Paul Janish got another start last night, and went 2 for 3 with a RBI. The first hit was a beautiful bunt single. The Pirates didn't have a chance; he beat it out easily. The second was a grounder to right that scored Todd Frazier; nice to see him going the other way instead of just pulling the ball.
Even the out he made was impressive. He hit the crap out of it - announcer Jim Day thought it was a home run, and it sounded like it - but it was caught at the warning track. It was a cool, damp evening; a warmer day and it would have been gone.
Here is a video clip of Janish's RBI single. The Reds announcers end up talking about what they think went wrong with Janish this year. They think he was working too hard this summer, spending so much time in the weight room, taking extra batting practice, etc., even on his days off, that he was tired during the game.
They speculate that he’s doing better now because the weather’s cooler. I dunno...I would think a Houston boy wouldn't be bothered by the heat. Maybe he's more rested now because he's playing less often. Or maybe he's eased back on his workout regimen. He himself said it was more mental than anything, and that I could believe. In any case, he's playing better now, and people are noticing.
Janish was pulled for a pinch-hitter in the 8th inning, which didn't seem very smart to me. And not just because Juan Francisco struck out. Despite the expanded roster, the Reds bench is actually short, because there are so many injuries. Miguel Cairo just had season-ending shoulder surgery. Yonder Alonso has a bone bruise that means he can only pinch-hit. Chris Valaika tore his ACL and is done for the year. Ryan Hanigan has swollen discs in his back and also likely done for the year. But Dusty was swapping players in and out like he’s still got too many players and not enough playing time for them all. The score was 2-3 at the time, so it seemed like extra innings were possibility.
Pinch-hitting for Janish meant there was no one left on the bench. In the top of the 9th, Todd Frazier was hit on the hand by a 98 mph fastball. That walked in a run and tied the game, but it also meant that Frazier had to stay in the game and play third in the bottom of the 9th, injured hand or no. Short of using a pitcher as an infielder, there was no other option.
He seemed to do all right, but it was ridiculous that Dusty created that situation.
Also, I suspect Frazier's hand won't be feeling too good today. The Reds bench might be even shorter now.
Labels: Paul Janish
