Reds Insider: Post-game wrap

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Post-game wrap

Dusty Baker was thrilled after the win - for the team, for Edwin Encarnacion, and for Aaron Harang.

He was asked about the back-to-back Encarnacion-Paul Bako homers that set up Ken Griffey Jr.'s game-winning RBI-single.

“Everyone knows lightning doesn’t strike twice, but it struck twice today. In the rain and everything. Man, that’s wonderful,” Baker said.

Baker hopes the victory will jumpstart the Reds. It was a key win - averting an eighth loss in nine outings and a 7-12 start. The Reds approach the Dodgers at 8-11.

"I just want to enjoy this one today. I’ll tell you, what a game. What an exciting ballgame. I’m just happy."

49 Comments:

at 7:30 PM

Anonymous said...

So when is Edwin Encarnacion going to get demoted? 6 errors in 19 games??? He's a huge liability at 3rd base. I understand that he is on a 10 game hitting streak and we probably would not have won the game today without his bat.

at 7:37 PM

INDYREDFAN said...

great win, it is good to see EE is off the hitting slump. I just hope he can clean up his fielding. Six errors in 20 games is a little concerning

at 8:03 PM

MJ said...

The thing is the win doesn't necessarly mean that much but how they did it does. This could certainly be the springboard that gets the team on a roll. Having the confidence that they can come from behind will go a long way.

at 8:41 PM

walter1943 said...

Okay-we pulled on out today

EE is such a fielding liability but
a very strong offensive threat-why not move him to the outfield-I know
it would mean that KG would have to
move back to center but the infield
would be solid--JK-3rd; AG-SS;
BP-2nd; and JV-1st
It's been done before-Milwaukee put Braun in left to get rid of his
weak defense at 3rd and still keep
him in the lineup

at 8:58 PM

fiveisalimit said...

Last two games have been fun to watch because of pitching, pitching, pitching. Keeping us in the game. Although it didn't produce drastically different results, I was glad to see the shake up in the line up today. I agree with most others, the Patterson thing is not working out. Would like to see one of two moves. First, and most likely, CP to AAA, Hopper to lead off, and Hariston brought up. Hot RH bat that can play about anywhere (and still one of Dusty's boys). Or, forget the small ball stuff and worrying about a lead off hitter, look at this team as a bunch of gappers and sluggers, bring up Bruce and hit him anywhere.

at 9:03 PM

Don said...

It is refreshing to hear a Reds manager that doesn't give scripted answers. Both Miley and Narron were so prim and proper when it came to communicating with the media. I enjoy hearing Baker in his pre game comments with Marty and in his post game quotes. His comments are sometimes insightful, funny, and passionate.

at 9:25 PM

BATSFAN said...

All smiles when you win isnt it John, YAYAYAYAY!!! Im happy to. GO GETEM BELISLE!!!!!!

at 9:46 PM

Michael Hammond said...

Frank Thomas?

at 10:43 PM

MattFromColumbus said...

Where are all the EE haters now? Its seems like a week ago 90% of the posters on this wall wanted him in Louisville. Now the haters have found a new target: Corey P. Wait till he has a 3RBI day or goes 3 for 4, then everyone will love him.

at 11:22 PM

Jonny said...

Let's clarify a few things. Edwin is not the most clutch guy on the team. I'm still getting over him leaving the bases loaded so many times in the last week. I was glad he redeemed himself to some extent today, but you never know what you'll get with EE. Besides his huge error today he also had a barehanded web gem. I don't get the guy.
Anyway, I agree that the Reds need to demote Patterson. He had some huge hits at the start of the season, but you have to hit better than .200 to be a lead-off hitter. Maybe if we keep him in the system he'll be an option next year if Griffey or Dunn are gone (both of whom I hope stay). The Reds would be so much worse without Dunn. Just having him in the lineup gives pitchers headaches. And he'll still go at least 40, 100 this year again. How about this lineup:
Dunn
Keppinger
Griffey
Phillips
Bruce
Votto
EE
Bako
Everybody there is a certified threat. And before you make fun of Dunn leading off, he's got the best OBP on the team and we all know he can't hit with RISP anyway so why not take the pressure off.
Lastly, I want to see Homer up here. Harang, Cueto, Bailey, Volquez, Arroyo is the rotation of the future.

at 12:39 AM

JerBear said...

I am with jonny. I don't get Edwin Encarnacion. He is the most up and down player the Reds have had in a long time.

I was at the game today and the fans were ready to release Encarnacion after making the error in the 10th and then missing another hard grounder two plays later (a base hit, but a makeable play)

And then he comes in the 10th and really has a great at-bat to hit the HR off Gagne. Ya never know how EE will react to a mistake or error he makes. The good thing about him is a lot of times he doesn't let it affect his hitting late in the games.

But I don't know if you can ever win a division with EE at third. That is a good question.

One more thought...Paul Bako's HR was an absolute laser! One of the hardest hit Home Runs I've ever seen.

It was a great game. The Dodgers stink so far. Maybe the Reds can win 2 out of 3!

at 12:57 AM

Swan Lewis said...

Good lookin' out MJ on the positive feedback! I agree Don, Dusty is the joint when it comes to qoutes!!! I have to agree with BatsFan too, with the excitement and the prospect of Matty B. coming up and pitching well!

Redlegs!!!

Thanks Shannon and John!

And I am happy Griff got that hit, it is a shame as I said before that his hometown fans cannot appreciate him more.

John, do you feel that is common in Cincinnati? Or just the computer people that post on your blog?

Why are the Cincinnati 'fans' so hard on him? It is disgusting to see how one of the all time greats is treated here, especially after the great response he had in his return to Seattle. The guy also does a LOT for the image and future of the game.

Redlegs!!!

at 1:00 AM

Anonymous said...

I dont understand how you can say Edwin is not the most clutch hitter on the team and then go and base it on a bad week of baseball. He hits .430+ with the bases loaded and two years in a row has been the teams best hitter with RISP.

If you only look at times when a player is struggling, you obviously wont find good results.

Increase the sample size and its pretty clear how clutch EE is...

at 1:01 AM

HoosierVirg said...

Great game today, one of the best comeback wins I have seen in quite a few seasons. I have been an EE fan since I first started watching him play at Louisville. He showed he was a pretty patient hitter back then and has continue that trait in the majors. He will be a good one I think but he will require some patience on the part of some fans. He is an above average fielder but has troubles with the throws, usually as the season goes on he cuts down on those type errors. This was the type of game that can kick a team in high gear, we shall see.

at 1:24 AM

BATSFAN said...

Well EE did good today, well hes on a 10 game hitting streak (I think) so you cant keep his bat out of the lineup, his glove is whats killing him. But his day two homers, heres a funny stat the reds are 3-0 now when EE homers.

at 6:18 AM

LittleRedMachine said...

I get a laugh at some of the biggest whiners in baseball and they all post on this board. LOL. Lemme make sure I got all this
- HOFer Grif is washed up despite hitting close to .270 with 3 bombs thru 3 weeks.
- Dunn (who has hit 40 bombs a year the last two) is a bum.
- EE sucks even though he has 4 bombs and has been his usual clutch-self at the plate (.360 with RISP up til this season).
- Corey sucks despite a solid glove and 4 HR.
- Cantu is a stud, despite being ditched by the Reds and Rays, because he had a good week.

I deeply apologize if I missed anything. You guys are the ones who always love the backup QB right?

at 6:22 AM

LittleRedMachine said...

Oh here are a few more

-Krivsky is an idiot, despite building a very good Twins team with no money to pend.

-Baker's an idiot, despite 3 Manager of the Year awards and a few trips to the post-season.

When does reality set in on this board? We have played 5% of the season and the keen-eye couch GMs have it all figured out.

For those looking for Bruce to come up HE AINT READY! He is striking out too much. His time will come but it isnt today. A few months of seasoning wont hurt.

Sorry for the rant to the true Reds fans. Its just amazing to read the lack of knowledge sometimes. John should be charging a therapy fee.

at 7:45 AM

KevinFtMyers said...

A quote from the other thread:

"Bako got thrown out of a game..that aint leadership..thats stupidity."

Spoken like a person whos never played the game.

This wasnt the 2nd inning in a world series game, if it was I would agree. This was a game in the middle of April, during a really bad stretch.

The positive effect Bako's argument and ejection had on his pitcher and potentialy firing up this team a bit, FAR outweigh the possible impact he would have had on the outcome of the game.

We have all said we would like to see someone show a little passion and fire and desire to win.

Bako did that, and thats stupidity?

at 8:02 AM

bsu1 said...

Why, oh why, is Patterson still in the lineup? I believe he is 0 for his last 19 and 1 for his last 28. Either put Hopper in there or call up Bruce. Patterson has had more than enough chance to prove himself.

at 8:08 AM

oneuknut44 said...

Whatever happened to the thought of hiring Spier to help EE with all of his fielding?? I distinctively remember that back in the winter he was going to be the infield coach that turns EE into the type of player we all want and need to see. Granted like we all say its only April, but if you let games get away now, its going to kill you later. Having Belisle start tonight is refreshing, our pitching has been above average, just need those clutch hits. GO REDS!!!!

at 8:27 AM

Rob said...

Jonny at 11:22-

Paul Bako is not a certified threat. 16 homers in 1800 + ABs does not a certified threat make. As for everyone else, lighten up on EE, hes a good player. This team will go only as far as its pitching- which is good in 3 spots of the rotation and terrible in the other 2. The bullpen is decent as long as Coffey isnt out there.
This team will hit, its early and slumps do happen.

at 8:55 AM

KevinFtMyers said...

Michael Hammond said...
Frank Thomas?

2007 .167ba in 16 games
(not able to do anything this year either)
plays 1B
probably wouldnt sign a minor lg contract.

If he could come back to say, a .270 BA, .370 OBP, and 25 - 30 HR, he could help, BUT, arent we already looking at potentialy similar numbers from our current 1B?

I realize he is a righty, but I dont think taking time from Votto makes sense.

It would be a case of signing him just to sign him.

Krivsky should concentrate on a catcher, and (releif) pitchers.

at 9:05 AM

Mr. Doom and Gloom said...

still waiting for Al's take on Gagne's performance yesterday...

at 9:10 AM

Rob Dicken said...

Edwin is not the most clutch guy on the team. I'm still getting over him leaving the bases loaded so many times in the last week.

His career numbers suggest he's the best clutch hitter on the team. Not 4-5 games of the 2008 season.

So when is Edwin Encarnacion going to get demoted? 6 errors in 19 games??? He's a huge liability at 3rd base.

What a stupid question. Especially after the game he had yesterday offensively. He also made a couple of very good plays before the error in the 10th.

He won't get demoted. You don't get demoted for fielding. You get moved into a different position.

Where are all the EE haters now? Its seems like a week ago 90% of the posters on this wall wanted him in Louisville.

They're still here. They look past that he won the game for us yesterday.

Despite his error, Burton's wild pitch scored a run for Milwaukee. The Reds still had a chance to get out of that inning without a run being scored, and then didn't. It was a crappy day at the ballpark (weather wise). People just need to lay off him.

at 9:15 AM

Mr. Doom and Gloom said...

get off EE, he will be fine, his offense has led directly to 3 out of the teams 8 wins. i don't remember any of those errors leading directly to a loss.

gonzalez won't be back for at least another month, so kepp is locked in at SS. who do you want there, freel? pffft.

at 9:47 AM

MsUC said...

EE wins one game for each game he loses. Get rid of EE, unless you're satisfied striving to obtain a .500 record

at 10:05 AM

Unknown said...

Fogg currently holds a roster spot while Belisle starts...how about in a few months we put Belisle back in Fogg's spot in the 'pen, move Bailey to the vacated rotation spot, and drop Fogg to AAA (or release him outright)? I think the moves would give us the best overall options, and if Coffey (who I think could become a stud) has another couple of rough outings, bring Bray back to where he belongs, the bigs.

at 10:35 AM

MPCB said...

I sure would like to see some these quality starts resulting in wins for our starting pitching, but then again, I will take a win anyday, however it comes.

As to Patterson, after the opening series, I really thought the Reds might have found someone to fill the gap before Bruce is ready to play center, but he just hasn't adapted to hitting leadoff. He swings at first pitches and despite his speed, he never swings down on the ball to utilize that quickness. I'd say that the resurrecting of Corey Patterson's career-experiment is finished. Its time to bring up Jay Bruce and let him get some experience in a platoon with Hopper in CF. When Bruce plays, you lead off Keppinger and when Hopper starts, he gets the nod at the top of the lineup. Bruce may be just the jolt this offense needs to get rolling.

at 10:51 AM

Anonymous said...

I almost left before responding to this, but feel I have to. In your rotation give Belisle a chance - he has low to mid 90's fastball, a wicked change and at worst is probably a .500 pitcher. In some ways, he might be better than Bronson is. Perhaps he has or will turn the corner, I would say this is his last chance though. (then again he'll prob get cut, go to the Cardinals and look like the 2nd coming of Cy Young like Lohse is, but hopefully he works out for us)
I don't know what you do with EE, I think he's too inconsistent to trust. I'm sure we could find another 3rd baseman who hits 25-30 HRs, close to .300, and makes half as many errors.

at 11:13 AM

jdeezman said...

This is the one real big area where I disagree with the Reds management/FO...

Jay Bruce... sure I understand that the kid could "use some seasoning" at AAA... or is the real reason a penny pinching reason with his contract?

Realistically, we all know it's a money thing. I'd rather see the kid take his lumps in the bigs and get rid of Patterson. Hopper and Bruce in CF makes me a lot happier than what we have now. Bruce is a bat we need in the line-up.

I have got to say that I am really pleased with the pitching overall. The kids are doing fine... now if the powers that be just realize that Belisle or Bailey belong here more than Fogg...

Oh well, the season is young and there is reason for optimism.

at 11:13 AM

Rob Dicken said...

EE wins one game for each game he loses. Get rid of EE, unless you're satisfied striving to obtain a .500 record

What games has he lost the Reds this year specifically because of his errors?

I would be willing to bet that you don't have any legitimate information that supports your crack-pot theory.

The fans in this city never cease to amaze me. Listening to extra innings on 700 WLW is just as bad. There was someone on there that said Weathers faked an injury to come out of the game the other day. Then there was another guy that called in and said "Boy, that John guy can hit! That John guy that plays shortstop. John Keppinger! That's his name!"

If you really do not know the game of baseball, then please...please don't open your trap! Trying to win a debate or argument WITHOUT knowledge of the game of baseball, stats, etc is like trying to fight a fire without water.

at 11:25 AM

Unknown said...

And before you make fun of Dunn leading off, he's got the best OBP on the team and we all know he can't hit with RISP anyway so why not take the pressure off.

You want your top RBI guy from the past 5 years to lead off and follow guys who can't get on base? Who then drives in the runs? The proper place for Dunn is behind guys who get on base and ahead of guys who drive in runs. That means behind Keppinger and ahead of Griffey.

at 11:31 AM

Cheviot Sports Authority said...

Unfortunately this will probably be a very short winning 'streak' with Matt Belisle on the mound tonight. Oh well, he can't be any worse than Fogg and Arroyo.

Its about time for The Amazing Krivsky to sign Adam Dunn and Corie Patterson to long term deals.

I would much rather have a Jorge Cantu coming off the bench than a Ryan Freel or Juan Castro. I guess they could sign Frank Thomas and stick him in the OF. Then we could have 3 dinosaurs roaming out there.
ST CSA

at 11:57 AM

jc said...

little red machine

i agree with most of what you say... with one exception.
bruce has struck out only 5 times in his last 36 official plate appearances. struck out a lot the first week... but not since.

the pitching is much better. the eight is having its issues. i don't think that we are a world series contender. i love volquez and cueto and am lookijng forward to bray, bailey and bruce.
the only way to get to the next level is to get them up heare. now.
i do remember that dusty said that we would not know about bray until he pitches back to back days. i don't think he has done that yet at louisville.. if he has not... let's see how it goes.
bailey has zero to prove at louisville.
votto struck out a gazillion times at louisville as i recall.

at 11:58 AM

jc said...

does anbyone know if vin scully does away dodger telecasts anymore. much better listening to him than grande and welsh.
without brennaman or brantley. that is a bad duo. welsh better with brennaman.

at 12:04 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

If a team has inherent problems.. a second tier player like Bako getting thrown out of a ballgame is in no way shape or form "leadership".. Its stupidity ..especially when you consider Valintin is your backup. Frankly..nobody cares about Bako

at 12:05 PM

Unknown said...

Message to the Corey Patterson haters:

He does not swing at first pitches. He averages 3 and half pitches per at bat, which is even better than Hopper last year.

He also doesn't hit all these pop ups you guys keep referring to as he actually has 5 more ground out than fly outs on the year. And where would we be without his 4 home runs? How many wins would we have? About 2 fewer than we currently have.

He hit a couple of rockets into the gap in chicago that got ran down. He doesn't strike out very often and he plays a great centerfield.

This teams problem is not Corey Patterson. Right now it's Phillips "popping" everything up as he swings for the fences, and Dunnce hitting .189, and even worse than that w/RISP.

If it weren't for EE, Votto, and Patterson this team might be winless right now.

at 12:11 PM

Ankur Varma said...

Does Todd Coffey remind anyone else of a certain third baseman that the Reds kept giving chances to because he was supposed to be a stud, but he never panned out? (I'm not going to say his name because he brings back too many painful memories).

I think if the Reds can get through this spring at .500, once they get into the summer they'll have a better grip of who's going through slumps and who is actually having a bad season. Moves will be made (Bailey, Bruce, etc.) accordingly. You can't judge these players on a month of baseball (not even).

at 12:25 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

Corey Patterson is a back up..nothing more. Its a shame we had to give up such talent like Hamilton to get pitching

I like that other posters idea of putting EE in left field when Gonzalez returns and putting Keppinger on 3rd

"You can't judge these players on a month of baseball (not even)".

you can judge these players if they continue to perform as miserably as the entire last year

Keep the same players..you get the same results JBA

at 12:38 PM

24/7 said...

remember how good eddie was most of last year after like nine early errors? the more he hits, the better his defense will get. at least he wants to win.

bailey and bruce soon! maybe hold til june on bruce, but bailey needs to show and prove.

at 1:16 PM

Another losing season said...

You can't fight a grease fire with water.

at 1:38 PM

Rob Dicken said...

I would much rather have a Jorge Cantu coming off the bench than a Ryan Freel or Juan Castro. I guess they could sign Frank Thomas and stick him in the OF. Then we could have 3 dinosaurs roaming out there.

Baseball for Dummies...pick up a copy. I've heard it works wonders for people that just don't get the game!

Sign Frank Thomas to play the OF? I hope you're being sarcastic..? You'd sign him to come off the bench and platoon at 1st. He'd definitely be the right handed pop we're looking for.

Jorge Cantu sucks.

Frankly..nobody cares about Bako

I really wish you would quit speaking for "every body." That is really really annoying.

For a guy that knows how to call a game behind the plate and knows the location of pitches, it is a sign of leadership for Bako's pitchers when he speaks up to them about horrible calling behind the plate.

Stupidity..? The only thing stupid is this debate. Next thing you're going to say, is to fire the bullpen coach. The validity of these debates are laughable.

at 2:58 PM

KevinFtMyers said...

"If a team has inherent problems.. a second tier player like Bako getting thrown out of a ballgame is in no way shape or form "leadership".. Its stupidity ..especially when you consider Valintin is your backup."

First of all, a starting catcher is NEVER a second tier player to the pitching staff. Even if he is a "never was".

Baseball is an emotional game to those that care and I doubt that when Bako had had enough with the calls, he was thinking about whether Javy is any good or not.

Again, spoken like someone who has never played the game.

"Frankly..nobody cares about Bako"

Thats a pretty absolute statement to make.
Do you know this first hand? How?

at 4:27 PM

REddlegg in Colorado said...

There really are a lot of options for the Reds to move players.So many different angles to play out.There is so much depth in certain areas that the reds could swap this for that.Power is not everything, you need a little bit of everything to really succeed.

Dunn- could be more fitted for a DH job in the A.L. & think of what he could bring in return.His bat can be replaced(&maybe a RH power bat) & his fielding needs to be replaced.Like some other bloggers said, EE in LF is not that bad of an idea.

Gonzo or Kepp-I would imagine that Gonzo gets the nod at SS when he comes back,since he does have a ring & more clout at that particular position.I'm starting to think the Gonzo signing is a waste, with all his time away from the game(& for good reason).I would imagine BP @ SS & Kepp @ 2B next season.

Bako/Ross,Javy V.-who is the oddman out?Or do they carry all three.A trade could be possible.I would say Ross is the oddman out as of now,But His RH power is much needed.

at 4:36 PM

Zippy said...

Richie,

Here's the problem with your logic:

Anyone who consistently hits 4th or 5th in the lineup is likely to lead the team in RBIs. If we had Keppinger batting cleanup for the entire year, he might very well lead the team in RBI. So what?

Dunn's OBP and AVG with the bases empty are considerably better than his OBP and AVG with runners in scoring position. Most of his HRs are solo shots. That screams "LEADOFF HITTER" to me. If Dunn moves to leadoff, he still drives in 70 or 80 this year, and if Phillips is hitting cleanup, he drives in 90+. It's easy to drive people in when you're always coming up with runners on base.

at 4:44 PM

REddlegg in Colorado said...

For the Griff lovers, have you ever tried to talk to Griff at a Game?

Not the most friendly guy on the team & he could care less about Cincy.He has been on record of saying that Cincy is not his home,FL is.He also welcomes a trade to the right team.These are right in the headlines for everyone to see.

I like Griff & have always appreciated his game,but he is a little slow/lazy at times & his leadership qualities seem to be non-existing.I think the reds could unload him & get a good return,after 600 HR's of course.Gotta keep the marketing plan of his 600 HR milestone.Hopefully he doesn't hit it on the road,but he might.

Griff is the past,we need the present & the future.

I will say I respect his integrity,values,gumption,& honesty.He never cheated the game & he's the REAL HR & RBI hero in these(Tainted) times.

at 5:11 PM

REddlegg in Colorado said...

Assets:(These player's are off limit's in my eyes in trade negotiations)
1.BP
2.Kepp
3.Votto
4.Cueto
5.Harang
6.Volquez
7.Burton
8.Cordero(The most expensive one)
9.Bailey
10.Bruce

Expendable:(These players are worthy of trade talk in Negotiations)
1.Dunn
2.Griff
3.EE
4.Javy V.
5.Hatty
6.Bako
7.Ross
8.Hopper
9.Patteson
10.Weathers(When off the D.L)

Unwanted:(Good luck with these 3)
1.Fogg
2.Coffey
3.Castro(Who has been D4A)

50-50:(Pitching is hard to find,so management has to be careful to trade away pitching.Hairston has not proved what he's worth,yet)
1.Hairston
2.Lincoin
3.Arroyo
4,Belisle
5.Affeldt
6.Mercker
7.Freel(His versatility,hustle & speed are huge factors in keeping him around,but if he can be replaced by a cheaper(younger) option with the same tools,I would be OK with that)

Now I know Bruce & Bailey are minor league guys as of now,but they are Big league assets in my eyes.But as any GM would say in any sport, any player can be traded for the right price.

at 7:21 PM

JackBlueAsh said...

Bako getting thrown out of a game has as much consequence and is as motivational as Juan Castro getting thrown out

Bako is a journeyman catcher..nothing more. Bako is a starting pitcher on this team because we have no other catchers of relavence

defend mediocrity ..you get poor results

JBA

at 9:36 PM

KevinFtMyers said...

"Bako getting thrown out of a game has as much consequence and is as motivational as Juan Castro getting thrown out"

"Bako is a journeyman catcher..nothing more. Bako is a starting pitcher on this team because we have no other catchers of relavence"

You go to alot of games, but no mater how many games you watch , you will never understand player relationships and clubhouse psycology.

But in the interest of putting this behind us:

Sir, I am out of line debating this with you. You are the final say on team chemistry, and how a players actions are percieved by his team mates.
I know that your expertise comes from first hand personal experiences in team sports, specifically baseball.
You are right I am wrong.

Previous Posts

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Post-game wrap

49 Comments: