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Wednesday, July 01, 2009

MLB: Hot hitters squeezed out of Reds’ order

Some of the hottest bats the Reds have right now never left the dugout during Tuesday’s game vs. the D-backs.

Outfielders Jonny Gomes and Chris Dickerson weren’t in the starting lineup, nor was backup catcher Ryan Hanigan.

...“You can’t play everybody,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “I have a plan on how to keep them sharp and productive for themselves and us at the same time. We knew that could potentially happen when we started. You don’t have a good team unless you have too many good bodies.”

...Hanigan saw his playing time dwindle once Joey Votto returned from the disabled list. Regular catcher Ramon Hernandez (.246 average entering Wednesday) played first base while Votto was out.

“Ramon has been one of our best, clutch RBI guys,” Baker said. “Even though his average isn’t indicative, but his runners in scoring position [.321 average] and his RBI total [32] is.”

Which means…he is going to do it forever and ever and ever and…

Repoz Posted: July 01, 2009 at 12:15 PM | 4 comment(s) | Login to Bookmark
Related News: General, Cincinnati

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1. zonk Posted: July 01, 2009 at 12:51 PM (#3238873)

We need another macro on BTF -- B, I, U, Quote, Code, @, Close Tags -- and Laugh at Dusty.

2. Drew (Primakov, Gungho Iguanas) Posted: July 01, 2009 at 01:50 PM (#3238908)

One game doesn't really mean anything. Historically Gomes hasn't been a good start against righties, and Hanigan doesn't have a position in that lineup with Votto back. I guess you could argue that Hernandez sucks and Dusty should start Hanigan at C more often, but that's hardly a no-brainer. Managers have to manage player fatigue as well--it could be that or any number of things that kept those three out of the lineup.

I hate Dusty just as much as the next guy, but this shouldn't be a major Bash Dusty moment.

3. hokieneer Posted: July 01, 2009 at 02:36 PM (#3238952)

I have a headache. "Clutch RBI guys" he says. We should be bashing dusty for continuing to put Taveras and Hariston 1-2 and continuing to move Bruce down (7th last night), not for sitting Gomes.

I wish the reds would just free fall already so I can start getting excited for the college football season.

4. Steve Parris, Je t'aime (M. Valentin) Posted: July 01, 2009 at 03:51 PM (#3239024)

Dusty should definitely be blasted for his handling of Taveras. I've said this before, but continuing to play Taveras after he tweaked his hamstring a month ago has really ... hamstrung the offense. Dickerson gets on base, runs well, and plays a good CF. No reason he shouldn't be starting until Taveras is definitely 100% (and even then).

Hanigan has been great offensively and defensively. He gets on a base a lot, which is the lineup's obvious weakness. The catcher situation may not be a no-brainer, but to give it to Hernandez simply because he's a veteran or has good clutch stats for part of a season is highly frustrating. Plus Hernandez's contract is up at the end of the year. Hanigan should be the starting catcher for the next few seasons, so they may as well condition him to starting on a regular basis.

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Wednesday, July 01, 2009

MLB: Hot hitters squeezed out of Reds’ order

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