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Who is this Bailey kid?

By Jeff Gentil | July 9, 2009 | Redlegs Rundown

Bravo, Homer! I have been VERRRRRRRRRRRRRRY critical of you over the years. I have pulled out my hair. I have berated you. I have cursed you. I said your attitude stinks...you stink...everything about you is hype. But, I've seen something in these last 2 outings. Aggressiveness and an ability to throw the ball where you want when you want. You actually look like you belong in the Majors and want to stay longer than a handful of starts. As Crash Davis told Nuke Laloosh....Don't think, just throw, Homer. Keep it up! ...

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Thursday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 9, 2009 | MLB Notebook

Twelve games are being played on Thursday. I'm trying a new format for Games of the Day. Instead of picking only some of the games, each game will be previewed. Two aces, Tim Lincecum and Felix Hernandez, pitch on Thursday. Roy Halladay may be taking the mound in Tampa Bay as a sort of trade audition. Tommy Hanson will get a test from the Rockies at Coors Field. Paul Konerko looks to continue his hot hitting against the Indians. The Cardinals and Brewers rap up an exciting July series. These games and more can be found below. Toronto at Tampa...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Alfredo Aceves, Andrew Miller, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Brad Penny, Carl Crawford, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Clayton Richard, Cleveland Indians, Cody Ross, Colorado Rockies, David Price, Felix Hernandez, Florida Marlins, Games of the Day, Houston Astros, John Lannan, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Luke Hochevar, Micah Owings, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Nyjer Morgan, Paul Konerko, Philadelphia Phillies, Rafael Furcal, Randy Wolf, Roy Halladay, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Tim Lincecum, Tommy Hanson, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

Wednesday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 8, 2009 | MLB Notebook

Six of Wednesday's fifteen games are day games, making Wednesday a getaway day for those twelve teams. Wednesday doesn't feature the best pitching matchups, but does have some good games worth watching. Two All-Star Game bound ten-game winners are pitching on Wednesday. Ryan Sadowski looks to go 3-for-3 in his first three career starts. The Reds and Phillies continue an entertaining series. Oliver Perez returns to the Mets rotation and the NL Central and AL West showdowns continue. Pittsburgh at Houston: The Pirates-Astros series finishes with Charlie Morton and Wandy Rodriguez facing off. If Pittsburgh wins, they'll be only 2...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Aaron Hill, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Brian Tallet, Chad Guadin, Charlie Morton, Chicago White Sox, Chris Young, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Curtis Granderson, David Hernandez, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Freddy Sanchez, Games of the Day, Hank Blalock, Homer Bailey, Houston Astros, Jeff Suppan, Jose Contreras, Jose Lopez, Kansas City Royals, Kendry Morales, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Magglio Ordonez, Max Scherzer, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Mets, Oakland Athletics, Oliver Perez, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Rodrigo Lopez, Ryan Sadowski, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Scott Kazmir, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Stephen Drew, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Tim Wakefield, Todd Wellemeyer, Toronto Blue Jays, Vernon Wells, Vicente Padilla, Vladimir Guerrero, Wandy Rodriguez, Zack Greinke

Tuesday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 7, 2009 | MLB Notebook

Tuesday brings a full schedule for our viewing pleasure. The day starts with the Reds and Phillies facing off in a game the Reds hope does not turn out the same way as Monday's game. The Rays and Blue Jays jockey for third place positioning in the AL East. Tuesday's schedule also contains games for two series' that will help determine division leaders heading into the All-Star break. Those games and more can be found below. Cincinnati at Philadelphia: The Phillies crushed the Reds 22-1 on Monday and look to continue that dominance against Aaron Harang on Tuesday. Hopefully they...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Aaron Harang, Adam Wainwright, Baltimore Orioles, Barry Zito, Cincinnati Reds, Clayton Kershaw, Cody Ross, Detroit Tigers, Dustin Nippert, Erik Bedard, Florida Marlins, Games of the Day, JA Happ, John Lackey, Jonny Gomes, Josh Johnson, Justin Verlander, Kansas City Royals, Kendry Morales, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Mike Pelfrey, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Yovani Gallardo

Monday Morning Rant

By Jeff Gentil | July 6, 2009 | Redlegs Rundown

I want Bronson Arroyo GONE!! I've said this before and I'm going to say it about a thousand more times before he and his guitar are shipped out of town.The Reds are paying him $9.5 million this year to go 8-8 with a 5.85 ERA. That's bad enough. What's worse is they are going to pay him even more next year to do the EXACT same thing. Up and down like a freakin roller coaster! For a guy who is 79-78 in his career. Look it up. Walt, I beg of you...PLEASE TRADE BRONSON ARROYO!!! So what he gives you 200+ innings. At an ERA of 5.85 what is the use??? Get rid of the stinking contract! Get nothing in return! At least get rid of the contract. Yeah, he'll come back and throw a 4-hit shutout....then return to Bronson Arroyo form and go 1+ giving up 10 hits and 9 runs. What's the sense in that? If you want to pay him $2 million for that, I'm fine. NOT $9.5 MILLION!!!He stinks out loud and is doing absolutely NOTHING for this team. Time to go, Bronson!!! ...

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Big Money and Little Money Both Get Robbed By All-Star Game Voting

By Nuschler | July 6, 2009 | SF Giants Pride

What in the name of Willie Mays has happened to my beloved National League? The Senior Circuit continually plays the second half of the Major League Baseball season with the American League's collective cleat protruding from its rear due to the latter's dominance in the All-Star Game. Even casual fans of the diamond know the Mid-Summer Classic's gone to the league with that ridiculous designated hitter for a while now. Six in a row, 10 of the last 11, and a string of 12 consecutive contests without a loss by the Junior Circuit to be precise. Can you believe it? The NL's gotta look back on that abysmal, embarrassing tie in Milwaukee with fondness. Ugh. And, if you want to know why, it's because our side is usually of a poorer constitution. Say what you want about the antics from New York and Boston, at least their guys can play. ...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: All-Star Game, Bengie Molina, MLB, National League, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

Monday's Games of the Day

By Jonathan Etkowicz | July 6, 2009 | MLB Notebook

Monday's schedule contains intriguing matchups. It begins with Ricky Romero looking to extend his scoreless innings streak against the Yankees at new Yankee Stadium. The Phillies look to improve on their 16-22 home record with Cole Hamels on the mound against Cincinnati. John Smoltz continues his quest for his first win as a Red Sock. Mike Hampton faces the Pirates for the third time in his last five starts and there's an AL West showdown in Anaheim. All these games, and more, can be found below. Toronto at New York Yankees: The Yankees look to sweep the Jays and bring...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Brett Anderson, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cole Hamels, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Games of the Day, Hank Blalock, Houston Astros, Ian Kinsler, Jair Jurrjens, Jason Marquis, Jered Weaver, John Smoltz, Johnny Cueto, Kevin Millwood, Los Angeles Angels, Matt Cain, Mike Hampton, Nelson Cruz, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ricky Romero, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Vernon Wells, Vladimir Guerrero, Washington Nationals

Big Weekend Series

By Graham | July 3, 2009 | Redlegs Rundown

I know it's been something like a month since I've written here, and even more since I've written anything worth while (if ever), but I've been relatively busy. That is, relative to a person who does nothing. The summer's made me lazy, but I'm over it and I'll be around more. Anyway, shifting the blame off myself, you have to admit, the Reds haven't been the most interesting ball club lately. Of course Votto's back, and as of yesterday afternoon we're 2 games out of first with a big opportunity to pull ahead this weekend against the Cardinals, but other than that, there hasn't been much to get worked up about, good or bad. It looks like Homer could be back for a prolonged stay, but I don't really care too much about that. His command has been off in his limited appearances, but even if he does get it together, I think the Reds are going to need lots of offense (a tall order) to pull off a victory anytime he's on the mound. There's also the Dickerson v. Taveras debate. Dickerson obviously has the numbers advantage so far, not to mention his amazing defense in centerfield (Baseball Tonight couldn't get enough of Dickerson when he got those few starts awhile ago), but it doesn't look like Baker or the front office are going to change their minds for the long term. Sure, Dickerson will get his playing time, either in center or left, but money is money and orders are orders, so just let Taveras play and work himself out of his slump, which he is slowly but surely doing. Votto's return prompts the question of when Ryan Hanigan will get any significant amount of playing time. He certainly proved himself in Votto's absence, as did Jonny Gomes from the DH spot in interleague play. Finding playing time for these players and good offensive combinations that can actually score runs are two huge problems looming over the second half of the season. But this problem isn't really a problem. Better to have too many people than too few. Hopefully the Reds will be able to continue beating the Cardinals at home this weekend and occupy one of those spots at the top of the division. Once there, I think the Reds will be rejuvenated after the All Star break, then slowly extend that division lead into the fall. Of course there are some problems, but...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Bailey, Cincinnati Reds, Gomes, Hanigan, Votto

MLB Great Debates: Which Playoff Contender Needs a Trade to Stay in the Race?

By Staff Report | June 26, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Jaymes Langrehr and Kurt Evans debate the issue: Which contending team most needs to make a deal before the July 31 trade deadline in order to stay in the race? Jaymes Langrehr argues that the Brewers desperately need starting pitching:As we get closer to the trade deadline, a good number of teams are developing clear needs that need to be addressed if they're going to stay in playoff contention. Some teams will be able to cope with their weaknesses and still make the playoffs due to their other strengths. Other clubs will need to make a move if they have any chance at contending in the second half.The Milwaukee Brewers are a prime example. Heading into this season, they knew that their pitching wouldn't be as good as it was down the stretch last season. Given the strength of their offense, however, they figured to be in okay...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: MLB

MLB Outsider - Who?

By Kurt Evans | June 22, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Everybody's heard of Alex Rodriguez. We all know who Johan Santana is. Lord knows we've all seen the towering homeruns of Albert Pujols. But as fascinating as those players are -- and it's usually a lot of fun to see somebody turn into a star and have a long, successful career -- there are a number of players in the '09 season who have put up heroic numbers... and yet most of us wouldn't be able to spot them in a crowd or even recognize their name in a discussion. Here's a short list of this year's surprises...The HittersPablo Sandoval - 22-years-old, the Giants rookie is batting .338 and is presently on pace to hit 50 doubles, 5 triples, 20 homeruns, and drive in 82 RBI. I'm sure that Giant fans everywhere know his name and are buying his poster, but outside of San Fran he's probably about as recognizable as...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Minnesota Twins, MLB, MLB Outsider, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays

MLB Crystal Ball: NL Central Loaded with Prospects

By Jaymes Langrehr | June 3, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Among the surprises so far in the 2009 season has been the strength of the National League Central. For years the division was the butt of a lot of jokes (although not as many as the NL West), thanks to years of franchises like Pittsburgh and Milwaukee finishing with some of the worst records in the league...not to mention it was the home of the most loveable losers of all, the Chicago Cubs. Times have changed now, and the Central may be the best and most competitive division in baseball (the AL East, with three teams already with 30 wins may have something to say about that). Entering Wednesday, four teams are within four games of the division lead -- Milwaukee and St. Louis are tied for first, with Cincinnati trailing by 2.5 games and Chicago trailing by 4. The Brewers and Cardinals have taken turns holding the distinction of...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, MLB Crystal Ball, MLB Outsider, St. Louis Cardinals

MLB Outsider - It's Not "Early" Anymore

By Kurt Evans | May 31, 2009 | MVN Outsider

June tends to be the month where the talented baseball teams separate from the pretenders. It's not that the playoff picture will suddenly become clear, but rather the mediocre teams will stop competing with the half dozen good teams vying for the four playoff spots available to each league. Two easy examples: in the AL East, we've already seen the Toronto Blue Jays, once invincible-looking, lose 9 straight as they plummeted to a 2nd place tie with Boston. In the AL Central the pesky Royals, who were once 18-11, have gone 5-14 since May 8th and will either be made or broken by the month of June.But rather than look at early team accomplishments that will ultimately mean nothing, we instead will focus in this article on individual feats. There's always that one guy who looks as if he might challenge for the homerun record, or for a .400 AVG,...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, MLB, MLB Outsider, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays

MLB Great Debates: The Ballpark Experience

By Staff Report | May 26, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Jaymes Langrehr and Kurt Evans debate the issue: Which experience is better, going to a Major League Baseball game or going to a minor-league one?Jaymes Langrehr says MLB's quality is top-notch:Where I grew up, I was about a three-hour drive east away from Milwaukee County Stadium, and a three-hour drive west away from the Metrodome. I was literally stuck in the middle of nowhere when it came to the MLB map, and looking back, I was definitely jealous of the kids who were able to spend their summers buying cheap Brewers tickets and move their way up to field level (because it's not like anyone was sitting in those seats, anyway). Still, the few major-league games that I was able to attend were incredible -- even though the home team almost always got crushed. Even when your team stinks, there's something special about a Major League game that...Read more

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MLB Outsider Mock Draft: Cincinnati Reds Select Kyle Gibson

By Staff Report | May 15, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider is hosting a 2009 MLB mock draft, where bloggers from all over come together in an attempt to project the draft results that will take place June 9. Reds Minor Leagues' Doug Gray picks for the Cincinnati Reds at No. 8. RHP Kyle Gibson is the best player on the board for them. Follow the mock draft here.The Cincinnati Reds selected Kyle Gibson out of Missouri because he was the best player on the board when they selected. Chris Buckley has been running the draft for the Reds since 2006 and they have drafted a college player with their first pick two of the three times (Drew Stubbs and Yonder Alonso) with him at the helm and even before that with other teams it was a trend for Buckley to lean more toward college players than high schoolers. One thing that the Reds don't do in the draft...Read more

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MLB Draft: National League Central Team Needs

By Staff Report | May 13, 2009 | MVN Outsider

This is the third in a series of posts authored by guest columnist Josh Lacey leading up to the 2009 MLB Draft. Today, he considers the needs of organizations competing in the National League Central. Previously, he profiled 20 top draft prospects and reviewed NL West team needs.Chicago CubsLeft-handed PitcherThe Cubs are currently without a single impact lefty in their farm system and this year's draft is stocked with high upside southpaws, so I'd be surprised if they don't look that way early. With 3/5 of their rotation locked up long term the team has the luxury of taking a high upside high school project to develop. Tyler Matzek, Matt Purke and Tyler Skaggs are the highest rated prospects who fit the bill, though there's a chance all three will be off the board when the Cubs are on the clock at 31. First BaseDerrek Lee has a contract...Read more

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, MLB Draft, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals

MLB Great Debates: Steroids and the Hall of Fame

By Staff Report | May 13, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Jaymes Langrehr and Kurt Evans debate the issue: Should the BBWAA look past the use of performance-enhancing drugs and vote known "steroids guys" into the National Baseball Hall of Fame?Jaymes Langrehr says the writers will eventually have no choice but to vote in tainted players:Once again, the game of baseball has been rocked by a star testing positive for a banned substance. Every time this happens, everyone ends up trying to decide if that player is going to be allowed to enter the Hall of Fame. And every time this happens, all the old time-tested baseball writers voting for the Hall say that the player will get in over their dead bodies.It's getting to the point now, though, that eventually they're going to have to lighten up, or risk enshrining some undeserving players. If they stick to their word, we won't be getting Alex Rodriguez and Manny...Read more

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