(04-10-2019, 10:30 PM)bengalfan74 Wrote: Two in a row ! Mahle had another good outing.

(04-10-2019, 10:34 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: Seriously, the last time I remember the Red's ERA under 3.30 was like in the 1980s.  They are very aggressive around the strike zone and confident.  I like it.  

(04-11-2019, 12:12 AM)Circleville Guy Wrote: Balls fly out of ballparks a lot easier when it’s 80 and 90 degrees, the Reds will face much better hitting teams than they have so far too. The young starters will hopefully continue to grow, they might not wanna take Mahle out when Wood is ready. Disco may be the guy that they bench, he gives up too many long balls. They may have 3 established starters going into next year and that would be awesome as there should be plenty of money to add a proven starter in the offseason. The Marlins are a terrible team but hopefully this series will build some momentum.

(04-11-2019, 09:24 AM)Crazyjdawg Wrote: The pitching has definitely improved. I am enjoying the hell out of watching Gray, Castillo and Mahle.

Roark is a bit concerning to me. Disco is also a bit concerning, as he was batted around quite a bit in his last start.

But overall, I'm very pleased. There are no Homer Baileys on this pitching staff, which is a blessing.

In addition, Garrett looks great out of the bullpen. Stephenson has had a few really nice outings. Iglesias is beginning to turn it around. I think Hughes and Hernandez are kind of transforming back into what they've been for most of their careers, which are "decent pitchers," though it was unrealistic to expect them to continue pitching at a sub 2.00 ERA level. Hernandez has had a rough start, but he's been decent his entire career, so I think he'll eventually return to that mark of ~4.00 ERA.

The one player I am concerned about is Zach Duke. He didn't have a good spring, and he is not having a good season so far. We'll see if he doesn't get replaced by Reed at some point this season.

I think our pitching is more than sufficient to win games. I think when Wood comes back, we'll have 6 strong starting pitchers (not sure who would take the bench. Right now I'm leaning towards Disco or maybe Roark if he doesn't improve soon)

The only thing left to happen is our offense to wake up and we'll be golden!

(04-11-2019, 12:35 PM)grampahol Wrote: There's definitely some good and some bad. There always is, but for now the good is outweighing the bad. One issue bugging me is the hitting.. They all seem to be decent at hitting the fastball, but God help them if the opposing pitchers throw breaking pitches or any kind of off speed changeup or sinking pitches. 
Last night Richards was throwing a ton of offspeed stuff and Reds bats couldn't hit it to save their lives. The moment the Marlins brought in their fastball throwing Stekenrider I knew we had a chance. They can hit the fastball with the best of them. Why any team would tot out a fastball pitcher without a decent changeup is a real head scratcher. They just can't touch a changeup pitch.
Another issue bugging me is the seemingly complete lack of hitting fundamentals. Can't lay down a bunt to save their lives. Can anyone slide to avoid a tag? Until last night the Reds hadn't had a single successful sacrifice bunt until Mahle finally did it. This stuff is mind numbing.. 

(04-11-2019, 09:17 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: Red's ERA is 2.82 which is #1 in NL and #4 MLB.  Give Johnson a freaking raise!  Also, the ERA is including Duke which is a pitcher they chose over Wisler and Disco who is having an off start.  If Wood is back to form, get Gennett and Senzel involved, the Reds will be good enough to get over the .500 mark.  I am still holding my prediction to 86 wins.