Stupid Offseason

You would think since it's been almost 4 months I would have something to write about. Not so much. I'm still too mad about the Casey trade to write about it. Or too lazy. Either way, I think it was stupid. Despite that, I have a feeling that 2006 is going to be the Reds year. The Bengals are doing well, so that must mean that it is finally the year for Cincinnati sports. (Edit: Since it was Christmas Eve and I didn't see the Bengals game, I had yet to realize that the Bengals got their asses handed to them earlier in the day. Seems everyone is just out to prove me wrong.) Granted it's 2005 still, but since football season continues into 2006, the winning can as well. Jax and I are even going to show our faith in the Reds by attending opening day, thanks to Jacci's birthday present from her mom.
On another note, Tiny Casey will not be making the Pirates trade seeing as his tiny Reds uniform is permanent, so instead he will be retiring to Florida. I even gave Jacci a tiny yard and tiny pink flamingos for her birthday, so when she returns to Athens Tiny Casey and Rex can retire in style. I'd put up a picture, but my camera needs batteries. Oh, and the present is at Jacci's anyway.
Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy Birthday Jax!

No More Casey?

Anybody know where I can get a tiny eye patch? Poor Tiny Casey was left to hold the fort in Athens for the holidays and has no idea his larger counter-part is leaving the state. It seems my computer has lost the ability to make a new paragraph, so we're just gonna have to keep going with this one. I have no idea how I actually feel about Casey being traded. In the grand scheme of things, that doesn't really matter, but I'm going to wonder about it, anyway. So HA! On the one hand, I love Casey. I don't want him to be a Pirate. But maybe it'll turn out to be a good thing. Maybe there will be some decent pitching in our future. I choose to remain mostly ambivalent, but slightly affronted for the moment.

Check it out! New paragraph! Also, it has come to our attention that Red Hot Mama (link found over that way --->) has a book! You should buy it! She'd probably really like that.

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire

It's not exactly like I expected the Astros to win, but man that's kind of disappointing. I saw a grand total of three innings of the entire World Series, but, from what I hear, those three innings were a pretty good representation of the whole thing. Of course, when someone says World Series, I sure don't think Astros and White Sox. What a strange year.

Okay, I totally lied. No Tiny Casey update yet.

So Long, Farewell

Alas we must bid adieu to our Reds. Granted, we were supposed to do that a while ago. But, given Christina's computer's meltdown and my still being in school, we fell a bit behind. I want to say something both witty and inspiring about the past season and looking forward to the next, but it's a billion degrees outside and my brain melted, so, here's what I got.

It takes a lot of dedication to continue being a Reds fan, and we're gonna do it. One of these days they're bound to find the missing pieces and put together a respectable season. Why not next season?

On that note...

Coming soon:
The Adventures of Tiny Casey: Off Season
Will he continue his philanthropic ways?
Will he ever change his clothes?
How about his expression?
Is love in his near future?

Tune in next time to find out.

Whomp Whomp Whomp

Yay! The Reds did some royal butt kicking in Milwaukee last night. Nice to see a good pounding even if it doesn't extend the season. Just too bad it wasn't on TV. Those kinds of games are much more fun to see. Mary Bethune prevented me from catching the game in any format last night, but from what I have read, last night's game was an awesome ball-whacking fest, with the Reds coming out vastly superior to the Brewers.

Apparently Wily Mo got himself a rather significant boo-boo by diving head-first into the wall. Though one would expect that boo-boo to be in his head, it seems it's in his back. Who'da thunk it?

As for good things about the night, the Reds won overwhelmingly, 11-4. Harang finally got some run support. Dunn is now 1 homerun away from making it an even 40 on the year. Aurilia and Pigpen each threw in a couple of RBI's, and I'm sure other people played, too.

I like this quote from the Reds website: "Finally, in the seventh, they made it a good old-fashioned thumping..."

Generosity

It was certainly very kind of the Phillies to save their one loss of the series for the night we were there. Always nice to see the Reds win in person. We got to Cincy nice and early so we got to see Mascot Whiffle Ball. Most of the mascots made sense. And then there was Produce Man. He's the lovely green, lumpy guy on first in the following photograph. He's making friends with Horsepower, the aptly named mascot for the Kentucky Motor Speedway.

I was pulling for Mr. Red's team, so of course the Gapper's team blew them away. 4 to 0. Can't really do much of a recap of that game. We were sitting behind a row of very tall people at the time, and we are not very tall, so I'm not real sure what happened.

As for the real game, the Reds held the lead for the entire game. Very exciting stuff. Dunn scored on a wild pitch that was for some reason recalled. Kearns brought him home again right after. The most amazing part of the evening was Milton lasting through 7 innings (here's a picture of him in the fourth to prove that he was still there) while we went through 4 pitchers in the 8th alone. I blinked through Belisle's appearance.

And here, for your viewing pleasure, is the final score of 3 to 2, rather blurry and slightly smoky.
We finally bought ourselves some Reds shirts and also, being the mature adults we are, had helmet sundaes because ice cream just tastes better out of a miniature hat. Especially a miniature Reds hat. Now I've got to find something to do with that helmet, because it's far too small for me and far too big for Tiny Casey.

We Win!

The Reds were just a little delayed in my Cardinal getting commands. Took care of it (and how!) last night, with a series winning 6-2 victory. In all the hubbub I managed to miss the announcement that Griffey is officially done for the year. Rather sad. I'd kind of like to see the man finish out a year.

Tonight we move on to the Phillies, and Saturday we'll be at the game. It's supposed to rain tonight, so perhaps we'll get a rain out and another double-header. It'll become tradition. Interestingly enough, Saturday is the only day this weekend without rain in the forecast. Here's to having better seats than last time! We hope. And here's to handing the Phillies a crushing defeat!

Take That, Birds!

Ha ha ha! The baseball world has been turned upside down. The Reds were nearly swept by the Pirates only to go on and win the first game of the series with the Cardinals (as a side note, I can't type "Cardinals" for my life. Always takes me three tries). Both equally impressive feats. The latter made all the more impressive by my ability to see the game thanks to the magic of television.

Go Reds! Get the Cardinals!
~ETA: They did not get the Cardinals.

Stupid Pirates

Well it looks like the Reds offense finally woke up. Unfortunately the Pirates don't seem to be making this one easy. I could blame the pitching, but how original would that be? Especially when you're blaming Milton. There can't possibly be anyone who is really surprised here. So instead I blame the Pirates for not just accepting that they are awful and are going to finish the season in last place and need to just give up altogether so the Reds can at least win a few more before the season ends. Since the score is already 5 to 6 at the top of the 2nd it ought to be interesting to see how this one pans out. Too bad it's not on TV.
***Update*** It did not pan out so well. Not to worry though, we've got a series with the Cardinals coming up to snap the losing streak. Right?

Never Ending Baseball

I don't think this game is ever going to end. Next Tuesday they'll still be playing, in the 300th inning, still tied at 3. Assuming the team doesn't die of starvation by that point. Denorfia (finally get to see him) tried to kill himself already, smashing himself into the right field wall. Perhaps he's a follower of the Ryan Freel School of Baseball. At least it worked. He survived and caught the ball.

So many pitching changes, we just might see Hudson this week after all. Tonight we were treated to a lovely bit of trivia. In case you ever need to know, Jason Standridge's nickname is apparently The Stallion.

Well, the extra innings are going much like the rest of the game, which is nowhere, so I'm just gonna leave you here.

FSN Ohio tip of the day: You can tell what way the wind is blowing at Wrigley Field by looking at the flags.

Crazy Headline People

Oh my gorshness. While the main headline on the Reds website is ultra lame, the one about Harang didn't make use of any of the usual puns with his name. They aren't trying to "Harang" anyone out to dry. Nor are they trying to "Harang" on to anything. It leaves me feeling almost blissful. I might be blissful if I could get rid of my plague, but such is life.

Two wins in a row for the boys. Considering the recent return to true Reds form, it's quite the streak. We're big fans of the five-run inning of late, as well.

Here's to Haranging a loss on the Cubs tomorrow!

I was going add my own update, but taking advantage of Jacci's efforts and just adding on to hers is so much easier. So pretty much read what she said, and repeat. Rinsing optional. Especially about that headline. "Let there be five"? Would have hoped for something slightly less lame from a fellow OU alumni. Because I myself am full of witty humor. The fact that they scored 5 runs in an innning though I'll take. Todays game aside I read something in the Dayton Daily today though that reinforces my argument for Dunn to go on the program. Apparently he was sitting on the clubhouse coach and leaned back and the couch and all 270lbs of Dunn fell onto the reporters leg. I suppose if I wasn't really lazy I could go downstairs and reread it for exact details, including the name of the poor reporter, but if I recall the paper has already made it to the recycling bin, which I would then have to shuffle through. And that folks, is just too much effort.

Owwie

14-5 loss today. Not a whole lot one can say about that. At least Kearnsy and Pigpen hit homers.

Just a Few Notes

First off, many apologies from us to other Reds bloggers to whom we have failed to link until now. We happen to be rather lazy and extremely lacking when it comes to computer smarts. But now, two months into the game, we're finally getting back on top of things.

Also to note, I think I may have found a way to stop all this comment spam. We'll have to see, though. And I'm sure there are ways around it, but it's worth it to try. Gotta be better than nothing.

And since this is a Reds Blog, I shall note that the Reds are currently losing, again. It's 1 to 0 in the bottom of the 7th. I don't care if Overbay had nothing to do with it, I'm still blaming him. DOWN WITH OVERBAY!

On the Move

For lack of anything more exciting to report, here's a picture of Tiny Casey in his new home in Athens. He's got some kind of girly surroundings, but he's just gonna have to deal. It's either that or the street, and he's kinda fragile. Ha ha ha.

And because it's fun, this is what Great American Ballpark looks like from Kentucky. Interestingly enough, that same view was just on Access Hollywood.

I was totally wrong! There is something exciting to report. Freel is back and in prime base stealing form! Hooray for Pigpen! It's possible that he's been back for a while and I missed it, but I refuse to allow that possibility.

At least they broke up all the losing with a win

I don't really feel like writing much about this evenings game, I didn't get to see it, but from what I read the few times I checked the website during the game, it looks like the bullpen really screwed that one up, complete with its new members to help out. Not that the offense contributed a whole lot; it's really too bad that they didn't win with such a good performance from Claussen.
Anyway, the real reason I'm writing right now is to ask why does Dana Eveland's picture look like he got it done at Glamour shots? I went to the Brewer's website thinking that maybe everyone's picture is that way, but nope, just his. Apparently the lovely beige background everyone else has just wasn't good enough.

When they remember how to play I'll write about something else

Dunn cut his hair! Now, this may have happened days ago, but since I've been out of town and then getting home from work just in time to go to bed and do it all over again, I haven't been able to watch many games so it's new to me. I can't decide if I like the new haircut or not, because I think it may accentuate the fact that he's put on a few pounds. He needs to talk to his friend Kearnsy about the success of the program. What I find funny about the haircut is that the announcers said something about being sure that "Skip and Pat in Houston are happy with the new look". So this has convinced me that his mommy made him do it. He came home for a few days and his mother made him go cut his shaggy hair. 25 years old and a millionaire and still does what his mom tells him to do. Since I've watched 1/2 a game in a week, and refuse to acknowledge the baseball that the Reds have been playing the last 5 games, that's pretty much it.

Oopsie

Well I'm an idiot. Had a lovely entry all worked out here and killed it. I'll do my best to recreate it, but it's not going to be nearly as awesome as the original.

Tonight's Tale of Terrible Shame:
I would like to start out by saying there are no appropriate synonyms for shame that start with the letter "t". Anywho, I finally got to watch the game tonight and I fell asleep on the couch for one inning. Of course, that one inning just HAD to be the fifth. The only inning where anything of importance to the actual game happened.

However, I did get to witness some amusing but extraneous events. Events like Casey laughing his ass off at Chad Qualls's Dance of Evasion. Or LaRue's gruesome attempt on the life of the helpless dugout floor (boy was he angry!). Or how about Casey, ever the accommodating gentleman, being kind enough to hit a grounder to the right just after the FSN announcers had stated that the Astros were doing a good job of getting Casey to hit grounders to the right.

Other Notes of Presumed Interest...
I have decided that Morgan Ensberg both stands and looks funny. He probably smells funny, too. Ensberg is my new Enemy of the Week.

ETA: Oh yes, as for the actual game, the Reds lost 5 to 2. I had forgotten there was a score since 6 of the 7 runs occurred whilst I was asleep.

10th Inning Magic

So much for the sixth inning being the Reds' magic downfall inning. I now proclaim the 10th inning to be the Reds' magic KICK YO' BUTTS inning. Now, I started writing this before the game was over, so we'll see how it turns out, but that is my announcement and thus it must be true.

Gameday needs to get caught up. I doubt Mercker is pitching to Griffey.

10th inning magic indeed!

4 to 1. Go Reds!

A Little Lost

The other half of the blog has left electronic communication behind for a few days. I don't know what I'm going to do. Christina is usually more able to watch the games than I am. Assuming the crazy work hours don't kick in. I work too many nights to see games usually. The only thing I can say about tonight's game is that they lost. I didn't expect that. The boys swept the Nationals last time, I fully (though probably foolishly) expected it to happen again.

Oh! There's one more thing I know. Mr. Valentin hit a home-run. Good to see that. It'd been a while.

In other random news, Tiny Casey helped me clean my desk the other day. He's gotten quite lazy, and a little pudgey of late. I'm supposed to go to a high school football game tomorrow. There's a ballpark there. Perhaps I'll send him off for some excercise.

Quality programming

Ah FSNOhio. Tonight was an excellent evening of programming I must say. First we get deep-thinking baseball wisdom like "you play more efficiently if you throw the ball where you want it to go" (note that I'm not sure that is the exact wording they used as I'm writing this an hour or so after I heard it, but it was close to that, and I assure you, just as stupid). Then I leave the room for a short while, when the score is 4 to 2 Reds. When I come back the score I see before me is 6 to 2 Nationals. Ummm...I know the Reds have come up with quite creative ways to lose this season, but actually getting negative runs? They left this score up for at least the full 9th inning, if it hadn't already been up before that. I actually went and checked the computer to make sure that the Nationals did not in fact have 6 runs.
As far as sports networks go though I think the Reds should have a network of their very own, just as the Yankees have the YES network. I don't see why they don't already. Sure the Yankees have a bigger payroll and have a world series or two, but the Reds have won the world series. (I didn't say these Reds, just the Reds). Besides, we could fill the off season with programing such as "Adam and Austin go fishing" or hours upon hours of playstation tournaments. New fans can see unforgettable Reds moments like the bench clearing brawl with the Phillies in which Adam Dunn charged the pitcher like a bull. If we can't get network funding we can be like PBS and ask for sponsorship, with lucky fans who donate receiving one of a kind gifts such as these. My only question is why someone hasn't gotten the ball rolling on this concept already.
Luckily the Reds seemed to have a better night than the network that was airing their game. Hudson pitched well, hopefully his ERA will drop below 7 soon. Encarnacion had another good night, I think I'll lay off the bring back Randa campaign for a while. Since I'm going out of town until Sunday this was the last Reds game I'll see until Tuesday so in all it was a nice game to see to hold me over until then.
Oh, and donations for the All Reds, All the Time network (as well as suggestions for a more creative title) are now being taken at 1-800-hrt-reds. The first 1000 lucky callers will recieve a commemorative photo of Tiny Casey and his little pal Rex. Don't Delay.

32 runs in 3 days?! The fact that there was no sweep is just kind of sad. Couldn't we carry some of the 17 over from Friday to Saturday? Just this once? In all though, at least they took the series, and now get to go on a road trip to kick some ass. *note that if you read this post right after it was put up (because I'm sure you were waiting on the edge of your seat for an update) it did in fact say "west coast road trip". Apparently I lost one too many brain cells at last nights bachelorette party*
Some highlights from this weekend include:

• Kearns continuing to give reason to put some more Reds on the "program"
• Casey spiting whoever wrote what I read today about how he has no power and we should get rid of him
• Encarnacion reminding us that he does show some definite promise, though I still miss Randa (he apparently misses the Reds as well and is protesting by giving quite the mediocre performance for the Padres)
• I learned how to make bullet points in my blog

If I'd actually gotten to see Fridays or this afternoons win it would have been an even better weekend. But, I will console myself with memories of last nights bachelorette party for a friend of ours, which included calling our opponents the bachelor party at 12:30 only to find out that they were already done for the night, when we weren't even in the state of Ohio let alone home. OU girls know how to party :)

I Didn't Know I was Stealing the Title

I apologize most profusely for stealing the title. I did not know what I was doing. And while in courts ignorance does not mean innocence, it does in Jacciland. Sorry anyway!

Now, on to the subject at hand. Ahem, 17 to 3! What sport did that score come from? If you guessed football, you would be wrong. It would also be an odd guess, as this blog is about the Reds, and they play baseball. If you guessed baseball, you would be correct. The Reds STOMPED the Diamondbacks this evening. Major stomping. And apparently Kearns got about a million RBI's. Again, I was working tonight, so again, didn't get to view the game, but I bet it was spectacular. How humiliating to be Arizona right now. Though the score does lend some credit to a song and a friend's belief that there is no Arizona. I guess the three points could have been the handicap for not existing.

GO REDS!

Jacci totally stole my title

I was going to use the title Jax used. Stupid work cutting into my free time and preventing me from posting before her.
As per usual I watched three evenings in a row of the Reds losing only to not be able to watch them win this afternoon. Would have at least seen game day, but again that work thing got in the way. Plus I think I'm one incident away from them taking away my computer use. Though to be fair I'm not the one that started the virus at work. It just happened that when I was on someone elses computer the virus completely killed it. Both of my computers are actually just fine right now, so I think I should get credit for that. But back to the Reds. As I said, they won this afternoon. And I did not see it. Therefore I have nothing to recap. Well, nothing except for exactly what the Reds website told me. Apparenlty Lopez snapped out of some of his crappy hitting and hit a two run homer, and Ortiz actually pitched a decent game. Tomorrow begins the three game set with Arizona, which is entirely untelevised. Who makes these decisions? I swear if it's another "behind the glory Mike Ditka" special that bumped the Reds game I am going to show up on the door of the FSNOhio studios. Because that would be really effective I'm sure.

On the Road Again...

I can't wait to get on the road again...

What on Earth is going on here? Isn't San Francisco supposed to be awful? Aren't we supposed to be pounding them into the ground? How have the Reds lost three games to them? Is it Fate's cruel vengeance? She forgot that the Reds are supposed to lose, so because of her recent lapse in memory she is causing great suffering at the hands of the Giants. Is that what this is? It's not very nice. I didn't get to see any of these games (work has been lovely like that, though I actually don't know if any of them were on TV), and I was a little upset, but maybe I shouldn't be. It sounds like the Reds actually made a good showing and the Giants were all, "No way." That's gotta be frustrating. I mean, Aurilia hit two two-run homers last night and still they lost. Technically I suppose that was two nights ago, as it is technically Thursday now.

Here's to not getting swept!

At least he's hot

From the Dayton Daily online:

On their first day at Wrigley Field Monday, veteran Kent Mercker and rookie Jason Standridge were standing in right field when Standridge noticed a flag flapping on a pole in the right field corner that read, "Williams, 26."
Said Standridge, "I didn't know they put up flags for the day's starting pitchers," referring to Chicago's Monday starter, Jerome Williams. Standridge was unaware the flag was for Hall of Fame Cubs outfielder Billy Williams.
"Yeah, they do," Mercker said with a deadpan. Pointing to two other flags, Mercker said, "And Ernie Banks is pitching Tuesday and Ron Santo on Wednesday."

Well, sadly the Reds will not have a perfect road trip. Though 5 out of 6 isn't bad. And today the last place (it's nice to no longer be referring to the Reds when I say that) Pirates shut out the second place Astros. Shut out. By eight runs. So at least I had something to laugh about.
Hmmm...nothing else to write about today. I suppose next time I should do some brainstorming before I post, this one has turned out to be quite dull.

Free time? What is that?

There is a game tonight. And it's on TV. And I'm not at work, nor do I have to get up at the crack of dawn for work tomorrow. Why do I have the impending feeling of doom that they're going to lose this game? In all honesty though the signs are pointing towards me falling asleep on the couch, so they should win. Looks like they finally learned to play at Milwalkees stadium. Or looks like they just learned to play on the road in general. I'm finding it quite enjoyable to like a team that wins. And I also find that certain statistics don't seem entirely unreasonable. That is definately my kind of math.
On another note, someone seems to have dropped the ball at the Reds website. Jason Standridge's biography simply says "Single...Was Auburn Universityb" With the b at the end and everything. And if he's single how about a little more information, like an address and phone number. Just a suggestion.

Who Are We Again?

What's the name of this team again? Who swept the Cubs with a combined score of 25 to 9? The Reds? Who doesn't suck? The Reds!!

That's right, baseball. Watch out! The Reds are kicking booty on the road like it's nobody's business. The intro to sports on the news was "Maybe the Reds should be a road team." I am beginning to agree.

In other news, Tiny Casey has been a rather boring focus subject. All he does lately is sunbathe and fish. He did adopt a German Shepherd named Rex. He rescued him from an abandoned cardboard box.

Tiny Casey and Rex check out the fishin' hole

Lounging on the deck

Starting Out Right

Ryan Freel is doin' it right. Homerun to start off the game. Go Pigpen!

Because we know you missed it

Once again for your reading pleasure we present Jacci and Christina realtime commentary from when we were watching gameday and talking online. It's really long, so I hope you're really bored.

Christina: we could be watching the reds lose on gameday
Jacci: Of course
Christina: oohh... apparently not just the reds
Christina: "Austin Kearns and the Reds are hosting the Marlins in the series finale today."
Christina: according to the website
Jacci: Austin is, eh?
Christina: yes
Christina: I wonder if he is a good host
Christina: nice southern hospitality I'll bet
Jacci: I'm sure he is
Jacci: I wonder why he gets the headline.
Christina: because he kicked some ass last night
Jacci: OH, did he. I saw that he got a double, but that's all. Hadn't read anything about it or anything.
Christina: or at least compared to the stellar performances by everyone else
Christina: the Dayton Daily said something like "it may not have been pretty, but it was a win"
Christina: oh crap
Christina: I just noticed we have three errors already and it's only the bottom of the third
Jacci: A win is a win
Jacci: Wow. Go us. I bet their all Encarnacion
Christina: no actually none of them are
Christina: CASEY! Casey Made an error!
Christina: that happens, what, once a season?
Christina: or maybe twice
Jacci: I think this might be twice
Christina: I'll bet it brings his feilding percentage from .999 down to like .998
Jacci: Yeah
Christina: there goes the golden glove
Christina: Lets go Pigpen!
Jacci: Too bad. he woudl look snazzy with a golden glove.
Christina: yes
Christina: we would have to fashion one for Tiny casey as well
Jacci: Indeed
Jacci: I know why he made that error! It was while he was lounging on my deck
Christina: lazy lazy
Jacci: Or maybe it was while he was running away from Ellie.
Christina: dammit Encarnacion got out trying to go to third
Jacci: He just wanted to get to his position. He's more comfortable there. Must have forgot he was playing offense at the moment.
Christina: damn, inning three is over
Jacci: 6 more to go!
Jacci: Hudson's first name is apparently Wild now.
Christina: really
Jacci: One of their stories says Wild Hudson helps Reds to victory or something like that.
Christina: that's because he let runners score on two wild pitches
Christina: he didn't really help at all
Jacci: He hit a double
Jacci: At some point
Christina: he hit a double, but in the paper today he said he was scared up there and closed his eyes on the pitch and it's lucky he hit it at all
Christina: he should keep that to himself
Christina: doesn't exactly instill confidence
Jacci: No, that was a pretty stupid thing to admit. Though amazingly honest
Jacci: I'll give him credit for that
Christina: apparently the other two errors are Ortiz's fault
Jacci: I was about to remark on the fact that it is the 4th inning and Ortiz is still in.
Jacci: And he only gave up one run in the first inning. That's unusual.
Jacci: But I guess the two errors make up for that
Christina: and it wasn't a homerun on the first pitch
Jacci: Excellent
Christina: if we could get some run support going maybe we could take this series
Jacci: Yeah, aside from errors Ortiz is doing really well at the moment
Christina: and by we I am of course indicating that I play a vital part
Jacci: But of course
Jacci: I always say "we" when referring to sports teams. Everyone always calls me out on it, too
Christina: well I think it shows team loyalty
Jacci: Me too
Christina: we feel ownership
Christina: and unfortunately pain when it comes to the teams we pick
Jacci: Screw feeling ownership. I bought the Reds yesterday. You get half as a Congratulations on the job gift.
Christina: awesome
Jacci: Of course, I will do nothing with my ownership
Christina: I will
Christina: I'm hiring a team barber
Jacci: Oh! Excellent idea
Jacci: I want to see another home run from Casey
Christina: oh, and they have to wear their all red uniforms more often
Jacci: Like every home game
Christina: yes
Jacci: But they're not allowed to get them dirty
Jacci: Not even Freel
Christina: awww...but freel looks so cute when he's all covered in dirt
Jacci: True
Christina: and Dunn needs new shoes
Christina: I'm not liking the ones he has
Jacci: And he needs to pull his pants out from under his shoes
Jacci: He's always stepping on them
Christina: even the FSNOhio announcer said he needs to pull his pants up
Jacci: At least they got something right
Christina: but of course if we own the Reds we're the new announcers
Jacci: But of course.
Christina: we can keep those other guys on the payroll though, for when we need actual baseball stuff to talk about
Jacci: Flying out is not a homerun, Casey
Christina: no, it's not
Jacci: Yeah. They can help us with the Aflack question
Christina: no, the duck it going down
Jacci: Hehe. No more trivia?
Christina: instead of Aflack trivia, there is going to be a shoot the duck segment
Jacci: Haha! Excellent
Christina: Dunn, being the avid hunter, can provide the commentary
Jacci: OH yes
Jacci: Damn it Kearnsy!
Christina: this inning is going fast
Jacci: Too fast.
Jacci: At least Casey managed to stay up there for 8 pitches
Christina: lets go wily mo!
Jacci: YAY WILY MO
Christina: and wily mo's name will be pronounced with the long I as it is spelled
Jacci: Yes. He's definitely going to have to change that
Christina: and anyone who says "lets get 'er dunn" shall be thrown out of my ballpark
Jacci: Agreed
Christina: and no chicken dance
Jacci: Hehe. I've always liked the chicken dance. Not doing it so much, but I think it's funny to watch other people do it.
Christina: i despise that stupid dance
Jacci: I could do without the song
Christina: I'll pull out my duck shooting rifle for those who choose to participate
Jacci: Dang it. Now I've got the song stuck in my head
Jacci: And damn it Aurilia
Christina: yes, way to screw up wily mo's rally attempt
Jacci: Casey needs to hit another homerun
Jacci: Or Dunn or Kearns
Christina: or anyone
Jacci: I want to see one off of Freel, actually
Christina: correction: any Red
Jacci: Little Mr. Speedy hits a big long ball
Christina: yeah, Freel hasn't been doing much of anything lately
Christina: except stealing bases
Jacci: I think that's all he does.
Christina: like trying to steal home
Christina: who the hell trys to steal home?
Jacci: The desperate
Christina: yeah
Jacci: Or people who really want to try to make the other team look bad
Jacci: I want to see someone steal first
Jacci: I'm pretty sure it's illegal, but I want to see it
Christina: well, when it doesn't work you suceed in looking like an ass
Jacci: Yes indeed
Christina: well, people take first on wild pitches
Jacci: Yeah, but that's not really stealing it.
Jacci: That's "HAHA You're and idiot"
Christina: except Dunn. There was a wild pitch a few games ago and he didn't even try to go
Christina: the announcers were like "what the hell?" and replayed his lack of attempt about a hundred times
Jacci: He must not have felt like playing baseball
Jacci: He just wanted to play beating stick
Christina: Willis just grounded into a double play
Christina: Way to teach it to the other team Casey!
Christina: Juan Pierre looks frightened in his picture
Jacci: Yes he does
Christina: I think he just hit a single to spite me
Christina: or because Ortiz can't pitch
Christina: either one
Jacci: He's still scared
Jacci: Ortiz better learn to pitch here pretty soon
Christina: or Narron better learn to not play him
Jacci: Luis Castillo looks like it's about time for him to retire
Christina: he's kind of mean looking
Jacci: I didn't get mean, just old.
Jacci: What??? How did Pierre make it to third?
Jacci: Oh, Ortiz again
Jacci: BIG mistake by Ortiz
Christina: Error number three on the game for Ortiz!
Jacci: That one had to be embarrassing
Christina: it's going to be more embarrasing if they score off of it
Jacci: True
Jacci: At least that part's over
Christina: good, got himself out of that mess
Jacci: Maybe Ortiz won't be back
Christina: probably will be
Christina: for Ortiz he's actually pitching well
Jacci: He still seems to be pitching well when he's throwing to home
Jacci: Pickoffs are a no no right now
Christina: hell, for a Reds pitcher he's pitching well
Jacci: Very true
Christina: well, Harang just had an off night though, so he's still good
Christina: and Standridge
Christina: well, standridge is just to cute for me to care what he does
Christina: oohh...scruffy LaRue
Christina: he needs a homerun too
Christina: Lets go LaRue!
Jacci: Yes he does. It's been a while.
Christina: well, he's been having to split play time
Christina: single!
Christina: good enough
Jacci: Indeed
Jacci: It's not an out
Christina: nope
Christina: okay, Encarnacion, prove you can take Randa's place
Christina: and try opening your eyes
Jacci: Yeah, no kidding. I have seen nothing brilliant so far.
Jacci: Well, once I did, but other than that, nothing.
Christina: Strike one
Christina: foul, aka strike two
Christina: foul
Christina: hit it forward!
Jacci: Really hardQ!
Jacci: With a q
Christina: yes
Jacci: Pop out! Yes!
Christina: dammit
Christina: crap, ortiz is up
Christina: come on ortiz! help yourself out here!
Jacci: They should intentionally walk him
Christina: yes
Christina: quite scary
Jacci: They're a quarter of the way there
Christina: that they are
Jacci: Half way
Christina: 2-1
Jacci: With a strike to mar it up
Christina: 3-1
Jacci: WALK HIM!!!!!!!!
Christina: full count 3-2
Jacci: Damn it
Christina: strikeout
Christina: damn
Jacci: I don't think he swung the bat once
Christina: nope
Christina: I don't think he could have with 3 balls and 3 called strikes
Jacci: Nope
Christina: come on Freel! Do something good!
Jacci: I didn't look at what kind of strikes
Jacci: Crazy pitch
Christina: LaRue is just standing there! Bat him in!
Jacci: LaRue needs your help!
Christina: or not
Christina: well, he's not standing at first anymore
Jacci: Damnation
Jacci: Nope
Jacci: Alrighty. I gotta go for a bit. Maybe the Reds will do something awesome while I am gone
Christina: maybe

*Update* The Reds did nothing awesome while Jacci was gone. Not even when they put Dunn in to pinch hit at the end. Damn

Lets Go Reds!

Well that was a close one. But the Reds did what the Reds do best and came from behind. They win tomorrow night and they end the home stint 50/50. Wish I'd been able to watch, but even if I was home it wasn't on TV. Though a slumber party the 8-year-old was attending brought the neighbors kid count down to four, and with the 6-week-old doing what a 6-week-old does best and sleeping tonight actually went quite well. Or at least not bad anyway. Tonight going good would have meant me being at the Reds game. Oohhh...looks like I could have gotten an American Girl Doll sized Reds uniform too. Or I could have if I was under 14. Tomorrow I could get limited edition baseball cards! Hot Damn! I need to start going to more Reds games. Need to find out when the next figurine or bobblehead night is. Tiny Casey needs a tiny friend to share in his misadventures. Like sitting on Jacci's desk. And sitting on Jacci's counter. Maybe he'll have more fun when he gets to go to college when Jacci goes back to OU in the fall. We should get him a Tiny Dunn. I definately see Dunn as the troublemaker. I wonder if they sell miniature massage chairs...

AHHH!

GAH! The Reds won! I honestly wasn't expecting it. I nearly screamed out loud when I read it. Sorry, didn't get to see this one either. But, I did get to see that the score was 4 to 3 and that they didn't have to play the bottom of the 9th. And Hudson got a double! So did Kearns! Go boys, go!

I heart the Reds even more than ever right now. And it's not for any reason other than surprising me with a victory today. That's a good addition to my weekend.

Can we go back on the road now?

One in four? Aren't the Reds supposed to be better at home? I didn't get a chance to see last nights loss though, so I can't give my gripping commentary. I don't think Jacci got to see it either because she was working. I must apologize to our readers. And by that I mean all four or five of you.
I hope tonight goes better, but I'm not so sure about the pitching matchup. Unfortantely I won't get to watch this game either, our neighbors are going to a wedding tonight and when they were unable to find a babysitter for their 5 kids under 9 I apparently lost my mind and volunteered to watch them. Hey kids, who wants to watch a Reds game!

Incorrect

Well, I predicted that the Reds would beat up the Braves tonight. I was wrong. It wasn't excruciating, though. 7 to 4 isn't 12 to 2. And Casey hit two homeruns!

The announcers on FSN started work brilliantly this evening. One of the first words I remember hearing was "velocitized." Upon hearing this, I thought I'd make up a list of all the words they made up throughout the game. Turns out, velocitized was the only one. Only one I caught, anyway. But, I did catch a few other interesting things.

-The announcers called Kearns "Kearnsy"
-Ken Griffey Jr. has never hit a homerun on August 4th, 5th, or 6th.
-When Casey hit his second homerun someone said the following: "Don't know what Casey's eating nowadays, but he should stick with that diet."
-Aflack trivia question was a stab at Freel (Who was the first person ever to steal home in a National League championship game?). Don't remember the answer.
-The bottom of the 8th was quite magical. Casey's second homerun, Kearns hit a single, Valentin hit a double. Then someone went and ruined it all. I don't remember who. Anyway, Kearnsy and Javier were left, stranded
-Weathers nearly lost his head and afterwards there was the following conversation: Announcer 1 "If you're already down, stay down. If you're up, duck." Announcer 2 "Thanks."
-9th inning sucked a lot. More runs for the Braves and nothing for the Reds

I don't think Pigpen got dirty tonight

Casey hit two homeruns! That gives him 7 on the season! Go Casey!

Edit: Seems Christina and I were writing at the same time and neither of us knew it. Also, there was a commercial for news from the Kentucky Motor Speedway on FSNOhio.

Well, it wasn't a sweep

Wow. It would really suck to be Casey right now. You contribute all four of the games RBI and the Reds lose. I had high hopes for the Reds taking this series too. Not really sure what I was basing those hopes on since the Braves are the best team in the NL East right now, but hey, the Reds swept the Padres, and they're at the top of their league. We'll just ignore the fact that right now there isn't a single team in the NL West who is at .500 or above. I guess that they're just going to have to beat up some more on the Marlins to make up for it. Too bad we're not playing the Devil Rays instead.

At least they're winning

I got to watch last nights loss, which was accurately deemed "abysmal" by the Red's website. Tonight they seem to be turning the tables and beating up on the Braves, but of course tonights game is not on TV. I suppose I can just picture one of Dunn's other 31 homeruns in my mind though to get an idea of how tonight is going, considering more than 1/2 of the RBI are from him. Encarnacion had an RBI as well, however I still am horrified by his three errors last night, and have started a Bring Back Randa Until Encarnacion is Really Ready Campaign. I'm not saying it's gonna work, but at least I've taken a stand. Bunch of liers down at the Reds office. Though I don't want to relive the saddness of losing Randa all over again, so how about we just bring him back for good? The Padres can have Encarnacion and we'll even throw in Aurillia for his bargain basement contract of $500,000. Any takers? Damn.

On another note, according to Jacci mine is the only computer with a different profile layout than what we had originally, so there isn't in fact a need for tech support at the present time. However the fact that my computer has taken the liberty of changing webpage layouts all by itself worries me a little. Right now it's just my home computer, but I'm counting the days until I manage to bring down the entire intranet at work. They gave me not one but two computers. They are so stupid.

***Update***Well I suppose that winning 8 to 5 isn't exactly turning the tables completely on a 12 to 2 loss, but when I wrote the post we were winning 8 to 3, and I was still holding out for double digits. But hey, a win is a win***

Whoa

Oh wow. So I watched about 30 seconds of the game tonight. I watched a recap of the Braves half of the game (couldn't hear what they were saying because someone was talking loudly) and I wondered why they weren't showing the Reds. Then the score pops up. 12 to 1, Atlanta. No wonder they didn't show the Reds. I'm not sure if they made it back from California yet. There are two more innings of this to suffer. I saw the score and immediately turned the TV off. No need to watch this.

I guess they needed a reality check. 5 in a row was just too much. The cosmos couldn't handle it. Or maybe there were too many cosmos in hand last night. Though I can't see those guys drinking cosmopolitans.

Oh well, GO REDS!!!

ETA: The Reds got one more run! And at least they stopped the Braves at 12. It was only a ten point loss.

Five in a row!?!?!

*Hmm... I keep trying to figure out why our layout has changed on its own, but all I've been successful at doing is screwing it up more. Not good considering Tech Support is about to move to Italy*

Well that was quite a game today. Excellent performance by Milton, though it does make you wonder why he was sucking it up so much until now. I kind of question the decision to take him out after the 7th, he was pitching a shutout game, and there were 7 runs to back him up. Sure maybe he would have given up a run, but Coffey did just that anyway. Stupid pitch counts. Milton definately didn't look happy to be taken out, but he got a nice hug from Freel to try and make him feel better. It was very sweet, though I couldn't tell on the TV whether or not the look on Milton's face was still displeasure over being taken out of the game or that he didn't appreciate the male bonding. In which case I think he should have decked him one. Though Pigpen just got off the DL, so maybe not.
On another note Kearns wasn't playing today after leaving yesterday with a tight hamstring so I hope he isn't headed for the DL. He should be in great shape right now with the success of his "program". Speaking of which Dunn has went from 240 to 275 since he started. Where's his program? Maybe if he was on one he could have hit 40 homeruns already. I have a program for both Dunn and Kearns though. It's called Christina wants you to get a haircut. Wily Mo got with the program, I think he should talk to his friends about it.
The best part of todays game though was that it started well before 10pm. Which means that right now I can go to bed and maybe not want throw my alarm clock across the room at 5am tomorrow. Though I'm pretty sure the day I'm happy to get up at 5am is the day the Reds percentage hits 1.00.

GO REDS!!!

GRAND SLAM!!! GRAND SLAM!!! I heart Dunn soooo much. And to be honest, I'm definately not hating Milton right now. Oh if we only could have played like this the first half of the season...

Stupid west coast games

Well, for the second evening in a row I have fallen asleep on the couch halfway through a Reds game. (hey, in my defense I've been getting up at 5ish for work all week) I also need to ask Jacci why her last post referred to "watching" the game on Gameday, when it was on TV (to which she shall respond "Living with the parents on school breaks makes it very difficult to get any of her own TV time"). Though gameday does add that extra suspense. The good part is that I've woken up both times to a win, however I've missed some of the best parts, so you won't get to read my captivating game wraps. Like on a homerun hit by Valentin that was longer than Dunn's?! Really? Go Valentin. Though I must say no one could give a speech quite like Dunn's about getting Encarnacion's homerun ball back. http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/spring/2005/07/our-hero.asp I love Dunn, so I say this in the nicest way possible, but, well, it's a good thing that man can play sports.
The Reds setting the longest winning streak of the season well they're on the road is nice, almost lets one forget about how painful watching road games has been the rest of this season. Almost. It wasn't much fun to have to see Randa in a Padres uniform though, so it will be nice when this road trip is over. But first there is a series to sweep :) GO REDS!!!

DO IT!!!!!!

Two outs, bases loaded, Kearns at the plate, full count.

DO IT KEARNS! DO IT!!!!!!!!

Damnable Gameday is just too slow.

Well, it wasn't a grand slam, but they walked him. One more for the good guys! Why is Freel running for Kearns? Oh well, he's speedy.

Ooooh, and now the big man, Javier Valentin, strides up to the plate. Is he still on fire? Did the inferno spread to California? We soon shall know.

It's a two-run single! Still not a grand slam, but now the score is 5 to 1 and the Padres' coach is paying a little visit to his pitcher because he is shakin' in his boots. Well there's a no nonsense mound visit. You's outta here.

The future will bring a conclusion to this exciting game. I just can't stay up to wait for it.

GO REDS!!!!

Muwahahaha!

Dodgers lose again! 6 to 1. GO REDS! We may have only split the series, but that's fine by me. Didn't lose it, didn't get swept, it's almost like winning. It just took the guys a few days to get used to California. And what's this I see? The Reds' post All-Star break record is 9 for 14? Why, that's above .500. It's incredible! Keep it up Reds!

Today, not to be outshone by the ever impressive Javier Valentin, Jason LaRue got himself two homeruns. Whatever shall come of this competition? It's a right old fashioned brawl, minus the bar stools, pool sticks, six shooters and punching.

As far as we know, anyway.

Take That, Dodgers!

Hahaha! Beat the Dodgers. Knew it had to happen sometime! Freel has returned to top base stealing form. He now holds the Reds record for most stolen bases in one game. That record is 5. 5 stolen bases and 2 runs for Mr. Ryan Freel last night. Good ol' Pigpen. I'll bet he had dirt inside his ears after last night.

This doesn't look like it's worth staying up for

Kearns just got Casey and himself out ending the inning with Casey's signature move. If you're gonna teach that to someone how about one of the Dodgers? It would be nice if they didn't get swept this series, I was just starting to think we at least had a chance of not coming in dead last. On the upside I got my new car tonight, so maybe Jacci and I will take Tiny Casey cruising this weekend. Don't worry, we'll remember to adjust the gloves and shinguard first.

Darn

I really thought we had it this time, too. I mean, Milton got himself a homerun. A homerun, people! Milton! How can you lose when Milton gets a homerun? Again, I missed the game. We saw a movie and then I was driving home in a fury for fear of the massive yet very welcome storms heading this way.

Anyway, 'twas yet another defeat at the paws those silly dogs out in California. Apparently dogs do play baseball.

The Reds had a much better showing this time. 4 runs, even. Many things happened, some good, some not so good. I'd tell you what they were, but all I know about the game right now is that Milton, Coffey and Belisle all pitched and that Kearns hit a double. All in all, though I'm sure great effort was put into the game, the Reds came out the losers once again. 7 to 4.

On a side note, Sin City is not all it's made out to be. I guess it must be a guy movie. It severely hindered my ability to relate anything interesting from the game as well.

Not Even Going To Ask

I didn't get to watch the game because of work tonight, so I checked the score a bit ago. 4 to 0 Dodgers. Not only was it a shut-out, they apparently were unable to get anyone past first base. Of course, I do believe the total number of players on base for the Reds for the entire game was 1. So now I want to know, but am afraid to ask, does the Central division of the National League really suck that badly? Aside from the Cardinals, of course. I mean, we can pound the crap out of the Brewers and even beat up on the Cubbies when the roster's at full strength. The Cardinals are untouchable, I know that, but we've even beat them up a couple times.

I've decided to call it jet lag. Just can't get used to it no matter how many times you fly. And I'm making that up because I've never flown anywhere. Tomorrow our boys will show those Dodgers what's up. Remind them that once upon a time (in New York City), Dodger was a stray dog that befriended a cat named Oliver in a lovely musical adventure from those geniuses over at Disney. And then remind them that dogs don't play baseball, but people do. And remind them that some crazy British dudes did a study and discovered that the winningest teams wear RED. And how much more red can you get than being the Reds?

And, for your viewing pleasure, here is Tiny Casey, strutting his stuff all over my desk.

Stupid Time Zones

So yesterdays game I could have watched, it wasn't on TV. Saturdays game I could have watched, it wasn't on TV. Tonight the game is on TV, but it doesn't even start until 10:10. Don't they know that some of us have to be up for work at 5am? I think I need to send the MLB and FSNohio my schedule so they can work around it accordingly from now on.

Casey at the Bat

Yeah, we've all heard that one before. But I'm big on cliches for titles. Anyway, as of 5:00 tomorrow (technically today since it's 2:30 in the AM) I shall be the proud new owner of one of the Sean Casey figurines given away on Sean Casey Figurine Night, aka Saturday night. A co-worker witnessed that travesty in person, as well as managed to get bogged down with Casey figurines, so I decided I'd help him out. So tomorrow is Casey's homecoming. I should have a party. I just hope he doesn't smell like Marion's by the time I get him home. Christina and I will have to figure out something fantastic to do with Tiny Casey. Maybe we could turn him into a hood ornament for Christina's future new car.

I HEART DUNN :)

Go Kearns!!!

Kearns nailed one to right to give the Reds the lead. Apparently if I want something to happen I just need to write about it. Well most of the time, if it was all of the time they wouldn't have lost yet this half. Now, the lead quickly became a tie, but there's still three more innings to beat up on some Brewers. GO REDS!!!

If At First You Don't Succeed...

I'm going to try this again. And this time, no pictures. I lost the first bit of the conversation, so we'll just jump right in middle. We thought we'd give you a bit of insight into our lovely real time conversations while watching Reds games. We had to "watch" this one online, though. Which isn't really watching. Anyway, here we go:


Christina (8:21:03 PM): oh, someone was growing facial hair
Christina (8:21:09 PM): I wanna say it was kearns
Christina(8:21:26 PM): but I get so frustrated with their groomin that I can't remember
Christina(8:21:36 PM): I meant to add a g to that
Jacci (8:21:50 PM): Groomin adds the perfect touch, though
Christina(8:21:59 PM): nice and southern
Jacci (8:22:22 PM): Bunt pops?
Jacci (8:22:30 PM): That doesn't make sense.
Christina(8:22:33 PM): nope
Jacci (8:23:03 PM): But, it's an out for them which is good for us, so I'll take it.
Christina(8:23:38 PM): yes
Christina(8:23:45 PM): uh-oh
Christina(8:23:59 PM): there is a coaching visit to the mound
Christina (8:24:08 PM): oh, because he just loaded the bases
Christina (8:24:11 PM): damn
Jacci (8:25:24 PM): Good job Claussen.
Christina (8:25:48 PM): a wild pitch when the bases are loaded?
Christina (8:25:51 PM): bad idea
Christina (8:25:59 PM): you can't walk him!!!!!!
Christina (8:26:06 PM): there is no where to put him!!!!!!
Christina (8:26:11 PM): throw strikes dammit!!!!
Jacci (8:26:24 PM): Damnation. I can't copy and paste the IM into the blog
Christina (8:26:44 PM): why not?
Christina (8:26:57 PM): son of a mother
Christina (8:27:02 PM): he just walked him
Jacci (8:27:10 PM): I guess itw as just too long. I got it in small snippets
Jacci (8:27:14 PM): GREAT!
Christina (8:27:16 PM): I would like to make my own visit to the mound
Christina (8:27:19 PM): oh no
Jacci (8:27:20 PM): Me too
Jacci (8:27:22 PM): With a bat
Christina (8:27:22 PM): it's overbay (it is important to note here that we hate Overbay. Almost as much as Steinbrenner)
Christina (8:27:26 PM): ha
Christina (8:29:00 PM): oh no
Christina (8:29:05 PM): he's gonna walk overbay
Christina (8:29:13 PM): I don't even like overbay's picture
Christina (8:29:18 PM): looks very full of himself
Christina (8:29:31 PM): or Overbay is going to score on his own
Jacci (8:29:33 PM): Yes he does.
Christina (8:29:37 PM): OH CRAP
Christina (8:29:43 PM): Game Over
Christina (8:30:02 PM): Not another visit to the mound
Christina (8:30:07 PM): TAKE HIM OUT!
Jacci (8:30:10 PM): Coaching visit to mound = bye bye Claussen
Christina (8:30:18 PM): best be
Jacci (8:30:23 PM): It will.
Christina (8:30:27 PM): it should have equaled that last time
Christina (8:33:03 PM): hey
Christina (8:33:09 PM): hadn't seen Coffey in a while
Christina (8:33:45 PM): I wonder if Claussen just doubled his ERA with that one
Christina (8:34:13 PM): he was on my fantasy team too
Christina (8:34:22 PM): I guess I can say goodbye to winning that
Jacci (8:35:00 PM): Yeah. I totally forgot about the second season of that
Jacci (8:35:11 PM): I think Coffey may have played briefly on Thursday
Christina (8:35:14 PM): eh, it's not going so hot
Christina (8:35:39 PM): really? I thought I saw that game too
Christina (8:35:51 PM): no, wait, not Thursdays
Jacci (8:36:15 PM): Thursday was an afternoon game
Christina (8:36:20 PM): ah yes
Christina (8:36:25 PM): I saw wednesdays
Christina (8:36:31 PM): GO DUNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christina (8:36:46 PM): strike
Christina (8:37:06 PM): strike
Christina (8:37:11 PM): not what I meant Dunn
Christina (8:41:15 PM): GO VALENTIN!
Christina (8:41:22 PM): HOMERUN! HOMERUN!
Jacci (8:41:25 PM): Go Valentin indeed!
Jacci (8:41:45 PM): Kearns singled! Missed that.
Christina (8:41:49 PM): yes he did
Jacci (8:41:53 PM): Not a home run, but in play without outs
Christina (8:42:01 PM): a single
Jacci (8:42:04 PM): HOly crap! Kearns made it to third
Christina (8:42:13 PM): and newly skinny Kearns made it to 3rd
Jacci (8:42:15 PM): Lost weight, picked up speed.
Jacci (8:42:16 PM): Yes he did
Jacci (8:42:30 PM): Coaching visit to mound for them. HA!
Christina (8:42:32 PM): why is there a coaching visit to the mound?
Christina (8:42:38 PM): they're up by 8
Jacci (8:42:38 PM): Because we scare them so much
Christina (8:42:50 PM): Encarnacion is up
Jacci (8:43:02 PM): And that 8 could quickly disappear if he freaks out too much
Christina (8:43:06 PM): better not make me even sadder that Randa left so he could be called up
Jacci (8:44:39 PM): He better be amazing. Considering that Randa was only supposed to be filling his spot til he was ready
Christina (8:44:50 PM): and he popped out
Christina (8:44:55 PM): way to go
Christina (8:47:03 PM): Keisler!
Christina (8:47:04 PM): yay!
Christina (8:47:13 PM): too bad we're already down by 8
Jacci (8:47:28 PM): We can make it
Christina (8:48:11 PM): Keisler looks quite hungover in his picture
Christina (8:48:22 PM): or like he just hasn't slept in days
Jacci (8:49:10 PM): He always looks like that I think. He always has puffy eyes
Christina (8:49:56 PM): he should try some cooling cucumber slices
Jacci (8:50:12 PM): He should.
Christina (8:50:13 PM): because that's manly
Jacci (8:50:18 PM): It would feel wonderful
Jacci (8:50:19 PM): Very
Christina (8:50:30 PM): I think it would feel kind of slimy
Jacci (8:50:40 PM): Not if they were fresh from the garden
Jacci (8:50:46 PM): They're not so wet then
Christina (8:50:48 PM): I guess
Jacci (8:51:21 PM): Or he could get the fake paper ones from the cosmetics aisle
Christina (8:51:30 PM): yes
Christina (8:53:19 PM): Grounds into a double play!
Christina (8:54:40 PM): PIGPEN!
Christina (9:00:23 PM): Freel stole a base
Christina (9:01:12 PM): the gameday is going nuts
Christina (9:01:25 PM): it won't let me see the current inning
Christina (9:02:06 PM): yay! 2 to 9
Jacci (9:02:10 PM): Hooray!
Jacci (9:02:15 PM): Slowly making our way back up
Christina (9:03:03 PM): gameday is working again too
Jacci (9:03:20 PM): Yes it is
Christina (9:03:33 PM): and the Reds website just changed it's headline to "Claussen dismissed after ineffective outing"
Christina (9:03:40 PM): I'd say that's an understatement
Christina (9:05:28 PM): lopez stole a base too
Christina (9:05:32 PM): and they walked casey
Christina (9:05:42 PM): coaching visit!
Christina (9:05:50 PM): oh, it's Griffey
Christina (9:06:01 PM): HOMERUN!
Christina (9:06:41 PM): or fly out
Christina (9:06:49 PM): at least lopez got to third
Jacci (9:07:28 PM): Good enough
Christina (9:07:44 PM): Yay Aurilia!
Christina (9:07:51 PM): GO DUNN!!!
Jacci (9:08:00 PM): Yay yay yay. Go Reds Go
Christina (9:08:01 PM): DON'T STRIKE OUT THIS TIME!
Jacci (9:08:10 PM): Walking him would be okay.
Christina (9:08:18 PM): yes
Christina (9:08:25 PM): then kearns can hit a grand slam
Jacci (9:08:32 PM): Which it looks like they're going to do
Christina (9:08:44 PM): YAY!!!!
Christina (9:08:46 PM): no, he hit it!
Jacci (9:08:49 PM): Scoring play!
Christina (9:08:51 PM): go dunn!
Christina (9:08:56 PM): I hope it was a homerun
Christina (9:08:59 PM): I hate gameday
Christina (9:09:03 PM): it's so delayed
Jacci (9:09:11 PM): I know. The anticipation is too much
Jacci (9:09:26 PM): Looks like it was in the perfect place to be a homerun
Christina (9:09:35 PM): nice double though
Jacci (9:09:36 PM): Double. Good enough
Christina (9:09:40 PM): and he's in scoring position
Jacci (9:09:40 PM): And looks like an error
Christina (9:09:43 PM): yes
Christina (9:09:50 PM): and here comes kearns
Jacci (9:09:58 PM): Go Kearns!
Christina (9:10:12 PM): make our Bring back Kearns Campaign worthwhile!
Jacci (9:10:25 PM): Indeed. Intentional walk, mayhaps? Nope, there's a strike
Jacci (9:11:03 PM): HOMERUN KEARNS!!!
Christina (9:11:06 PM): dammit kearns! don't strike out!
Jacci (9:11:11 PM): HOMERUN!
Christina (9:11:22 PM): HOMERUN!
Christina (9:11:32 PM): maybe if we both say it it'll happen
Jacci (9:11:49 PM): It has to
Christina (9:11:49 PM): Full count!
Jacci (9:12:01 PM): Go Kearnsy!!!!
Jacci (9:12:12 PM): Damn it
Christina (9:12:12 PM): dammit!
Christina (9:12:26 PM): it wasn't even a sac fly either
Jacci (9:12:33 PM): Nope, how disappointing
Christina (9:12:34 PM): Valentin is up though
Jacci (9:12:37 PM): Yep
Jacci (9:12:48 PM): It's about time for another homerun
Christina (9:12:51 PM): he didn't hit a homerun last night, so he is obviously due
Jacci (9:12:57 PM): Yep
Christina (9:14:46 PM): don't just strand Dunn at 3rd! hit it!
Christina (9:15:51 PM): this may be Santos' last inning too
Christina (9:15:57 PM): his pitch count is pretty hight
Christina (9:16:03 PM): without a t
Christina (9:16:41 PM): Damn
Christina (9:16:44 PM): stranded dunn
Jacci (9:17:05 PM): Poor Dunn
Christina (9:18:00 PM): we have 2 more hits than them
Christina (9:18:03 PM): that is sad
Christina (9:18:29 PM): at least we're in a spot to win it though
Christina (9:18:49 PM): so long as our pitching can keep them from scoring more
Christina (9:19:00 PM): Keisler is back!
Christina (9:19:06 PM): yup
Jacci (9:19:07 PM): yeah, much faith in Keisler
Christina (9:19:10 PM): santos is done
Jacci (9:19:15 PM): Bye bye santos
Christina (9:19:45 PM): not so nice seeing you
Jacci (9:21:25 PM): NOpe
Jacci (9:21:31 PM): Now it's time to kick some booty
Christina (9:21:47 PM): yes
Christina (9:22:00 PM): walking this guy isn't the way to do that
Jacci (9:22:48 PM): No it isn't.
Jacci (9:22:52 PM): Butt kicking!
Christina (9:23:12 PM): yup, he walked him
Jacci (9:23:25 PM): Great.
Christina (9:31:53 PM): crap
Christina (9:31:59 PM): it is now an 11 to 5 game
Jacci (9:32:06 PM): Sucktastic
Jacci (9:33:02 PM): uh-oh. Internet tried to die there for a sec
Christina (9:35:44 PM): not good
Jacci (9:36:28 PM): It came back to life.
Christina (9:39:21 PM): damn, we're going 123
Jacci (9:40:02 PM): Crap
Jacci (9:40:17 PM): I think it just might be over. I'm not one to give up on anything until the end, but I don't think we've got any hope
Christina (9:42:21 PM): I know
Christina (9:42:23 PM): it's sad
Christina (9:42:37 PM): uhoh
Jacci (9:42:51 PM): More runs for them? Because that would just be awesome
Christina (9:43:06 PM): they changed pitchers but Olmedo is staying in the game as shortstop
Christina (9:43:12 PM): I hope lopez isn't hurt
Christina (9:43:38 PM): and no more runs
Jacci (9:44:12 PM): Well at least no more runs.
Jacci (9:44:15 PM): Maybe he's tired
Christina (9:44:41 PM): no, no more runs for us
Christina (9:44:44 PM): that's bad
Christina (9:44:56 PM): super new hottie is pitching though
Jacci (9:45:18 PM): Go Standridge! Do something to validate your hotness!
Christina (9:45:44 PM): I'd like to make a different kind of coaching visit to the mound
Jacci (9:45:55 PM): Hahaha
Jacci (9:46:09 PM): Crap. I guess I'm going outside to sit with my neighbors while they drink by the fire.
Jacci (9:46:20 PM): I suppose if they're at my house i should make an appearance.
Christina (9:46:24 PM): well, this game is a lost cause anywya
Jacci (9:46:27 PM): Yep
Jacci (9:46:31 PM): I've given up on it
Jacci (9:46:50 PM): Perhaps if I give up on it they will win
Christina (9:46:57 PM): yeah

So there you have that. My plan didn't work. I gave up on the game, and they lost it. They tried to make a comeback. But 7 runs doesn't cut it when the bad guys have 11. Oh well! They'll take it today and win the series. How else are they going to make it to the playoffs?

The head should have bobbled

Above is the Sean Casey figurine they gave away tonight. Notice it is not a bobblehead. Casey even pointed that out on FSNOhio ads for the promotion. Apparently no bobblehead=no win. Though on the hitting end the Reds made quite the effort. What happened to Claussen? He must have just doubled his ERA in the past 2 outings. Can they call up the pitchers they got for Randa now? 7 runs should win a game. Dunn didn't hit any homers tonight (in fact I believe no one in a red uniform hit a home run this evening) but got a couple of decent hits in, Casey drove a run in (at least he got something on his figurine night), and Aurillia and Lopez made some good efforts too. Freel helped move himself over to be knocked in by Casey by stealing a base, but then got picked off trying to do the same thing later in the game when they really couldn't afford the out. Kearns got a sac fly, but we're still waiting on his first home run since his return from Louisville.
Always comes down to the pitching. Or lackthereof. So frustrating.

:(

Well, it's not like it wasn't one of the most expected moves ever, but Randa is gone. Everyone knew it was going to happen, including Randa who commented several times in the paper on expecting to be traded, but I'm actually quite sad. Randa was very good at 3rd base, further evidenced by an awesome diving catch I was able to witness in person last night. And who isn't going to miss that goofy smile when he comes up to bat? The one that he insists really isn't a smile, which makes sense considering he has the expression at bat even when the Reds are getting the crap beat out of them. Lets hope the pitching they got out of this deal doesn't end up being a lost cause like a certain Reds who shall remain nameless for the sake of me not having to eat my words if they start doing better. You will be missed Randa. Well, at least by me anyway.
On another note, why isn't the game on TV tonight? I have some work to do at home, and as much fun as that is on a Saturday night, I thought at least I could do it in front of the TV with the game on. But noooo, instead FSNOhio is choosing to air "Beyond the Glory (Mike Ditka)" and some other programing which is not the Reds game. Who wants to watch that crap?! You will rue the day FSNOhio...

I really need a camera phone

I would like to put up pictures of tonights game. And they would be really good pictures too, seeing as we were just 4 rows behind third base. However that would have required me remembering my camera. Or having a camera on my cellphone, which I do not.
It was a good game too. The lineup was a bit different than what I requested, apparently someone didn't get the memo. Aurillia was at 2nd instead of Freel, and Pena didn't pinch hit, Cruz did. Seeing as they seriously beat up on some Brewers though I'll let that one slide.
Dunn hit two homeruns :) Valentin came so close to hitting one yet again (that man is on fire), Randa hit one, Lopez hit one, and just about everyone got a hit or two in there. Randa made an amazing catch, as did Griffy, both of them preventing what probably would have been doubles. There was a nice power outage at the top of the 7th too. Ortiz lasted 7 innings, and left when we were winning 10 to 3. Then Mercker came in and gave up 3 runs, making it a little nervewracking. Granted 4 runs is still a nice lead going into the bottom of the 8th, but those of you who can feel completely comfortable with that lead obviously weren't watching a particular Cardinals game. Randa hit a homer in the bottom of the eighth which gave Belisle a little extra insurance to close out the game with. Final score Reds 11 Brewers 6. GO REDS!!!

The Brew Crew is going down!

I get to go to the game tomorrow! I get to go to the game tomorrow! I wish Harang was pitching though. Last time I was at a game Ortiz pitched, and we won, however he also gave up four runs in the first. While the Reds are very good at coming from behind (at least we're first at something in the MLB) it's even more fun to be winning the entire game. Not sure exactly what the line up is going to be tomorrow, but, if Narron can read my mind, this is what it would look like:
1b - Casey
2b - Freel
3b - Randa
ss - Lopez
rf - Kearns
cf - Griffey
lf - Dunn
I do like Pena, I just really want to see Kearns play, so Pena can pinch hit.
As for catcher, I do like to look at LaRue, but Valentin is just on fire lately, so I pick him. Though I'm guessing since he's played two nights in a row he won't be playing tomorrow. I'm not entirely sure what my chances are of getting this line up, but the day after I wrote that I missed Kearns and Freel, they were back, so here's hoping...

Banana Splits

Bananas have nothing to do with this.

Afternoon games are very irritating. They never play them on TV. Luckily there's a certain website to "watch" the game on. All the same, didn't get to see Kearns's two-run single that finally put the Reds in the lead in the 8th. But he did it. Welcome back Kearnsy!

Valentin has brought his batting average up to something like a billion this week. He had two more homers today.

Poor Milton must have taken a suck pill today. Gave up 5 runs in the 4th inning.

However, in spite of that, the Reds posted their own 5 run inning and won 9 to 6, splitting the series. Because they are awesome. And so are we.

Take that Woods!

Since it looks like I'm the only 1/2 of this blog who was able to watch the game tonight, I will add my take, which I'm sure you've been waiting for. 9 runs on 11 hits means a lot of home runs. Valentin did it again, nearly doubling his season home runs in a matter of a few days. Griffey, Lopez, and last but most definately not least Dunn also hit some long balls. Harang pitched the Reds first complete game since October, and it was looking like it might be a shutout as well, but he hit a lull during the 7th and gave up the back to back homers the Cubs seem to have mastered. I wonder what happens to they guy who breaks the streak they're on of doing that? Harang recovered from his few mistakes though, and got some hugs from his teammates for it at the end. Awww... it was so sweet. Speaking of hugs, while Kearns didn't play tonight, he arrived at the dugout late in the game and shared some special moments with Dunn and Griffey which were televised on FSNOhio for all to see. Kearns also appeared to have dropped about 2 or 20 pounds and was looking pretty fine. Freel stayed surprisingly clean this evening, instead Harang seemed to take a note from pigpen and slid into third almost taking out his knee in the process. All in all quite the game. Hopefully Kearns will get to see some action tomorrow afternoon. Hmmm...Maddux vs. Milton. Lets just hope they don't celebrate the return of Freel and Kearns too much tonight, they've got a series to split tomorrow. LETS GO REDS!!!

Down With Cubs! Up With Kearns!

Heck yeah, bitches! Kearns and Freel come back, Reds win 9 to 3. That's right, Kearns doesn't suck. I credit the win entirely to him. I actually haven't looked at anything about the game other than the score. I don't even know if Kearns played tonight. But, I believe he single handedly won the game. Well, I'll allow Pigpen to have contributed something.

GO FREAKIN' REDS!

They Listened!

KEARNS IS BACK!!! And Freel has returned as well! Apparently my last post lit a fire under some people in the Reds organization. Don't worry, you don't need to thank me, just knowing I made a difference is enough. Now, lets beat up on some Cubs!!!

Dunn needs a haircut

I only got to see the last inning of the Reds game tonight (well technically it was on at the bar we went to for dinner, but I'm to blind to see the TV as far as it was from me), so since Jax pretty much summed it up I will just leave my usual commentary.
Dunn needs a haircut. I've been saying that all season, I'm getting ready to start the letter writing campaign. I wish they would wear their pretty all red uniforms more often. That is pretty much what commentary the Christina/Jacci way is as referred to in the last post. We do talk baseball, but we wouldn't be girls if we didn't have stuff like that to say.
Oh, and how much freaking longer is Freel out? I'm really starting to miss pigpen.
And finally, just because I think I've gone 24 hours without mentioning it: BRING BACK KEARNS!

Reds Glory

Oh man. Do you think the Reds can make up four runs in just 1 inning? I guess we'll find out in a few minutes. This game started out somewhat promising. LaRue had a two-run double and we were ahead 2 to 0. Then the stupid Cubs had to hit a three-run homer. Now we play the Waiting Game.

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

The Waiting Game's boring. Let's play Hungry Hungry Hippos.

I'll give you a penny if you know what that's from. Here's a hint, it has nothing to do with baseball.

Hey! Keisler is back! And he ended the inning. Halfway done with the Waiting Game. Score's still 7 to 3. Commentary the Christina/Jacci way is much harder when you can't actually see the game. Though, to get a little bit in there, LaRue FINALLY shaved his ugly facial growth. I have no idea what he thought that was. Luckily it's gone.

Darn, LaRue flies out. As a side note, Weathers was taken out for an injured back. He must have been throwing like a monster. That or he's had an injured back for a while. And, true to Reds staff form, no one knew until now.

Hooray! They seem to have intentionally walked Cruz. He's so scary!

Sweetness. Lopez strikes out.

Our hopes rest on Aurilia. Come on Rich! You can do it! Or you can ground out and end the game.

Thus ends another chapter of Reds Glory. But, at least they scored. It wasn't a shut out. And, while the actual score may not mean much, 3's look a lot better than 0's anyway.

Dunn Pictures

There's Jason Romano playing left field instead of Dunn in the first game.

Dunn in left field for 1 inning

Dunn's the little white dot WAAAAAAY over there playing first for the entire second game.

Happier thoughts

I need to not post immediately after a loss. Makes it sound like I don't like the Reds or something. I love my last place team. Plus they've got three more days to beat up on the Cubs. Now, I have a few things I would like to share with the coaching staff about the pitching matchup tomorrow night, but somehow I doubt they read this blog. But really, Prior and Hudson? If we had a good chance of giving Hudson some run support, maybe, but when Prior is pitching? Craziness I tell you. No matter what happens in the Cubs series though, they best be winning Friday night, because I'm going to be at the game. And due to the split of the double header last time I was at a game I don't really know what my presence does to them this season. Because, you know, I'm the overpowering presence in thousands of fans. I'm that special. At least for Friday I didn't buy seats on the left feild side specifically to see Dunn only for Dunn to play a grand total of 1 inning out of 18 in left field. If I had the motivation to do so right now I would post the picture of where Dunn should have been and was not. Maybe later, right now I'm gonna sleep.

And we're back

Nice. Getting the crap beat out of us when we've got who is *supposed* to be our best pitcher on the mound. Wouldn't want to get too used to winning or anything.

Isn't that a funny little picture of Casey? I saw it on the Reds website so I thought I'd share.

By the way, we were totally serious about the fork thing.

Wow

A sweep of the Rockies! In quite an amazing last game too. Go Valentin! Though I must say, if we don't start seeing a Grand Slam in every series from now on for the rest of the season, I'm going to be quite dissapointed. Because we know they can do it. It's definately looking like the second half might help them keep them from finishing dead last in the central division. Now, again, if opening day was any indicator it was looking like the Reds might go all the way this year, but no sense dwelling on the past. To repeat: GO VALENTIN!!!!!!!!

Leave comments or feel the pointy agony of a fork.

Who the Hell is Kenny Kelly?

The Reds win!! Colorado loses!! That's the difference a mile makes. And the Reds sent an outfielder back to Louisville, and guess what! Kearns still isn't back! They brought some guy named Kenny Kelly off the DL instead. We want our Kearnsy back! Heads will roll if this doesn't change soon.

You have been warned...

It could happen...

The Reds are back tomorrow!!! And Harang is pitching. Ought to be a good game, maybe we can start the second half off with a win. Harang definately deserves it, and hopefully after the rest they can get their bats going. Now granted they started the first half off with a sweep of the Mets, and we all see how far that went, but still. I'm all for them making a comeback, winning every single game between now and the playoffs and then taking the World Series by storm. Come on who's with me? Anybody?...

All-Star Crap Box

National League loses again! They've been doing that a lot lately, I guess. Haven't won the All-Star game in 9 years. It could have been worse. 7 to 5 is a lot better than 7 to 2. And Lopez got to see some action. The Reds site could be making it sound more important than it was, but he got a single and eventually someone scored. GO FELIPE! (pronounced "Felipee" or "Felipee-ay" if you are 8 years old and announcing him as the lead off batter in the 3rd inning) Two more days and we're back to our regularly scheduled Reds!

Edit to Previous Post

That last post made it sound like we didn't like Lopez by booing his all star participation. Not the case at all. We Heart All the Reds. (Granted there are a few we like A LOT, but still, we like them all, cause they're Reds) We're just pissed other reds were not nominated. Though I suppose they are enjoying their extended break. So lets hope they rest up so they can kick some Colorado ass.

All Stars

Alas, it is time for the All Star game break. No Reds for FOUR DAYS! And I think Felipe Lopez is the only Reds player involved. BOO!

These pictures are a lot of fun.

False Hope

Milon pitches 5 innings. 1 hit. No runs. Are we going to sweep the Diamondbacks? On the road nonetheless? No, no we are not, because the 6th inning came. 6th innings are never good to the Reds this season, they've given up many runs in the 6th. So Milton gives up a 2 runs, they pull him out of the game, and they can't hit shit to try and come back. xnmkcddrdkjajfldiofawfawwrj. That was me, banging my head against the keyboard in frustration.

BRING BACK KEARNSY!

We want Austin Kearns out of Louisville! So do you! Bring him back now! 3 Consecutive home runs in one night!?! What the hell does this man have to do to come back? And none of this "he needs to lose weight" crap. Kearns is hot just the way he is. Well, maybe a shave...

Welcome!

Welcome to We Heart the Reds! It's a Reds blog! It's a lot of fun! I just decided to write something so there would be a post on here. Hooray! Oh, hooray for Dunn's grand slam last night!