Last night's fiasco, er, game...

Here is what last night felt like to me:

Jerry Narron is driving the victory bus with the Reds on board after two wins against the Brewers, and all of a sudden pulls over and turns around to face the team.

"Guys, go ahead and get off the bus," he drawls, as the players look around, confused. "I've made some changes in tonight's lineup."

Narron exits the vehicle, sees Brewers manager Ned Yost, and hands him the keys. "Yeah," Narron says, "I'm going to sit Felipe and Dunner tonight, and I'm not going to put Freel in there either."

Yost, confused, elated (?), decides not to remind Jerry that it's Claussen going for the Reds tonight, and that they just might need all of the run production they can get. He takes the keys and directs his 25 guys to hop on board.

Narron proceeds to turn to Quinton McCracken and say "Q, I need to to be ready late in the game, because I'm going to double switch you in so that you can strike out in the 9th on three pitches."

"Ok, boss."

"Hey, Jerry?" pipes up Lopez. "Um, I was just wondering if you were aware that there are going to be paying fans in the stands tonight...?"

Narron answers, "I know, Lopie, but I promised some of you some rest, especially with tomorrow's off day."

"...who are here to see me play," Lopez finishes, "since it's my bobblehead night and all."

"Good point. I'll get you in there after most of the hope for a win is gone. How does that sound?"
_____________________

Late through no fault of my own, I was finally able to sit down in my seat in the middle of the third inning. By then, the Reds were down three runs, and although the Reds were about to score, it wouldn't be enough.

It's like Narron had no intention of winning this game from the minute he woke up this morning.

I understand that Dunn is (was? He had a five-game hit streak snapped recently) in a slump, I understand that guys need a day off here and there... I understand that it is important to have the best team available to you when you are on the verge of playing a tough stretch of games. I don't understand weakening your offense to the point of surrender!

Yes, Cody Ross has a batting average over .400, but how many plate appearances are figured into that? Yes, he was doing well in Louisville, but AAA hitting doesn't automatically transfer to Major League hitting, especially against a guy who usually has the Reds' number. I like Brandon Phillips hitting high in the order, but I don't want him up there hitting leadoff with Ross in the two hole.

The double switch of Quinton into the game in the 8th inning is what killed me. How many guys on the bench aren't hitting right at the Mendoza Line? How many guys on the bench could have had a more productive at bat than a strikeout on three pitches? Pathetic.

This strongly resembles the final game of the series against the Cardinals earlier this month. Tony LaRussa left Jim "Reds Killer" Edmonds out of the lineup, as well as someone by the name of Albert "World Killer" Pujols. Somehow, with Dave Williams starting and getting hit pretty hard, pretty early, the Reds pulled that one out for a win. Cardinals fans everywhere sent up a chorus of "well, they needed a day off, and we needed to be ready for the series against the Astros, because those are more important games." If I remember correctly, that backfired - I think the Cards lost two of three to the 'stros in that series.

At the time, I was amazed that fans would take the view that you can sacrifice one game to benefit you for the next few. Today, I feel EXACTLY THE SAME WAY! We need to take this season one game at a time and not commit a virtual forfeit by throwing the "B-squad" out there after we've won the first two. You might get away with that when Aaron Harang is on the mound, but you don't do that with Mr. Inconsistency, Brandon Claussen.

Looks like Narron rolled the dice and lost on this one.