Bleacher Report - Articles by Tyler Waddell

Reds-Indians: June 28 Preview

Tyler Waddell — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:00:03 -0400

It seems as though first baseman Joey Votto does in fact make the bats of the Cincinnati Reds better. The team is still only hitting .222 since his return on June 23, but is now scoring 4.6 runs a game with him in the lineup.

Votto went 2-for-5 with an RBI in last night's 7-3 win over the Cleveland Indians. He's 7-for-21 (.333) since his return.

Third baseman Adam Rosales was demoted down to Louisville 90 minutes before yesterday's game. Homer Bailey was called up in his place, who had been mowing down the Triple-A players in his last few starts.

Bailey (1-0, 8.68 ERA) pitched five innings of work, allowing three runs and a whopping seven walks while earning his first win since September of 2007.

"Terrible," Bailey said. "But we got the win, so who cares? No one said wins had to be pretty."

Cincinnati owns a 3-2 lead over their Ohio rivals this year, and have won 10 of the last 14 against them. The Indians have also lost nine of their last 11. The Reds will place pitcher Micah Owings (4-8) on the mound to face-off against Cleveland's rookie David Huff (3-2) at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Three Games, 34 Innings and 1,101 Pitches Later: CubsTakes Series

Tyler Waddell — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:26:04 -0400

The Chicago Cubs brought their A-game with them to Cincinnati this week. The team beat the Reds in two of three games at Great American Ball Park, which included two extra-inning games.

Cincinnati had its chances in Sunday's 14-inning, 6-3 loss. The Reds piled together 11 hits but left 16 stranded. The Reds (29-27) have lost their last five of eight games and are now tied with the Cubs (28-26) for third place.

Rookie Matt Maloney, who replaced Edinson Volquez on the mound, was the lone star this week. He pitched six innings Saturday, giving up six hits and two earned runs while striking out four in his Major League debut.

Being only 3.5 games back, the Reds are still in the race for first place in the Central Division of the National League. They hope to get back on track Tuesday night when they place Johhny Cueto (5-3) on the mound to take on Washington's Jordan Zimmerman (2-3) at 7:15 pm ET.

Brewers Sweep Reds: Cincinnati 3.5 Games Out of First Place

Tyler Waddell — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:08:34 -0400

The Milwaukee Brewers came to Miller Park May 29th with a dead-last (in the NL) team batting average. This all changed when Cincinnati rolled into town, whom gave up 27 hits that turned into 17 Brewer runs.

The Brew Crew now stands in 12th place in that category, hitting .250 as a team.

Prince Fielder stood out in the series for Milwaukee, going 4-10 with two home runs and five RBI. He also walked twice.

Optimism still lingered on the other side of the ball.

"I feel like we're a better team than the Brewers," Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips said. "But today, they executed better than we did. They did the little things. We didn't do the little things the last two games. That's why they won the game."

Phillips came into the game Sunday making his second consecutive start since his five-day absence for an injured right thumb. The 2008 Gold Glover hit his ninth homer of the year in the fifth inning, cutting the Brewer lead to three. But it was all said and done after that.

Micah Owings (3-6) continued to show his struggles on the mound as he gave up five earned runs through 5.2 innings of work, walking three and striking out five. Yovani Gallardo (5-2, 3.18 ERA) picked up his fifth win of the season while the all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, mowed down three Reds in the ninth for his 13th save.

The Reds will look to bounce back from their trip to Wisconsin with a four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Edinson Volquez (4-2) is scheduled to make his first start since being placed on the 15-day DL with back spasms. He will be facing Todd Wellemeyer starting at 8:15 p.m. EST.

Cincinnati Reds Light Up Houston Astros, Improve to 15-8 In Division Play

Tyler Waddell — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:14:33 -0400

The Cincinnati Reds survived yet another division game by beating the Houston Astros 8-5 with a two-hour rain delay mixed in the middle.

Aaron Harang (5-4) started the game off by giving up a two-run shot to Lance Berkman in the first and a run in the third before taking a long break during the rain delay.

He then returned to action in the top of the fifth, surrendering just one more hit before calling it a night and picking up the win. Francisco Cordero received his 12th save in 12 attempts after one inning of work in the top of the ninth.

The Reds made the most of their eight runs, all unearned. Houston helped out with three costly errors in the game, giving Cincinnati the advantage they needed.

The new addition to the Reds family as of May 22nd, Jonny Gomes, made his case as to why he should be a big-league player by going 3-4 with 3 RBI. Gomes' batting average lays at an incredible .429.

For a lineup that went without Joey Votto (inner-ear infection), Brandon Phillips (hairline finger fracture) and Jay Bruce (slumping) most of the game, the Reds put together an impressive showing, compiling 13 hits along with their eight runs.

This included five runs in the first inning. Cincinnati has now scored eight runs in the first inning throughout the course of their last four games.

The Reds (24-20) will try to add on to their control against N.L. Central division foes, throwing Micah Owings (3-5, 4.70 ERA) against Houston's Roy Oswalt (1-2, 4.47 ERA) at 7:10 pm ET.

Reds-Indians: Alex Gonzalez Goes 3-5 As Cincinnati Takes Series

Tyler Waddell — Sun, 24 May 2009 18:30:31 -0400

The Cincinnati Reds continued their dominance over the Cleveland Indians today by out-dueling them 4-3 in 11 innings.

Johhny Cueto (4-2) kept his hot streak alive by pitching around his Ohio rivals, going 7.0 innings, giving up two earned runs, and striking out seven. His ERA now stands at a firm 2.37.

Jerry Hairston Jr. started off the first inning by hitting his fifth home run of the year to left field. This was the third game in a row the Reds scored in the first inning.

After a couple clutch base hits by the no-longer-struggling Alex Gonzalez, the Reds took a 3-1 lead. That margin was shattered by a Grady Sizemore triple in the seventh, which tied the game at 3-3.

The bullpen (Weathers, Cordero, Rhodes and the newcomer Fisher) shut down the Indians and striking out five hitters in four innings. Carlos Fisher received the win when Alex Gonzalez made yet another clutch at bat, wrapping up the game by knocking in Paul Janish in the bottom of the 11th.

Cincinnati (23-20) will continue their homestand tomorrow vs. Houston (18-24) at 1:10 p.m. EST. Aaron Harang (4-4, 3.19 ERA) will look to improve his record against Wandy Rodriguez (5-2, 1.83 ERA).

Joey Is Votto-Matic for the Cincinnati Reds

Tyler Waddell — Sun, 24 May 2009 14:08:11 -0400

Joey Votto is a 6'3", 233 lbs. first baseman from Toronto, Canada and is a top of the National League with a .371 batting average. He has swung for seven homers (two last night), 31 RBI and has put together a whopping .631 slugging percentage.

One problem. The Reds can't seem to keep him on the field.

Votto was diagnosed with an inner ear infection just days after being out with the flu. Missing his last nine of 15 games, the Reds are missing a true three-spot in their lineup.

Sure, the Reds are 6-3 and are averaging 5.2 runs a game without him (4.6 without the huge 10-run game at Arizona vs their rookie pitcher), but have been placing Jay Bruce (.234) and Brandon Phillips (.275) in his spot. Don't get me wrong, they can both hit. But they're no Joey Votto.

Votto played in last night's 7-6 loss to Cleveland in which he smacked two out of Great American in a 2-4 effort. He also produced four RBI. Oh, and yes, this was after missing five straight games.

No. 19 will not be in today's lineup, as he was still feeling the lingering effects of his infection. But let the facts show. The Reds need this man in their lineup if they want to win ballgames.

MLB Power Rankings for May 11: Where's the Love for Cincinnati?

Tyler Waddell — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:37:30 -0400

It's that time of the week and ESPN has released the MLB Power Rankings for May 11. I skimmed through the page, just as I do every Monday. I saw the Red Sox at the No. 1 spot and agreed, was a little puzzled on how the Mets jumped from the 20 spot to the five spot (even with their seven game win streak), but I was okay.

Now looking for the Cincinnati Reds to be in the seventh, maybe eighth spot—they were nowhere to be found.

I can understand how the Cardinals (20-12) are towards the top, as they are a very good team, even though the Reds still took the first series. But in the seventh and eighth spots were the Milwaukee Brewers (18-14) and the Chicago Cubs (17-14), whom we (Cincinnati) have a combined 5-3 record against for the season.

And to see the Reds, after winning their last three of four games, DROPPING two spots from last week down to the 14 spot, is ridiculous. I mean, the Yankees, who have lost their last five of seven and hold the 13th worst ERA in the AL, are in front of our Redlegs.

Cincinnati leads the MLB in shut out wins (6) and have the fifth best ERA in the NL (4.05). They have extremely talented young players including Jay Bruce, who leads the team in home runs (10), the NL's second place leader in ERA, Johhny Cueto (1.59) and the hot bat of first baseman Joey Votto, who has knocked in 24 RBI.

Being only 2.5 games back behind the Cardinals, is this not good enough for at least a top ten spot in the Power Rankings?

Maybe I'm just venting. I know it's only little over a month into the season, but you have to know that these guys are good. “It’s indicative that people are believing in us," said manager Dusty Baker.

Well, although ESPN doesn't believe in you Dusty, this loyal Reds fan does. Cincinnati goes on a six game road trip to Arizona (13-19) and San Diego (13-19). They hope to gain some more ground on St. Louis tonight as they place Bronson Arroyo (4-2) on the mound to take on Jon Garland (3-1) at 9:40 pm ET.

Redlegs Demolish Former Teammate Lohse for Third Straight Win

Tyler Waddell — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:50:16 -0400

The Cincinnati Reds got off to another hot start in the first inning off of the bat of right fielder Jay Bruce's (9) two-run shot. Pitcher Aaron Harang (3-3) gave the Reds yet another outstanding performance from their starters, as he earned his third win of the year.

After Ryan Ludwick hit his eighth homer of the season to tie the game at two in the third, Harang locked down and his teammates' bats lit up. Harang ended his Saturday night debut with seven innings of work and two earned runs (seven strikeouts). The gentle giant was also the third pitcher in three nights to have an RBI for the Reds as he knocked in two. After a couple late here-and-there scores between the two rivals, this one was all said and done: Cincinnati wins 8-3.

Brandon Phillips returned to action after catching a case of the flu and missing two games. Phillips went 2-3 with a walk, while scoring once and raising his overall batting average to .250. Votto missed his third game in a row (sickness).

Cincinnati (17-13) will look to beat the Cardinals (19-12) tomorrow at 1:10 p.m. ET to take the three game sweep as they place 2008 all-star Edison Volquez (4-2) on the mound to take on St. Louis' Adam Wainwright (3-1).

Johnny Cueto, Reds Beat Division-Leading Cardinals, 6-4

Tyler Waddell — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:08:27 -0400

Johnny Cueto pitched yet another remarkable game Friday night, pitching seven innings with one earned run. This gives the 23-year-old Dominican a 3-0 record with a 0.62 ERA over his last four starts. Not only did Cueto get the win, but he received his first RBI of the season as well.

The Reds jumped on St. Louis pitcher Joel Pineiro early, scoring five runs in the first two innings off of numerous Cincinnati batters. This included Jerry Hairston, Jr., who filled in for the sick Brandon Phillips at 2B. Hairston went 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Rhodes, Weathers, and Burton followed after Cueto's exit, and Fransico Cordero earned his ninth save of the season. The Reds progressed to a (16-13) record as Albert Pujols and the division-leading Cardinals fell to (19-11).

Two aces will face-off at the Great American Ball Park tomorrow night at 7:10 p.m. ET as Aaron Harang (2-3) will look to improve his 3.00 ERA against former teammate Kyle Lohse (3-1).

Reds Blast Looper; Defeat Brewers 6-5

Tyler Waddell — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:33:54 -0400

The Cincinnati Reds bounced back from a humiliating loss to conquer the Brewers 6-5 Thursday night, improving to 5-8 at home (15-13 overall).

Jay Bruce started off the first inning with his second home run in the series and eighth of the year, a solo shot to right field. Taveras also put forth his first of the year in the third.

Starting pitcher Micah Owings (2-3) added his RBI triple in the fourth and then scored off of Looper's wild pitch, making it 5-3 Cincy. This helped Owings get his second win of the season.

After J.J Hardy made it a one run game by knocking in Prince Fielder in the sixth inning, the game was finished with its scores. Francisco Cordero received his eighth save in eight attempts, finishing the series at a split 1-1 tie.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips and First baseman Joey Votto hope to return to action tomorrow night against the division leading St. Louis Cardinals; both were game-time decisions with the case of the flu.

The Reds will open up the series with the hot-handed Johnny Cueto (2-1). Cueto, coming off of a eight inning scoreless debut versus Houston, will match-up against St. Louis' Joel Pineiro (4-1) at 7:10 p.m. ET.

Brewers-Reds: Milwaukee Ride Their Hot Bats Into Cincinnati; Win 15-3

Tyler Waddell — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:15:41 -0400

Cincinnati pitcher Bronson Arroyo (4-2) had a hard time against his division rival Milwaukee Brewers last night. After just one recorded inning, the bullpen was back to work just two days following a 14-inning loss to Florida.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips (5) and right fielder Jay Bruce (7) added two solo shots in the fifth and seventh inning to try to dwindle the broad lead but made no difference when the decision to put shortstop Paul Janish on the mound was made.

Janish, who made quite the impression with a 92 mph fastball, was no match for Prince Fielder and the gang. A 35 pitch, five hit, and five run ninth inning was in store for him as the Brewers finished the game off, 15-3.

Manny Parra (1-4) got his first win of the season as Arroyo's ERA skyrocketed to 7.15. The league leaders in shut out wins (6) will send Micah Owings (1-3) to counter the Brewers' ace Braden Looper (2-1) at 7:10 pm ET.