I feel like I've been beaten w/tire chains and consequently my Kid Glove Game seats are empty. So, I'm listening to the game at home. And gee, this makes me feel better - the Dodgers' pitcher hits a double over Dunn's head.
Now a ground rule double over Hairston's head, and the Reds are trailing 1-0.
The good guys are a half-game from the basement. I'm beginning to think this is a bad team.
Does anyone know how much time Jockety is spending in town?
Can a General Manager telecommute? With call forwarding and broadband VPNs does he have to spend the work week here? I heard he really wanted to spend alot more time with his family - does that leave Krivsky GM by default?
I still love Pena for Arroyo, the acquisition of Phillips, the chance taken on Josh Hamilton, and the huge impact of the Dusty Baker signing. But, what about the Nationals trade? The Stanton signing? If anyone is keeping a scorecard - is Krivsky getting a passing grade? Does some of the blame go to Dusty?
Are the players pressing too hard?
Can anyone do anything to turn the season around before it spirals out of control?
Can we keep Castro as a translator/infield coach? He's been portrayed as a really good guy, that - if true, it would seem a shame tp lose him.
In any case, it seems to this ignorant observer that CP23 may also be on the ropes (or should be). This writer believes that if a player doesn't have "pop" in his bat he should then have speed and be able to foul off a number of pitches as he protects the plate, while, one hopes, with an OBP north of .350.
Mr. Patterson does have six walks in 18 games, bringing his OBP up to .258 from his .186 BA. Not stellar numbers.
I was spolied growing up. Watching Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, Bobby Tolan, and Pete Rose. Those guys made pitchers work hard and throw alot of pitches. I don't watch a lot of baseball outside of the Reds anymore, so my perception is limited to this team. But Keppinger and Hatteberg seem to be the only players that work the count. Occasionally Griffey will do so, and to a lesser extent so will Dunn.
But, this team needs a leadoff hitter with some speed who will make pitchers work deep in the count, then get on base and worry them.
I am hoping Mr. Hairston is that guy, at least until Mr. Bruce is ready.
Pecuniarily, it was a good day. The tickets were 1/2 price, we obtained 2 fleece blankets (Yes, they're thin - but they were FREE and they have Mr, Redlegs logos. I'm not one who buys stuff I don't really need, so free is good.), and we got an inning of free baseball.
The Tiki Bar (Section 133) had an absolutely terrific selection of local beers:
Christian Moerlein
Christian Moerlein OTR
BarrelHouse Redlegg Ale
Mt. Carmel Copper Ale
We split a Copper Ale - it was wonderful. But, @ $7.75, we split one, and only one (I'm a cheap bastard).
In Dusty we trust, but this is getting scary...
I keep telling myself that it's not that bad and it's early in the season.
I keep hoping I'll believe that, but jeez, the Reds are digging a DEEP hole.
