Reactions to G13 - Reds at Astros

Another tough loss to the Reds at home last night, 4-2. Here are the thoughts:

Pence:
“We still haven’t gotten the big hit. I’ve had a lot of opportunities. I think everyone has. Once again, we didn’t get it done. I’m going to be a winner. I’m going to find a way. In those times I want to be up to bat. This time I didn’t get them, but tomorrow’s a new day. This is where you find out what you’re made of when times get tough.”

I'll respectfully disagree with Mr. Pence. Berkman and Lee got two pretty big hits back-to-back to get the lead. Pence is 0x4 with 4Ks with the bases loaded this year...

Hampton:
“It was just one of those games. It’s one that we feel — I know I feel — we let slip away.”

Cooper:
“I know I’m sounding like a broken record. But another good outing from our starting pitching. We’re still scratching to try to get a big hit when we need one. And our bullpen needs to tighten up a little bit.”

Byrdak:
“It (stinks). They’re going out and giving us quality starts. And as a bullpen we have to go out there and do our job and keep the lead.

Jose de Jesus Ortiz:
With two lefthanders set to start for the Dodgers against the Astros, it might be time to drop Berkman to cleanup or fifth or put Lee at third or fifth. You can complain about the lineup only so much before people say, "Well, who in the heck is writing up the lineup card?" Coop, it's time to make some of your stars upset. Make them earn their place in the lineup instead of waiting for them to match the numbers on the back of their baseball cards, which show what you've done in the past, not what you're going to do. And the bullpen should be placed on notice, too. Other than Jose Valverde and Brocail and LaTroy Hawkins and Chris Sampson, nobody's job should be safe in the bullpen. If Geary continues to struggle, call up Alberto Arias or Bud Norris. If Felipe Paulino impresses in his next start, maybe it's time to keep him and put Brian Moehler in long relief after he returns.

Bronson Arroyo:
“We’ve got to keep riding the wave. Everything’s falling in place for us.”