Boxscore

This is the second game in recent memory that manager Dusty Baker refused to put his team in a place where it could succeed. Previously, he left Mike Lincoln in instead of bringing in Francisco Cordero. Yesterday, he refused to pinch-hit for Corey Patterson in the late innings with the chance to tie the game.

Good one, Dusty! Because what leads a team to success is not pinch-hitting for a guy with a pitcher’s batting average. The man-crush present between those two men is so thick, it chokes the throat. Oh, and makes the Reds lose.

Johnny Cueto did his best impersonation of Aaron Harang, pitching 7 innings and allowing just 2 runs. Keep it up, Cueto, but let’s watch that pitch count. 109 is edging into dangerous territory, and I’d like you to survive Baker’s disastrous tenure.

This week on the podcast, the Crack Technical Staff and I have a lot of catching up to do. We discuss our trip to Victory Field tonight, and how the Columbus Clippers are now a Nationals affiliate that employ Ray Olmedo. We discuss the trade rumors around Ken Griffey, the injuries affecting the Cardinals, the .500 play of the Pirates, and the shocking interest of MLB in instant replay (it’s technology that’s only twice as old as my son!)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Cardinals have been hit hard by the injury bug this season. Chris Carpenter has suffered a setback and it looks like he won’t be back now until next season. Adam Wainwright is on the 15-day DL, as is Albert Pujols after suffering a tragic leaving the batter’s box. Latest to join the list of gimpy: Yadier Molina, shown here punishing the ground.

But he got the out. And the smart money says the Cards keep winning anyway.

Boxscore

Homer Bailey started again for the Reds, and as has been his custom, allowed home runs–three of this time–and walked 5 in 2 1/3 innings. The scary part, I think, is that he didn’t strike anyone out. He’s always had issues with control, walking too many and allowing too many home runs, but he always struck out people. Not yesterday.

Obviously, the Reds weren’t going to win. That’s not why they have Bailey in the rotation. He’s there to learn to pitch in the big leagues or die trying. Hopefully, he’ll start figuring things out because this does get painful to watch.

The Reds managed to win one game in the Red Sox series, and sent another one into extras until Dusty Baker lost it for the team. (Memo to Baker: Francisco Cordero > Mike Lincoln.) Despite that, I thought the Reds were greatly outclassed. This team has a long road ahead before they’re a good team. Bailey learning to pitch effectively is but one of many steps along that path.

Boxscore

We’ve all had those weekends, you know the ones. You’re filled with optimism, excited about your prospects, only to have it all come crashing down. That was what happened to Houston.

The Yankees completed a sweep yesterday, winning by 13 and shutting out the Astros. Roy Oswalt did not follow up his last excellent start with another excellent one. He allowed 7 runs over 5 2/3. Of course, 4 of those were unearned, so the defense wasn’t doing him any favors. Still, ouch.

Houston has lost 5 in a row and plunged to 5th place in the division, ahead of the hapless Reds by a half game.

The Astros have today off, hoping that some time spent not sucking at baseball will make them not suck at baseball.