Red Revolution - A 2008 Cincinnati Reds Dynasty

[philthepat]

[piratesmvp04]

Looks cool. But how ironic that you open this thread on the same night that your team loses to its former starter. ;-)

[TheSabathiaEra]

good luck with this

[DeuceBlades]

Nice, I see you finally decided on one...........good luck :wtg:

[philthepat]

[philthepat]

Reds Rotation and Lineup Set

The Cincinnat Reds today announced their starting rotation and lineup for the forthcoming season.

This rotation shows a mix of experience and youth. The ace Aaron Harang is a true leader. Joined by Bronson Arroyo and Jered Weaver, they make for a formiddable three. Backing them up is the youthful enthusiasm of Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto. Homer Bailey is understood to be starting the year in AAA, but is expected to be called on if there are injures or lack of form.

The Bullpen:

LR Jeremy Affeldt

LR Gary Majewski

MR Todd Coffey

MR Mike Lincoln

SU Dave Weathers

SU Bill Bray

CL Francisco Cordero

The lineup contains a mixture of speed and power, and has a very youthful look to it. Lead by Ken Griffey Jr, the rookies include outfielder Jay Bruce, Joey Votto at first and Brandon Wood at short.

LF Ryan Freel

2B Brandon Phillips

RF Ken Griffey Jr.

C Mike Napoli

1B Joey Votto

3B Edwin Encarnacion

SS Brandon Wood

CF Jay Bruce

Bench:

SS Alex Gonzalez

OF Norris Hopper

1B Scott Hatteberg

C Javier Valentin

INF Jeff Keppinger

[DeuceBlades]

Nice trade for Weaver, I can actually see it. I think the Angels may have wanted more, but its almost even.

Thats a sick starting 5 too :ninja:

[RaysFTW]

I second that being a good trade. I seriously want to see some games with the new, revitalized Reds. Good luck, bro.

[andrewdon]

I don't know if you guys agree but Manny Parra from the brew crew could be a good add on for a number 5 starter or long relief

[RaysFTW]

I don't know if you guys agree but Manny Parra from the brew crew could be a good add on for a number 5 starter or long relief

Parra would be an excellent pick-up. He's got the potential and he's a top prospect.

[DeuceBlades]

Parra is good, I concur although Id throw in a lefty to break up the monotony, and give teams a different look every 5 days.

[philthepat]

Parra is good, I concur although Id throw in a lefty to break up the monotony, and give teams a different look every 5 days.

Funny you say that, I was just thinking about that to myself earlier. Might have to do something about it...

[philthepat]

Cincinnati, OH The long awaited season opener for the Reds at the Great American Ballpark showed just how seriously other teams need to take them this year. Facing a potential Cy Young candidate was never going to be easy, but the Reds sure make it look that way.

After a quick top of the inning in the first, where starter Harang struck out two, the Reds got to business in the bottom of the inning. Ryan Freel got things started when he blasted a 1-2 pitch into the seats in left field, and things didn't get any better for Webb. After striking out Phillips, he walked four of the next five batters, one of which forced in a run. He did however make it out of the inning having given up just the two runs.

Webb finised the game after 5.2 innings, after giving up five earned runs and walking five, but striking out eight. He took the loss.

The D'backs responded in the 2nd through a Chad Tracy homerun. Harang missed his spot horribly and Tracy crushed the curve deep. But this was as close as Arizona would get to threatening in this game.

Aaron Harang helped his own cause in the game, going 2-3 and driving in a run on a seeing eye single to left. He left the game after seven strong innings in which he struck out eight. Arizona's only other run off Harang came after a throwing error by third basemen Encarnacion while tring to turn a 5-4-3 double play.

Also having a good day was rookie Jay Bruce, who on his major league debut went 2-3 with a walk and a double. Speaking after the game, Bruce said,

'Obviously it's great to get out there and play. I just want to contribute to the team any way I can. But the most important thing is that we get the win. Aaron pitched a great game today, and we got the right hits at the right time to win the game.'

Game 2 of this series sees Bronson Arroyo face newly acquired D'backs starter Dan Haren.

[DeuceBlades]

Nice win, tough for Webby, but hey, thats the breaks....lol Nice job on the presentation :wtg:

[philthepat]

Cincinnati, OH This spring, the Arizona Diamondback's starting rotation was described as the best in the National League. The Cincinnati Reds didn't get that memo. Two days after Brandon Webb was smacked around by the revitalized Reds, newly acquired Dan Haren got similar treatment.

Giving up ten hits and seven earned runs over just five innings, Haren will be wishing he'd stayed in Oakland after this one. Seemingly aggitated by the speed of the Reds lineup, Haren started but couldn't get an out in the sixth. The two Diamondback aces gave up a combined thirteen runs over just 10.2 innings pitched.

There were obviously many positives for the Reds to take from this game. One of them being the offensive production they are getting out of the pitchers, with Arroyo supplying a sacrifice fly ball to extend the lead in the second inning. Another big bonus so far is the hitting of new catcher Mike Napoli, who had a 4-4 day with 4 ribbies and a long homerun.

Also repaying his faith in the management is Jay Bruce, who continues to play like a seasoned vet. Another 3-4 day with a couple of rbis, he is also showing his great range in the field with a couple of outstanding defensive plays when the Diamondbacks were posing a small threat towards the end of the game.

The final game of the series tomorrow sees new Reds pitcher Jered Weaver make his first start of the year. The Diamondbacks will look to experienced veteren Randy Johnson to try and avert a sweep. The Reds will then move onto a four game home set with the Phillies.

[philthepat]

[Kikix]

I prefer Freddy Garcia before Halsey :p

[andrewdon]

Cincinnati, OH This spring, the Arizona Diamondback's starting rotation was described as the best in the National League. The Cincinnati Reds didn't get that memo. Two days after Brandon Webb was smacked around by the revitalized Reds, newly acquired Dan Haren got similar treatment.

Giving up ten hits and seven earned runs over just five innings, Haren will be wishing he'd stayed in Oakland after this one. Seemingly aggitated by the speed of the Reds lineup, Haren started but couldn't get an out in the sixth. The two Diamondback aces gave up a combined thirteen runs over just 10.2 innings pitched.

There were obviously many positives for the Reds to take from this game. One of them being the offensive production they are getting out of the pitchers, with Arroyo supplying a sacrifice fly ball to extend the lead in the second inning. Another big bonus so far is the hitting of new catcher Mike Napoli, who had a 4-4 day with 4 ribbies and a long homerun.

Also repaying his faith in the management is Jay Bruce, who continues to play like a seasoned vet. Another 3-4 day with a couple of rbis, he is also showing his great range in the field with a couple of outstanding defensive plays when the Diamondbacks were posing a small threat towards the end of the game.

The final game of the series tomorrow sees new Reds pitcher Jered Weaver make his first start of the year. The Diamondbacks will look to experienced veteren Randy Johnson to try and avert a sweep. The Reds will then move onto a four game home set with the Phillies.

just to let you know see how the red looks sort of distortede and wavy using png makes it sharper. nice job sofar

[DeuceBlades]

I love the way you had the tennis reference to the double header :wtg: You still on top of this? Halsey would be a nice sign as a lefty.

Garcia is a righty and Halsey is the best lefty in FA per the 5.2 update by KG Jason Stanford is comparable, but Halsey is servicable as a 6th man LR/spot starter to break up an all righty rotation.

[philthepat]

Im either going to pick up Halsey, or just use Bobby Livingston as my lefty starter. Not sure which yet.

Ill have the next game up in a couple of hours. Been putting the finishing touches to a 15000 word dissertation all weekend.. 8O so ive been slightly distracted from playing

[philthepat]

Cincinnati, OH

The Reds have started the year strong, and today completed the three game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks. They did so by beating future hall of famer Randy Johnson, and through the fine pitching performance by new man Jered Weaver.

The Reds jumped on the Big Unit early, scoring four of their five runs in the first two innings. This was enough for Weaver to work with as he pitched six strong innings in his debut, giving up just three hits and a solo homerun to Chris Burke. The bullpen then shut the game out to get him the win.

Having another big game was rookie outfielder Jay Bruce. He showed off most of his tools today. First hitting a solo shot that wrapped around the foul pole in right to put the final nail in Johnson's coffin, and then making a diving catch in center to keep the game out of reach for the Diamondbacks. This was the first homerun of his young career, and is sure to be the first of many more.

The only negative to come out of this game was the loss of outfielder Ryan Freel. He is expected to be out for two weeks with a minor ACL sprain, and has been immediately put onto the 15 day DL. The Reds have called up Chris Dickerson to take his place on the roster, and Norris Hopper will take Freel's place in the outfield. Freel was injured sliding into third base on a triple late in the game.

The Reds now head into a four game set against the Philadelphia Phillies. The possible pitching matchups are as follows:

Game 1: Jamie Moyer(0-0, 0.00) vs Edinson Volquez(0-0, 0.00)

Game 2: Adam Eaton(0-0, 0.00) vs Jonny Cueto(0-0, 0.00)

Game 3: Brett Myers(1-0, 1.29) vs Aaron Harang(1-0, 1.29)

Game 4: Cole Hamels(1-0, 7.20) vs Bronson Arroyo(1-0, 1.50)

[DeuceBlades]

Now when you finally get through with your 1000000 word dissertations....lol Go sign up for my dynasty. I need players, and there will be a player by player breakdown.

[DeuceBlades]

Since your English, would the Reds be considered Red Coats??

j/k just having a little fun

So far this dynasty is going well. The Reds are on a small roll right now.

Would you consider it irony if you played the Yanks in the WS??

[philthepat]

Cincinnati, OH

The Reds marched on today as they won their 4th consecutive game of the season. The Reds are now sitting alone atop the NL Central at this early stage of the year. But this win didn't come without its own drama.

Making his first start of the year was Edinson Volquez, and he looked all set for the win after a very strong performance. Completing 7.1 innings, and giving up just two earned runs on five hits, Volquez gave the Reds yet another quality start from the rotation. The only real blip on the game for Edinson was a long two run shot from Jimmy Rollins in the 6th.

As for Jay Bruce, well we are quickly running out of superlatives to describe the young rookie. Currently batting an even .500 this year, he hit his second homerun with another shot to right. Griffey Jr also added his first of the year as his quest for 600 goes on.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Bruce spoke about his season so far,

"Its great to be honest! I was hoping to contribute as much as possible, and Im getting a great feel for it right now. Im seeing the ball really well. Junior is always offering me advice and telling me how to go. Its great playing alongside a guy like that, I mean its not everyday you get to lineup next to a future hall of famer is it!"

Closer Cordero came into the game in the 9th inning to try and save Volquez's win but was unable to do so. Chase Utley hit a bomb to straighaway center to start the inning, and was followed by a parade of hits and walks which led to the tying run crossing the plate. Credit one blown save to Cordero.

But the Reds rallied in the bottom of the 9th. Recent callup Chris Dickerson singled, and then stole 2nd base. Then Norris Hopper, who has been struggling of late, hit a deep single to center to bring home Dickerson and walk off with the win.

Just another day of drama at the Great American Ballpark.

Tomorrows matchup sees Adam Eaton go up against rookie Jonny Cueto.

[philthepat]

Cincinnati, OH

Never a dull moment with the Cincinnati Reds. This certainly didn't change in this game. In what turned out to be a rollercoaster game at GABP, the Reds finally lost their first game of the year.

Starting the game for the Reds was rookie stud Jonny Cueto. The young righthander was impressive all of spring training, and a capacity crowd showed up to watch his debut, and everything started out well.

He retired his first four batters that he faced before giving up a pair of singles to Feliz and Jenkins, but battled out of the second unscathed. The game remained tied until the bottom of the third inning, when rookie superstar Jay Bruce hit his 3rd homerun of the season. But the lead didn't last long.

In the next inning Pedro Feliz welcomed Cueto to the bigs with a towering shot to tie the game up at 1-1. A single and walk followed, but once again Cueto worked himself out of a jam. His composure was definitely a strong positive from the game, and he showed his is not rattled by pesky baserunners.

Starting the game as catcher to give Mike Napoli a rest was Javier Valentin, and he had himself a heck of a game. Going 4-4, with two homeruns and three runs batted in, it wa certainly an impressive outing from the veteren.

Cueto was forced out of the game in the 6th, seeming having run out of gas. Despite the fact he surrendered five earned runs on a massive fourteen hits, there is every reason to be happy with what they saw from a Red's perspective.

The Reds once again rallied in the bottom of the 7th scoring three runs, including Valentin's second homer of the game. they held this lead into the 9th, and Cordero came in to try and earn the save, and the Red's fifth win of the year. But it all went horribly wrong again for the closer.

Jimmy Rollins lead off the inning with a single. Cordero then clipped Ryan Howard to put two on and no one out. Pat Burrell singled to drive in the tying run, and Pedro Feliz followed this with a double down the line to score another two. Cordero was pulled as Dave Weathers came in to finish the inning but the damage was done.

The Reds did manage to get two baserunners on in the bottom of the 9th, and Ken Griffey Jr came to the plate as the winning run. But the game finished as he struck out.

The third game of this series sees the Red's ace harang return to the mound looking for his 2nd win. The Phillies will counter with their own ace, Brett Myers who is also looking for his 2nd win of the season.