The Reds dropped 2 of 3 to the worse team in the American League this weekend. Their stopper Johnny Cueto was the only bright spot on Hall of Fame weekend.
Friday night saw the Reds give up a lead when Bailey left the bases loaded for Bill Bray’s first return coming back from the DL. I am not sure why a guy’s first appearance on the mound in 2 months was a bases loaded 1 out situation, but why not trial by fire. Bray walked in the tying run and allowed the go ahead on a sac fly. Bailey was given the loss. While there was still 3 innings for the Reds to reclaim the lead, they were unable to take advantage of opportunities.
Saturday was an excellent day. The pregame festivities were outstanding. Sean Casey was and is still loved by so many in this city. Cueto went 7 shut out innings and the Reds hitters provided plenty of offense.
Sunday was an excellent outing by both starting pitchers. It was Joey Votto who hit an 8th inning HR off Diamond to go up 3-2. Leake handed the ball off to Chapman who surrendered a HR to Josh Willingham to blow the save.
Questionable decisions this weekend. We always like to question the manager. And we always will until they name us the next manager. So let’s discuss the two from this weekend. Friday night they pulled Bailey with the bases loaded and 1 out. Whether you go with the mind set of “Let him pitch out of this” or “get him out now and shut it down” it appeared that Bailey was at the end of his line. Typically I like to think that in that situation I would allow him 1 more batter to try to get someone to roll over on one or a K. He is the guy that will get the loss if he does poorly. Or, as it was Friday, he got the loss because the reliever was unable to throw a strike to the first batter. I don’t have doubts in Bray. The guy threw in more games than anyone last year for the Reds. But he hasn’t thrown to major league batters in 2 months, why bring him into a high pressure situation. The second questionable decision is Sunday. Some have said that they should have let Leake try to finish. I disagree. You have a closer. He has been lights out all season with a few missteps. If you don’t trust your closer to record 3 outs, then you need a new closer.
That being said, what’s wrong with Chapman? Is he just “human” like Dusty said? Either mentally or physically, there appears to be something wrong with him. Again, they haven’t named me manager yet (for some reason) but if it’s me, I am putting Jose Arredondo out there the next time a save situation comes around.