9/12 Reds vs Cubs: Aurilia bats 3rd

[missionhockey21]

No doubt. We could then keep LaRue(I think we should anyway) and either bring someone else in or let Perez be the backup if he's ready.

I know a lot will argue for the platoon but the fact is that neither will be happy campers and both will be expensive if they keep hitting like this. LaRue has shown solid improvement each and every season it seems (...like Bob Boone said he would IIRC.... I know, I am scared too.) But why trade a proven commodity for a guy who could be having a career year?

[CincyRedsFan30]

The thing is, I don't think some realize how good LaRue has been over the last few years. Some seem to think he's the same as Valentin offensively as a whole.

[CincyRedsFan30]

1-0 Cubs. Ouch. That could be enough tonight.

[missionhockey21]

Rookie Murton with a flyball to CF and over the head of Pena into the bleachers. Cubs up 1-0.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Murton has been very good so far:

.351 avg, 11 BB, 4 HR, 8 RBI(in just 74 AB).

Small sample size, but still...

[griffeyfan3]

damn just saw this thread.....aurilia batting 3rd again!!?? damn....btw whens griffey coming back?

[CincyRedsFan30]

Yeah, sadly Aurilia is batting 3rd again. Now he just made an error.

I don't care if he had one big hit Saturday night from the 3rd spot. He is NOT a three-hitter.

And on Griffey... I'm not sure. Hopefully he'll return soon, but he might not return this season.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Perez pops out. 2 outs.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lee lines out. 1-0 Cubs after 3.

[missionhockey21]

The thing is, I don't think some realize how good LaRue has been over the last few years. Some seem to think he's the same as Valentin offensively as a whole.

Yep. I think a lot of people also still expect Johnny Bench like numbers from our catchers which just isn't realistic considering the catchers that do that are few and far between (in terms of consistency.) Just look at LaRue's career stats, he has essentially improved his game slowly but surely each year. This year he has already exceeded his 2B totals of last year (was his career high), 1 RBI from his career high of 55 also set last year, his batting average if it remains at that would be a career high over last year and he's already drawn more walks than he ever has and that's with a significant less amount of AB's. (If you want an article suggestion, the whole LaRue and Valentin debate could be a good one.)

[missionhockey21]

I don't care if he had one big hit Saturday night from the 3rd spot. He is NOT a three-hitter.

Aurilia must just be extremely convincing. He seems to sell himself as the once top-tier player with the help of Bonds that he used to be.

[CincyRedsFan30]

That's a very good article suggestion! I might just use it. It might not be until next week, but I might just use it.

[missionhockey21]

Alright cool man. I was thinking of writing something up next week as well, I don't know why, but this week already seems to be going painfully slow. But that's Mondays for you.

[missionhockey21]

After a long AB, Dunn finally draws a walk.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Yeah, Monday, Monday. It's one of my worst days for classes because I have my 6-7:15 PM Stats. class then and on Wednesday. I like the class, but prefer not to have classes in the evening. Fortunately I'm done pretty early on Tues/Thurs and even earlier on Friday.