Byrd isn't that bad is he? And Baker (I think that's the utility guy's name doesn't seem that bad). I wouldn't mind having Aramis Ramirez at third base for the Reds next year.:-)
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Yup yup.. which is somewhat shocking considering they just about got swept by both the Stros and the Cubbies...
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Yeah, I am pretty down on the team, but Byrd is a good ballplayer....just hasn't been the same since he got his face smashed in with a pitch though, hopefully he comes back stronger next year if he is back. Ramirez looked like he was on the decline, but he continues to suprise once the weather warms up. I'm not sold on Baker yet, though.

Too bad the Tigers are in such a crappy division too...or maybe a good thing. I think they will have trouble in the playoffs...unless Verlander can pitch 11 games in a row. :-)
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When we got beat by the ASStros, I gave up all hope, but a little bit of it has come back recently.
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I'd like to see Baker get to start everyday to see what he could do.
Ramirez just ended a 16 game hitting streak. He's a power guy and has a good average. I'd take him anyday.
Byrd will make a comeback. Kinda like Bagwell getting hit on the hand twice. Took a bit, but he came back. Same for NASCAR racers and the "big one". They get in the big wreck and they're shakey for a while before they get their confidence back. It'll happen.
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Lol I WISH Marty would get hammered like in Major League!!! And you're exactly right, I spend too much time watching it rather than listening... I did appreciate that the Cowboy flat out called out the team a few weeks ago.

You should check out bocce... im pretty sure its on the OCHO. :-)
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I missed it. What did Brantley say?

I will admit that I'm a Brantley homer. This guy is awesome and should be a pro wrestling commentator in the offseason.
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Hope. :-)

Sounds like Aramis wants to stay in Chicago (I dunno why, LOL). Now they need to fix their middle relief.
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This is the best Reds debate/discussion we've had on here in two years. I wish this would happen more often in here.
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Even if he didn't want to stay, they wouldn't move him to another team in the NL Central. It's just wishful thinking on my part.:-) Maybe next year's GM for the Cubs will do them some good.
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Can't do much worse then the last few years, Andy. :-)
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There is always discussion between the two of us Andy. The problem is most others who post in this thread post simply when the Reds win. Nice to see Steve and Tom engaging in a little baseball talk though. :-)
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I would definitely like to see the Cubs return to relevance. Having some more parity in the division would be nice too. Having 3 of the worst 5 teams in the NL and the worst team in the MLB doesn't make it very exciting. With the exception of the Brewers right now, there isn't much worth watching in the NL Central. :-)
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Something along the lines of well, this is what its like to watch a professional team playing baseball in Cincinnati (talking about whomever they were playing), the problem is if they call the team out too bad, they get :-) because at the end of the day, they still are employed by the Reds. Its fun to have a conversation about something you're passionate about... it also helps to be able to see the whole picture when you look at teams dynamic... poor Tom has been dealing with this since Sammy took the team to the playoffs!
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It's also nice to see Dan's optimism in here too. Don't straight up disregard it. We suck, but feelgoodism is nice too from time to time. Hugh pops in from time to time with some happiness (and sometimes not) too. The two of us are pretty hard on the team, so I always welcome some "homerism" from time to time.:-)
That's why we need to get rid of a team. We're the only six team division in baseball. Why don't the Asstros move to the West to even things out. Give every division five teams? Too many teams make us look bad b/c when you go up against the ASStros three to four times a year, it inflates your record.
When Brantley first started calling games he was boring and monotonous, but he's gotten MUCH better and has provided a wealth of knowledge, especially when it comes to pitching. Good to see he's learned a thing or two from Marty on how to be honest about the home team.
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I absolutely agree with some homerism makes it feel good, but when thats all that comes down, it grinds the conversation to a halt...

I LOVE the Marty/Cowboy combo, its refreshing to hear guys that are willing to take shots at the team when they underperform.

I agree it doesnt make sense for the division to have 6 teams, but "inflating" the record with the Stros... didn't the Reds just get swept by them???
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I thought you said sports discussion. :-) :-)

The division is ridiculous, they should shuffle the NL and give the Central some better teams. :-) Problem being that the Reds will fall even further. I don't know who you cut out to put into the AL. Being in the weakest division certainly improves the Reds chances every season, but last year was the first time they have taken advantage of it in the last 20 years. :-)
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Optimism is part of the discussion too, even if it isn't in depth.:-)


Houston would be the team to go. They are the furthest west team. They could go to the NL West and move Arizona to the AL West. That way the divisions would be evened out.

True, it would hurt us in the long run, but then it would be a bit more fair all around. If Milwaukee didn't switch leagues on us, then everything would be ok, but it is what it is.
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I think that it might take strengthening the division to make real progress with the reds... if they think they can float in the division, they don't have to work harder because they think they can get into the playoffs with a mediocre team...

However, if they turned into the O's, who routinely get laughed out of their division, I think the Reds would bust their ass to get back into the division... of course I could be wrong.... 13 behind...
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I believe in being passionate about your teams....for me, that means the Blackhawks (NHL) over most, but I also have love for my MLB, NFL and college FB teams. But being a passionate fan doesn't mean being blind....if you can't be objective about your team, your opinions will likely be irrelevant in a frank discussion about same. Thanks for indulging me here even though the Reds aren't my team. :-)
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