Tagged: Reds

Thirty Runs in Two Games Equals Two Wins

Congrats to Ken over at How About Dem O’s, Hun for getting the answer to Friday’s trivia. The question was, “Who played on the most losing all-star teams (15)?” The answer was Brooks Robinson.

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Sorry I was not able to post yesterday. I had a baseball game. We were losing twelve to zero going into the sixth and we just did not want to be shutout. We scored ten runs in the sixth but then one of my teammates struck out with the bases loaded. So dude if your reading this good try, the pitcher was pretty good. It was just a practice game so do not be upset.

Today the Red Sox finally got their first real win in Spring Training yesterday. They also beat the Northeastern University Huskies. 

File:NortheasternHuskies.png vs. File:BostonRedSox CapLogo.svg

The main three batters at the game were Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, and Kevin Youkilis. Jacoby Ellsbury had a nice day at the plate hitting a triple and knocking in a RBI. He also scored a run and walked once. The MVP also had a good day going one for two with a run, base on balls, and a stolen base. Youk had the worst day of the three main guys going one for three with a strikeout and one RBI. The three main batters contributed for five runs. Lars Anderson had big shoes to fill when he started the game as the D.H. He ended up having three walks and two runs. Jed Lowrie gave yet another strong performance showing that he should be the starting shortstop instead of Julio Lugo going one for two with a double, two runs, three RBI’s, and a strikeout. Josh Bard went one for three with a home run, one RBI, one run, and one walk. Zach Daeges went on
e for two with a double, two runs, and a walk. Josh Reddick went one for three with a double, one run, one RBI, one walk, and one strikeout. Boston also had great pitching. The starter of the game, Kris Johnson went two innings with three strikeouts giving up one hit. After him Dustin Richardson went in a threw one inning with two strikeouts. Then we got to see Junichi Tazawa. He did good in two innings of work striking out four while walking one. After that Felix Doubront ended the game with two innings of work giving up one hit while getting three strikeouts. The player of the game was Angel Chavez. Batting from the sixth spot he hit a two run homer and a grand slam. He also had six RBI’s and two runs in three at-bats for the Red Sox. The Huskies had only two hits all game. One was a triple by David Gustafson and the other was a single by James Donaldson. I feel sorry for Huskies pitcher J.T. Ross who has an ERA of 94.50 in the game. The game was called after seven innings and the Red Sox one fourteen to zero. 

Cincinnati Reds Logo - Reds player with baseball head running in front of red C

vs.

Boston Red Sox Logo - A pair of red socks on a baseball in a circle

What I can’t go retro from time to time.

 

Then Boston played its other game of the day against the Cincinnati Reds. This was the first real win for the Red Sox in Spring Training. They lost to the Twins, Pirates, and Rays before winning today. After Jed Lowrie’s good day Julio Lugo had a good day going two for three with a  sacrifice fly, one RBI, a strikeout, and two runs. Brad Wilkerson had another fine day at the plate going two for four with a home run, a double, two runs, two RBI’s, and a strikeout. Big Papi was zero for one with two walks. Jeff Bailey later pinched hit for Ortiz and went zero for two with one run, one RBI, and one walk. J.D. Drew went two for three with a double, two runs, and one RBI. J-Bay was two for two with a double, three runs, one RBI, and two walks. Then the captain stepped up to the plate. Varitek was one for three with a double, a sacrifice fly, and four RBI’s. Varitek left the game and George Kottaras went one for two with one RBI. Chris Carter was three for five with a double, one run, one RBI, and a strikeout. Nick Green was two for four with one run, one RBI, and a strikeout. Gil Velazquez was two for four with a double, one RBI, and one walk. Clay Buchholz was the winning pitcher tossing two innings with one strikeout only giving up one hit. The rest of the pitchers gave up less then three hits and know one gave up more then two earned runs. Nick Massett was the losing pitcher for the Reds throwing one inning giving up four hits and four runs. These were two fantastic games. We saw home runs, prospects, veterans, doubles, two wins, two blowouts, and maybe the next Dustin Pedroia from Northeastern.

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All right here is today’s trivia. This is a two part question. Which team won the championship of the Player’s League in 1890, its only season. To get the question right you must know the city and the team name.

Hint- The city is located in the Eastern Time Zone.

Photo Credits

1- wikipedia.com

2- wikipedia.com

3- sportslogos.net

4- sportslogos.net

Junior Goes Back To Where It All Started

Ken Griffey Jr. signed a one year two million dollar contract with the Seattle Mariners today. He could earn up to six million dollars if he completes all of his incentives. Griffey started his care with the Mariners and played in Seattle for eleven seasons. In 1997 he batted .304 with 56 home runs, 147 RBI’s, 185 hits, and fifteen stolen bases. That seasons he made the all-star game and  won a MVP, Golden Glove, and Silver Slugger. In the 1990’s Griffey won a Golden Glove for every season. Griffey and his dad played together in Seattle. They were the first father and son to play together and the first father and son to hit back to back home runs. In 1999 Griffey was the youngest player to be on MLB’s all century team. After that there were rumors that he could make the 2000’s all century team but nabbing injuries will probably keep him off the list. At the end of the 1999 season Griffey requested a trade to go to Cincinnati so he would be closer to his family. Griffey’s time with the Reds was bot so good. He got hurt over 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . well lets just so a lot of times. In 2004 on Fathers Day he was one home run away from 500. That game with his father in the stands he hit his 500th home run. Talk about a Father’s day gift. In 2005 he was the National League Comback Player of the Year batting .301 with 35 home runs, 148 hits, 92 RBI’s, and zero stolen bases. In 2006 he played for team U.S.A. in the World Baseball Classic with his dad as a coach. At the begging of 2007 Griffey was moved from center-field to right-field following the signing of Ryan Freel. On June 22 Griffey returned to Seattle in a Reds uniform and he gave a speech and a video called The House That Griffey Built was played. In 2008 on June ninth he hit his 600th home run at Marlin Stadium. At the trading deadline Griffey was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Nick Masset and Danny Richar. Griffey moved back The White Sox won the American League Central after a one game playoff with the Twins. The White Sox lost to the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round of the playoffs. In the offseason Griffey became a free agent. Griffey has two playing options. He could D.H. or move to left field putting Endy Chavez on the bench. MLB Network said Griffey would go to the Atlanta Braves (his second choice) because it is close to home. This is a great choice by Griffey. The Griffey signing but the Mariners in the spot to contend in a weak American League West. Griffey is now 39 years old with a .288 batting average, 611 home runs, 1,772 RBI’s, 2,680 hits, and 184 stolen bases. The only thing that we can be sure due to Griffey’s injury history is that he is a future hall of famer maybe not the 755 home run guy like he was spose to be but he is a MLB legend.

Photos
1-mouthpiecesports.com
P.S. so for only one picture extra tomorrow.

Dunn Deal

Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn

Adam Dunn signed a two year twenty million dollar contract yesterday with the Washington Nationals. The deal became official today meaning the Nationals now have a guy they can build their team around. Dunn will wear number 32. Sure Dunn strikes out a ton and stinks at fielding but he hits a ton of home runs and that is what the Nationals needed and wanted. Dunn will join third baseman Ryan Zimmerman in the middle of the order. Dunn is like Babe Ruth he either hits a home run or strikes out trying. Now they obviously are very different besides that but name ten other major league players who either hit a home run or strike out. Last season with the Reds and Diamondbacks Dunn hit .236 with forty home runs, 100 RBI’s, two stolen bases, 122 hits, and 164 strike outs. His carer stats include a .247 batting average with 278 home runs, 955 hits, 278 home runs, 672 RBI’s, and 59 stolen bases. Dunn can play first base and the outfield and at those two positions he has a .974 carer fielding percentage. 2009 will be Dunn’s ninth major league season. He spent eight and a half with the Reds and half a season with the Diamondbacks after the Dodgers traded for Manny Ramirez. Dunn will mostly play first moving last years starting first baseman, Nick Johnson to the bench. Dunn could also play a little left and right. Josh Willingham and Elijah Dukes are the teams starters in left field and right field respectively. Dunn is a one time all-star who made the game in 2002. He went zero for one in that game with a walk. Dunn is 29 years old and I would rate this move a ten out of ten. Sure he isn’t the best player but like I said before the Nationals needed a bat and they got one.
Blowing bubbles: Adam Dunn rounds third base after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning Wednesday at Chase Field.

Photos
1- sportsillustrated.com
2- eastvalleytribune.com 
3-mlbbada.com

Fantasy Baseball Help- Tip 1

I know Cob is starting a fantasy baseball league so I thought for all you first timers I thought I would give you some tips.

Draft Players on Good Teams

When drafting your team try to draft great players on average or great teams. The Mariners lost 101 games in 2008 year. In 2007 years ago they won 88 games. In 2007 Felix Hernandez won 14 games an in 2008 he won nine and lost 14. For pitchers run support is key. A baseball team with great sluggers and average pitchers will do fine. In 2007 the Tampa Bay Devil Rays won 66 games. In 2008 the Rays won 97 games. Every single one of their pitchers did better because of run support. When drafting sluggers you can afford to break this rule for a really good player. Playing on a better team for a slugger means more runs, RBI’s, and a higher on base percentage. You get more runs because people will drive you in more. You get more RBI’s, because more people will be standing at third base. Lastly you will get a higher on base percentage because if a pitcher walks someone they will then have to face a better hitter next. Lets use the Mariners and the Rays again. In 2007 Ichiro hit had 111 runs, 68 RBI’s, and a .396 on base percentage. In 2008 he had 103 runs, 42 RBI’s, and a .361 on base percentage. Akinori Iwamura, of the Rays had 82 runs, 34 RBI’s, and a .359 on base percentage in 2007. In 2008 he had 91 runs, 48 RBI’s, and a .349 on base percentage. Sure his on base percentage dropped by .010 but he had a much better year. When you drafted players on good teams their confidence is higher which means a better year most of the time. So my list of teams I would draft from are the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Twins, White Sox, Indians, Angels, A’s, Rangers, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Phillies, Astros, Cubs, Reds, D-Backs, Giants, and Rockies. I don’t plan on drafting any one from the Rays or Yankees though. Also I left the Brewers and Cardinals off for two reasons their pitchers and the fact that their not that heathy.

Young Guns- Reds

First- Trevor Hoffman officially became a Brewer. Sorry Kaybee.

Second- Justin Duchscherer avoided arbitration by signing a one year deal that could be worth $4.05 million dollars.
Third- Sean Casey is retiring. The “mayor” will join MLB Network. His role is still unknown.
Edinson Volquez
Edinson Volquez is 25 years old. Volquez has a carer record of 20-17, an ERA of 4.37, and 261 strike outs. He also has a .97 fielding percentage. at pitcher. Volqez has played for the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds. With the Rangers Volquez made 17 starts and had a record of three and eleven. In his first season he went zero-four, with an ERA of 14.21, and only 11 strike outs, in six games, 12.2 innings. Following the 2007 season Volquez was traded from the Rangers to the Reds for Josh Hamilton, a deal that made both teams happy. In 2008 Volquez had his break out year with a record of 17-6, an ERA of 3.21, and 206 strike outs. In the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium Volquez didn’t do so well. He pitched one inning in which he gave up two hits and a home run. That one home run was to J.D. Drew, all-star game MVP. He did strike out two batters though. Volqez has yet to make the post season with the Reds or Rangers. Unlike Dustin Pedroia Volquez has the body of a major leaguer. He is six foot and weighs 200 pounds. In the 2009 Wold Baseball Classic he will play for team Dominican Republic possibly joining team mate Johnny Cueto, who went 9-14 with a 4.81 ERA, and 158 strike outs. remember when Tom Glavine got 300 win? People said he could be the last person ever to gat to 300. Volquez is on pace to get 300 wins if he plays another 15 seasons and not get injured. If Volquez does get to 300 he will be a sure lock to get into the hall of fame. Edinson Volquez is only one of the promising Reds though, Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, etc. So Reds fans the Reds could be the Rays of 2008 his year.
Honorable Mention
2. Joey Votto
3. Jay Bruce
4. Micah Owings
5. Homer Bailey
Edinson Volquez
Edinson Volquez of the Cincinnati Reds

Edinson Volquez leads the majors in ERA, strikeouts and opponent batting average.

Glavine to Boston?!?

Tom Glavine a low risk high reward player said he felt good after throwing of the mound for the first time since elbow and shoulder surgery in August. Glavine is a local guy according to Julia (Julia your “dream” came true) over at Julia’s Rants. Glavine’s longtime teammate John Smoltz recently signed with the Red Sox. Glavine, a free agent, made thirteen starts last season. He went two and four, with 37 strikeouts, and a ERA 5.54. Tom Glavine is 42 years old. Glavine is a sure first ballot hall of famer he has 305 carer wins, an ERA of 3.54, and has 2,607 strikeouts. Glavine has played twenty-two seasons with the Braves on two different occasions and the New York Mets. He has won twenty games five times. While Glavine is a great player and I am sure he would love to go to the Red Sox, but Boston already has eight starters in Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Dice-K, Tim Wakefield, Brad Penny, Smoltz, Clay Buchholz, and Michael Bowden. Smoltz though could come out of the bullpen and I think Clay could too. As for Bowden he’ll come up from AAA in mid-season. He would probably cost a around the amount of Smoltz and is better. Am I saying that I would rather have Glavine then Smoltz? No, Smoltz will not pitch till June but he can be a starter or come out of the bullpen which I wish every pitcher could. Glavine will should sign with a team with young pitchers, the Rays, Twins, A’s, D-Backs, Reds, Pirates, Brewers, Nationals, Marlins, or maybe even the Padres. he also could resign with the Braves who have signed Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami. The Braves also traded for former Chicago White Sox, Javier Vazquez. Vazquez is listed as the Braves ace on Braves.com don’t get that one. I would put my money on the Brewers or the Braves. The Brewers lost C.C. Sabathia to the Yankees. Ben Sheets, the other Brewers ace is still on the market. One game I would love to see, Red Sox vs. Brewers, Jon Smoltz vs. Tom Glavine, at Fenway Park. 

Tom Glavine (left) John Smoltz (center) Greg Maddux (right)

Former Met Tom Glavine retired the final 17 batters he faced during the Braves' 6-1 win in the first game of a day-night doubleheader today.





Hall of Fame Winners and Losers- Part 7

First- The Marlins aren’t really interested in Pedro after all.

Lee Smith, No, Eventually



Lee Smith is on the ballot for the sixth year. He has a carer record of 71-92, an ERA of 3.03, 1,251 strike outs, and 478 saves. Smith played 18 seasons with the Cubs, Red Sox, Cardinals, Yankees, Orioles, Angels, Reds, Expos. Smith will probably go in as a Cub. Closers Bruce Sutter and Goose Gossage waited a while but finally got in. Smith is third on the all time saves list behind Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera. Smith will get 50% of the votes and will get in with 78% of the votes.

Alan Trammell No, Never


Alan Trammell is on the ballot for the eighth year. He hit .285, with 185 home runs, drove in 1,003, scored 1,231 times, stole 236 bases, and was caught stealing 109 times. He made 235 errors at shortstop, third, second, and outfield. Trammell played twenty seasons all with the Tigers. Trammell was a six time all-star who also won four golden gloves. Last year Trammell got 18.2% of the vote. This year he will get 20% of the vote and his best will be 40% of the vote.

Greg Vaughn No, Never

Greg Vaughn is on the ballot for the first time. He hit .242, with 355 home runs, drove in 1,072, scored 1,017 times, had 1,475 hits, stole 121, and was caught stealing 59 times. Vaughn played 15 seasons with the Brewers, Padres, Reds, Devil Rays, and Rockies. Vaughn if he does go in will probably go in as a Brewer. In 1998 he hit 50 home runs while the Padres went to the World Series. Vaughn will get 5% of the vote and his best will be 20% of the vote.

Hall of Fame Winners and Losers- Part 5

Dale Murphy No, Never



Dale Murphy is on the ballot for the eleventh time. He hit .265, with 398 home runs, drove in 1,266, scored 1,197 times, had 2,111 hits, stole 161 and was caught stealing 68 times. Murphy played for 18 seasons with the Braves, Phillies, and Rockies. If he does go in it will be as a Brave. In just an eight span Murphy won two MVP’s, along with six golden gloves, four silver sluggers, the Lou Gehrig  award, and the Roberto Clemente award. In that same span he was elected to seven all-star games. This year he will get 15% of the vote and at his best 45% of the vote.

Jesse Orosco No, Never


Jesse Orosco is on the ballot for his first time. He has a carer record of 87-80, with an ERA of 3.16, and 1179 strike outs. Orosco, a relief pitcher is the all-time leader in appearances. He played 24 seasons with the Mets, Dodgers, Indians, Brewers, Orioles, Cardinals, Twins, Yankees, and Padres. He played with the Dodgers two different times. He made four errors at pitcher. He had a great .984 fielding percentage. Orosco is my favorite player on the ballot to not play for the Red Sox because in 2003 in 15 games for the Yankees he had a 10.38 ERA. Orosco will get 7% of the vote this year and his high will be 45% of the vote.

Dave Parker, No, Never


Dave Parker is on the ballot for his 13th year. He hit .290, with 339 home runs, drove in 1,493, scored 1,272 times, had 2,712 hits, stole 154, and was caught stealing 113 times. He made 144 errors at first, second, and in the outfield. He has a .966 fielding percentage. Parker played 19 seasons with the Pirates, Reds, A’s, Brewers, Angels, and Blue Jays. Parker if he goes in will go in as a Pirate. He won two batting titles, three golden gloves, three silver sluggers, and a MVP. He also was elected to eight all-star games. I think Parker should go in. He just missed 3,000 hits and had great stats otherwise, but I don’t think he will. Last year he got 15.1% of the vote I think this year he will get 17% of the vote and his best will be 24.5% of the vote back in 1998. 

Hall of Fame Winners and Losers- Part 2

David Cone, No, Never



David Cone is up for election for his first time. His carer record is 194-126, with an ERA of 3.46, and 2,668 strike outs. He played 18 seasons with the Royals, Mets, Blue Jays, Yankees, and Red Sox. He played with the Mets two different times and the Royals two different times. If Cone does go in he will probably go in as a Met. Cone was traded twice in midseason. After playing with Boston in 2001 he didn’t play again till 2003 with the Mets. Cone won a Cy Young and four World Series. Cone was pretty good but only 194 wins as a starter. Yes, he was a relief pitcher his first few years in the bis but still. he doesn’t have 3,000 strike out or an ERA under 3.00. Cone will get 5% of the votes this year and at his best 25% of the votes.

Andre Dawson, No, Eventually 


Andre Dawson is up for election for his eighth year. He hit .279, with 438 home runs, 1,591 RBI’s, had 2,774 hits, stole 314, and was caught stealing 109 times. Dawson had 93 carer errors in the outfield with a rocket for an arm. He played 21 years with the Expos, Cubs, Red Sox, and Marlins. He will probably go in as the last Expo in the hall of fame. If not an Expo then a Cub. In 1987 he hit 49 home runs, with 137 RBI’s, and 178 hits as a Cub that year. That year he also won MVP. Dawson was so close to 500 home runs and 3,000 hits. Last year he got 65.9% of the vote this year he will get around 70% of the vote. In 2010 he will get in with 76% of the vote.

Ron Gant, No, Never


Ron Gant is up for election for his first time. He hit .256, with 1651 hits, 321 home runs, drove in 1,008, stole 243, and was caught stealing 102 times. Gant played 17 seasons with the Braves, Reds, Cardinals, Phillies, Angels, Rockies, A’s, and Padres. He played with the A’s two different times. Gant was a great hitter before the dirt bike accident where he broke his leg before the 1994 season then he never was his old self again. Gant had back to back 30-30 seasons joining Willie Mays and Bobby Bonds as the only players to do that. Gant will probably get 5% of the votes this year and at his best 15% of the votes.

Stupid Team Names

Last night I was looking back at the Red Sox new uniforms and I thought at lest they didn’t change their name. Well if the Red Sox had to change their name here would be the three least likely competitors.

3- Boston Red Blood Cells
Red Blood Cells
If the Red Sox were every the Red Blood Cells, I would freak. This name is just stupid. Who wants a jersey with “Red Blood Cells” written on it, well I guess Red Sox fans would. At lest it’s not something stupid like “The Boston Red Blood,” because you can and should just drop out the “red,” I mean what other color is blood, (no not blue that is a myth.) Also Red Blood Cells is a very scary name (NOT) I mean if you knew nothing about a team but their name would you be scared to face them, probably no.
2- New York Rays


What team is stupid enough to move to their number one rivals city then change their name to their number two rivals name? The Red Sox aren’t, the Yankees maybe. First off that would mean all Red Sox fans would have to drive an hour or so, to just see their “home” team play. Second what happens when the New York Rays play the Tampa Bay Rays. What if B.J. Upton throws the ball at Youk thinking he is on his team. I’m sure though that their uniforms would have to be different though.

1- The Boston Pretty Pink Kitty Kats

Sticking with the misspelling theme (Sox and Kats) The Boston Pretty Pink Kitty Kats is probably the lest scariest name ever (well . . .  the name Red Sox isn’t that scary). Kitty Kats aren’t scary, the fact that their pink doesn’t help at all, and being pretty will not scare off the Yankees are Rays anytime soon. We would have the A’s, Reds, and Astros laugh at us. What is an Astro anyway? The Name is also way to long.
So if you had to choose a name what would it be? For me it would be The Red Blood Cells.