Reds-Cubs thread

[Redsfan1507]

Right now, I don't think it matters much who the Reds face, they just aren't hitting much. The pitching needs to hold up, or we're toast. If BP doesn't hit the HR last night, they'd probably still be playing extra innings at 0-0. It's offense like this that convinced MLB that the DH and PEDs were good ideas.

 

[Kate Upton]

Chapman threw the ball better than I've ever seen him throw it last night.

If he could do that consistently, I'd buy into putting him into the rotation.

 

[bengaldoug]

Chapman threw the ball better than I've ever seen him throw it last night.

If he could do that consistently, I'd buy into putting him into the rotation.

All he needs to do is keep using the slider, even 25% of his pitches, and he's absolutely untouchable. Imagine what he could be if he could harness a third pitch.

 

[Kate Upton]

All he needs to do is keep using the slider, even 25% of his pitches, and he's absolutely untouchable. Imagine what he could be if he could harness a third pitch.

Well he hasn't been using it because he can't throw it over.

Last night though? That was beautiful. Those guys had no chance, and it was because he was consistently able to throw that pitch over or at least near the plate.

 

[bengaldoug]

He doesn't really need to throw it for a strike all that often, because he throws so hard they have to speed up their decision process which means they'll chase it, especially down. I believe the more he uses it the better his command of it will be.

 

[Kate Upton]

He doesn't really need to throw it for a strike all that often, because he throws so hard they have to speed up their decision process which means they'll chase it, especially down. I believe the more he uses it the better his command of it will be.

Yeah I agree to a point.

He does have to throw it for a strike at least occasionally, otherwise hitters will see off speed and immediately lay off, knowing going in that he can't throw it over the plate.

If he gets them to start believing that this pitch could be a strike more often than not though?

Yikes. We'll see a lot more of what we saw last night.

 

[JohnU]

I think Chapman needs to know how to use his offspeed stuff and against which hitters, which situations. In the closer role, that's pretty easy to identify. You just try to get 3 outs any old way you can.

As a rotation guy, he needs a putaway curve ball. Maybe only needs to throw it 4-5 times a game, just to get a third out. But he can't go 6 pitches into every hitter, which means he needs to have a lot of command of No. 1. Location matters and he's all over the checkerboard.

The fastball, on the black at the knees, and he'd be untouchable, esp. when he elevates it on a 1-2 count, up around the letters.

I see no reason he'd have to reduce his velocity all that much. Is it harder to throw 101 than it is to throw 96? I'd have to ask.

 

[Redsfan1507]

Chapman didn't throw as high a percentage of fastballs on his spring training starts, as Cingrani throws normally. It's a double edged sword- he doesn't need many other pitches as a closer, so he throws fewer secondary pitches, and you don't get control without throwing them. He's shown he can throw strikes with the slider, and he also has thrown an occasional change up (although at about Arroyo fastball speed). If a closer fiddles much on secondary pitches people start screaming at him not to get beat on his second best pitch, and with the 102 in his arsenal, I understand why. His role does limit his potential in that regard.

Besides, when Chapman has control problems, its his fastball, not just a secondary pitch. It's par for the triple digit course. I remember people saying Nolan Ryan was too wild. He was, but he had no hit potential every game- if he was on. The dude Kd 300 a season. He also walked 300 some. 7 no-nos and 19 one hitters...and a psychological challenge every game. Chapman has that potential, and although Cueto or Latos or Bailey may all be better pitchers, Chapmans raw power , and his LEFTY arm, makes his ceiling higher as a SP, IMO.

 

[Ryanballa]

GAMETIME!!!!! This is the closest the Reds have been to 1st place since July 11th, the last time they where 3 and a half games back was July 4th. GO REDS!!!!!!

 

[Ryanballa]

All of a sudden the Reds could be 3.5 games back by the end of the night. A beautiful WIN tonight, and I'm pumped about our team. The time is now to go get first place and get back to back division titles!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Kate Upton]

2 in the 1st.

I think that qualifies as an offensive explosion.

 

[JohnU]

I am giddy with excitement.

 

[Kate Upton]

I am giddy with excitement.

How can you not be?

Jacoby does it again!

 

[Kate Upton]

Batting 4th for the Cubs....

Dioner Navarro?

Yeeesh

 

[JohnU]

Well, so much for that lead.

 

[Kate Upton]

Aaaaaand Homer gives it away...

 

[JohnU]

Now let's see if we can get 2 baserunners in a row.

 

[Kate Upton]

Now let's see if we can get 2 baserunners in a row.

They'll have to do it with 1 out...

Frazier's leading off the 3rd

 

[JohnU]

33 innings in a row at home before the Cubs scored.

 

[Kate Upton]

33 innings in a row at home before the Cubs scored.

Haha yeah...

As much as we bitch about offense? It could be far worse.

Hell, we could be the Cubs, or the Yankees....or even the Pirates.