The (Wednesday) Windup, “Cole Bug” edition
Not everybody was buying that Brandon Phillips was scratched from the Reds’ original lineup due to a jammed left thumb. Some people around the park felt it was Cole-itis: An allergy to 97-mph fastballs and vanishing sliders from Gerrit Cole. …
One of the consequences of Phillips’ removal is Billy Hamilton returning to leadoff and Mike Leake, of all pitchers, batting ninth for the Reds. Leake is 3-for-6, including a homer, off Cole. …
The lineup that’ll try to bring the Bucs their first win over Leake in 12 starts:
- Polanco RF
- Marte LF
- McCutchen CF
- Walker 2B
- Harrison 3B
- Alvarez 1B
- Mercer SS
- Stewart C
- Cole P
Reminder: Cole has allowed multiple runs (really, only two each time) in only three of his last 124 innings, since Sept. 7. …
While the Cole Train goes for his 12th win — he’d be the first Buccos pitcher with that many in the first half since Ken Brett in 1974 — Stewart goes for his 13th. Pittsburgh is 12-3 in his 15 starts behind the plate. …
A win would be the Bucs’ eighth straight at PNC Park, second longest in the yard’s history. The 2004 club clipped off 10 in a row. …
Change for a Nickel 
nice….keep believing
Dear Uncles Neal and Clint,
I appreciate that after being fired, I still get to be hitting coach. And I know we have scored 5 runs in the last 44 of 45 innings.
But give me some credit. I coached those guys how to jump on the kid making his MLB debut in the 4th the other day after 3 scoreless innings!
Nonetheless, it is time for me to report to the minors to study and brush up a bit. I think you should go after Chili Davis in Oakland to replace me. He is one of the best hitting coaches. He can teach batters not to be intimidated and perform against good pitchers.
Thanks again,
Jeffie Branson