Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

The Cincinnati Reds 2025 Season Is On The Brink of Collapse?!? Whats Next For Cincinnati Bengals?

On May 6, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds fell to the Atlanta Braves 2-1 in a gut-wrenching extra-inning loss at Truist Park, marking their fourth straight defeat and sixth in eight games. The game was a pitchers' duel, with Reds starter Andrew Abbott delivering a stellar performance, allowing just one run over six innings, and reliever Tony Santillan pitching effectively. However, the offense struggled immensely, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities, including a leadoff double, and managing only one run despite multiple chances with runners in scoring position. A critical defensive miscue in the ninth inning involving Jake Fraley and Matt McLain, where a relay throw was not executed, allowed the Braves to extend the game. Emilio Pagán’s blown save and Marcell Ozuna’s walk-off single in the 10th sealed the Reds' fate, dropping their record to 18-19. Reds fans, already frustrated by a season of unmet expectations under manager Terry Francona, erupted on social media. Posts on X captured the sentiment: fans called the team’s fundamental play “sickening,” lamenting poor situational hitting and communication errors, with one user stating, “The lack of offense is so underwhelming… Better tie the series next two games” ( @Rhino_2016 ). Others expressed disillusionment, feeling the game was “unwatchable” and criticizing Francona’s leadership as merely “collecting a paycheck” ( @ZachDoran4 ). The inability to score the ghost runner in extra innings and the defensive blunder were particularly sore points, with fans labeling the loss “brutal” ( @RedsDaily4 ). Despite some acknowledgment of bad luck, like a hit-by-pitch call and an unlucky bounce, the consensus was clear: the Reds’ offensive woes and sloppy play have pushed fan patience to the brink, with many questioning the team’s direction.

Cincinnati Reds' Tough Start... Tyler Callihan Unbelievable Missed Call and Injury RANT!

In a heart-wrenching moment during the Cincinnati Reds’ 4-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves on May 5, 2025, rookie left fielder Tyler Callihan suffered a season-ending broken left forearm, casting a shadow over the game at Truist Park. The 24-year-old, playing in just his fourth MLB game after a recent call-up from Triple-A Louisville, was injured while attempting a diving catch on a Matt Olson fly ball in the third inning. Callihan briefly gloved the ball before crashing into the padded wall in foul territory at full speed. The impact dislodged the ball, resulting in a two-run inside-the-park home run for Olson, as Callihan writhed in pain, his arm bent at a gruesome angle. The Reds challenged the no-catch ruling, but replays confirmed Callihan didn’t maintain control, per MLB rules. He walked off the field with trainers, his arm splinted, and was later diagnosed with multiple fractures requiring surgery. Manager Terry Francona expressed devastation, noting Callihan’s effort and character, saying, “He’s such a good kid, you feel terrible for him.” Teammate Brady Singer, who pitched six innings but allowed all four runs, praised Callihan’s hustle, stating, “I’ll take guys like that every day.” Callihan, a 2019 third-round pick, had shown promise with a .303/.410/.528 slash line in Louisville and notched his first MLB hit days earlier. His injury, following a history of setbacks like a 2021 Tommy John surgery, is a tough blow. The Reds, held to one hit by Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver, now face the challenge of moving forward without their resilient rookie.

Cincinnati Reds' Rough Weekend: Positives & Negatives at Great American Ball Park...

The Cincinnati Reds had a challenging weekend (May 2-4, 2025) against the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park, finishing with a 1-2 record. Positives: Hunter Greene’s Dominant Outing: On Friday, May 2, Hunter Greene delivered a stellar performance, striking out 12 batters and leading the Reds to a victory. His ability to overpower hitters was a highlight, showcasing his potential as a cornerstone of the rotation. Jake Fraley’s Contribution: In Saturday’s game, Jake Fraley made a strong impact in his return to the lineup, going 1-for-2 with a solo home run, scoring an additional run, and drawing two walks. His performance provided a spark for the offense despite the loss. Competitive Record Despite Struggles: Despite the weekend’s losses, the Reds maintained a respectable 18-17 record, as noted in posts on X. This suggests the team has been competitive overall, even with a tough weekend, and fans remain cautiously optimistic about the team’s potential. Defensive Highlights: Earlier in the season, the Reds showed flashy and clutch fielding, and while specific defensive plays from this weekend weren’t detailed, the team’s defensive capabilities have been a strength in recent games, which likely carried over to some extent. Negatives: Offensive Struggles with Runners in Scoring Position: On Sunday, May 4, the Reds went 0-7 with runners in scoring position (RISP), a critical factor in their 4-1 loss to the Nationals. This inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities highlighted a lack of clutch hitting, a recurring issue for a lineup that doesn’t rely heavily on home run power. Defensive and Baserunning Miscues: Saturday’s 11-6 loss was marked by sloppy play, including four infield hits allowed, two errors, two caught stealing, three hit-by-pitches, four stolen bases allowed, and a wild pitch on a ball that should have been caught. Additionally, a lack of awareness on a squeeze play cost them. These mistakes resembled “high school baseball” and were difficult to overcome. Bullpen and Pitching Struggles: The Reds’ bullpen faltered in Saturday’s high-scoring loss, allowing 15 hits. Earlier in the season, the bullpen was a concern, and this weekend’s performance, particularly in giving up runs in key moments (e.g., Washington’s three-run seventh inning on Sunday), underscored ongoing issues. Injuries and Absences: Key players like Austin Hays (hamstring) and Jeimer Candelario (lower back strain) were either sidelined or limited, impacting the lineup. Hays’ absence, in particular, was noted as a challenge, given his strong .365/.431/.712 slash line since April 15. Candelario’s struggles (.113/.198/.213) and subsequent benching further weakened the offense. Missed Opportunities Against a Favorable Schedule: Posts on X expressed frustration that the Reds, despite a relatively favorable early-season schedule, dropped to 18-17 after the weekend. Fans expected more consistency, especially against a Nationals team that capitalized on Cincinnati’s mistakes.

Cincinnati Reds Split Series! Spencer Steer Starting to Turn Around? Austin Mock Joins Us!

The Cincinnati Reds, currently 17-15 and second in the NL Central, kick off a three-game home series against the Washington Nationals on May 2, 2025, at Great American Ball Park. Game times are Friday at 6:10 PM, Saturday at 6:40 PM, and Sunday at 4:10 PM. The Reds are riding a five-game win streak, bolstered by the return of key players like Matt McLain and Austin Hays from the injured list. Hunter Greene, known for his blazing fastball, is slated to start Friday against Mitchell Parker, setting up an exciting pitching duel. Under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds aim to leverage their young talent, including Elly De La Cruz, to maintain momentum. The Nationals, struggling offensively, present an opportunity for Cincinnati to solidify their playoff push. After this series, the Reds face the Atlanta Braves on the road, making these home games critical. Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere with the iconic steamboat smokestacks lighting up for home runs. Tickets start at $8.72 on Ticketmaster, and games will air on FanDuel Sports Network. This series is a chance for the Reds to showcase their potential. Austin Mock is a data-driven sports analyst for The Athletic, renowned for his advanced statistical models and simulations that predict outcomes and rate performances across the NFL, college football, MLB, and other sports. A former college baseball player, Mock’s passion for sports statistics began in childhood, evolving into sophisticated projection models using granular data like play-by-play or plate appearance metrics. His work, which started as a hobby in 1999, now informs betting markets and team performance evaluations, offering insights into playoff probabilities and championship odds. Mock’s models, refined through years of tweaks and coding in Python, provide transparent, detailed projections, making his content accessible to both bettors and casual fans. Beyond The Athletic, his analyses appear in The New York Times and Yahoo Sports. While another Austin Mock, a long snapper at Liberty University, exists, the analyst’s focus is on data, not playing. His recent work includes NFL Draft projections and NCAA Tournament betting picks, showcasing his versatility. Mock’s innovative approach, blending storytelling with analytics, has made him a trusted voice in sports journalism, though he avoids clichés, aiming to redefine how sports data is presented.

The Cincinnati Reds Double Header Fiasco... Still Have Faith In Chase Petty?

On April 30, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds faced the St. Louis Cardinals in a split doubleheader at Great American Ball Park, prompted by the postponement of the previous night’s game due to heavy rain and severe weather threats. The Reds, riding a five-game winning streak and holding a 16-13 record, aimed to maintain their momentum in the National League Central. However, the doubleheader proved challenging, resulting in a sweep by the Cardinals and exposing areas of concern for Cincinnati. In Game 1, starting at 12:40 p.m. ET, the Reds fell 6-0. Brady Singer, Cincinnati’s starter, pitched six scoreless innings, allowing five hits and striking out eight without a walk. Despite his effort, the Reds’ offense was stifled by Cardinals’ pitcher Miles Mikolas, managing only five hits and no runs. The game remained scoreless until the ninth, when Reds reliever Alexis Díaz struggled, surrendering three consecutive home runs to Victor Scott II, Lars Nootbaar, and Masyn Winn, who hit his second of the game. Díaz allowed five runs, ballooning his ERA and drawing criticism from fans on X for his lack of command, with some calling his pitches “batting practice.” Game 2, starting at 6:40 p.m. ET, saw the Reds lose 9-1. Chase Petty, a 22-year-old top pitching prospect, made his MLB debut as the 27th man for the doubleheader. Petty, called up from Triple-A Louisville, struggled, giving up five runs over four innings. The Cardinals capitalized early, and the Reds’ offense again faltered against Steven Matz, scoring just one run. Posts on X highlighted fan disappointment, noting the Reds’ combined one run across both games and Petty’s rough debut, though some remained hopeful for his future. The doubleheader exposed offensive inconsistencies and bullpen weaknesses, particularly Díaz’s meltdown. Injuries also loomed large: outfielder Austin Hays was sidelined with a hamstring issue, and infielder Jeimer Candelario was placed on the 10-day IL with a back injury, retroactive to April 28. Tyler Callihan was called up to fill the gap. Despite the losses, the Reds (16-15) had a chance to split the four-game series in the finale. Under new manager Terry Francona, the team’s young core, including Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, remains a focal point for optimism as they navigate a grueling 17-game stretch without an off day until May 12.

The Cincinnati Reds Have Called Up Chase Petty! Austin Hays Goes Down! BIG Double Header!

The Cincinnati Reds face the St. Louis Cardinals in a split doubleheader today, April 30, 2025, at Great American Ball Park, rescheduled due to yesterday’s rainout. Game 1 starts at 12:40 p.m. ET, with Game 2 at 6:40 p.m. ET. The Reds, riding a five-game winning streak, aim to capitalize on their momentum against a struggling Cardinals squad (12-17), who are desperate to avoid one of their worst 30-game starts in the Wild Card era. Game 1 Preview: Brady Singer (4-0, 3.62 ERA) takes the mound for the Reds against Miles Mikolas (0-2, 5.70 ERA). Singer, acquired in the offseason, has been a reliable arm, though Great American’s hitter-friendly confines could test him. Mikolas, coming off a strong shutout against Atlanta, will look to keep the ball out of the middle of the plate. The Reds’ lineup, led by Elly De La Cruz’s superstar spark, should see Matt McLain’s return after hamstring soreness. However, injuries to Austin Hays, Jeimer Candelario, and Tyler Stephenson may force reliance on call-ups like Chase Petty and Tyler Callihan. The Cardinals’ offense, inconsistent this season, needs production from Paul Goldschmidt to counter Cincinnati’s speed and power. Game 2 Preview: The Reds have not announced their starter, with Nick Martinez (0-2, 5.91 ERA) or a bullpen game as possibilities. St. Louis counters with Steven Matz (2-0, 1.80 ERA), whose early-season form makes him a tough matchup. The Reds’ offense, bolstered by Noel Marte’s recent two-run homer, must stay disciplined against Matz’s command. De La Cruz, a dynamic force, and a hopefully healthy McLain will be key. The Cardinals, meanwhile, lean on their pitching to cool Cincinnati’s hot streak, but their shaky bullpen could be a liability late. Key Factors: The Reds’ aggressive baserunning, led by De La Cruz, could exploit St. Louis’ defensive lapses. Cincinnati’s bullpen, with Emilio Pagán’s experience, needs to hold leads. For the Cardinals, generating early offense and avoiding high-leverage relief situations are critical. Weather should cooperate, with clear skies forecast. With Terry Francona’s strategic edge and Cincinnati’s young talent clicking, the Reds are favored to split or sweep, but St. Louis’s desperation could make this a tight battle.

Cincinnati Reds on Fire! 5-Game Win Streak Reactions! Charlie Goldsmith Joins Us!

The Cincinnati Reds are riding high on a five-game win streak in the 2025 season, showcasing a blend of young talent, veteran leadership, and pitching prowess that has fans buzzing. This streak, capped by a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on April 28, has improved their record to 16-13, securing a winning April and positioning them as contenders in the NL Central. Here’s a deep dive into what’s fueling this red-hot run. The streak began with a dominant sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighted by Hunter Greene’s masterful seven scoreless innings on April 13, allowing just two hits while striking out eight. The Reds’ offense complemented their pitching, with timely hits from Elly De La Cruz and Santiago Espinal. This momentum carried into a road series against the Colorado Rockies, where Nick Lodolo shone in an 8-1 rout on April 27, backed by 14 hits from players like Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, and Gavin Lux, who extended his hitting streak to 11 games. The offense has been clicking, going 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position in the Rockies sweep, a stark contrast to earlier struggles. Back home, the Reds faced the Cardinals, with Nick Martinez delivering a quality start and Jose Trevino blasting a crucial home run. De La Cruz, now boasting a 12-game hit streak, and Marte’s three times on base kept the pressure on. The bullpen, including standouts like Emilio Pagán and Graham Ashcraft, has been nails, preserving leads and shutting down opponents. Defensively, despite De La Cruz’s sixth error of the season, the team has made clutch plays, with Marte stealing two bases in the Rockies series to spark rallies. Under manager Terry Francona, the Reds have shown resilience after a 2-6 start, going 12-8 in their last 20 games. The addition of veterans like Trevino and Austin Hays has bolstered a young core featuring De La Cruz and Marte, creating a balanced lineup. Social media is abuzz, with fans on X proclaiming, “Reds are now 3 games over .500!” This streak signals a turnaround, with the Reds 11-3 when scoring five or more runs. As they host the Cardinals next, the Reds aim to keep the fire burning and chase a playoff spot.

Did the Cincinnati Bengals Nail the 2025 NFL Draft? Breaking Down Their Draft Class!? Reds SWEEP!

Did the Cincinnati Bengals Have a Strong Enough 2025 NFL Draft Class? The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 NFL Draft class has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with questions lingering about whether it was robust enough to elevate the team back to Super Bowl contention. With six picks, the Bengals focused heavily on defense and offensive line depth, but the class’s immediate impact and long-term potential remain under scrutiny. The headliner, first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M (No. 17 overall), embodies the draft’s high-risk, high-reward theme. Stewart’s athleticism—6’5”, 267 pounds, with a 40-inch vertical—screams elite pass-rusher potential, yet his college production (4.5 sacks over three seasons) raises concerns about his readiness to contribute instantly alongside Trey Hendrickson, whose future with the team is uncertain. Analysts like Drew Garrison gave this pick a C, citing other defenders who could have offered quicker returns. Second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (South Carolina) and fourth-rounder Barrett Carter (Clemson) addressed a pressing need at linebacker, especially with Germaine Pratt’s trade request. Knight’s versatility and Carter’s speed bolster the unit, but Knight’s age (25) and Carter’s undersized frame question their ceilings. Third-round guard Dylan Fairchild (Georgia) was a fan favorite, earning praise for his wrestling background and fit with new offensive line coach Scott Peters. However, fifth-round tackle/guard Jalen Rivers (Miami) and sixth-round running back Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech) are seen as depth pieces rather than game-changers. Critics argue the Bengals missed opportunities to address the secondary or add a pass-rushing defensive tackle, leaving holes in Al Golden’s defensive scheme. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with grades ranging from B to D, averaging a C-. While the class emphasizes maturity and leadership, its lack of immediate impact players could hinder a team banking on Joe Burrow’s prime. Time will tell if this draft pushes Cincinnati forward or falls short.

Cincinnati Bengals Select Shemar Stewart in First Round of 2025 NFL Draft! What Does It Mean?

The 2025 NFL Draft, held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, kicked off with high anticipation, and the Cincinnati Bengals, holding the 17th overall pick, made a strategic move to bolster their defense by selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart. This selection, announced on April 24, 2025, addressed a critical need for the Bengals, whose defense struggled in the 2024 season, contributing to their 9-8 record and missing the playoffs for the third straight year. With Super Bowl aspirations fueled by quarterback Joe Burrow’s MVP-caliber performances, the Bengals aimed to fortify their roster with immediate impact players. Shemar Stewart, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound defensive end, brings a blend of athleticism and potential to Cincinnati’s defensive line. Despite modest college production—1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons at Texas A&M—Stewart’s combine performance was exceptional, showcasing a 95th-percentile speed score and a 91st-percentile 10-yard split. His physical gifts, including an impressive wingspan and explosive first step, drew comparisons to elite pass rushers. Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden emphasized Stewart’s versatility, noting his ability to make plays away from the line of scrimmage and his ascending trajectory as a prospect. Golden dismissed concerns about Stewart’s sack totals, highlighting his disruptive presence and fit within the team’s revamped defensive scheme. The Bengals’ decision to draft Stewart was influenced by uncertainty surrounding star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 but was granted permission to seek a trade. Stewart provides immediate depth and a potential long-term starter opposite Hendrickson, should he remain with the team. Head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin prioritized defensive upgrades, with Stewart’s selection aligning with their goal of pairing him with Hendrickson to create a formidable pass-rush duo. Mock drafts leading up to the event projected various defensive talents for Cincinnati, including Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell and Georgia safety Malaki Starks, but Stewart’s raw potential and physical tools made him the choice. Fans and analysts, as seen in posts on X, expressed optimism about Stewart’s “unique physical gifts,” with some calling him a “tier 1” talent. As the Bengals look to capitalize on Burrow’s prime, Stewart’s development will be pivotal in elevating a defense that has lagged behind the team’s high-powered offense, setting the stage for a promising 2025 season

Cincinnati Reds Avoid Being Swept In Miami, and The 2025 NFL Draft is Here! Joined by Jason Fitz

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Reds secured a 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins in the series finale at loanDepot Park to avoid beimg swept in the three game series. Catcher Austin Wynns powered the Reds’ offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run, his second in as many games, continuing his hot streak. Spencer Steer and Elly De La Cruz also contributed key hits, with De La Cruz’s speed and defensive flair drawing attention, including a standout play that sparked postgame buzz. The Reds’ pitching staff, led by a rebounding starter and a reliable bullpen, stifled Miami’s bats, allowing only two runs despite the Marlins’ early threats. This win, highlighted by PNC Bank’s game recap, showcased Cincinnati’s resilience after dropping the first two games of the series, improving their road trip record and boosting morale as they head home. Fans celebrated at Skyline Chili, embracing the #ATOBTTR spirit, though questions linger about Wynns’ role once Tyler Stephenson returns from injury.
 
Shifting to today, April 24, 2025, the NFL Draft’s first round kicks off at 8:00 PM ET in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at Lambeau Field. The Tennessee Titans hold the No. 1 pick, with Miami quarterback Cam Ward favored to go first overall after a stellar college season, boasting 39 touchdown passes and 4,313 yards. The Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and New England Patriots follow with picks 2-4, each eyeing transformative talents like Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. The Miami Dolphins, picking 13th, could target Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, per ESPN’s Peter Schrager, to bolster their defensive line. Trade rumors swirl, with the Giants aggressively pursuing a quarterback, possibly Shedeur Sanders from Colorado or Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, and teams like the Colts and Rams eyeing tight ends like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland. The draft, airing with live coverage on ESPN and right here on Chatterbox Sports YouTube, promises drama, with 17 prospects, including Ward and Hunter, attending. After a 2024 draft heavy on offense, expect a balanced first round, with running backs like Ashton Jeanty potentially sneaking in. Fans await surprises, as teams like the Patriots and Browns, fielding trade calls, could reshape the draft’s early order