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Around SBN: Ohio State And Florida Target 2013 Receiver Recruits

Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh, 11 April 2008

Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates, Apr 11, 2008 7:05 PM EDT


Sorry, all - busy day yesterday. I'm also pretty busy today, but hopefully all that should finish in time for me to join this thread right after game time. I'll recap both games after this one is over.

It's a pretty interesting matchup tonight - we've got youngster Edinson Volquez facing off against Paul Maholm. Volquez dominated his first start of the year, against the Phillies. Here's the box.

Other news:

-P- Sean Burnett apparently hit 93 on a radar gun at Indianapolis. I haven't looked it up, but I don't recall him ever hitting 93, even pre-surgery. 

-P- Via Primer, Nelson Figueroa starts for the Mets tonight. If his Baseball Cube Page is correct, this is the first time he's started in the big leagues since he was with the Bucs in 2004. His story since then is pretty interesting, though also pretty typical - he had arm surgery in 2004 and has spent his time since then doing anything to get another shot in the big leagues, pitching in Mexico, Taiwan and the Dominican. This is a good article, and a good story - Figueroa was born in Brooklyn and grew up rooting for the Mets, so this has to be an emotional time for him.

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Pretty cool

check this out, it gives you a panoramic view of PNC. If you go to a game, see if you can find yourself

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/images/video/2007_flash/2007gigapan/3.html

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Apr 11, 2008 2:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Evan Meek

Did anyone notice the last pitch the he threw last night hit 97 MPH for a strike out? If only he could control that thing. IMO he has some mechanical issues and you'd think that would have been addressed in the past. Probably the reason he has not stuck with anyone before ( not coachable??).

by EMU on Apr 11, 2008 3:40 PM EDT reply actions  

No

X-Man today...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 6:42 PM EDT reply actions  

For them...

Hopper
Keppinger
KGJ
Phillips
Dunn
Encarnacion
Voto
Bako
Volquez (1-0, 1.69)

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 6:46 PM EDT reply actions  

For us...

Morgan
Sanchez
McLouth
Jason-ity
LaRoche

Doumit
Bautista
Rivas
Maholm (0-1, 9.00)

The boldness signifies the "Black Hole"

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 6:47 PM EDT reply actions  

Rain?

Is it showing signs of letting up?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Starting with an error by Maholm. Apparently all the Pirates' pitchers missed fielding practice in Spring Training.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 7:30 PM EDT reply actions  

Not a good start

for Maholm.
Error, and now a HBP.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions  

Hits Griffey, then gives up a single to Phillips. Not so good indeed.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions  

And a walk

to load the bases.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:34 PM EDT reply actions  

And he

gets out of it. :)

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:35 PM EDT reply actions  

Man, McLouth is just awesome.

Volquez has very good stuff. Good changeup.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 7:41 PM EDT reply actions  

Man, why is Paul Bako still in the majors?

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions  

Good effort by Sanchez.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 7:48 PM EDT reply actions  

A hit

by the pitcher.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:49 PM EDT reply actions  

Holy sh***

Rivas.
Go home.
Now.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:51 PM EDT reply actions  

Oh, great play by LaRoche to get out of it.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 7:51 PM EDT reply actions  

Dang

A bunt pop out... by the other team!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions  

*

bunt pop-out double play

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

Gomez!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Rivas already has 4 errors on the season...

and Maholm has 2.
Nice to see.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 7:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Man, Rivas just swung at a fastball at his shoulders.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 7:57 PM EDT reply actions  

Man, Morgan is not good on defense. That was such an amateurish-looking play.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:05 PM EDT reply actions  

And brought up...

Pearce?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Rivas! He's at it again!

Am I just crazy? Am I assigning too much blame? Jeez, Doumit was standing there ready to gun down Phillips, but Rivas was not near the bag, so he couldn't throw it.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply actions  

This looks like it's going to be delayed again.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:07 PM EDT reply actions  

Huh, nope, the rain just went away.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

His shoulder looks like it's really bothering him.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Great slide, Morgan. Ugh.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Morgan

with another terrible slide trying to steal 2nd. Speed strikes again.

by Thunder on Apr 11, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Joining late, but had to point this out

On the play where Freddy dove but had to throw from his knees...that's a scoop that LaRoche has to make. That's junior high stuff.

by hisjazziness on Apr 11, 2008 8:27 PM EDT reply actions  

Maybe. My impression was that it was out of his reach. But I could be wrong. In any case, the throw was off, but you can understand it because of Freddy's shoulder.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Have other teams been playing their third basemen that far toward second when Doumit bats LH? I haven't seen that with him before. Encarnacion was almost at second when he made that play.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Got outta

that one too.
Still scoreless.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 8:42 PM EDT reply actions  

Anyone watching this?

Does Malholm look as good as the impression I'm getting from MLB Gameday?

Not a lot of strike outs, but he's only thrown 65 pitches through 5 innings and given up no runs.

Is he getting a bit lucky, does he look fantastic, or a bit of both?

by steve_g on Apr 11, 2008 8:47 PM EDT reply actions  

I wouldn't say he looks fantastic. He just looks like regular old Maholm to me.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

FIrst and second, one out.

If the Reds score, I'm blaming you. :)

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

Probably dancing among the raindrops of disaster

I think there's some mathematical equation that tells you the longer the Pirates go allowing the other team to be in the game, the greater the number of runs that teams scores in the 7th, 8th, or 9th innings.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

Or that if you pitch

your starter past the 5th/6th inning, you're screwed.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Again?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is it that bad?

They should've finished the inning at least.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Apparently,

a huge bolt of lightning hit near the stadium and the heavens opened in biblical proportions. You could hear the thunder over the broadcast and the umps immediately stopped play.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's not really

a comforting thought though...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Great Timing

I have to go pick up one of my kids from the movies. I'll be back in time to drink and hear the painful details.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 8:54 PM EDT reply actions  

From a Bautista apologist

He looks disinterested. He looked solid (to me) last year, and I thought he really had something more to give. This year, he looks different. I don't think lazy's the right word, just lacking a spark.

by azibuck on Apr 11, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply actions  

Sorry boss

But I'm thinking about turning in my membership card. He's my only 3B on my fantasy team, he's got to pick it up.

by azibuck on Apr 11, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Pick up

Alex Gordon.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh...

nevermind then.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

He's still available

in one of my leagues.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's coming down pretty hard here, but it's an off and on type thing...at least that's what's been going on most of the evening.

by steve_g on Apr 11, 2008 8:56 PM EDT reply actions  

If the'

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Gah...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions  

If they're gonna

call it good for the day... when would they do that?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:06 PM EDT reply actions  

I guess I'm out...

I'll check in later.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Just in time too after the Pens

pulled one off. 2-0 heading to Ottawa Monday. Couldn't resist.

by Bad Andy on Apr 11, 2008 9:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Grabow in.

Talk about great timing... just got back to my computer. :)

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Runners held.

On to the bottom of the 6th.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Was because of the rain...

but they pulled him before he had a chance to implode.
That's always good.
Now it's up to the 'pen.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Psheww

listening to this on Reds radio. Thought we just gave up a 3-run homer.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions  

Volquez gone...

might be a good thing... he was 3-hitting us.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 9:59 PM EDT reply actions  

Bullpen seems to be

better than it was last year, all things considered.

* Throw out the 1-inning implosions by Marte and Capps. Those won't happen again.

* You have to expect to have one barely hanging in there guy and Meek is ours.

* Doumatrit has done well, but you can only expect so much. If you keep running him out there, he will get hit eventually.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Jason-ity!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, ba-Bay

what exactly goes in between Jason and ity anyway?

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:06 PM EDT reply actions  

Jason-ity

nothing really. It's like Vinsanity (or Vinceanity, your choice) adapted to the name Jason.
I guess it's more like Ja-sanity, but yeah...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

ohhhh

and here I was thinking it was Jason-sh****

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

lol

I guess that would work too...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Would it be fair if we declared Bay's slump over?

by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 11, 2008 10:06 PM EDT reply actions  

I'd give it

1 more game. Just to make sure.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Anyone else reach for their

beer, heart medicine, or something when you hear that a ball is hit toward Rivas?

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:14 PM EDT reply actions  

No...

of course, I see it after it happens, so no worries.
But I'd imagine (based on other sporting events/reactions) that I'd get all tense and ready to explode at a mistake.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Grabow for Marte...

lefty for lefty.
What?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:17 PM EDT reply actions  

And...

you pulled out the guy that was the last out last inning (LaRoche) to put the pitcher in that spot. Doesn't make sense... do you really expect Marte to pitch for 3 innings that you have to worry about his spot coming up in the order?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well...

if we're lucky, the pitcher's spot won't bat until tomorrow night.

by Thunder on Apr 11, 2008 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nice...

load the bases

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:20 PM EDT reply actions  

See post above...

about Marte not imploding again.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:21 PM EDT reply actions  

That turned out well...

Encarnacion had the right idea though... "hit it towards Rivas".

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:22 PM EDT reply actions  

On a lighter note...

April 11, 2008 --

The new Yankee Stadium may be cursed!

A devilish Boston fan working on a concrete crew at the $1.3 billion stadium covertly buried a Red Sox T-shirt under what will become the visiting team's locker room to jinx the Yanks, two construction workers told The Post yesterday.

Kind of makes you wonder who buried what where when PNC Park was built. Any guesses?

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:31 PM EDT reply actions  

Why bury anything?

It's not like you have to worry about the Pirates threatening for the WS...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

How could the Yanks hire ANYONE

from Boston is what I what to know? I guess that's why it's important to have references (sarcasm)

by Bad Andy on Apr 11, 2008 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Good point, but

maybe it was something to curse us for trading away Barry "sure I can hit .180 in the playoffs" Bonds.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Barry's steroids?

Is that what they buried?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe Sid Bream

buried something after we traded him to the Braves

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:37 PM EDT reply actions  

Hmmmm

Now what if Bixler had "froze" on third on that play? from the description the Reds announcers gave, a runner who broke on contact could have a good chance at scoring. The old "the defense has to do everything right."

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:42 PM EDT reply actions  

Well Minkie is known to be the slowest runner

on the team so anything at the INFs give Minkie no chance to score

by Bad Andy on Apr 11, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Smart move by Weathers

walking McLouth and Bay

Come on X-Man take them home

by Bad Andy on Apr 11, 2008 10:45 PM EDT reply actions  

X-Man

:(

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:48 PM EDT reply actions  

As usual the Bucs blew that one!

Now it's Mad-Capper time holding on to a 1-0 lead

by Bad Andy on Apr 11, 2008 10:48 PM EDT reply actions  

What could possibly go wrong?

10 extra points if you can name the cartoon character who used that line for one episode.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

I know Hopper

is young and 1-3 on the game and all...
but why would you pinch hit for him with Corey Patterson?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:51 PM EDT reply actions  

So then

why not start him?
Is it a lefty/righty thing?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

We win!!!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:52 PM EDT reply actions  

BUCS WIN BUCS WIN

RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER

1-2-3 goes the Reds!

by Bad Andy on Apr 11, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions  

A 1-0 Pirates win...

who'd have thunk it?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions  

Great game by Maholm...

huge hit by Bay.
Grabow was huge in the 6th.
And the defense... got 2 more errors.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Grabow gets the win,

Capps gets a save.

The only way our starting rotation may be able to get wins is to let Doumatrit or Meek pitch the first two, then come in for five or six innings.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:55 PM EDT reply actions  

Provided

Meek & Dumatrait don't fall apart in the 1st 2 innings... which isn't much of a given.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

Okay, but given all the weird games we've had

the middle relievers have a better chance of getting the win than the starters.

Also, Ndog was 1/3 w/2 walks. Great on-base percentage for a lead-off guy, let the big lumber drive you in.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Another Luis Rivas error:

Where is Don Kelly when you need him?

by patthatt on Apr 11, 2008 10:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Isn't Rivas a ....

natural 2nd baseman and Gomez a natural shortstop? If so, what great managerial wisdom reverses their roles?

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Rivas

must have some dirt on Russell.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 11, 2008 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Reds announcers

just noted that Bronson Arroyo has the worst starts to date of all Reds starters to date. Behind even Josh Fogg. Mmmm, that can't warm your heart if you're a Reds fan.

by Trogluddite on Apr 11, 2008 10:59 PM EDT reply actions  

Ease Up

Say what you will about Fogg, ut the fact is he was a .500 pitcher on a piss-poor team.

by meandterry on Apr 12, 2008 12:58 PM EDT reply actions  

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