May 07, 2008
Votto Landslide
Joey Votto goes deep three times off three different pitchers as the Reds are now out to a 9-0 lead. He drives in four with the three shots.
For those of you who believe Dusty Baker wears out young pitchers, Edinson Volquez starts the seventh. He's close to 100 pitches, the field is wet due to rain, and the lead is not in jeopardy. The Cubs announcers questioned the wisdom of letting him start the inning.
Update: I believe that Dusty didn't have anyone up in the bullpen, either. Volquez has allowed two base runners this inning and Brenly noticed Edinson's body language says he's tired. He's already past his career high in pitches (112), and the Reds are leaving him in the game.
Update: He gets a strikeout to end the inning, setting a career high with 118 pitches thrown.
Update: Votto leads off the eighth with a chance for a four home run game.
Update: He grounds out to short.
Posted by David Pinto at
02:44 PM
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I find it amazing how many pitchers are allowed deep in games EARLY IN THE SEASON when they don't have to be there. That's stupid, even if you know what you're doing, since you do not know what will happen later in the summer. The kid could already be worn out by August 10. Makes me think of the 1980 A's.
In the 7th, with Volquez obviously tiring, the camera showed Dusty Baker stepping out of the dugout - signaling with his left hand, raised high above his head. I thought, finally - a call to the bullpen. Nope, he was gesturing to a young fan in the stands and threw him the ball. Maybe he was trying to show his young pitcher he doesn't care if he tires.
And Cito Gaston sits idle...