Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

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Cincinnati Reds
MVP Baseball 2005
All-Star Difficulty
Pared's Sliders

[skitch]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

2005 Cincinnati Reds Preview
The Cincinnati Post

The Reds completed the 2004 season with a 76-86 record, good for fourth in the always competitive NL Central. The problem wasn't scoring runs for Cincinnati, it was keeping the other team from doing the same, as their pitching staff held an accumulative ERA of 5.21. While many chalk it up to the hitter friendly confines of The Great American Ball Park, the fact remains that the pitching staff is just plain bad. One of the many constants in the bullpen over the years, Danny Graves, has since been let go, and will be pitching for the New York Mets this season. This move leaves the closer spot up for grabs, but many assume Ben Weber will occupy that role. On the offensive side of things, Reds fans don't have much to worry about, as this team can mash from leadoff through the 8-hole. If Cincinnati management can shapen up the pitching staff and bullpen, the Reds are looking to make a run for the NL Central this season.

Lineup:

1 - Felipe Lopez
Shortstop - '04 Stats: .242, 7 HR, 31 RBI, 35 Runs, 1 SB


2 - Ryan Freel
Second Base - '04 Stats: .277, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 74 Runs, 37 SB


3 - Sean Casey
First Base - '04 Stats: .324, 24 HR, 99 RBI, 101 Runs, 2 SB


4 - Adam Dunn
Left Field - '04 Stats: .266, 46 HR, 102 RBI, 105 Runs, 6 SB


5 - Ken Griffey Jr.
Center Field - '04 Stats (83 Games): .253, 20 HR, 60 RBI, 49 Runs, 1 SB


6 - Willy Mo Pena
Right Field - '04 Stats: .259, 26 HR, 66 RBI, 45 Runs, 5 SB


7 - Joe Randa
Third Base - '04 Stats: .287, 8 HR, 56 RBI, 65 Runs, 0 SB


8 - Jason LaRue
Catcher - '04 Stats: .251, 14 HR, 55 RBI, 46 Runs, 0 SB


Cincinnati's lineup might not look like much statistically, but every player, from top to bottom, simply mashes the ball. Felipe Lopez, the 8th overall pick in the '98 draft, and Ryan Freel will provide speed at the top of the lineup. With Lopez on base, it wouldn't be surprising to see the hit-and-run become a big part of Freel's offensive vocabulary. The #3-6 hitters for the Reds are what scares opposing pitchers to death. Sean Casey, Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr., and Willy Mo Pena can all hit the ball for miles and for decent averages. Pena has a lot of growing to do as a ballplayer, but with a mentor like Griffey, anything's possible. Joe Randa and Jason LaRue round out the lineup, neither of whom will produce eye-popping numbers, but they'll get the job done.

Bench:
Rich Aurilia - 3B/SS
Javier Valentin - C
Luis Lopez - 2B/SS
Kenny Kelly - CF/LF
Jason Romano - LF/RF

Pitching Staff

1 - Eric Milton
'04 Stats: 14-6, 4.75 ERA, 161 K's, 75 Walks


2 - Aaron Harang
'04 Stats: 10-9, 4.86 ERA, 125 K's, 53 Walks


3 - Ramon Ortiz
'04 Stats: 5-7, 4.43 ERA, 82 K's, 38 Walks


4 - Luke Hudson
'04 Stats: 48.1 IP, 4-2, 2.42 ERA, 38 K's, 25 Walks


5 - Brandon Claussen
'04 Stats: 2-8, 6.14 ERA, 45 K's, 35 Walks


Closer - Ben Weber
'04 Stats: 0-2, 8.06 ERA, 11 K's, 15 Walks


In all reality, not much is expected out of this group. Aside from Eric Milton and Ramon Ortiz, nobody on the staff has reached 15 wins in a season. Milton will be counted on to pitch well this season and lead by example for this young and inexperienced Cincinnati rotation. Ben Weber, as previously mentioned, will assume the closing role until he pitches himself out of the job.

Top Prospects
Homer Bailey - RHP
Edwin Encarnacion - 3B
Richie Gardner - RHP
Joey Votto - 1B
B.J. Szymasnki - OF

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Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

April 2005 Schedule
The Cincinnati Post

4th, 6th-7th
vs New York Mets
8th-10th
@ Houston Astros
12th-13th
@ St. Louis Cardinals
15th-17th
vs Houston Astros
18th-19th
vs Chicago Cubs
20th-21st
vs Pittsburgh Pirates
22nd-24th
@ Florida Marlins
25th-27th
@ Chicago Cubs
29th-May 1st
@ Milwaukee Brewers

In the first month of the 2005 season, the Reds will play mostly teams within the NL Central. The outcome of these divisional matchups won't necessarily make or break the team, but they will definitely give Cincinnati something to go by as far as where they stand. On Opening Day, the Reds will face off against the new-look Mets, who signed Carlos Beltran and Pedro Martinez, who will start in Game 1, in the offseason.

[Acid]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

4 - Adam Dunn
Left Field - '04 Stats: .266, 46 HR, 102 RBI, 105 Runs, 6 SB


5 - Ken Griffey Jr.
Center Field - '04 Stats (83 Games): .253, 20 HR, 60 RBI, 49 Runs, 1 SB


6 - Willy Mo Pena
Right Field - '04 Stats: .259, 26 HR, 66 RBI, 45 Runs, 5 SB




Good luck man.

Serve Griffey well.

[skitch]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

I've always been a Griffey fan, so I'd love to see him do well, too. I just hope the injury bug doesn't bite him again. I need his big left-handed bat in the lineup.

[skitch]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

Big Red Machine Gets Rolling
The Cincinnati Post

The 2005 season started for the Reds in unfamiliar fashion; they were actually winning. Young shortstop Felipe Lopez led Cincinnati by going 6-11 with a double in the series against the Mets. The pitching was better than expected, giving up only five runs in the three games against New York. Eric Milton pitched a gem in Game One, nearly tossing the first Cincinnati no-hitter since Tim Browning in 1988. With the first series out of the way, the Reds were sitting pretty with a 2-1 record.


Felipe Lopez went 6-11 against the Mets

Game One - Cincinnati 3, New York 0
WP: Eric Milton (1-0)
LP: Pedro Martinez (0-1)
HR: Dunn (1)
Player of the Game: Eric Milton - CG, SHO, 7 K, H

Pitching Stats
Eric Milton (CIN) - CG, SHO, 7 K, H
Pedro Martinez (NYM) - 7.1 IP, 7 K, 7 H, 2 ER

Hitting Stats
Adam Dunn (CIN) - 1-4, HR, 2 RBI
Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN) - 2-4, 2B
Miguel Cairo (NYM) - 1-1, Broke up no-hitter in 9th inning

Eric Milton was on fire on the mound for the Reds in the 2005 season opener, as he struck out seven on the way to his complete game shutout. Until Miguel Cairo pinch-hit in the 9th inning, Milton had not allowed a hit. Adam Dunn provided all of the offense needed, hitting a two-run bomb off of Pedro.


Game Two - Cincinnati 3, New York 5
WP: Tom Glavine (1-0)
LP: Aaron Harang (0-1)
S: Braden Looper (1)
HR: Beltran (1)
Player of the Game: Carlos Beltran - 3-4, HR, 2 RBI

Pitching Stats
Aaron Harang (CIN) - 6.2 IP, 6 K, 9 H, 4 ER
Tom Glavine (NYM) - 6 IP, 2 K, 6 H, ER

Hitting Stats
Felipe Lopez (CIN) - 4-4, SB (1)
Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN) - 1-4, 2B
Carlos Beltran (NYM) - 3-4, HR, 2 RBI

Tom Glavine gave Cincinnati hitters fits all night long, as he gave up only one run in his six innings of work. Carlos Beltran provided the offensive spark for the Mets, going 3-4 and belting his first homerun of the season off of Reds' starter Aaron Harang. Despite the 4-4 night by shortstop Felipe Lopez, the Reds dropped game two of the series.


Game Three - Cincinnati 2, New York 0
WP: Ramon Ortiz (1-0)
LP: Kris Benson (0-1)
S: Ben Weber (1)
HR: None
Player of the Game: Ramon Ortiz - 7.2 IP, 7 K, 5 H, 0 R

Pitching Stats
Ramon Ortiz (CIN) - 7.2 IP, 7 K, 5 H, 0 R
Kris Benson (NYM) - 7 IP, K, 4 H, 2 ER

Hitting Stats
Felipe Lopez (CIN) - 2-3, 2B
Sean Casey (CIN) - 1-3, 2B, RBI
Mike Piazza (NYM) - 2-4

In another stellar outing by a Cincinnati starter, the Reds took game three and won the series against the Mets. Ramon Ortiz was fabulous on the mound, giving up just 5 hits in his seven innings of shutout work. Ben Weber closed the deal, giving the Reds the 2-0 victory.

Player of the Series (Offense): Felipe Lopez (CIN) - 6-11, 2B, SB
Player of the Series (Pitching): Eric Milton (CIN) - CG, SHO, 7 K, H
Next Series: @ Houston Astros

[Acid]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

Whoa, amazing start for Milton!

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Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

Bullpen Blunders Spell Disaster for Reds
The Cincinnati Post

The Cincinnati Reds traveled to Houston to take on the Astros, but were unable to continue their winning trend. At the end of games, Ben Weber was anything but reliable, as he blew two games against the team from Texas. In game one, Weber recorded a blown save and the loss. In the next contest, he was used in a hold situation, but came out, again, with a loss. At the end of the series, the Reds dropped to 3-3 on the year.


Craig Biggio, left, was 5-12 in the series

Game One - Cincinnati 3, Houston 4
WP: Chad Qualls (1-0)
LP: Ben Weber (0-1)
HR: None
Player of the Game: Chris Burke - 2-5, GW RBI
Injury: Ryan Freel (CIN), out 54 days with seperated shoulder

Pitching Stats
Luke Hudson (CIN) - 6 IP, 2 K, 7 H, ER
Andy Pettitte (HOU) - 7 IP, K, 9 H, 2 ER
Ben Weber (CIN) - .2 IP, K, 4 H, 3 ER

Hitting Stats
Sean Casey (CIN) - 2-4, RBI
Chris Burke (HOU) - 2-5, RBI
Brad Ausmus (HOU) - 2-3, SB (1)

Going into the bottom of the ninth inning, most considered this game to be over, as the Reds held a 3-1 lead. However, after Cincinnati closer Ben Weber struck out Morgan Ensberg, he gave up two quick hits to Everett and Ausmus. After a sac bunt, runners were on second and third for leadoff man Willy Taveras, who delivered with a game-tying single. Chris Burke drove in Taveras to win the game for Houston, 4-3.


Game Two - Cincinnati 6, Houston 7
WP: Brad Lidge (1-0)
LP: Ben Weber (0-2)
HR: Biggio (2), Berkman (1)
Player of the Game: Craig Biggio - 2-4, HR, 3 RBI

Pitching Stats
Brandon Claussen (CIN) - 4 IP, K, 2 BB, 8 H, 6 ER
Brandon Backe (HOU) - 6 IP, 7 K, 8 H, 3 ER
Brad Lidge (HOU) - IP, 4 H, 3 ER, Blown save

Hitting Stats
D'Angelo Jimenez (CIN) - 3-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI
Felipe Lopez (CIN) - 3-5, SB (2)
Craig Biggio (HOU) - 2-4, HR, 3 RBI

The Astros seemed to have a chokehold on the Reds for the entire game, but when Brad Lidge entered the game in the ninth, their intensity seemed to fade a bit. Cincinnati scored three quick runs off of the Houston closer, tying the game at six. In the top of the next inning, Ben Weber entered the game to try to hold the Astros. After a deep flyout by Willy Taveras, Chris Burke tripled to centerfield. Craig Biggio stepped to the plate, and delivered the game-winning sac fly, beating the Reds for the second straight night.


Game Three - Cincinnati 2, Houston 1
WP: Eric Milton (2-0)
LP: Chad Harville (0-1)
S: Ben Weber (2)
HR: Casey (1)
Player of the Game: Sean Casey - 3-4, HR, 2 RBI

Pitching Stats
Eric Milton (CIN) - 8 IP, 2 K, 4 H, ER
Chad Harville (HOU) - 6 IP, 8 H, 2 ER

Hitting Stats
Sean Casey (CIN) - 3-4, HR, 2 RBI
Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN) - 2-4
Jason Lane (HOU) - 2-3, 2B, RBI

With their ace on the mound, the Reds were ready to go in the series finale against the Astros. After dropping the first two games of the series, Cincinnati jumped out to an early lead in this one, as Sean Casey drove his first homerun of the season into the rightfield seats. Eric Milton pitched eight strong innings in his second outing of the year, and Ben Weber successfully converted a save opportunity, giving the Reds the 2-1 victory.

Player of the Series (Offense): Craig Biggio (HOU) - 5-12, HR, 3 RBI
Player of the Series (Pitching):: Eric Milton (CIN) - 8 IP, 2 K, 4 H, ER
Next Series: @ St. Louis Cardinals

[3rdAnswer]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

Nice little journal here. Make sure Milton is in the race for the NL Cy Young.

[skitch]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

Nice little journal here. Make sure Milton is in the race for the NL Cy Young.

Thanks for reading.

Milton has been on fire for me to begin the year, I just hope he can continue this type of play. He has five pitches, so he tends to keep everybody off balance, usually ending up with a few strikeouts. I wouldn't be surprised to see him near the top of the list for the Cy Young Award when all is said and done.

[elicoleman]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

Interesting that you are posting the entire series at once...

Either way, I'll be keeping track.

[skitch]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

Reds and Cards Split in St. Louis
The Cincinnati Post

After the Houston series, the Reds traveled north to take on the Cardinals. Cincinnati faced the #1 and #2 starters for St. Louis, Chris Carpenter and Mark Mulder. Despite the big names on the mound, homeruns were aplenty in this short, two-game series. The Reds hit three in their game one victory, compared to the Cardinals' two. In game two, however, Cincy was blanked in the HR column, whereas St. Louis put up two more. At the conclusion of this series, the Cincinnati Reds stand at 4-4.


Willy Mo Pena had two hits in the series, both were homeruns

Game One - Cincinnati 4, St. Louis 3
WP: Kent Mercker (1-0)
LP: Ray King (0-1)
S: Ben Weber (3)
HR: Dunn (2), Pena (1,2), Rolen (2), Walker (2)
Player of the Game: Willy Mo Pena - 2-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI

Pitching Stats
Aaron Harang (CIN) - 5 IP, 4 K, 8 H, 3 ER
Chris Carpenter (STL) - 6 IP, 2 K, 6 H, 3 ER
Kent Mercker (CIN) - 3 IP, K, H

Hitting Stats
Adam Dunn (CIN) - 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
Scott Rolen (STL) - 2-3, HR, RBI
Larry Walker (STL) - 1-4, HR, RBI

In a homerun-filled ballgame, neither of the team's starters recorded a decision. Both Chris Carpenter and Aaron Harang pitched well enough to win for their respective teams, but neither lasted more than six innings. After both teams went to the bullpen, it was a tie game. In the seventh, Ray King gave up a solo homerun to Willy Mo Pena, his second of the game, that would give the Reds the win.


Game Two - Cincinnati 0, St. Louis 5
WP: Mark Mulder (2-0)
LP: Ramon Ortiz (1-1)
HR: Pujols (2), Sanders (1)
Player of the Game: Mark Mulder - CG SHO, 4 K, 4 H

Pitching Stats
Ramon Ortiz (CIN) - 6 IP, 7 K, 8 H, 4 ER
Mark Mulder (STL) - CG SHO, 4 K, 4 H

Hitting Stats
Felipe Lopez (CIN) - 2-4, SB (4)
Jim Edmonds (STL) - 4-4, RBI
Reggie Sanders (STL) - 3-4, 3B, HR, 3 RBI

Mark Mulder simply dominated the Cincinnati lineup, giving up only four hits in his complete game effort. Reggie Sanders and Albert Pujols contributed to the St. Louis offensive effort with homeruns, and Jimmy Edmonds went a perfect 4-4 at the dish. Mulder, however, was the story of the night, earning his second win of the year in shutout fashion.

Player of the Series (Offense): Reggie Sanders (STL) - 5-7, 3B, HR, SB, 3 RBI
Player of the Series (Pitching): Mark Mulder (STL) - CG SHO, 4 K, 4 H
Next Series: Houston Astros

[slickdtc]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)



Great to see a Cincinnati Reds dynasty! Go Reds!

I actually run one myself, but not on OS.

[skitch]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

No Place Like Home for Reds
The Cincinnati Post

After a five-game road trip, the Cincinnati Reds returned back to Ohio to take on the Houston Astros. This time around, however, the Reds came ready to play, and swept the Astros. The young Cincy pitching staff came ready to play, as did the big bats the Cincinnati crowd have learned to love. Ken Griffey Jr., the 35 year old slugger, had his best series so far, going 5-13 with 2 homeruns and 6 RBI. After the big sweep, the Reds are now sitting at 7-4.


Ken Griffey Jr. connected for two homeruns against Houston

Game One - Cincinnati 5, Houston 3
WP: Luke Hudson (1-0)
LP: Brandon Backe (0-1)
S: Ryan Wagner (1)
HR: Casey (2), LaRue (1), Berkman (2), McLemore (1)
Player of the Game: Felipe Lopez - 2-4, 2B, 3B, 2 Runs

Pitching Stats
Luke Hudson (CIN) - 7 IP, 5 K, 5 H, 3 ER
Brandon Backe (HOU) - 7 IP, 5 K, 7 H, 4 ER
Ryan Wagner (CIN) - 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R

Hitting Stats
Willy Mo Pena (CIN) - 2-4, 2B, RBI
Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN) - 2-4
Lance Berkman (HOU) - 2-4, HR, 2 RBI

After a first-inning shot by Sean Casey, the Reds never looked back against Brandon Backe and the Astros. Jason LaRue later added to the lead with his first homerun of the year, and Felipe Lopez continued his hot hitting with a double and a triple in the contest. Although Houston attempted a comeback in the fourth inning, it just wasn't enough against Luke Hudson and the Reds, who won 5-3.


Game Two - Cincinnati 4, Houston 3
WP: Brandon Claussen (1-0)
LP: Carlos Hernandez (0-1)
S: Ben Weber (4)
HR: Griffey Jr. (1), Berkman (3)
Player of the Game: Ken Griffey Jr. - 1-3, HR, 2 RBI

Pitching Stats
Brandon Claussen (CIN) - 6 IP, 4 K, 8 H, 3 ER
Carlos Hernandez (HOU) - 7 IP, 3 K, 5 H, 4 ER
Ben Weber (CIN) - IP, K, 0 H

Hitting Stats
Willy Mo Pena (CIN) - 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI
Lance Berkman (HOU) - 3-4, 2B, HR
Mike Lamb (HOU) - 2-4

A second inning double by Willy Mo Pena gave the Reds an early lead against Houston, and a 2-run homer by Ken Griffey Jr. put Cincinnati up 4-0 in the bottom of the third. The Astros scored on both the fourth and seventh innings, but it wasn't enough, as they only managed to plate three baserunners in the contest. Reds' southpaw starter Brandon Claussen pitched well, striking out four Astros in his six innings of work. Eventually, Ben Weber came on to close out the game, giving Cincy the victory.


Game Three - Cincinnati 4, Houston 0 (12 innings)
WP: Ryan Wagner (1-0)
LP: Chad Qualls (1-1)
HR: Griffey Jr. (2)
Player of the Game: Ken Griffey Jr. - 2-6, 2B, Walk-Off Grand Slam, 4 RBI

Pitching Stats
Eric Milton (CIN) - 9 IP, 8 K, H, 0 R
Roy Oswalt (HOU) - 8 IP, 5 K, 8 H, 4 BB, 0 R
Chad Qualls (HOU) - 1.1 IP, 5 H, 4 ER

Hitting Stats
Felipe Lopez (CIN) - 3-6, SB (5)
Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN) - 2-6, 2B, Walk-Off Grand Slam, 4 RBI
Sean Casey (CIN) - 3-5

In a true pitcher's duel, the Houston Astros and Cincinnati Reds were deadlocked at zero for 12 innings. Eric Milton pitched nine innings of shutout baseball, allowing only one hit and striking out eight Astros' hitters. Roy Oswalt nearly matched Milton's outing, striking out five in his eight shutout innings of work. However, in the bottom of the 12th inning, the Reds managed to load the bases with one out off of Houston reliever Chad Qualls. Ken Griffey Jr. stepped to the plate, and knocked a walk-off Grand Slam over the rightfield wall, giving Cincinnati the 4-0 win and the series sweep.

Player of the Series (Offense): Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN) - 5-13, 2 HR, 6 RBI
Player of the Series (Pitching): Eric Milton (CIN) - 9 IP, 8 K, H, 0 R
Next Series: Chicago Cubs

[Acid]

Re: Cincinnati Reds (MVP '05)

Ken Griffey is rocking!

Nice job Kredit, keep it going.