MLB 2011

[Dan]

I was still in Cincy when they were coming up, and after watching Dunn in his rookie or second season I remember thinking that he was over-hyped and wouldn't be much. I attest this to judging him as-is when he was just a young ballplayer and not really giving him his chance, but since then I have always been of the "wow, good for him" point of view whenever I read about him doing something well. All those homeruns were icing on the cake in my book since I'd written him off oh-so long ago.

[foolsgold]

Dave Sappelt is quickly becoming my new favorite 2nd/3rd tier Red this year.  The last few games I've watched him play in, it's quite obvious that he is really pushing to earn a permanent spot next year.  I guess at the end of a disappointing season, it's really nice to see someone playing like it matters to him.  My initial impressions are that he has a Ryan Freel all out playing style which will endear him to the Cincy fans, but my hope is that he's a better player, less injury prone and not a drunk. 

[rva]

I like him too, but it's kind of tough to see how the Reds can use him.

He's a fast guy who can't steal bases.  He can bat for a high average, but he doesn't take quite enough walks to be a good lead-off guy.  He could possibly hit 10-15 HR in a full season but no more.  His bat is probably good enough for CF and he's good enough to play there, but probably not as good in the field as Stubbs.  And the Reds already have a solid 4th OF in Heisey.

I think the Reds could trade Stubbs for pitching and put Sappelt out there.  Because they can really afford to give up some offense and still be okay.  It's not like Sappelt sucks, he's just kinda mediocre.
That would probably work okay.  But not sure if the Reds want to trade Stubbs.  He's actually a perfectly fine CF to me.  I can live with the .245 avg for all the other stuff he brings to the table, which is basically everything other than BA-- gold glove defense at an important position, speed and stolen bases, power.  You bat him 7th or 8th it's not a problem.  Dusty's just an idiot who insisted on batting him lead-off all season.

The Reds basically wasted this season.  It's like they didn't even play it.  They're in exactly the same position as they were when they started.  A questionable rotation, an aging closer, a $30 million live arm they don't know what do with, and a ton of young talent that doesn't fit together but that they refuse to trade.

[Kenneth Toilethole]

Ahh, funny how the coffee out of my Tigers mug tastes a little better this morning.

[Kenneth Toilethole]

Ahh, funny how the coffee out of my Tigers mug tastes like cow piss this morning.

[Dan]

Sorry bud. I was rooting for the Tigers, too, although with considerably less intensity than you I'm sure.

Rangers vs Cardinals? I could care less about either team. Blech. I do think that the Rangers are baseball's next dynasty so I'm kinda rooting against them already, but in truth that hatred hasn't truly manifested itself yet.

[Butter]

Let's go Rangers!!!!!!

[Butter]

Jesus Fucking Christ, Rangers.  This Game 7 is as big a foregone conclusion as the Marlins over the Cubs in '03, or the Mets over the Red Sox in '86.

[foolsgold]

Or it could be Reds over the Red Sox in 1975. 

[Buzzstein]

Go Cardinals!

[MissKitty]

Ugh. The Cardinals will be insufferable if they win. I really don't care who wins, but I'd rather it be Texas just because if it is the Cards we'll have to hear it at the ballpark every time they play the Reds.

[rva]

Imagine how I feel.

[Nate]

Game 6 was an all-time classic.  Game 7...not so much.

At least Pujols will be in a Cubs uniform next year, rva.

[MissKitty]

sonofabitch.

[Dan]

Yeah, I said all along I didn't want either team to win, but I realized recently that I was clearly rooting for the Rangers. I'm bummed more than I should be. Efff.