Washington Nationals Improve to 23-14 on Year with Recent Win Over Pirates: A Fan’s Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Washington Nationals continue to impress even with all of the injuries the team has gone through to this point in the season, improving their home record to 14-5 in their May 16 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates by the score of 7-4. Gio Gonzalez picked up his fifth win of the year while Henry Rodriguez converted for his ninth save.

5/17 at NYM

Source: Mark My Word by Mark Sheldon

Reds lineup vs Mets

Cozart 6
Stubbs 8
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Bruce 9
Ludwick 7
Frazier 5
Hanigan 2
Latos 1

Reds lineup vs. Mets

Source: Cincinnati.com by John Fay

Cozart 6, Stubbs 8, Votto 3, Phillips 4, Bruce 9, Ludwick 7, Frazier 5, Hanigan 2, Latos RHP. vs. RHP Dickey

The Juice: Another Albert Pujols home run sighted, Orioles beat Royals in 15 (Big League Stew)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Juice is back for its fifth season of fun! Stop by each weekday for an ample serving of news from the action, plus great photos, stats and video highlights. Was that Bigfoot or Sasquatch?: Oh, neither. Just the second home run of the season for Albert Pujols, who went deep for the Los Angeles Angels in a 7-2 victory against the White Sox on Wednesday night. Some were beginning to wonder how many homers he had left in his bat after a drought of 33 games and 139 at-bats to start the season. Now he's got two deeps, giving him 447 for his career so far, on his way to 500-plus. You know, Albert. "It's been awhile,'' Pujols said. ''There are some times I feel good at the plate and hit the ball hard but don't catch any breaks. But you can't lose your focus. Every at-bat, no matter how I feel, I try to take it as the last at-bat of my career. Hey, listen - this game is not easy. I've been saying that all year long. There are things that are out of your control.'' Jim Eppard fixes everything: The Angels have knocked out 24 hits in their past two games with the memory of fired coach Mickey Hatcher still on their minds. New coach Jim Eppard tutored many of the Angels in the minor leagues, so at least he's coming in with an idea of how to help. ''What's great about it is that a lot of the guys here I've had come through Salt Lake, so I have a mental tape of those guys." O's so good: The Baltimore Orioles are 24-14 after Adam Jones hit a tie-breaking home run in the 15th inning to carry them to a 4-3 victory at Kansas City. Jones' 12th homer of the season came after he started the game 0 for 6. ''Some people were behind me, yelling at me, 'Hey, come on Jones.' I showed them. After I hit that, they shut up the heck up.'' Said.

Farmers Only: Mama Said There'd be Days Like This

Source: Red Reporter by -ManBearPig

Louisville lost to the Rochester Red Wings, 4-1. It was a tough-luck loss for Chad Reineke, who hurled a dandy of a game (5 IP, 8 K, 1 BB), but was let down big time by his defense. The first Red Wings run scored on a failed pick-off attempt by Suck It Dioner in the first inning, and a fly ball lost in the lights in the 5th allowed 2 base runners to scamper home. Not a single extra-base hit was tallied by the Bats last night, and only Felix Perez

Down on the Farm

Source: Redleg Nation by Greg Dafler

Games Played on 05/16/2012

Minor League Player of the Day: Dayton Dragons starter Stalin Gerson threw 5 shutout innings for the second consecutive appearance. He walked one and struck out two.

AAA
Rochester 4 – Louisville 1

Chad Reineke (1-3, 4.12 ERA) gave up 4 runs, 3 earned, in a 5-inning start. He walked a batter and struck out 8. Carlos Fisher pitched the final three innings of shutout relief, giving up just one hit and one walk.
Kristopher Negron extended his hitting streak to seven games with a single in the first inning. He also walked, stole two bases, and scored the Bats lone run of the evening.

Matt Maloney pitched for the Red Wings, making his 2012 AAA debut after being sent down from Minnesota. According to the Bats official twitter account, Maloney is the Bats “all-time leader in starts, wins, innings pitched and strikeouts.”

Injury news: Denis Phipps was placed on the DL with a right shoulder injury. Cody Puckett was promoted to AAA but did not appear in last night’s game.

AA
Pensacola – no game scheduled.

High A
Stockton 5 – Bakersfield 4

Chad Rogers tossed 5 innings of 4-hit, 2-run baseball. He walked two and struck out four batters. The Blaze bullpen allowed a run in each of the 7th, 8th , and 9th innings in the one-run loss.

Centerfielder Bryson Smith (.336/.404/.477) was the only Bakersfield player with more than one hit. He had a single and clubbed his 4th homerun. Theo Bowe also had a solo homerun, his 2nd.

Billy Hamilton had no hits in two official at-bats, but walked twice, scored a run, and stole three bases – his first successful attempts since Saturday. Hamilton is up to 39 steals in 47 attempts, an 81% success rate.

Low A
Bowling Green 4 – Dayton 1

Dayton drops their fifth straight game. Juan Perez was the only Dragon with more than one hit. Perez singled and tripled in four plate appearances. He also scored the only Dragon run.

Stalin Gerson started for Dayton and threw 5 shutout innings for the second consecutive appearance, lowering his ERA to 4.10. He walked one and struck out two. The Dayton bullpen blew the brief 1-0 lead in the 6th inning

Reds on deck

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Reds 6, Mets 3: Frazier fuels comeback

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

NEW YORK — Two players who admitted that they were feeling the pressure came through under pressure for the Cincinnati Reds last night.

Mets designate struggling Carrasco for assignment (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

D.J. Carrasco thought about the question and acknowledged it was fair to wonder.

Reds won't move Chapman to rotation anytime soon (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Aroldis Chapman will be a starter eventually.

Reds-Mets Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The New York Mets' bullpen is costing them, and the Cincinnati Reds would like to continue capitalizing on it.

Latos looking to get back on track in matinee

Source: MLB.com by Lance Lysowski

In order for the Reds to take a brief two-game series from the Mets, they will need a rebound performance out of starting pitcher Mat Latos on Thursday. R.A. Dickey will be on the hill for the Mets.

The Toddfather Part II (home runs) - Reds come back to beat Mets, 6-3

Source: Red Reporter by Charlie Scrabbles

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Todd Frazier had 40 or so friends and family at Citi Field tonight and he definitely made it worth their trip up the Garden State Parkway. He ping ponged a pair of pankos to push the Reds to prevail. Honorable Mention to Mike Leake, who pitched six strong while walking two and striking out five. He gave up three runs, but only one was earned. He also went 2-2 with a pair of singles, scoring the Reds first run all the way from first base on a

NL Capsules (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ATLANTA (AP) Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer and possibly saved two runs with a diving catch and the Miami Marlins beat the Braves 8-4 on Wednesday night, adding another win to their impressive May record.

Carrasco demoted after Mets' 6-3 loss to Reds (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK -- New York Mets reliever D.J. Carrasco didn't give anyone reason to question the purpose of any of his pitches Wednesday night.

Frazier, Leake come through

Source: Mark My Word by Mark Sheldon

“Start spreading the news…” (Todd Frazier is a Frank Sinatra fan), the Reds won their first of five-straight games in New York with a 6-3 victory over the Mets.

Click here for the full game story on MLB.com

As the Rangers and Devil battle at MSG, here are the three stars of the game in Flushing…

No. 3 star: Johan Santana, NYM — 6 2/3 ip, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 1 HR, 107 pitches/71 strikes.

No. 2 star: Mike Leake — 6 ip, 7 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 105 pitches/62 strikes. He was also 2-for-2 as a hitter with a nice sac bunt. It was a big outing for Leake, who was winless and needed a good game.

“He had a quality start, big time,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “We wanted him to get on the board with that victory but more importantly we got the victory. He threw the ball excellent tonight.”

No. 1 star: Todd Frazier — 2-for-4, 2 HRs, 3 RBI. Frazier came in 2-for-15 with 7 Ks since taking over at third base for Scott Rolen. He struck out in his first two at-bats vs. the Santana. But he came through big in the seventh. His leadoff homer kept the Reds one run away and his two-run homer in the eighth against DJ Carrasco put the game away. It was a nice night for the Toms River, NJ native that had lots of family and friends on hand.

“It was a special time tonight for sure,” Frazier said.

News and notes:

*Right after the game, the Mets designated D.J. Carrasco for assignment. He’s the dude that gave up a first-pitch homer to Rickie Weeks of the Brewers on Tuesday and then immediately plunked Ryan Braun with his next pitch.

*Aroldis Chapman had another scoreless inning, running his total for the season to 19 1/3 innings.

Quotes:

“I put a little pressure on myself. I had a good talk with Chris Speier and he explained to me that you don’t need to press or put any pressure on yourself, you’re good enough. You’ve got a good opportunity here and roll with it and have fun. I’ve been having fun. That was a little rut there I guess you could say.” — Todd Frazier

“I gave him the lineup card tonight. You always want to do well in front of your parents, fiancé, the homies and everybody. You tend to play better and concentrate better.” — Dusty Baker on Frazier

“Of course I felt like I needed to do something. I was kind of a hole in the rotation. It was a matter of time where I was going to come around. I just need to string a few together. I’m not going to put the pressure on myself to do it. I will go out there with the same attitude I had tonight.” — Mike Leake

 

Frazier homers twice as Reds beat Mets 6-3

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

NEW YORK — Todd Frazier homered twice, Brandon Phillips hit a tying single off Jon Rauch in the eighth and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 6-3 tonight.

Quick Hits: Reds, Youkilis, Angels, Beltran, Orioles

Source: MLB Trade Rumors by Zach Links

Links from around baseball as Wednesday becomes Thursday..

• The Reds are not seeking outside help at third base with Scott Rolen on the disabled list, writes John Fay of the Cincinnati Inquirer.  General Manager Walt Jocketty also said that he hasn't had discussions with the Red Sox, shooting down any speculation that the club might have interest in Kevin Youkilis.
  
• Angels manager Mike Scioscia wouldn't go into much detail about the firing of hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, but it clearly wasn't his choice, tweets Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.  "Obviously the GM’s position is to try to make changes, whether it’s personnel or staffing, that he believes is going to help us [get] better, and we have to respect that," said the skipper.
• Carlos Beltran didn't feel that the Giants made a strong effort to re-sign him last season even though the club knew that he liked playing in San Francisco, according to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter links).  However, the team did talk with agent Dan Lozano in generalities, Schulman tweets.
• Peter Schmuck of The Baltimore Sun hopes that the Orioles will spend the money neccessary to keep Matt Wieters and Adam Jones in the fold despite the team's bad luck with hefty contracts in the past.
• In a piece for Deadspin, Craig Fehrman gives an inside look at the Atlantic League's Bridgeport Bluefish.

Dodgers-Padres Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

After spending a few seasons as teammates, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Aaron Harang and San Diego Padres' Edinson Volquez have settled in nicely to their new surroundings.

Leake, Frazier come through

Source: Cincinnati.com by John Fay

NEW YORK — Mike Leake and Todd Frazier both admitted they were feeling pressure. Both came through in the 6-3 win over the Mets.

Leake pitched his best game of the year. Frazier had his best night of the year at the plate.

Leake knew his rotation spot was in jeopardy.

“Of course,” he said. “I felt like I needed to do something. I was kind of a hole in the rotation. It was a matter of time before I was going to come around. I need to string a few together. I’m not going to put pressure on myself to do it. I’m going to go out with the same attitude I had tonight.”

Leake went six innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on seven hits. He walked two and struck five. It was his best start of the year. He came in with a 7.11 ERA and one quality start in his last five. The difference?

“I was working on attacking them and throwing the ball with some attitude, instead of like a sissy,” Leake said. “I felt really good going with some attitude and not caring who was up there.”

Still, Leake left with the Reds down 3-1.

Frazier cut the lead to 3-2 with a solo home run in the seventh and then widened the gap with a two-run shot in the eighth. Coming into Wednesday, Frazier was 2-for-15 with seven strikeouts since Scott Rolen went on the disabled list.

“I put a little pressure on myself,” Frazier said. “I had a good talk with (coach) CHris Speier. He told me stuff: You don’t need to press. You don’t need to put pressure on yourself. You’re good enough. Do the stuff you’ve been doing. You’ve got a good opportunity here. Roll with it. Have fun.”

Frazier had a lot fun Wednesday. He’s from nearby Toms River, N.J., he figured 35 or 40 friends and family were at the game.

“It was a fun night,” he said.

Frazier's big night propels Reds over Mets

Source: MLB.com by Mark Sheldon

Todd Frazier came up big with two home runs and the Reds scored four in the eighth inning in a 6-3 win over the Mets on Wednesday at Citi Field.

Cincinnati Reds: Ryan Ludwick Starting, Jay Bruce Benched...Really?

Source: Bleacher Report

Right now, the Cincinnati Reds are on television. Unfortunately, I do not own a television.

But I guarantee they will lose tonight's ballgame vs. the Mets. Call me Joe Namath, call me anything you like. Joe was right, as I will be.

Being in the Cincinnati marketing area, I have to watch the games on MLB.TV. As such, I am not allowed to watch Reds games until about 90 minutes after they finish. 

Today I commented numerous times that if Chris Heisey was not started in favor of Ryan Ludwick, I would bash Dusty Baker with venomous poison. I have seen the lineup, and it is much worse than I originally thought.

Dusty started Heisey tonight in right and Ludwick in left, removing Jay Bruce from his normal position. On paper, against left-hander Johan Santana, this makes perfect sense—until one looks at the crunches. 

Ludwick has a career batting average of .160 against the Mets starter. So far this season, Bruce is hitting .290 vs. lefties.

Is Bruce tired, in need of a day off? That's a big fat no.

Starting Ludwick over Bruce makes no sense. This season Ludwick is hitting at a paltry .182 clip, whereas Bruce has an even .300 batting average. And again, he's .290 versus lefties.

Why Dusty, why? I guess it's not all Dusty's fault. General Manager Walt Jocketty did sign Ludwick to a contract to the tune of $2.5 million. That plays a bit into account.

But Dusty, it is your responsibility to fill the best lineup card in hopes of winning. To take Bruce out in place of Ludwick is totally and completely incompetent, and shows your true colors as a horrible game manager.

Yes, your players like you—because you are a "cool dude," a player's manager.

Player's managers have no business in the majors. They are for little leaguers. It is possible to mix player-manager skills with a decent field manager—ask Bobby Cox. But Dusty, you have shown over and over, that you are not capable of that task.

Who knows? Maybe Jocketty told you to start Ludwick. Still though, it is your final decision.

The ballgame is probably over by now, and I am sticking to my guns. You lost it. And Dudwick probably went 0-4, leaving at least six men on base.

Read more Cincinnati Reds news on BleacherReport.com

Reds 6, Mets 3 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK -- New York Mets reliever D.J. Carrasco didn't give anyone reason to question the purpose of any of his pitches Wednesday night.

Frazier homers twice, Reds beat Mets 6-3 (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) Todd Frazier homered twice, Brandon Phillips hit a tying single off Jon Rauch in the eighth and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 6-3 Wednesday night.

Titanic Struggle Recap: Reds take a bite out of the Big Apple

Source: Redleg Nation by Steve Mancuso

Let’s recap today’s titanic struggle…

FINAL

Cincinnati Reds 6
New York Mets  3
WP: Arredondo (3-1, 2.41 ERA)
LP: Rauch (3-2, 4.60 ERA)
S: Marshall (7)

Boxscore
Video Highlights
PitchFX for Aroldis Chapman

POSITIVES

• The Reds are now 2-1 on the road trip. They look to sweep the Mets tomorrow afternoon in this short series, with Mat Latos pitching.

• Mike Leake delivered on the mound, at the plate and on the bases. Does any pitcher help himself more with his athleticism and all-around game? It was a great bounce back performance, 6 innings 1 earned run. Perfect sacrifice bunt, too. Raise your hand if you wouldn’t mind seeing Leake as the DH in Yankee Stadium this weekend instead of Ryan Ludwick.

• Todd Frazier (.293) broke out of a short slump with two home runs, including an enormous two-run blast to centerfield. His first homer was to the opposite field. He has such tantalizing potential with his power. Here’s hoping he can put together some consistent play.

• Dusty Baker made absolutely the right move in pinch hitting Jay Bruce for Ryan Ludwick at a crucial moment of the eighth inning. Baker could have played it safe and waited to have Bruce pinch hit for the pitcher slot two batters later. Instead, he benched a veteran and invited a lefty-on-lefty match-up with Bruce. The move paid off when Bruce hit a sacrifice fly to deep right field.

• Drew Stubbs, Joey Votto (.311) and Brandon Phillips triggered the decisive rally in the eighth inning with consecutive hits. Votto took an extra base with some aggressive (risky?) base running.

• Jose Arredondo, Aroldis Chapman and Sean Marshall dominated the Mets over the last three innings. Arredondo’s splitter against left-handed hitters is sick. Using Chapman has almost reached the point of being unfair to the other team. Throw in Logan Ondrusek and JJ Hoover and it’s hard to find a better bullpen in baseball. Nasty Boys x 2.

NEGATIVES

• Joey Votto committed a throwing error that led to two-unearned runs in the sixth inning. He rushed it, attempting a flashy high-risk play instead of settling down for one sure out.

• Ryan Ludwick continued to struggle mightily at the plate. In the seventh inning, he led off the inning and at a 3-1 count, fouled off a down-the-middle fastball from Johan Santana. Jeff Brantley commented, “Boy, you can’t be late on an 88 mph fastball in that situation.”

NOT-SO-RANDOM THOUGHTS

• Jay Bruce is hitting .290 against left-handed pitchers and is leading the NL in extra-base hits. Brandon Phillips is batting .190 against left-handed pitchers. Ryan Ludwick is hitting .240 against left-handed pitchers and is leading the NL in making outs. Right now, Bruce and Joey Votto are the only reliable impact hitters on this team. They need to be in the lineup every day and batting third and fourth.

• Joel Luckhaupt tweets that the Reds have bunted with one out twelve times this year and not scored a run in any of those occasions. Scored on 7 of 37 in 2011.

• Top game thread comment (Sergeant2): That would have been a HR at GABP. Great at bat for Bruce, drove in the go ahead run.

Komeback Kids bite The Big Apple

Source: The Real McCoy by hmccoy@coxohio.com

UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave, wondering why Major League Baseball continues to snub Cincinnati for an All-Star game, which hasn’t been in the Queen City since 1988. The 2013 game will be in Citi Field, which opened after Great...

Final: Reds 6, Mets 3

Source: Cincinnati.com by John Fay

Jersey Boy Todd Frazier hit a pair home runs and drove in three runs.

The Reds needed Mike Leake to pitch better Wednesday night. He did. But, thanks to an error that led to two unearned runs, he got a no-decision.

Leake went six innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on seven hits. He left the game trailing 3-2. He walked two and struck out five. It was his best start of the year. He had given up six runs in career-low three innings in his last start and he only had one quality start in his last five outings.

The Reds took a 1-0 lead in the third. Leake singled with two outs. He scored from first on Zack Cozart’s double into the left field corner.

The Mets tied it in the bottom of the third. Mike Baxter singled with one out and stole second. David Wright walked. Lucas Duda singled to center to score Baxter. Leake got out of it from there.

That began a streak of eight in a row retired for Leake.

Duda ended the streak with a single to right to lead off the sixth. Daniel Murphy followed with arocket to first. Joey Votto made a diving stop. He tried to throw to second from the seated position. His throw was way off line. Duda went to third on the error. Ike Davis doubled down the first base line to get Duda in.

Mike Nickeas pulled off the suicide squeeze to make it 3-1. Both runs were unearned.

Frazier cut the lead to 3-2 with a home run left-center in the seventh.

Santana went 6 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out five.

The Reds took the lead in the eighth.

Drew Stubbs led off with a single. Joey Votto followed with a double. Brandon Phillips shot one through the middle to get Stubbs home.

Chris Heisey nearly short-circuited the rally by popping to first on the first pitch.

The Reds then sent up Jay Bruce to hit Ryan Ludwick. The Mets countered with left-hander Tim Byrdak. Bruce, of course, hit the NL Central clinching home run of Byrdak in 2010. Bruce skied the first pitch warning track in right. Votto trotted home with the go-ahead run.

The Mets brought in D.J. Carrasco to face Frazier. Frazier hit the first pitch he threw out to center to make it 6-3.

Mets 3, Reds 2 after 7

Source: Cincinnati.com by John Fay

The Reds needed Mike Leake to pitch better Wednesday night. He did. But, thanks to an error that led to two unearned runs, he was in line for his sixth straight loss.

Leake went six innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on seven hits. He left the game trailing 3-2. He walked two and struck out five. It was his best start of the year. He had given up six runs in career-low three innings in his last start and he only had one quality start in his last five outings.

The Reds took a 1-0 lead in the third. Leake singled with two outs. He scored from first on Zack Cozart’s double into the left field corner.

The Mets tied it in the bottom of the third. Mike Baxter singled with one out and stole second. David Wright walked. Lucas Duda singled to center to score Baxter. Leake got out of it from there.

That began a streak of eight in a row retired for Leake.

Duda ended the streak with a single to right to lead off the sixth. Daniel Murphy followed with arocket to first. Joey Votto made a diving stop. He tried to throw to second from the seated position. His throw was way off line. Duda went to third on the error. Ike Davis doubled down the first base line to get Duda in.

Mike Nickeas pulled off the suicide squeeze to make it 3-1. Both runs were unearned.

Todd Frazier cut the lead to 3-2 with a home run left-center in the seventh. Devin Mesoraco followed with a singled. After Leake bunted Mesoraco over, the Mets pulled starter Johan Santana. Bobby Parnell came on and struck out Zack Cozart to strand Mesoraco.

Santana went 6 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out five.

Reds set for new installment of Interleague Play

Source: MLB.com by Mark Sheldon

For the 16th and final time as it's currently constructed, Interleague Play will begin for the Reds on Friday.

Mets 3, Reds 1 after 6

Source: Cincinnati.com by John Fay

The Reds needed Mike Leake to pitch better Wednesday night. He did. But, thanks to an error that led to two unearned runs, he was in line for his sixth straight loss.

The Reds took a 1-0 lead in the third. Leake singled with two outs. He scored from first on Zack Cozart’s double into the left field corner.

The Mets tied it in the bottom of the third. Mike Baxter singled with one out and stole second. David Wright walked. Lucas Duda singled to center to score Baxter. Leake got out of it from there.

That began a streak of eight in a row retired for Leake.

Duda ended the streak with a single to right to lead off the sixth. Daniel Murphy followed with arocket to first. Joey Votto made a diving stop. He tried to throw to second from the seated position. His throw was way off line. Duda went to third on the error. Ike Davis doubled down the first base line to get Duda in.

Mike Nickeas pulled off the suicide squeeze to make it 3-1. Both runs were unearned.

Bruce gets breather with day game looming

Source: MLB.com

Reds right fielder Jay Bruce was not in the lineup Wednesday against the Mets.

Frazier working through kinks of everyday role

Source: MLB.com

Every day since Scott Rolen was put on the disabled list on May 12, rookie Todd Frazier has been in the lineup at third base. It was no different on Wednesday against the Mets.

Baker: Chapman needed most in bullpen

Source: MLB.com

As Reds reliever Aroldis Chapman continues to post zeroes on the board, the questions persist as to when he will become Reds starter Aroldis Chapman.

Mets manager Collins learning how to manage Wright (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) Terry Collins is learning how to manage David Wright's work ethic and sense of accountability.

Reds aren’t seeking help at third, i.e., no talks about Youkilis

Source: Cincinnati.com by John Fay

The Reds are not seeking outside help at third base with Scott Rolen on the disabled list.

“No, because Scott’s not going to be out that long,” Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. “The other thing is I think this is a good opportunity for (Todd) Frazier. It give him an opportunity to play and see what he can do.”

The Reds have had no discussions with the Boston Red Sox, Jocketty said. That shoots down the rumors that the Reds are interested in trading for Kevin Youkilis.

I could see the Reds revisiting that if the following three things happen: a) Rolen is on the DL longer than expected; b) Frazier struggles; and c) Youkilis returns from the DL and hits.

Chapman will start — some day

Source: Cincinnati.com by John Fay

NEW YORK — Some national writers were in New York to do Aroldis Chapman stories.

Dusty Baker said the plan remains the same: Chapman will start in the future. But it sounded like not in the immediate future.

“Someday, yeah,” Baker said. “But right now, we need him in the ‘pen. We lost (Ryan) Madson. We lost (Bill) Bray. If he wasn’t in the position he’s in, we wouldn’t be in the position we’re in. This guy hasn’t given up a run. He’s gotten people out of trouble. He’s won games.

“Imagine where we’d be without him in this role right now? Plus, he can’t be everything. There’s people who want him to start. There’s people who want him to close. There’s people who like him where he is. I’ve got to do what I think is best for him and us right.”

Chapman hasn’t allowed a run in 18 1/3 inning. He’s stranded all seven inherited runners. The Reds are 12-2 in the games he’s pitched.

“I thank God we got him where we’ve got him,” Baker said. “A lot of times that eighth is tougher than closing. He might end up closing. But you’ve got to graduate to that. He just barely graduated to being a reliever last year. Now, he’s graduated to being the set-up man. Who knows what he might graduate to? You’ve got to take it one step at a time.”

Walt Jocketty concurred with Baker. As long Bray and Nick Masset are out, Chapman is likely to remain in the bullpen.

“Right now, he is so valuable to bullpen that I don’t see us making a switch,” Jocketty said. “When those other guys come back, perhaps.”

Neither Bray nor Masset is close to returning. Bray is dealing with a sore back. He originally went on the DL with a strained groin.

“I think it’s all because of mechanics,” Jocketty said. “There’s no real timetable, same with Masset.”

Lawrie joins list of baseball's wildest rants (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Helmet tossing and bat banging have become all the rage, it seems. Yet Brett Lawrie and Bryce Harper still have a long way to go before hitting our list of baseball's wildest rants and raves.

Cincinnati Snubbed As Host for Another All-Star Game

Source: Blog Red Machine by Steve Engbloom

We keep waiting. At this rate, it might be a long time.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig at opening of Marlins Ballpark. (Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE)

visit site to read more]

Night off for Bruce

Source: Cincinnati.com by John Fay

NEW YORK — Jay Bruce was out of the lineup Wednesday, despite having hit .361 over his last 22 appearances.

“It’s a manager’s decision,” Baker said. “If I didn’t give it to him today, he ain’t going to get it anytime soon. Late night (last night), day game tomorrow. We need to get (Ryan) Ludwick started so he can DH in Yankee Stadium. In the words of the great Hank Aaron: ‘There are two days a month when your name’s on the lineup card, but you’re not very productive.’

“It’s up to me to chose when those days are.”

Joey Votto is the only Red who has started every game. Tonight’s game is second one Bruce has not started. Baker plans on giving Votto a day some point. Votto, in fact, has played in 163 straight games dating back to last yrear.

“Everybody’s going to get a day,” Baker said. “I’ve got to decide when and against whom.”

I asked Votto if he’s going to lobby against a day off. He smiled. I mentioned the streak and the fact that only Prince Fielder has a longer one.

“I admire guys who play every day,” Votto said.

Game Thread: Reds at Mets (2012.05.16)

Source: Redleg Nation by Greg Dafler

The Reds (18-17) are in New York City for the next five days. They’ll kick off a short 2-game series tonight against the New York Mets (20-16).

Tonight’s starting pitchers, Mike Leake (0-5, 7.11 ERA) and Johan Santana (1-2, 2.92 ERA), are performing quite differently than many folks expected at the onset of the year. For Leake, the start to 2012 has been a disappointment. His strikeout rate is down, his walk rate is up, and he’s now starting to give up the longball (4 homeruns in his last two starts.) It’s an important start for Mike Leake tonight.

Johan Santana has had a surprisingly strong return from shoulder surgery. His strikeout rate is the highest it has been since the 2004 season. Santana has put together four straight quality starts with a 6 BB/28 K ratio over those 25.2 innings.

Arguably the biggest change the Mets have made since the Reds last visited Citi Field Park is the new outfield dimensions:

The distance to the right-center field power alley will be reduced from 415 feet to 398 feet and the distance to right field will become a uniform 375 feet, eliminating a notch in the wall.

You can see an image comparing the two differen park dimensions at the NY Daily News.

Tonight’s Cincinnati lineup includes a night off for Jay Bruce.

1. Zack Cozart (R) SS
2. Drew Stubbs (R) CF
3. Joey Votto (L) 1B
4. Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
5. Chris Heisey (R) RF
6. Ryan Ludwick (R) LF
7. Todd Frazier (R) 3B
8. Devin Mesoraco (R) C
9. Mike Leake (R) P

The Mets starting eight is a young lineup. The oldest player of the eight, 29-yr-old David Wright is.

1. Kirk Nieuwenhuis (L) CF
2. Mike Baxter (L) LF
3. David Wright (R) 3B
4. Lucas Duda (L) RF
5. Daniel Murphy (L) 2B
6. Ike Davis (L) 1B
7. former Reds farmhand Justin Turner (R) SS
8. Mike Nickeas (R) C
9. Johan Santana (L) P

Dan Rubenstein heads to Columbus, Ohio to meet Hall of Fame legends Ricky Henderson, Frank Thomas,...

Source: Red Reporter by SBN Studios

Dan Rubenstein heads to Columbus, Ohio to meet Hall of Fame legends Ricky Henderson, Frank Thomas, Johnny Bench, Wade Boggs, Rod Carew & more as they play contest winner Tim Wisecup in the Pepsi Max Field of Dreams.

Game 36: Reds @ Mets (7:10 EDT). Leake vs. Santana.

Source: Red Reporter by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP

Next Game

Cincinnati Reds
@ New York Mets

Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 7:10 PM EDT
Citi Field

Mike Leake vs Johan Santana

Coverage

TV: FSO-HD, SNY-HD; RADIO: WLW, WFAN, WQBU; WEB: MLB.tv, Gameday Audio, Gameday

Weather

Partly cloudy,rain. Winds blowing out to

Is Tonight Critical for Leake?

Source: Blog Red Machine by Steve Engbloom

I’m going out on a limb here. I will say the vast majority of Reds fans have had their fill of visit site to read more]

Bruce holding camp

Source: Cincinnati.com by John Fay

From the Reds:

Don’t miss out—the 2012 Gillette Jay Bruce Baseball ProCamp in partnership with Heinz presented by Fifth Third Bank and CBTS is coming up soon!

The two-day event is July 16th-17th from 8:30AM-12:30PM at Sycamore High School in Cincinnati.

Bruce will be on site the entire camp to direct activities and provide instruction. He will be joined by a selection of the top prep and collegiate coaches from the Cincinnati area.

The camp is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 14 and focuses on the team concept and fundamentals of baseball. Groups will be small to ensure that each camper receives personalized instruction. Bruce will also give daily talks highlighting the finer points of the game of baseball and beyond.

Each camper receives an autographed camp team photo with Bruce, exclusive camp T-shirt, goodie bag with over $80 worth of merchandise and the opportunity to win additional prizes. Cost of the ProCamp is $174.

Additional camp partners include The Christ Hospital, Champion Windows, The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, FS Ohio, 700 WLW and The Cincinnati Enquirer.

For more information and registration, please visit www.JayBruceCamp.com or call 888-389-CAMP (2267).

Chris Heisey Should Be the Cincinnati Reds' Everyday LF

Source: Bleacher Report

There's an old football adage that says, "If you have two quarterbacks, you don't have one"—the same saying could be applied to Cincinnati left fielders.

The Reds entered the 2012 season confident in their left-field tandem of Chris Heisey and Ryan Ludwick, but the club's attempt to platoon the two outfielders has failed miserably thus far.

Fortunately, Cincinnati's left-field woes may finally be coming to an end, thanks to some much-improved play from Heisey—play that, in my book, should earn the 27-year-old the everyday job in left.

Here's the low down:

Since May 2, Heisey has batted .314, recording hits in six of his eight starts, including back-to-back three-hit contests against Atlanta.

Even more striking is the fact that 17 of Heisey's 20 hits this season have come in games that he has started, proving that he is a much more valuable asset as a starter than he is as a pinch-hitter.

Ryan Ludwick may still be viable, but he saw his glory days back in St. Louis. The Reds will never know what they have in Heisey until they choose to play him more consistently.

Is he the long-term answer in left? Probably not, but he is clearly Cincinnati's best option as of here and now.

As far as I'm concerned, Dusty Baker and company need to put an end to their failed left-field experiment.

It's Heisey time.

Read more Cincinnati Reds news on BleacherReport.com

5/16 at NYM

Source: Mark My Word by Mark Sheldon

Reds lineup vs. Mets

Cozart 6
Stubbs 8
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Heisey 9
Ludwick 7
Frazier 5
Mesoraco 2
Leake 1

*Jay Bruce sits today vs. Mets LHP Johan Santana. Bruce is 2-for-11 lifetime vs. Santana. With the team in the midst of a 20 games in 20 days stretch, Dusty Baker said he would seek breaks for his regulars when he could.

*Whether the club says it or not, this is no doubt an important start for Mike Leake. He is 0-5 with a 7.11 ERA in six starts. Helping Leake’s cause is that he’s built a lot of capital and crediblity for himself with the club in his first two seasons. He always puts in the effort to study hitters and the game and doesn’t take days off. And, he had mostly solid results — until this season. However to me, there’s only so long the team can wait for him to turn it around.

*Leake has a 2.19 ERA in two career starts vs. the Mets, but has never previously pitched at Citi Field.

*New this year at this yard — the fences were moved in, especially in the right-center field and left field areas. They also were painted from black to the Mets shade of blue. Personally, I liked the black and the old dimensions, but when your best hitters can’t get a ball out of the park, I understand their decision.

*It was formally announced today that the Mets and Citi Field would host the 2013 All-Star game. No, I do not know if or when the Reds will get their turn today. It’s been an even longer time coming for the Mets, which haven’t hosted the ASG since the first year of Shea Stadium in 1964.

*Bullpen coach Juan “Porky” Lopez is celebrating his 52nd birthday today.

*And here is a little nugget from the Reds game notes….

According to STATS LLC, the Reds’ 2 series in New York vs the Mets (today-tomorrow) and Yankees (Fri-Sun) will mark the seventh time since Interleague play began in 1997 that a visiting team will play consecutively both Major League teams in a shared market:

2012 Reds…………….at Mets, at Yankees
2009 Padres……….at Dodgers, at Angels
2009 Pirates……….at White Sox, at Cubs
2007 Astros……….at White Sox, at Cubs* (1-game makeup from postponement)
2001 Rockies……….at Athletics, at Giants
1999 Mariners…….at Angels, at Dodgers
1998 Mariners……..at Giants, at Athletics

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Source: Better Off Red by Jamie Ramsey

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