Monthly Archives: July 2006

July 3, 2006

Baseball Stuff

Matt Belisle is currently a relief pitcher for the Reds, but lots of people would like to see him given a chance to start, seeing as the third-through-fifth starter positions continue to be weaker-than-normal in the rotation.

Here's stuff stolen from his bio page on Reds.com until I can get back to do this properly. At the very least, I'll put this in bullet form so you can actually read it.

  • In his first full season in the Major Leagues went 2-6-1, 4.09 in 55 relief apps and 2-2, 5.25 in 5 starts.
  • made all 5 starts in his first 15 apps of the season, then beginning 6/9 made his last 45 apps of the season in relief (4.11era)
  • in his last 10 apps of the season allowed 15 runs (9.1ip, 10er), a stretch preceded by 9 consecutive scoreless apps (6.2ip) that had lowered his ERA to 3.77 through games of 9/4
  • began the season with 2 relief appearances but then from 4/13-4/23 made his first 3 big league straight starts (1-1, 6.23)
  • during that span took the spot in the rotation vacated by the disabled Ramon Ortiz
  • following that 3-start stretch, from 4/27-5/13 made 8 consecutive appearances out of the bullpen (0-2, 3.46)
  • followed that stint in the 'pen with starts on 5/25 vs Wsh and 5/31 at Hou (1-1, 4.09) and then finished the season with the 45 straight relief appearances
  • in his 5 starts the Reds went 3-2
  • twice was called upon to replace that day's starting pitcher
  • in those 2 starts went 2-0, 2.45 after earning a 6-5 victory on 4/13 at StL (replaced Ramon Ortiz) and a 12-3 win on 5/25 vs Wsh (replaced Aaron Harang)
  • on 4/13 at StL made his first Major League start after Ortiz was scratched that morning with a groin injury
  • in that 6-5 victory became the first Reds pitcher to win his first ML start since Luis Pineda on 6/25/02 at Chi (5-2 win)
  • in the 11-10 victory on 7/4 at SF earned the first save of his professional career
  • on 9/30 at StL allowed Albert Pujols' 200th career homer (grand slam)
  • on 5/31 at Hou, in front of 35 family and friends, produced an infield single off Brandon Backe for his first career hit.
July 3, 2006

Commercial Outtake


This outtake caught on film while shooting a commercial for Champion Ford in Cincinnati garnered much more attention than the commercial itself. And to think you saw it here first!

With antics like this, it’s hard to keep the guy as my whipping boy. But I’m always up for a challenge!

July 3, 2006

Commercial Outtake

This outtake caught on film while shooting a commercial for Champion Ford in Cincinnati garnered much more attention than the commercial itself. And to think you saw it here first!

With antics like this, it's hard to keep the guy as my whipping boy. But I'm always up for a challenge!

July 2, 2006

Reds Donate Leads to Reporters

CINCINNATI, OH -- The Cincinnati Reds revealed today that the bullpen hasn't been blowing leads as commonly believed. They've been donating them.

Much like last year's popular program to donate runs to a local retirement community, this charitable endeavor helps out those less fortunate than the Reds. Every lead the bullpen gives up goes straight to an area reporter.

“I couldn't figure out why people were booing our charity work when the program was supposed to be announced back in April,” said David Weathers, mastermind of the plan. “Then I found out that the Marketing Department accidentally used the draft of the press release as the scorepad for their annual conasta tournament.”

The bullpen has been surprisingly effective in giving up leads this season. This may be the most successful charity effort in Reds' history.

“You just love to see the looks on the reporters' faces when you give them a good lead,” said Kent Mercker. “It makes giving up that lead worthwhile.”

The bullpen will continue to give up leads until it is dismantled later this month. No word yet on donating punny headlines.

July 2, 2006

Arroyo Gotta Represent

The official site says that Bronson Arroyo is the only Red going to the All-Star game. Well, him and Jerry Narron.

In other news, a suprising number of Reds will staff the National League All Star Team of Suck. Almost the entire bullpen will be in attendance. It'll be nice for them to get to see Tony Womack again.