ChickenWyngz

Just saw an interesting question that connects very well to this series, and the season. Is it time for the Reds to call Craig Kembrel?

It's starting to look that way, but the young man hasn't made the trip down 71 very often (if at all). He has to still have options. If you're willing to send Cody Reed down after the way he looked the other day you HAVE to be willing to send the guy down that has 25% of your losses. Heck David Bell should volunteer to drive him down and pick up Cody Reed or someone else in the process.

Not if they walk him lol.

Votto is about due for a big hit. This would be a good time.

Does Kemp latch on somewhere? Where?

According to people around the ballpark, that was the case.

Also, Kemp is released.

Reds call up Cody Reed and option Schebler.

Trying to get there tonight if plans fall together.

I've been keeping an eye on it today. Looks like you should be in the clear on the rain the rest of the night, low 70's for a temp.

Was just thinking the same. It's a shame Kemp and Schebler haven't done more to bring anything in trade. You'd have to think with Schebler still having one option left that he goes to AAA for a bit.

Tonight's lineup: Mark Sheldon ‏ Verified account @m_sheldon 4m4 minutes ago More Early posting of the #reds lineup vs. SF, with Senzel in the 2nd spot. Votto 3 Senzel 8 Winker 7 Puig 9 Dietrich 4 Iglesias 6 Farmer 5 Gray 1 Barnhart 2

Cincinnati Reds ‏ Verified account @Reds Following Following @Reds More The #Reds have selected the contract of CF Nick Senzel from the Triple-A @LouisvilleBats, optioned to Louisville RHP Matt Bowman and transferred to the 60-day IL 2B Scooter Gennett. ... and now it's official!

I will say if the Reds have let people speculate all week without shooting down the rumors and don't call him up, they may lose even more fans for the year. You're down to your diehards on a regular basis now, don't tick them off! Same can be said if he's up, but Schebler is back in the lineup.

It's all good, I don't own it. We just needed someone to do it, and you did!

Another concern I'd have is how do you put a rule in effect to eliminate the shift? Unless you put specific markings on the field for positions, teams will find a way around it. I've heard "shortstop has to be no further than 2B when the pitch is delivered" Okay, teams will move the SS on the pitch and stand the 3B next to him. Or move the 3B to that side, or move the CF in that position and move the SS out to center. Too many ways around it to try to police it, IMO.

I will also add that doing that on a ball that's 90+ and cutting into the hands is difficult, but how many times do we see hitters take a first pitch that's not in on the hands only to get jammed and hit into the shift later? Approach is part of the problem. The infield single the other way isn't as attractive as the scalded double into the gap, so they look for that pitch on the inner half they can drive. If baseball (and I have no idea how you do this) changed that approach and they took more of those hitable first pitches the other way you have less of the 6-7 pitch at bats that have become the norm thus speeding up the game and providing more action. 2 birds with one stone.

Eh, I'm still of the theory to be an all around player. Look to go inside out to take balls the other way, and lay down more bunts and they shift a bit less.

@nkypete @CincySportsFan @MJAlltheWay24 @Voice of Reason @Jumper_Dad @UKMustangFan @futurecoach @OlDog75 This is my PSA for us to refuse to let any other enjoyable Reds threads be dragged down by complete negativity. From this moment forward I hope that you will join me in only commenting on the facts of the games/series while also keeping it an overall enjoyable experience. There are times to call your team out, but let's keep it together and focused on having a good time and the beauty of the game of baseball. My goal going forward is to avoid replying to the comments that are obviously pointed and continuously negative. @futurecoach, isn't it your turn to start a series thread?

At the end of the day, you can't keep losing the 1 run games, but I did see a stat today to show how close they are. If you take only 3 of those 1-run loses and flip them they are at 16-15, a winning record at this point, still not leading the division, but a much better taste in your mouth. Hopefully Senzel can add a little spark.

Henrandez retires the side in order. Reds get one last crack at it with the top of the order up.

Didn't work

Stephenson works a perfect 7th. 1-0 Mets after 7. Unfortunately, Schebler leads off the 8th (last time I posted negatively about him coming to the plate he had a big hit).

Zach freaking Duke! Comes in and walks the leadoff guy, doesn't look great doing so. Strikes out Cano and gets Conforto to ground back to him for a double play. Maybe he is turning the corner!

Mahle pulled after 5 with only 84 pitches. Again, I'm going to trust the wizardry that is David Bell for a year, before I'm griping to feed him to the wolves, but he also pulled a guy after 5.2 that was at 85 pitches last night. Hope the bullpen is healthy come August!