The Return of the Big Red.......

[dweaver99027]

Hmmmm, Alfonseca needs to go on a diet... :chin:

Nice results, Lual...

[Lual]

Game 4: Cincinnati Reds (23-14) @ Houston Astros (15-22)

Reds Split Series

Above: Molina drives in 2 runs, Right: Hill hits his 2nd homer of the year!

The Reds managed to squeeze out a series split, after racing to a 6-1 win over Houston in game 4.

Molina got the ball rolling with a 2 RBI single in the 5th inning, before Hill stepped up to smack his 2nd homer of the year deep to right.

3 more Reds runs came home, before the Astros managed to get on the board, giving Cincinnati a comfortable 6-1 win.

After 38 games, the Reds stand at 24-14 and hang on to their slender advantage atop the NL Central. 'Red Beaters' Pittsburgh come to Cincinnati next for a 3 game tussle, which includes a 70s night for all you Retro Uni' fans.

Reds Talk:

Dominguez: "I can be happy with that start, the Astros can be a tough team to pitch too, so shutting them out for 5 innings is a job done"

Molina: "Its up to me to earn the everyday role, Josh is a great catcher, but i know i can produce for this team"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Hill - 2/5, 1HR, 1RBI

Pena - 2/5

Casey - 2/3

Molina - 2/3, 2RBI

Encarnacion - 2/4, 1RBI

Freel & Griffey - 1RBI

Pitching:

Dominguez - 5I 4H 0R 0ER 1BB 2K 0HR 3.82ERA W(3-2)

Parrish - 2I 4H 1R 1ER 0BB 1K 0HR 3.24ERA

Urbina - 2I 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 4.41ERA

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   6  11   0


HOU   1   9   0

[Lual]

Upcoming Series - 3 games Home vs Pittsburgh Pirates

Game 1: Pittsburgh Pirates (15-22) @ Cincinnati Reds (24-14)

Reds Overcome Pirate Jinx!

Above: Dunn belts in 2 runs to put the Reds in the clear, Right: Pena gets a fastball to the knee, as the Pirates try to ruffle the rising star!

Pittsburgh's hoodoo over the Reds seems to be losing its grip, as they fell to a 4-1 loss at the GABP.

Freel and Lopez got the Reds off to a solid start, putting the Reds 2-0 up within 3 innings. A Wilson RBI made the score close at 2-1, before Adam Dunn drilled a long single to center, allowing 2 runners to score in the 7th inning.

It was all about the 9's for the Reds pitchers as Zambrano improves to a CY Young contending 9-0 record, whilst Closer Alfonseca picked up his 9th save of the year.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "Antonio is the go-to guy. We can rely on him to come through in the clutch, and save our wins"

Strong: "Im enjoying my time being around the Reds organisation. I know im not a key part of this team, but i will give it 100% when im called upon"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Freel - 2/4, 1RBI, 1 Double

Strong - 3/4, 1 Double

Dunn - 1/4, 2RBI

Lopez - 2/3, 1RBI, 1 Double

Pitching:

Zambrano - 8I 7H 1R 1ER 1BB 5K 0HR 2.31ERA W(9-0)

Alfonseca - 1I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 1K 0HR 0.00ERA (Save 9)

Box:


	  R   H   E


PIT   1   7   1


CIN   4  11   0

[Lual]

Game 2: Pittsburgh Pirates (15-23) @ Cincinnati Reds (25-14)

A 'Hill' Too Far for Pittsburgh!

Above: Hill slams his 2nd homer in 3 games to start the Reds going, then (Right) steals 2nd, to get into scoring position!

Retro Night in Cincinnati, as the 2 sides donned 70s Uniforms for game 2 of this series.

It was the Reds who felt the most inspired by this change of colours, as ex-Pirate Bobby Hill further put claim to the 2B role, by slamming his 2nd jack in 3 games to start things rolling for the Reds.

Hill then got in scoring position with a stolen bag in the 6th, before Pena drove him home to cement the Reds position at 3-0.

Milton pitched a solid 7 innings, giving up just 4 hits, as the Pirates offence looked as dangerous as the parrot on their left shoulder. Good old Alfonseca then came into get the save, his 10th of the year as the Reds held out to win 3-1.

Reds Talk:

Milton: "Im still getting my stuff together, it just seems to have been a stop start year for me, after that groin injury"

Hill: "Pittsburgh seem to have had a jinx over this club in the past couple of years, so its fitting that an ex-Pirate would take them down"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Hill - 2/3, 1HR, 1RBI

Griffey - 2/4

Pena - 2/4, 1RBI

Strong - 1RBI

Pitching:

Milton - 7I 4H 1R 1ER 0BB 0K 0HR 2.08ERA W(2-0)

Brazoban - 1I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 1K 0HR 0.54ERA

Alfonseca - 1I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 2K 0HR 0.00ERA (Save 10)

Box:


	  R   H   E


PIT   1   4   0


CIN   3   8   0

[go_bucs2000]

Bobby Hill did it you got the Pirates i knew the jinx would let up

[Lual]

Bobby Hill did it you got the Pirates i knew the jinx would let up

aye - its a relief to actually beat them, but still its very tight games.

@movietitan - Mo' has 18 so far in 40 games, if he carries on like this, he could hit 72 'ish' - so you never know

@dweaver - As long as he gets the Saves, he could be as fat as Ponson

cheers for checking in lads :wtg:

[APR]

Haven't been checking in lately, so I thought it was only amicable of me to do so.

Keep up the winning ways...wait, did I just say that...about Lual? :chin: :lol:

[probaseball203]

Lual...your my hero!!! lol hey which braves players did you pick up in the offseason again?

[Lual]

Game 3: Pittsburgh Pirates (15-24) @ Cincinnati Reds (26-14)

More Errors Than Windows!

Above: Hill again..... Right: Molina makes a tag at home to keep the Reds lead intact!

Pittsburgh leave Cincinnati after a series losing sweep, as they commit 3 errors to lose 3-2 in a game where they outhit the Reds 10-6.

The Pirates infield had a bad day at the office, overthrowing, dropping catches and taking the wrong play, to allow the Reds to squeeze in 2 key runs.

Bobby 'Pirate Beater' Hill started the game with a lead off homer as the Reds found a solid footing early on. A 2nd RBI from Hill came in the 5th, as the Reds gave Claussen a 2 run lead to protect.

Pittsburgh did manage to pull a run back, before Griffeys Sac Fly provided a tiny piece of insurance. Castillo's solo shot then gave the Reds another scare, as they held a slender 3-2 lead going into the 9th.

Out came Antonio 'Family Bucket of KFC' Alfonseca to clinch yet another save, although he did load the bases with a pair of walks and a base hit single.

Next its off to Chi-Town for the Reds, as they face the 2nd place Cubs for a 3 game series at Wrigley.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "That series has put us back on the right track. Everything worked for us out there, and we eeked out the 3 tight wins"

Hill: "Sorry Pirates fans, but i just got my groove going and went out to prove that organisation they made the wrong choice in not re-signing me"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Hill - 2/4, 1HR, 2RBI

Griffey - 1RBI

Pitching:

Claussen - 6I 7H 1R 1ER 1BB 3K 0HR 4.38ERA W(5-3)

Thornton - 2I 2H 1R 1ER 0BB 1K 1HR 4.15ERA

Alfonseca - 1I 1H 0R 0ER 2BB 1K 0HR 0.00ERA (Save 11)

Box:


	  R   H   E


PIT   2  10   3


CIN   3   6   1

[Lual]

Royce See's Red!

Above: Clayton launches attack on team-mates!

Royce Clayton has been suspended by the Cincinnati Reds for his outburst in the teams dugout during game 3 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

It is alleged that Clayton verbally abused members of the team during the game, and then lashed out at CF Jamal Strong, as the player stood up for himself.

Clayton who only joined in the summer, has been a vocally unhappy player, and has recently started to make comments against the organisation in the local media.

This flashpoint was the final straw for the club, and Clayton was escorted out of the dugout by the local police, who later took him out of the stadium to avoid further incident with enraged Reds fans.

The Reds havent stated how long Clayton will be suspended for, but they have said that he will not be going to AAA Louisville, presumably leaving them with 1 choice, and thats to buy out his contract.

Miley was quoted as saying "Royce has been a bad influence in this locker room of late. He came into the club with a cocky attitude, and his failure to gain the starter SS role has led him to feel humiliated."

O'Brien (GM) issued a brief statement "Royce Clayton has been formally suspended with immediate effect from the Cincinnati Reds. We are looking into options with the MLB to see whether they want to take any further action against the player. I will not comment on the long term future of Royce at this club, but he hasn't made himself a popular man in this city"

Royce Clayton has yet to comment on this incident.

[Lual]

Lual...your my hero!!! lol hey which braves players did you pick up in the offseason again?

lol - cheers mate

Braves players... i think just 3B Vazquez, though i dont know what sort of stature he has in Atlanta.

@Apr - cheers mate - wheres my sexy new sig ;)

[probaseball203]

i thought you had andy marte? and pete orr? or m i crazy lol

[Lual]

Upcoming Series - 3 games @ Chicago Cubs

Game 1: Cincinnati Reds (27-14) @ Chicago Cubs (25-17)

Cubs Fend For Themselves!

Above: Spooneybarger impresses in this loss, Right: Reality sets in, the Cubs are catching up!

The Reds failed to produce any offence in a 4-0 humbling by the rampant Cubs, who smacked 3 homers (2 from Lee) as Aaron Harang took his 1st loss of the season.

Freel went 2/4 in the only stat of note for the Reds offence, in a game that just screamed out for some pop.

Griffey and Dunn continued in their recent slumps, leaving the Reds wondering whether a move for a big bat, could bring some life back into this lineup.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "Not the start to this series that we need. This is a huge set for us, and we cant afford to let the Cubs take us apart"

Griffey: "Ive lost alot of pop, and its starting to take its toll on the team. Im not sure whether i will carry on after this year, i dont want to tarnish what reputation i have"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Freel - 2/4,1 Double

Pitching:

Harang - 6I 10H 4R 4ER 0BB 2K 3HR 4.09ERA L(4-1)

Spooneybarger - 2I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 1K 0HR 3.00ERA

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   0   5   1


CHC   4  10   2

[Lual]

Game 2: Cincinnati Reds (27-15) @ Chicago Cubs (26-17)

Cubs Pitchers Win It (For Reds)!

Above: Griffey limps away after this pitch to the knee, Right: Dunn makes a defensive grab, making up for his offensive struggles!

A 3-hit win for the Reds, as their offence still failed to fire, but found a slice of luck with Williams giving up 9 walks as the Reds picked up a 4-2 win.

Casey hit a 2RBI single to put the Reds in charge in the 5th inning, as Dominguez, Parrish then Alfonseca all did their jobs on the mound to enusre the Reds clung on for the win.

The Reds will be concerned that they have only mustered 8 hits from the 2 games at Wrigley so far, and the rumours linking them with a Griffey plus... offer for Sheffield will get stronger by the day.

Reds Talk:

O'Brien (GM): "We cant make a big move unless we dump some salary. Sheffield has been on the block for a while, so unless we ship Griffey and some pitching to the Yanks, i think we may have to stick with what we got"

Pena: "I suppose its a compliment for them to walk me 3 times of 4 ABs"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Casey - 1/3, 2RBI

Willingham & Dunn - 1RBI

9 Walks

Pitching:

Dominguez - 6I 2H 1R 1ER 1BB 2K 0HR 3.48ERA W(4-2)

Parrish - 2I 3H 1R 1ER 0BB 1K 0HR 3.33ERA

Alfonseca - 1I 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 0.00ERA (Save 12)

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   4   3   2


CHC   2   6   0

[Lual]

Game 3: Cincinnati Reds (28-15) @ Chicago Cubs (26-18)

Carloss'!

Above: Lopez goes 4/4 to remind everyone why Clayton is p*ssed, Right: Pena jacks number 19 after a mini drought!

Series done, and its the Cubs who spring a surprise on their former pitcher, by knocking him around Wrigley, as they wrapped up a 7-2 win.

Zambrano looking for win number 10, was soon behind as the Cubs rallied for 3 runs in the 1st inning. 3 more followed in quick succession, as the Cubs raced into a 6-0 lead, leaving Carlos a lonely figure on the mound.

The Reds couldnt match the Cubs, as would only take a 2 run bomb from Pena as consolation in this heavy loss. The Cubs meanwhile clawed to within 1.5 games of the Reds, as the NL Central is starting to heat up.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "We got away with a win, so its far from a disastor. Things will need to pick up though, 17 hits through 3 games is a concern for us"

Zambrano: "I was a let down out there today. It was a big moment for me to come back here and pitch, but i just let the occasion get the better of me"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Lopez - 4/4

Pena - 1/4, 1HR, 2RBI

Pitching:

Zambrano - 7I 10H 6R 5ER 0BB 2K 2HR 2.69ERA L(9-1)

Gardner - 1I 1H 1R 1ER 1BB 1K 0HR 4.50ERA

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   2   9   3


CHC   7  11   1

[mooseknucks]

That's a shame. I've been looking forward to a Cubs/Reds game. Too bad it couldn't have been a win. You're still doing good. I'd like to see some stats though! :lol:

[Lual]

Current MLB Standings (As of May 21st):

[Lual]

Cincinnati Reds Stats (As of May 21st):

[Lual]

Is this the end, beautiful friend, the end...

Above: Griffeys chase for 600 could be a century too far...!

With all Reds fans still buzzing from their impromptude start to the season, many have overlooked a glaring stat.

Baseball 'Golden Boy' Ken Griffey Jr. has seen his numbers fall dramatically, which has put a serious risk not only to his future in the game, but to his chase for the magical 600 homeruns.

Age is an obvious factor for Griffeys decline, but it was only last season that he put up 30+ homers and a 120 RBI year.

Is Junior injured or just done? We know all baseball fans want to see Griffey get to a deserved 600, but with just 4 homers in 44 games this year, that figure looks a long way off.

A potential 'Get-Out Clause' for Griffey, is a move back to the AL to become a full time DH. With rumours of the Yankees wishing to move Gary Sheffield, the Reds have been touted as a potential destination for the veteran Right Fielder. This would then allow the team to move Willy Mo' into Center, and give them the pop from Sheffield that they are missing with Griffey.

Griffey Numbers:

2005 - .247Avg 37HR 120RBI

2006 - .258Avg 4HR 23RBI

[deadmatt]

I've been following this from the start and just wonder how you update every day and keep your mind on the game a motivated about it...

Looked at the pitching stats and Alfonseca is at an era of 0.00 after 15 games??? :duh: :duh:

your a legened man and i would give griffey till the end of the season

good work

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Matt

[Lual]

I've been following this from the start and just wonder how you update every day and keep your mind on the game a motivated about it...

Looked at the pitching stats and Alfonseca is at an era of 0.00 after 15 games??? :duh: :duh:

your a legened man and i would give griffey till the end of the season

good work

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Matt

thanks mate -glad your enjoying it :wtg:

as for updating - i generally play a series or 3 games, then take a break, then come back to the PC and update in a batch.

as for Alfonseca - he is a beast and alongside Zambrano as my best ever signings in my MVP life ;)

[Lual]

Upcoming Series - 3 games @ Los Angeles Dodgers

Game 1: Cincinnati Reds (28-16) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (24-19)

Think Red!

Above: Griffey drives in the crucial 3rd run, Right: Lopez helps turn 2, as the Reds squeeze out of the 9th inning!

Dodger Stadium witnessed a tense battle between 2 NL Division leading clubs, as the Reds held on to take the game 3-2.

The Reds did just enough to see off the Dodgers, as Griffey, Dunn and Casey all drove runs in, as the Reds led 3-1 through 5.

The fans then saw a side to Alfonseca that he hadnt shown in a Reds Uni', after pitching 15 scoreless innings, the Dodgers finally broke his resolve, and managed to score to close things up to 3-2. Thankfully for the Reds Alfonseca remained composed, and forced a double play to end the game, earning his 13th save of the year.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "This is a tough set for us in LA. The Dodgers are a good team, so we will need to work hard to get a series win in Tinsel Town."

Alfonseca: "It was bound to happen, im just glad that i could pitch out of the inning, as that run gave them alot of momentum"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Freel - 2/5

Griffey - 1/3, 1RBI

Dunn - 2/3, 1RBI

Casey - 1RBI

Pitching:

Milton - 7.1I 6H 1R 1ER 0BB 2K 0HR 1.95ERA W(3-0)

Urbina - 0.2I 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 4.24ERA

Alfonseca - 1I 2H 1R 1ER 1BB 0K 0HR 0.54ERA (Save 13)

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   3   8   0


LA	2   9   2

[Lual]

Game 2: Cincinnati Reds (29-16) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (24-20)

Game Over...Insert Coin to Continue!

Above: Casey's double brings home the winning runs, Right: Dunn pop's a fuse, after he gets nailed in the ribs!

Eric Gagne, or 'Game Over' to his fans, gave the Reds a 'Continue' in the 9th inning, as he blew a 3-0 lead, to walk in 2 runs and eventually allow the Reds 5 in a miracle fight back.

Jayson Werth's 3 run dinger in the 3rd appeared to have won the game for the Dodgers, until Gagne let the Reds take control. Casey's 2RBI double proved to be the clinching hit, as the Reds dug out a 5-3 win in the 9th inning.

The Reds now are a game away from an unexpected sweep, but there will still be concerns over their anaemic offence, with just 4 hits coming from todays game.

Reds Talk:

Miley: "Never give up, thats what i tell the players, and today we saw it pay off. Those wins generate playoff teams"

Casey: "Ive been a bit rusty lately, so to connect with a game winning double is a nice confidence booster. It came down to determination and a little luck, but that win has us all buzzing in the locker room"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Casey - 1/4, 2RBI, 1 Double

Griffey, Strong & Pena - 1RBI

Pitching:

Claussen - 4.1I 6H 3R 3ER 0BB 0K 1HR 4.53ERA

Gardner - 3.2I 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 1K 0HR 3.09ERA W(1-2)

Brazoban - 1I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 0.51ERA (Save 1)

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   5   4   0


LA	3   7   0

[Lual]

Game 3: Cincinnati Reds (30-16) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (24-21)

Dodgers Scoreless Through 15!

Above: Parrish picks up the win, as the Reds staff shutout the Dodgers through 15, Right: Tip your hats to the winners!

A dire offensive outing by both teams, as the pitchers are on top with the Reds eeking out a 1-0 win after 15 innings of play.

The Reds only mustered 4 hits for the 2nd game running, but managed to nick the win, thanks to a Lopez triple which bought Freel home in the 15th.

The flipside saw a 15 inning shutout of the Dodgers offence, which the Reds staff can take alot of credit for. 5 pitchers combined for this effort, with Parrish picking up his 3rd win, and Alfonseca his 14th save.

Dodgers fans will still be wondering how they got swept in that series, but its a good sign for the Reds, as they are playing bad but still winning.

Reds Talk:

O'Brien (GM): "You dont see many teams sweep a series with just 16 hits to their name, including a couple of 4 hit outings. This is possibly the time we need to shift some faces and bring a bat or two into this lineup"

Griffey: "Im pretty low at the moment, going 0 for 6 dosent help matters"

Reds Notables:

Hitting:

Hill - 2/6

Lopez - 1/6, 1RBI, 1 Triple

Pitching:

Harang - 8I 5H 0R 0ER 1BB 2K 0HR 3.53ERA

Spooneybarger - 1.1I 2H 0R 0ER 1BB 0K 0HR 2.46ERA

Urbina - 1.2I 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 3.85ERA

Parrish - 3I 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 1K 0HR 3.00ERA W(3-1)

Alfonseca - 1I 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 0K 0HR 0.51ERA (Save 14)

Box:


	  R   H   E


CIN   1   4   0


LA	0   9   0

[go_bucs2000]

bring out the brooms another sweep by the reds!!! still going strong lual