Props and Drops: Game 1 vs. Astros

Before I delve too much into the props and drops, I want to say a couple of things.

Last night was the first time that I had tweeted for the entire game. I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got to chat with real fans, Reds fans. There’s none better in all of baseball. I regret not having done it sooner because I was really missing out. If you haven’t done so, I urge you to participate. Sure, you may have to take your eyes away from either the field (which if you do, please make sure someone has your back) or TV for a sec, but it really does enhance the experience.

Second, Brandon Phillips left the game with nothing more than having the wind knocked out of him. No worries. Yes, in typical BP fashion, he assured the fans of this.

Now…on with the props from Tuesday night’s tilt!

Props:

1. Mike Leake – Nice outing from a guy that some (yes, me included) had pegged for Louisville before the injuries besieged the starting staff. His line: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO. Add toss in a bunt single.

2. Chris Heisey – Always a good thing when you can give Jay Bruce a night off and this guy steps in and produces. Boxscore says he was 1-for-2, but it also shows a BB and HBP. He also had 3 RBI.

3. Sean Casey – Back in Cincinnati and in the booth. He threw an 81 mph burner to Ryan Hanigan in the ceremonial first pitch, ate a hot dog with sauerkraut (delivered by Bob Castellini no less) and hit a Skyline on his way to the game. He’s also a beloved former Red that still looks awesome in a Reds jersey. We got him for 14 more games this season.

Drops:
1. J.A. Happ – I’m wondering if his oblique was at 100%. He usually exhibits a little bit better control that what he showed in his 4 IP. He also walked 5 Reds and allowed 7 of the Reds 8 runs.

2. Attendance – I know it’s a theme we’ll probably hear over the next couple of months. Weeknight games will not draw that well until school lets out. The sub 12,000 crowd may have been a bit better if it had been a bit warmer. At one point, I it was tweeted that the temperature was 46. Warmer temps will bring out a few more fans. If you live in the area and didn’t go, you have no reason to call out others. If you don’t live in the area and are calling out the fans, you have the right provided you are: away on vacation, in the military and have no possible way to attend, hospitalized. There are others that could make the list.

3. No HD – This isn’t my issue, but it was an issue among Reds fans. I love my HD as well, especially for sports, but I have zero issue watching the game in standard def. Jamie Ramsey of Better Off Red had posted earlier in the day of this. It is NOT a Reds issue. It is an issue of the provider. I’m completely guessing here, but it may have to do with contracts Fox Sports Ohio with the likes of the Cavaliers and Blue Jackets.

4. Commercial interruptions during play – There were also complaints of one provider interrupting the game with commercials on more than one occasion…while the game was still ongoing. That is a travesty and needs to be corrected. I hope those fans that experienced such contacted their provider to voice their displeasure.

The win leaves the Reds as the only undefeated team in the National League.

Tomorrow night, first pitch at 7:10 PM ET.

Hat Tip: I have to do this. I really do. To the those over at Astros Country. I have never run across such a good natured bunch (if it is a bunch) of fans from an opponent…ever. We had some great back and forth after the game last night on Twitter. I about peed myself (seriously) when I saw this tweet…

See what I mean? Gotta see the whole thing to truly appreciate it though.