in all the moaning about the offense...

[JimR]

what kept us from sweeping the Reds (in low-scoring games, for sure) was late inning relief pitching. that was supposed to be a strength of this team, but the pen coughed up the lead in the 9th, 7th and 7th in the three losses.

[Fredia]

in agreement. so what is to be done? what do you think it is poor mechanics or the fact they just can not pitch

[Andyzipp]

what kept us from sweeping the Reds (in low-scoring games, for sure) was late inning relief pitching. that was supposed to be a strength of this team, but the pen coughed up the lead in the 9th, 7th and 7th in the three losses.

Geary concerns me.  And Byrdak.  But there's a reason why bullpens are a crap-shoot.

Didn't get to watch last night, but I'm still directing my bile towards an offense who has left the population of Bremond, Texas on base this series.

[juliogotay]

what kept us from sweeping the Reds (in low-scoring games, for sure) was late inning relief pitching. that was supposed to be a strength of this team, but the pen coughed up the lead in the 9th, 7th and 7th in the three losses.

Geary was better last year but I don't remember him being put into as tough of spots as he has this year. Brocail is missed in the 7th inning.

[headhunter]

oh but what leads they coughed up. I just cant get too frustrated by a bullpen that cant protect a lead comprised of a single walked in rbi.

I'm a little more less than super happy about captain cooper's chasing the perfect lineup in a brand new direction every morning. but i aint moaning, im having fun. so much fun that im filled with spontaneous verse:

so much depends
upon
three and four
hitting a little more

not wanting to point
dishonorable finger
ninja malingers

But you're right. I'd like the bullpen to be as amazing as they were last season, and the bench.

[JimR]

Geary was better last year but I don't remember him being put into as tough of spots as he has this year. Brocail is missed in the 7th inning.

Brocail pitched the 8th until he wore down. Geary had the 7th until he got hurt.

[JimR]

oh but what leads they coughed up. I just cant get too frustrated by a bullpen that cant protect a lead comprise of a single walked in rbi.

I'm a little more less than super happy about captain cooper's chasing the perfect lineup in a brand new direction every morning. but i aint moaning, im having fun. so much fun that im filled with spontaneous verse:

so much depends
upon
three and four
hitting a little more

not wanting to point
dishonorable finger
ninja malingers

But you're right. I'd like the bullpen to be as amazing as they were last season, and the bench.

oh, please. a pitcher's job is to keep the other team from scoring. it is beyond idiotic to excuse pitching failures because of the number of runs the offense scored or because of HOW the runs were scored. you're set with excuses, though, if your son is a pitcher.

[Andyzipp]

Brocail pitched the 8th until he wore down. Geary had the 7th until he got hurt.

I do think that Brocail coming back will help, but Geary just flat has to pitch better.

[juliogotay]

Brocail pitched the 8th until he wore down. Geary had the 7th until he got hurt.

Oh, yea that is right earlier in the year.  When LaTroy came over Geary moved down. That's what I had remembered.

[JimR]

Oh, yea that is right earlier in the year.  When LaTroy came over Geary moved down. That's what I had remembered.

no, no, no.

Hawkins and Brocail, if DB could go, shared the 8th. Geary had the 7th, got hurt and yielded to Sampson, then shared it with Sampson when he returned.

[JaneDoe]

what kept us from sweeping the Reds (in low-scoring games, for sure) was late inning relief pitching. that was supposed to be a strength of this team, but the pen coughed up the lead in the 9th, 7th and 7th in the three losses.

Agreed.  The bullpen meltdowns have really overshadowed some great starting pitching performances:Oswalt (6 innings), Wandy (7 innings), Paulino (6 innings) of shutout ball.  Can't ask for much more than that from your starters.  But you won't hear much talk about that when the outcome is a series loss. 

[seib22]

Geary concerns me.  And Byrdak.  But there's a reason why bullpens are a crap-shoot.

Didn't get to watch last night, but I'm still directing my bile towards an offense who has left the population of Bremond, Texas on base this series.

Wow. This is the first reference to Bremond, Texas that I have seen or heard that was not from a family member.

Also, 800ish left on base is a lot. That is all.

[Andyzipp]

no, no, no.

Hawkins and Brocail, if DB could go, shared the 8th. Geary had the 7th, got hurt and yielded to Sampson, then shared it with Sampson when he returned.

The plan this year was Brocail 7th, Hawkins 8th and Valverde 9th.  Not that that's what you're talking about.

[Andyzipp]

Wow. This is the first reference to Bremond, Texas that I have seen or heard that was not from a family member.

Also, 800ish left on base is a lot. That is all.

Jak se mas!

[Bench]

The plan this year was Brocail 7th, Hawkins 8th and Valverde 9th.  Not that that's what you're talking about.

He was talking about last year.

[BudGirl]

dub jeh  (i'm not sure how to spell it)

[Andyzipp]

He was talking about last year.

"Not that that's what you're talking about."

[Noe]

The irony here is that last year Oscar Villareal had the 7th, Brocail th 8th and Valverde the 9th.  Geary emerged as a Godsend when Villareal was, well... doing what Geary is doing now.  Now that's ironic.  So it took them about a month of watching Villareal to decide to take him out of the 7th inning pressure and in to a middle relief role.  Fulchino might be looking at an opportunity right here.

[JimR]

The irony here is that last year Oscar Villareal had the 7th, Brocail th 8th and Valverde the 9th.  Geary emerged as a Godsend when Villareal was, well... doing what Geary is doing now.  Now that's ironic.  So it took them about a month of watching Villareal to decide to take him out of the 7th inning pressure and in to a middle relief role.  Fulchino might be looking at an opportunity right here.

you are reading my mind. the corollary to my initial post is that Fulchino needs to be put in the mix.

[juliogotay]

you are reading my mind. the corollary to my initial post is that Fulchino needs to be put in the mix.

Last night in the 7th I was thinking that we really needed a SO pitcher for these tough spots like the one Geary was in. Might we see Norris soon in this role?

[JimR]

Last night in the 7th I was thinking that we really needed a SO pitcher for these tough spots like the one Geary was in. Might we see Norris soon in this role?

i hope not. i hope to see Fulchino. he throws harder, too.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Last night in the 7th I was thinking that we really needed a SO pitcher for these tough spots like the one Geary was in. Might we see Norris soon in this role?

I'd be surprised if they put Norris in this role.  Every indication is that he'll be a Sept. call-up at best, with an eye to vying for the closer role in 2010.

[JimR]

I'd be surprised if they put Norris in this role.  Every indication is that he'll be a Sept. call-up at best, with an eye to vying for the closer role in 2010.

a closer? really? he is a starter at RR.

[Sleepy]

a closer? really? he is a starter at RR.

That's what Footer suggested in her mailbag yesterday, though she seemed to lean more towards a free agent.

[das]

Geary concerns me.  And Byrdak.  But there's a reason why bullpens are a crap-shoot.

Didn't get to watch last night, but I'm still directing my bile towards an offense who has left the population of Bremond, Texas on base this series.

Pen has struggled, sure enough.  I think they have the parts to be solid, especially if Brocail is really on the mend and Fulchino steps up.  But, this team was architected around the offense first and foremost so they get the lions share of the blame right now.  The poor situational hitting is a killer.  The team just ahead of Houston (Reds!) have played one less game, scored 7 more runs, with 26 fewer hits, 3 less HR's, only a few more walks, etc...  I'm not about to call  the Reds a good hitting team but they are doing way more with the meager skills they do have.  
                           G   AB  R   H   2b  3b HR RBI TB   W   K  SB  OBP  SLG AVG

14. Cincinnati Reds 12 371 46  81  16  2   8   45  125 53 92  5   .323 .337 .218  
15. Houston Astros 13 428 39 107 17  3   11 39   163 47 77  6  .322  .381 .250

Despite their recent performance, I'm actually less concerned about the pen for the long haul of the season.  Houston has some pen tinkerers with a good history and I suspect that this year will yield the same results.  SP has me hopeful but, ashamedly, waiting for the other shoe to drop...

[HudsonHawk]

What concerns me is the way in which they've given up the big hit.  Perhaps my memory is faulty, but I'm thinking there have been an inordinate number of 2-strike hits (0-2, 1-2) lately when the game is on the line.  I don't know if that's "stuff", concentration, or just a poor approach.  My guess is it's the latter, which means it should be more easily corrected.  I'm wondering if Pudge has anything to do with that.

[juliogotay]

a closer? really? he is a starter at RR.

Lidge and Qualls were both primarily starters in their MiL career. Only late in his MiL career was Qualls moved to the bullpen which got him to the big leagues because he was not outstanding as a starter. My opinion means nothing but I would hope that Norris remains a starter if he can be above-average as one. It seems to me this team has more needs for quality starters than for one closer. Closers seem fairly easy to obtain but we all know the premium for quality starters. Seems to me this should be a priority for the organization....finding the next "ace" for their staff.

[Taras Bulba]

What concerns me is the way in which they've given up the big hit.  Perhaps my memory is faulty, but I'm thinking there have been an inordinate number of 2-strike hits (0-2, 1-2) lately when the game is on the line.  I don't know if that's "stuff", concentration, or just a poor approach.  My guess is it's the latter, which means it should be more easily corrected.  I'm wondering if Pudge has anything to do with that.

Any thoughts on Pudge behind the plate since the start of the season?  I haven't watched him much, but he appeared to me ( in the limited games I've watched not blacked out due to the WNBA) to be setting up his target well.

[HudsonHawk]

Any thoughts on Pudge behind the plate since the start of the season?  I haven't watched him much, but he appeared to me ( in the limited games I've watched not blacked out due to the WNBA) to be setting up his target well.

Pudge is OK back there.  I still think he snaps at the ball, and one of my pet peeves is that he comes out of his crouch early sometimes, mostly to fake a throw.  There is always the risk of blocking the umpire and costing your pitcher a strike.  Plus it's just kind of annoying to me, but perhaps that's just me.  He's much "noisier" than say Ausmus was, but then so is everyone.  Ausmus was sort of the standard for that sort of thing.  He's made some nice plays on bunts and his arm is still top notch.  Overall he's been fine. 

[Bench]

What concerns me is the way in which they've given up the big hit.  Perhaps my memory is faulty, but I'm thinking there have been an inordinate number of 2-strike hits (0-2, 1-2) lately when the game is on the line.  I don't know if that's "stuff", concentration, or just a poor approach.  My guess is it's the latter, which means it should be more easily corrected.  I'm wondering if Pudge has anything to do with that.

The homerun off Valverde Friday night was on a 1-2 count.

[HudsonHawk]

The homerun off Valverde Friday night was on a 1-2 count.

I think the double to Votto last night was 0-2 or 1-2 also.  I think Hawkins gave up a 0-2 HR, and so has Oswalt.  I know that happens some times when you "attack" hitters, but there just seems to be more than there should be, especially when the game is on the line.  They make some good pitches, put themselves in position to finish off a hitter, then give in and get beat. 

[Limey]

I think the double to Votto last night was 0-2 or 1-2 also.  I think Hawkins gave up a 0-2 HR, and so has Oswalt.  I know that happens some times when you "attack" hitters, but there just seems to be more than there should be, especially when the game is on the line.  They make some good pitches, put themselves in position to finish off a hitter, then give in and get beat. 

Someone needs to go and find the Shane Reynolds "Two Out, Two Strike, Homerun BLues".

[geezerdonk]

what kept us from sweeping the Reds (in low-scoring games, for sure) was late inning relief pitching.

The Albatross (Cooper) gets a big share of the blame.

[JackAstro]

what kept us from sweeping the Reds (in low-scoring games, for sure) was late inning relief pitching. that was supposed to be a strength of this team, but the pen coughed up the lead in the 9th, 7th and 7th in the three losses.

I've also found the bullpen woes odd in comparison to the starting pitching. One was supposed to be the anchor of the team, the other was the biggest question mark. In the 6 games since Moehler Meltdown II, the starters have posted a combined ERA of 1.50, while the bullpen has combined for those three losses.

I'm sure that trend will invert itself at some point in the very near future, but first I hope there's a run in the middle where the starters and pen put their best performances together on the same day.

[pravata]

I think the double to Votto last night was 0-2 or 1-2 also.  I think Hawkins gave up a 0-2 HR, and so has Oswalt.  I know that happens some times when you "attack" hitters, but there just seems to be more than there should be, especially when the game is on the line.  They make some good pitches, put themselves in position to finish off a hitter, then give in and get beat. 

Correspondingly, the opposition pitchers seem to know where to attack the Astros hitters when the game is on the line. 

[HudsonHawk]

Correspondingly, the opposition pitchers seem to know where to attack the Astros hitters when the game is on the line. 

The hitters do the same thing.  They work themselves into a 2-0, 3-1 count then take a belt-high fastball right down the middle.  The purpose of being selective is to get good pitches to swing at, not to simply see more pitches.  You want to put yourself in a position where the pitcher feels like he *has* to throw you a strike, usually a fastball.  So when you *do* get that good pitch to hit, and simply watch it go buy, you've ruined whatever advantage you worked to get.  Drives me nuts.

[Jacksonian]

a closer? really? he is a starter at RR.

On Norris:  Development of a major league quality third pitch will keep him in the rotation.  If not he's considered late-inning relief material.  His fastball out of the bullpen will go 95-97 as opposed to the low-90's he throws as a starter.  Right now they want him to log as many innings as possible so he's in the rotation at RR.  All of that is straight from Astros brass.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

The hitters do the same thing.  They work themselves into a 2-0, 3-1 count then take a belt-high fastball right down the middle.  The purpose of being selective is to get good pitches to swing at, not to simply see more pitches.  You want to put yourself in a position where the pitcher feels like he *has* to throw you a strike, usually a fastball.  So when you *do* get that good pitch to hit, and simply watch it go buy, you've ruined whatever advantage you worked to get.  Drives me nuts.

MoBerg just snapped his head back toward the catcher and is now rearranging the dirt in the front of the box.

[JimR]

The Albatross (Cooper) gets a big share of the blame.

not sure how. he had the right guys in there, but they did not get it done.

[JimR]

The homerun off Valverde Friday night was on a 1-2 count.

yes, but Valverde never throws to spots, imo. he just throws it up there as hard as he can, and it goes where it goes.

[Arky Vaughan]

oh, please. a pitcher's job is to keep the other team from scoring. it is beyond idiotic to excuse pitching failures because of the number of runs the offense scored or because of HOW the runs were scored. you're set with excuses, though, if your son is a pitcher.

Neither the bullpen nor the line-up did its job, and neither is an excuse for the other.

The rotation was awesome (25-1/3 IP, 18 H, 8 BB, 25 SO, 3 ER, 1.07 ERA).

[MusicMan]

Correspondingly, the opposition pitchers seem to know where to attack the Astros hitters when the game is on the line. 

Most of us do too, and I suspect opposing scouting reports are more than substantially better than our own.

[Jacksonian]

Most of us do too, and I suspect opposing scouting reports are more than substantially better than our own.

If you can't prove that, in writing with my signature, it isn't true.

Signed,

Internet GM

[astrosfan76]

With Moehler, Brocail, and Backe all nearing returns, who become the odd men out?  Moehler and Brocail are guaranteed spots, but what about Backe?  He was never guaranteed a spot, but he was signed and is out of options (correct?).  Brocail and Moehler, I'm guessing, would replace some combination of Paulino/Fulchino/Byrdak/or possibly Wright.  Wright's the only one who's pitched poorly so far, so any other pitcher chosen is going to go based on the numbers crunch.  But, what options does that leave the club with Backe?  Has anyone gotten any indication?

[Ron Brand]

One of those three will probably get hurt again. Backe isn't that near to returning, he's missed almost all of spring training and is going to need a lot of work to be ready for consideration.

[Reuben]

One of those three will probably get hurt again. Backe isn't that near to returning, he's missed almost all of spring training and is going to need a lot of work to be ready for consideration.

I'm guessing he may end up getting the max rehab time (one month, I think) depending on what needs arise/don't arise on the big club.

[Mr. Happy]

oh but what leads they coughed up. I just cant get too frustrated by a bullpen that cant protect a lead comprised of a single walked in rbi.

I'm a little more less than super happy about captain cooper's chasing the perfect lineup in a brand new direction every morning. but i aint moaning, im having fun. so much fun that im filled with spontaneous verse:

so much depends
upon
three and four
hitting a little more

not wanting to point
dishonorable finger
ninja malingers

But you're right. I'd like the bullpen to be as amazing as they were last season, and the bench.

Don't quit your day job.

[Guinness]

Don't quit your day job.

Nice attempt, but too wordy for a William Carlos Williams reset.