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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > March > 22 > Entry
Majewski takes the walk
It was only three steps from Gary Majewski’s locker in the major-league clubhouse to the door leading to another world, the minor-league clubhouse.
Majewski made that walk this morning when he and Jon Coutlangus were optioned to Class AAA Louisville.
While some fans dance in the streets over this demotion, it was a so sad and disconcerting to watch Majewski empty his locker, pack his baseball belongings into a cardboard box and lug stuff to the other side - cramped, musty, dank quarters where all the minor-league players dress.
“They told me they brought too many guys (pitchers) into camp and that didn’t give me much of an opportunity,” said Majewski. “I didn’t pitch much and that’s why I was frustrated. Same old stuff - I didn’t know exactly what they wanted me to do. Wish I had gotten a lot more opportunities to pitch, but when you have 35 pitchers in camp it is hard to really do anything to get consistent.
“I’ll go down there and pitch,” he said. “My arm feels healthy and it’s just frustrating that I didn’t get to use it as much as I’d like.”
Majewski had an awful first outing this spring, then in his last outing last Sunday he gave up three unearned runs on two hits and two walks. The inning began with second baseman Andy Green booting a ball for an error. Majewski got two outs, then the sky fell on his head, not to mention the clouds.
It would appear the bullpen is nearly set: Closer Francisco Cordero, RHP David Weathers, LHP Mike Stanton, LHP Jeremy Affeldt, LHP Kent Mercker, LHP Bill Bray, RHP Todd Coffey, RHP Jared Burton (or RHP Edinson Volquez is they strangely decided to keep Homer Bailey as the No. 5 starters, which shouldn’t happen). And Mike Lincoln, with his 95 miles an hour fastball is hanging in there.
It looks as if the main decisions are whether to keep Mercker or Bray as a third lefthander because Stanton and his $3 million contract are locked in. And the last righthanded spot is between Coffey (perfect all spring), Burton (a struggler and straggler) and Lincoln - out of baseball for three years after TWO Tommy John surgeries, but back throwing harder than ever.
That gives them three lefthanders and four righthanders, a nice balance.
Not far from Majewski’s locker catcher David Ross dressed with a smile after playing in his first game this spring Friday to test his achy back.
“I was 2 for 3 with a home run and two walks,” he said with a smile. “I knew I was good in ‘A’ ball.” Ross played for Class A Sarasota and said he’ll catch again Sunday, but didn’t know if it would be with the Cincinnati Reds, Sarasota Reds or Dayton Dragons.
“I caught good, no soreness,” he added. “Ran the bases fine, a good day, felt fine. Even though it was ‘A’ ball, it made feel good as far as confidence.”
Sitting next to Majewski’s now-empty locker was lefthanded pitcher Bobby Livingston, residing on the 60-day disabled list after surgery last season to repair a torn labrum. He had a wide grin on his face as he ate breakfast - raisin bread slathered with peanut butter and honey.
“I get to throw 160 feet tomorrow,” he said. “One more week and I get to throw off the mound. Man, it has been six or seven months since I threw off a mound. Weird. They’ve told me I’ll stay back for extended spring training. Although I know God has a plan and has a reason for everything, I see there are no lefthanders in our rotation and I wonder, ‘What if?’”
On a positive note, shortstop Alex Gonzalez tossed his crutches into a corner Saturday and was cleared to begin light baseball workouts - light hitting in the cage and light running. But he won’t be ready for Opening Day.
Kent Mercker continues to be the leader in the clubhouse for the Stand-up Comedian award. It was raining early Saturday and pitcher David Weathers asked, “It’s raining. What do we do?” Without hesitation, Mercker said, “Is it raining in the hot tub?”
And Mercker was talking about his yearly physical examination by the team when spring training begins.
“Great blood work. I have great bloodwork,” he said. “Every year (trainer) Mark Mann is amazed by my bloodwork. I tell him, ‘It must be genetics, because it isn’t clean living.”
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By Brian
March 26, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
If they can’t cut Mike Stanton, they should cut the genius who signed him to a guaranteed contract.
By Matt McWax
March 25, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
It’s hard enough to fit the guys who showcase well in the spring, let alone those that struggle. Majewski needs to put up an ERA below 3 at AAA before he gets another look. I hope he gets the psychological edge back. Even then, if he finds it, he might slide behind a guy like Roenicke if he catches on.
By cincy stuck in Cleveland
March 23, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Majewski didn’t know what they wanted him to do?!? Er, em…get people out. I’m not sure…I think that’s what they were looking for.
By Dean, Piqua
March 23, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
Why not put Homer in the bull pen and make him a long reliever, he is good for 4 inninngs and could get experience at the major league level. He is a better bet than Josh Fogg as a fifrh starter anyway.
By Y-City Jim
March 22, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
I can sympathize in some respects with Majewski. There were too many players in camp. On the other hand though, he has got to get some mental toughness and stop making excuses. Go to Louisville and become an intimidator!