately possible this guy can turn his bat around, IF he can lead off for us, post average leadoff numbers, hit a few HRs, he could be a huge, HUGE aquisition for the ballclub. If he doesn't work out? well we have plenty of depth. We let him go, we're stuck with what we got (bruce is not a leadoff hitter, plus he stikes out too much to be an effective ML). lets give him a shot, so what if he doesn't work out. He's not going to hurt freel, hopper, or bruce.

I love soto being on the staff longer, and a harang homer is hilarious, he can bunt, but he can't hit the broadside of a barn to save his life.

at 4:58 PM

Swan Lewis said...

This is quite the lineup! In fact, even defensively only Kepp's somewhat lack of range and Corey's arm are real potential minuses.

Speed at the top, quality hitters in the right areas, and a little pop throughout!!!

No question to start Hatte right now...

Tomorrow will be a fiiine day when we light up B. Webb.

Dbacks 1
Redlegs 9

Redlegs!!!

at 5:01 PM

NVreds said...

bailey's minor league stats were filthy, and he's obviously not ready. patterson was a can't miss prospect and he was brought in too early. So we want to bring bruce in after one good year, of which he started in A ball??

look, I want to see the kid too, but I see nothing wrong with him in AAA. This needs to be put to rest. It will help him if he wants it too (same for bailey), and given what I know about the kid, he will use it right. Plus if we wait a few months we can avoid super 2 status for bruce which delays the time one whole year before we have to worry about him being a free-agent, or demanding free agent dollars. personally, if I'm bob C this is a business move I make, the amount of tickets this guy will sell that extra year is worth any amount that would be sold now.

This was not dusty's decision, this was primarily the front office.

at 5:04 PM

NVreds said...

votto's not a baby, he can handle not starting. its not messing with anyones head.

at 5:10 PM

NVreds said...

If not starting opening day screws up votto's head, then he's not ready to be a major leaguer, cause that messes with your head more than any other job in sports IMO.

at 5:32 PM

RedLeg522 said...

I was wondering where a good place to park for the Reds game. I live over an hour away and I am not interested in paying $15-20 to park every time I come down (I bought a season ticket).

at 5:36 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

patterson has never showed an upside in his professional career

votto.. earned the right to be our starting first baseman the second half of last year..dont know why Baker is messing with success

dude is this the same gonzo that hit .6o lower than Keppinger and made twice as many errors..

I sorta remember the team doing much better with Keppinger, Votto, and Hopper playing on a FT basis.. a heck of alot better

GO reds..we are psyched..opening game Monday..three rows behind the Reds dugout

at 5:43 PM

Ankur Varma said...

When Dusty talked about the 'back of the baseball card' thing, it's referring to those players who actually have a history in the big leagues. Hatteberg over Votto is smart not only because he had a good spring, but because he's been solid in the past. Votto, who only has a month of MLB experience, has struggled and has earned his spot on the bench to begin the season. A couple spot starts and pinch hits should get him out of his funk and into the starting lineup.

By the way, I LOVE THIS LINEUP. No glaring weaknesses, since all of these guys have the potential to produce. I think Corey Patterson will love playing in GABP and it will renew his career. I'm so pumped right now!

at 5:43 PM

John Fay said...

You can park a few blocks away for relativley cheap for most games.

But parking on Opening Day is a bear. I'd get downtown earlier and be willing to walk.

at 6:39 PM

Unknown said...

This really isn't debateable. Even if Patterson hits .300, his OBP will be around .320 or .330 unless he can change his ways of the past 5 years. Judging by the fact that he took 2 walks in the spring, that clearly isn't happening. For Jay Bruce to be more productive, all he would have to do is have an OBP of .340. He could do that right now. Some guys are just reaction/guess hitters. If it's close, or if it's the pitch he's looking for, Patterson is swinging, period. That's not the job of the leadoff guy. The only thing he offers is range. His stolen bases don't mean anything if he's not getting on base.

at 7:21 PM

jdeezman said...

and if wishes and buts were candy and nuts, it would be Christmas all year long...

Bruce and Votto didn't play well enough to win the starters job... for whatever reason.
I would prefer that they had won the jobs outright, but to cry and whine over that spilt milk is silly.
Patterson is better defensively than Bruce and Hatteberg is a steady pro. They have both shown that they can produce over a FULL MLB season... whereas the rookies have not.
The only position player that did not win his spot was EE as far as I'm concerned... and I was pleasantly surprised to see Griffey in mid-season form so early.
I would've preferred to see Hopper be in CF, but if Patterson hits up to his potential, its a wash.

As soon as Gonzo is healthy, it's pretty much a lock that he will be the starting SS. Defense wins championships, and Dusty is a PROVEN winner.... there is NO arguing that point.

Keppingers bat makes him invaluable off the bench.. or at third if EE doesn't wake up. It was mentioned @ mlbtraderumors.com that we tried to get the catcher Pena from the Braves, but they weren't listening. So I hope Ross can get better to catch.. and relearns how to hit.

Dusty has done a damn fine job, as well as the GM and FO of getting our Reds in position to be contenders this year.

For anyone who still want's to be pessimistic about this season, then you just want to be miserable as a way of life. This is the best this team has looked since 1990 coming out of spring training... and especially on the mound.

at 7:38 PM

Mr. Doom and Gloom said...

i don't understand this dustyism...

"(The starting first baseman) is whoever's playing that day. Joey Votto has a great upside," Baker said. "But Hatteberg had a great spring. We'll go with matchups."

how do you play matchups w/ 2 lefty 1B?

regardless of who starts tomorrow, i am confident that votto will be given every opporunity to win the job, and unlike bruce, he's better off on the big club at his age getting spot starts then tearing up AAA for a 3rd straight year.

anyway, excited for kepp to get the start tomorrow, gonna be a big moment for him. also like the call with valentin over bako.

let's hope harang can outduel webb, or they can drive his pitch count up and get to their pen.

at 7:49 PM

Redleg city said...

Remember people that season is a marathon and not a sprint. There will be lots of experimenting at the early part of the season.

at 7:51 PM

Joe said...

Speculation abounds on this blog. And thats not a bad thing considering it is opening day! dusty is doing the right thing giving Votto a chance to observe and pinch hit in his first opener in Cincinnati. The butterflies have to feel like buzzards on opening day for a rookie! Smart move by Dusty.

at 7:54 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

lots of solid pros have terrible spring training..Votto showed his stuff last year..no need to impress anyone..hatteburg is a40- 41 year old backup

Griffey in mid season form? this means he will have his annual injury in about 3 weeks

Patterson has never done anything anywhere for a full season..hes a backup on 99% of all other clubs

Pitching wins championships.. With Gonzo in the lineup this team played almost 20 games under .500..without his stellar defense our record was much better

we have not played a single regular season game..Dusty has not done anything as of yet

moderation is the key in life..for anyone gushing after 7 losing seasons in a row..I have a bridge Ill sell ya..its in Brooklyn

hopefully this team will have a remarkable turnaround and play .500 ball this year

we are excited hope it does not rain on Monday

at 8:04 PM

Anonymous said...

I'm happy and pessimistic. The big problems are never apparent on Opening Day Eve. Hell, they're INVISIBLE.

If Hatteberg earned first what the hell did EE earn? Oh, so it was last season that EE earned third? Well then, last September Votto earned 1B.

Sorry but it's only a slightly improved team.

But I'm rooting hard to be wrong. Let's see EE and Hatteberg take Webb deep tomorrow and have Patterson steal 3 bases and Keppinger go 4-5 with 3 RBIS.

(Keppinger has earned the starting SS job, no doubt).

Go Reds! Sure. But they're not a .500 team yet and while every team has question marks as was pointed out today on WLW, the Reds question marks going into the season include Hopper in limbo, EE in a massive slump, 2 or 3 starting pitchers having much to prove in REAL games, and several relief pitchers that also have to carry their springs into the real MLB mileu.

And that's before inevitable injuries strike.

I still say the Reds are going to give Pittsburgh hope of finishing out of last place this year.

at 8:07 PM

KingsPoint said...

jdeezman, the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus are real, too. Don't forget to look for the Pot o' Gold at the end of the rainbow.

Why can't you just enjoy the season for what it is instead of trying to play make-believe with the players?

This club is projected to win 78 games, and finish 10-1/2 games behind the Cubs. Every at-bat Patterson gets is an at-bat that should have been given to someone else. When Juan Castro comes in defensively for Keppinger in the 8th inning, the batting order will have Ross-Pitcher-Patterson-Castro.

You'll be the first one to blame the wrong people why the REDS aren't on a pace to win more than 78 games. So, remember in this order, Baker, Castellini for hiring Baker, and Baker's insistance to have Patterson on the team.

Be thankful Krivsky is here as he's setting this club up perfectly for a Division Title in 2009, and if the REDS outperform themselves in April, May, and the 1st Half of June this year, Krivsky will pull the trigger to obtain help in 2008 (but not at the expense of 2009-2011), by trading away a top Single-A prospect for Major League help.

There's a lot to look forward to in 2008, and it's a shame, it's not Bruce, Votto, and Hopper in April and May. As much as you think the REDS have improved for 2008, they aren't yet in the upper half of the National League with San Diego, Los Angeles, Arizona, Colorado, Chicago, New York, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. The REDS are the 10th best team in the National League, and that's OK, because the games are going to be a lot of fun to watch, win or lose, as they'll be a lot closer than last year, and the dreaded bullpen won't be so horrible.

at 8:12 PM

Joe said...

Blue Ash Jack: you are right on Patterson being a bench player for most teams, but give this team and organization some time to take the pressure off Bruce and Votto. They cannot avoid it with the pitching staff, but fortunately they have some options with Votto and Bruce. I would like to see them in the lineup everyday too but think they will be there soon enough in a long season. dusty has history with Patterson and time will tell. My hope is Bruce puts a lot of pressure on the Krivsky and Baker to get him in the lineup.

at 8:41 PM

NVreds said...

Hatteberg is 38, old but not old-man old, in 2 years I agree but right now he's perfect for a platoon/pinch hitting role. him or votto off the bench for late inning double switch situations, thats a weapon. we need to calm down and not "gush" over a september call-up and minor league numbers, votto is going to make the team, I highly highly doubt that he sits the bench much.
opening day is one game, wait a little bit guys

"Griffey in mid season form? this means he will have his annual injury in about 3 weeks" <--- nice quote, made me laugh

at 8:59 PM

NVreds said...

You go with matchups by playing votto on righties maybe based on home/away match-ups or against pitchers hatteberg doesnt hit well. votto will mash at GABP, hatteberg might be better on the road especially in bigger parks.
expect them to get double switched a lot, and I bet the playing time is close to 50-50 until votto starts getting into form.
after that trade hatteberg, who mlbtraderumors.com/ken rosenthal say is getting more interest than freel is, but the reds are resisting. personally I think its because of 2 reasons, hatteberg or votto get hurt we dont have a back up until gonzo gets back (well we sort of do, regardless we would be pretty thin at 1st/SS) & having a solid pinch hitting bench is nice gets rid of that stupid 3 catcher system.

at 9:07 PM

MONEY MIKE said...

Alright the season hasnt started and yet we still have the Debby the Downers amonst us--SNL for those not familiar. I want point out the pecismist, but ill let you figure out who they are. With that being said, I would like to post some optimism for each player on the starting lineup--sorry I missed optimisim day yesterday. So here ya go...

-Patterson-Finally lives up to the hype (I would take 75%)
-Keppinger-Hits lights out (ill settle for the sub par defense)
-Jr.-Injury free with 35 HR and 100 RBI
-Brandon-better than last year (i would take a repeat season)
-Dunner-average goes up to .275
-Eddie-has a consistent season for once (consistantly good that is)
-Hatte-maintains last years average with some additional pop (votto takes over the job full time by mid May)
-Javy-maintains the hitting skills and improves his defenensive skills
-Aaran the Harangatang Harang-Improved bullpen puts him in top 3 for Cy Young and gets 20 wins

at 9:12 PM

NVreds said...

"I'm happy and pessimistic" thats called cautious optimism its a good thing

Its pretty much where I see myself, though I am leaning very much positive because I think we have the talent to compete. I'm cautious though when saying certain things about how players will perform, plus we don't know what injuries will occur.

I have the reds penciled in 2nd place, (note I said penciled) because the brewers are close to us but they have just as many questions as us, so why not just go with the reds.

the reds will get 2nd/3rd and have a winning record, and will gain some real good experience and confidence.

the cubs will probably lose in the 1st or 2nd round, because of the media circus they will create because of the century mark, and because playoff piniella last year couldn't manage his way out of a paper bag (he got lucky with the reds, that was rose's team anyway, where did the reds go after that?) too much pressure

at 9:17 PM

aaron harang said...

Reds -- 84 wins this year!

Last year: 78 projected wins.

Won 72 times.

This year: 78 projected wins.

Should win 84 times.

See if I'm right!

at 9:18 PM

firefly118 said...

Is it after 4:22 yet?

Great! So let me get this straight! We didn't want to give up our young guys like Bruce, Votto, Bailey, or Belisle, but yet they are not good enough to be given time to play. We could have gotten a major league #1 pitcher (which would have given us 2 #1 pitchers), and still had Cueto and Volquez in the rotation, and our opening day roster would be the same as it as for tomorrow. I don't understand that thinking! If your going to keep them, and not STACK your team for a run now, why not let them play and take their bumps at the majors....THEN... next year they would be ready for a run at it. WILL WE BE HAVING THIS SAME DISCUSSION NEXT YEAR?

I hope I am wrong and we win a 100 games, but when does the same ol stuff quit happening?

at 9:23 PM

Edge1970 said...

i am coming to my first opening day does anyone know what time gates open?

i think the Reds will win 93 games this year

at 10:10 PM

Swan Lewis said...

Yo!

We should stop knocking Griff. The dude is amazing, no matter how many injuries he has had or potentially will have.

The guy went all out with out taking care of his body on the concrete of a horrible 'stadium'.

He is from Cincy, cam back home, and is a legend playing extremely well when he is out there. O think it was embarrassing to us folks in the Queen City seeing how he was treated for 3 games in Seattle last year.

Pull it together, Griff is the man, always will be, and let's enjoy him for one or however many more seasons we have him for.

If his legs don't hold up, we have a couple guys that can fill in, of course at a lesser caliber, but we are going to be fine. And Griff will be a large part of it.

Redlegs!!!

at 10:11 PM

Unknown said...

I'm excited! Can't wait for Hatteberg's 45 RBIs this year because he had a good meaningless March!

at 10:42 PM

Arden Dulou said...

As a rookie, Votto should be made to prove it spring training before he handed a starting job. Will he be the starting 1B at some point, probably. With a lack of MLB experience you just can't hope he will start well. At least Hatte will give you a high BA to start the season off. Work Votto in early and often.

This team is the best Reds team in quite awhile. Enjoy it. This year should be fun.

at 10:42 PM

mentalmidget said...

All in all, not too bad of a line-up. It's no big suprise. I DO believe this line-up is temporary.
Adding Soto to help and advise the 2 kids in the starting rotation is an outstanding move. The kids will benefit!! Good move.

at 11:22 PM

redsfan8557 said...

Gates will open 2 hours prior to game time, bring raingear. See ya all at the ballpark. Jack i bet it killed you not to post anything bad the last 24 hours

at 11:22 PM

Anonymous said...

"Griffey in mid season form? this means he will have his annual injury in about 3 weeks"

And Bruce gets called up and everyone gets there wish. See its a win win everybody

at 1:25 AM

Unknown said...

Jack in Blue Ash - I'll take your Brooklyn Bridge and raise you a Roebling Bridge (ya know, the original? live closer to the stadium, maybe you'd have picked that one up). And quit being such a pessimist, man - what do you want, the Yanks? Steinbrenner can't buy both teams (though he's stated that if he could, he'd snap the Reds up in a New York minute)...we're not really WS ready - but we're the best we've been in roughly a decade (sorry, 99 was luck, I liked the 95 club w/Vaughn) - enjoy the show. Better yet, we'll be even more loaded in 2 years (Griffey's loss will eventually be replaced by Bruce, we'll have a better C, the pitchers will be a year older, and we'll have Stubbs in CF). Just love the fact we're improved and have a ton of upside, okay? Go Reds!

at 1:39 AM

KingsPoint said...

I'm hoping Bray can put 20-30 great innings together in the minors before May is over and then come up during May and knock Mercker off the team.

Also, you need 8 starting pitchers to get through a season. Forget the #1-#5 stuff. 90% of the teams need 8 solid starters to get them through a season. The REDS finally have the starting depth to do that, so that when injuries and ineffectiveness come up, there are some solid options to take their place and give the team the hope that they can step right in and win some games. It won't be all Hanang and Arroyo and pray for 3 days of rain.

at 2:20 AM

KingsPoint said...

Here's what the majority of experts around the Nation think:

Dusty Baker's love of veterans has predictably prevailed and the Reds' new skipper chose Scott Hatteberg over Joey Votto as the Opening Day first baseman. Even at 38 years old Hatteberg is a solid player deserving of a starting job after hitting .299/.391/.453 in two seasons with the Reds, so it's tough to blame Baker too much for giving him the nod. On the other hand, Votto is among the game's premier hitting prospects and at 24 years old is even more deserving of a regular gig.

Votto has hit .289/.385/.476 over 2,985 trips to the plate in the minors—including .294/.381/.478 with 22 homers at Triple-A last year—and batted .321/.360/.548 in a 24-game September stint with the Reds. Baker's decision to keep him around as a bench player isn't as bad as it would be for most top prospects, because Votto is already 24 and has little left to prove in the minors, but pinch-hitting certainly won't aide his development any (but will burn through his service time).

He doesn't project as a superstar, but Votto has a very well rounded all-around game. He figures to hit for a solid batting average, draws tons of walks, possesses 20-homer power, and swiped 41 bases over the past two years in the minors. Of course, excellent plate discipline isn't such a good thing when your manager thinks that drawing walks is simply "clogging the bases" and it may take a trade or a horrible start from Hatteberg for Votto to claim the job before midseason.

at 2:44 AM

Matt McWax said...

Only thing I'm down about is facing Brandon Webb. We were .156 against him last year and .155 career (hitters on the 25-man). Best bets are Keppinger if he can judge the sinker and oddly EdE who has a double and homer in 8 at-bats against him, although not exactly the pitcher to face when you want to break out of a slump. Harangatang and small ball with a Dunn homer in there somewhere. That's the recipe.

at 7:38 AM

JackBlueAsh said...

money mike... if ya are gonna lecture us ..learn how to spell pessimist..I dont think many on here are pessimists..just very reserved optimists

Patterson has had what 5-7 seasons to "live up to the hype? Please Mike

Jr. injury free? LOL

Hatteburg getting some additional pop at his age?

Joe..Votto was up here last year..he can handle the pressure

Ron..Griffey aint amazing anymore ..nor has he not been for the past 7-8 years..Hes been paid quite well for sacrificing his body in all those major league ballparks

OPENING DAY IS HERE WE HAVE TICKETS AND WE ARE PSYCHED

at 8:05 AM

Rob Dicken said...

JackBlueAsh is the downer of this whole blog because he consistently downs the same players every post he makes. For once...FOR ONCE, I wish he would post something different! Every post he makes is about Keppinger, Hamilton, and Griffey. Although, he did post something about Patterson this time around, but I can't say it was exactly positive...

Anyway, I am excited for today! Just look at it this way...if we don't have a winning season this season, Krivsky will be OUTTA HERE!! And for all your Kriv haters, THAT is something to look forward to!

at 8:14 AM

jdeezman said...

LOL!

Thank you kingspoint, Jack (of course), and good old clueless krivsky for proving my point.

I hope that you all are able to be happy in your misery.

By the way kingspoint... all your quoting of the article did was reinforce Bakers decision as the correct one!

Votto did not win the job, hasn't produced in the majors over a full season like Hatteberg has, and he needs to SHOW to the current regime what he can do... not get by on what he did last fall or in the minors. You speak of Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the pot O gold... yet all you want to quote is projections of what Votto will do.

Projections don't mean squat.
The Cardinals weren't "projected" to win the world series in 2006, but they did.

The Reds weren't projected to win the World Series in 1990, but they did.

Cueto and Volquez WON spots because of their performance.
I wished Votto would've, but he didn't. In a perfect world, Votto and Bruce win their spots, we trade Hattie, Castro, and Freel for pitching or a catcher, and win the division.

But once again... that isn't what's "projected" so how can anything good happen?

LOL!

at 8:32 AM

KevinFtMyers said...

Hatteberg is starting for two resons, first, he's swinging better NOW,.. TODAY,... NOT at the end of last season. For all the good hitting Votto did last season it counts for zip in '08. Also, Votto is still young, if he starts OD and is the declared starter, and continues to struggle at the plate (as he has in spring)and Dusty has to sit him, hows that gonna go over?

Hatte and Votto will platoon, when Votto shows hes clearly better than Hatte, Votto will take over.

Patterson is in the lineup for up the middle defense, I'm not sure why hes leading off, (Id bat Kepp in the 1 hole and Patterson like 7/8)but Dusty seems to think he can do it. Until hes wrong, we just have to shut up and watch.

As far as Javy behind the plate, I just hope the staff can keep runners to a minimum, if not, our double play chances will be few and far between. (Runners will steal 2nd almost at will).

Keeping runners at first, and out of scoring posistion is HUGE, and for all of Ross' hitting woes, our double play numbers are FAR better with him in there.
Guys think twice about running on him.

at 8:42 AM

KevinFtMyers said...

Best up-the-middle D:

Patterson
Agon / BP
Ross

Too bad 3/4 these guys are below average hitters.

at 8:59 AM

Mr. Doom and Gloom said...

saw some predictions, thought i'd throw one out there....

80-82

young pitching struggles as they learn, belisle struggles when he comes up to replace one of them, bullpen much improved, Jr. traded and Bruce comes up, Dunn extended for 3 years at @ 45-50 million, team never in serious contention, but Dusty doesn't let them quit down the stretch.

at 9:00 AM

Rob Dicken said...

Griffey aint amazing anymore ..nor has he not been for the past 7-8 years..Hes been paid quite well for sacrificing his body in all those major league ballparks

Griffey hasn't been amazing, that's true Jack, but he hasn't been terrible either. You continually gripe about Griffey's injuries like he's out the whole season, but that's far from the truth. Since being with the Reds from 2000 until now, there has only been 3 seasons in which Griffey didn't play 100 games or more. Over he tenure with the Reds, and only because of those 3 injury plagued season, he's averaging 25 homers and 69 RBIs per season. You take those injury plagued seasons away, and average his production based on those 100+ game seasons, he's averaging 31 homers and 88 RBIs. Keep in mind that some of those 100+ game seasons are not even full seasons and yet he still averages those numbers! He may not be "amazing anymore," Jack, but Ken Griffey Jr is a helluva baseball player, whether you want to admit it or not. And the constant remarks about his salary is ridiculous. You do realize he is paid $12.5 million this season because of deferred money, right? He has made $8.5 million for the past 4-5 seasons. Which for the production that he can put up, is a bargain!

By the way, Joey Votto didn't face quality Major League talent during his time in the majors in September. He faced a lot of minor league talent that was called up. So in essence, he was facing the same type of pitching he was facing in the minors, which is why his production was decently high. I am not saying that Joey Votto can't hit major league pitching, just stating the facts. Scott Hatteburg is a good first basemen, and the constant whining about Joey Votto not playing is kind of discouraging. We should feel privileged to have 2 first basement of the caliber of Scott Hatteberg and Joey Votto, not griping because one is playing over the other!

And if Patterson hasn't played for the Reds yet, let's wait and see how he does in GABP and quit griping about him playing. Norris Hopper and Ryan Freel ARE NOT any better, and at this point, neither is Jay Bruce. Give the guy a chance to play!

at 9:01 AM

JackBlueAsh said...

dave..i have said all along that I hope this team plays .500 ball and this would be a remarkable turnaround in 1 season..I am optimistic

To suggest that this team is anything..good or bad is premature..let us play some real games and see what happens

Rob I have consistently given accolades to Votto, Phillips, EE, Keppinger , Harang, Dunn, Arroyo, Cordero, Hopper and a few others all this past winter.

Just because I dont share your enthusiasm for old man Griffey or Gonzalez dont make me out to be a bad person.

Rob if you had the opportunity to own a baseball franchise and were given the ability to choose any players to start you team..you would not even consider a much injured , brittle over the hill player like Griffey.

The dude belongs in the Hall of Fame, hes a great family man and does alot for kids in this city..yet .. he still should have retired 4 or 5 years ago

Stick Bruce in RF ..or even keep Hamilton ..use Griffeys 2 million to get pitching and boy would we have a team

at 9:40 AM

Unknown said...

JDeezman, using LOL on adults doesn't work like it does on the kids. We know you're not laughing.

Aside from that, you can't trade Hatteberg and Freel and win a division with a lousy bench. All good teams have depth.

The decision to start Hatteberg could have to do with the type of pitcher that Webb is. You don't really lose anything with Hatteberg replacing Votto right now, in fact, slight edge to Hatteberg for defense and OBP.

All theories about Dusty wanting only veterans goes out the door with Cueto and Volquez in the rotation.

at 9:48 AM

JackBlueAsh said...

jeezman dont get paranoid brother..that other dude aint me

Vottos performance the second half of last season is enough to win him the starting job..he will be the staring 1st baseman shortly
He has show Krivsy and castellini what he can do

They may platoon but I guarantee ya votto will be on 1st base 85% of the time

Kevin..I beg to disagree with ya pal..but many great ballplayers and superstars have abhorable pre seasons..Yet, what they did last year does mean something,,you simply are wrong

Take Hatteburg..take 15 years off his age and give him the ability to hit with power you have Votto

at 11:06 AM

Rob Dicken said...

Jack, all I can say is that Griffey's statistics fail to say that he needs to retire. He's still a great player.

If you want to continue this argument, then back it up with something substantial. Don't fire back with the purely opinionated garbage that you continue to spew!

at 11:20 AM

Champ Summers said...

Ignore Jack and Clueless and they will have nothing to say. Even if they beleive what they say how many ways can you say the same thing.

at 11:43 AM

KevinFtMyers said...

Jack,

You always say you hope the Reds can get to .500 this season.

Looking at the way Votto is hitting RIGHT NOW, and the way Hatte is hitting RIGHT NOW, who gives the Reds the best chance to play .500 ball this April?

Not saying Votto wont be better over the course of the year, he just aint hitting RIGHT NOW.

For the Reds to go .500 or better, they need to play .500 ball right out of the gate. They cant be .390 in the month of April, .430 in May, .470 in June and make up the rest along the way. It wont happen.

Votto is better, WE AGREE!

But Hatte gives the Reds a better chance to win games RIGHT NOW.

at 12:05 PM

KevinFtMyers said...

Jack, please copy this and paste for all future posts, It will save you alot of time:

"Kevin..youre wrong dude"

"JDeezman..you dont go to games dude."

"Redleggs..Hamilton is better than Patterson dude."

"I hope the Reds can get to .500"

"Keppinger is better than AGon."

"Griffey needs to retire."

"Not a single game has been played."

"Hamilton reminds me of Mantle."

"We go to 40 games a year."

Did I miss any?

at 12:42 PM

jdeezman said...

I think you covered every base there KFM! LOL! Now that there is funny, I don't care who you are...

Richie Rich you're wrong... I really am laughing, but it's not with the Negative Nancy Crew...

You guys are just too much, I hope you don't take yourselves that seriously in real life.

at 2:58 PM

Unknown said...

would someone tell Adam Dunn to keep his eyes on the ball, ever since last year when i first noticed,, his eyes leave the ball from 3 - 5 feet before it gets to him,, no wonder he strikes out alot,, when he swings, he's lookin at the pitcher

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