By Enuckykic

February 3, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this

Я ни разу в жизни не верила в самые неправдоподобные приворотные явления, в первую очередь когда кто-то убеждал, что на мою карму со злым умыслом некое заклинание или порча. Но вот всего-навсего почти месяц назад мы с моей лучшей подругой решили все-таки поехать к гадалке. Меня, собственного говоря командировали к колдунье просто для массовки. Чем черт не шутит - прикинула я - пришел мой черед побывать у гадалки. Когда мы попали к вещунье, она неожиданно для нас подошла ко мне с такими серьезными словами: “Ой, деточка, не жить тебе более месяца на этом свете…”. Само собой разумеется, что кроме улыбки у меня это заявление ничего не смогло вызвать. А бабушка продолжила свое невеселое повествование: “Наложили на тебя, дочка тяжелейшее из всех проклятье - душенька твоя твоя уже на одну половину не на этой стороне… и жизненный род свой ты не можешь продолжить по этой же причине…”. Правду говоря, врачи мне уже более 3 лет назад поведали о том, что я никогда не смогу родить, но все же как бабка смогла об этом узнать - все-таки я старалась держать это в строжайшем секрете и ни кому, ни отцу, ни матери, ни близким не рассказала о своей проблеме. После этих слов она взяла какую-то книгу Вуду, раскрыла её и совершила какой-то непонятный обряд. Затем гадалка обратилась к нам и сказала, что по многовековой традиции стоило бы сделать жертву. Я не раздумывая решила быстро прекратить этот сеанс магии и мы ушли, не доведя до логического конца обряд. Ничего, кроме этого правдоподобного гадалка не сказала нам - как вы считаете, все-таки нужно ли мне принимать это все на веру?

By MAC

August 9, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Guys I here ya, I’d keep Dunn, EE, Phillips, Votto, Bruce and most of the pitching as well, but I don’t think we can keep all those guys AND ADD QUALITY PLAYERS TO GET BETTER? I don’t think management will support it? Likewise, I like a lot of what CP does, but his natural swing is very long for a speed guy and I doubt he’ll ever change his stroke to be a more consistent hitter? More importantly, he isn’t very selective or patient at the plate; he doesn’t draw many walks. So just sit back and hope Harriston, CP and Freel (whom I’d keep) can platoon in CF? I don’t think that’s leadership? Right or Wrong, we need someone who will make a decision and plan a specific course instead of just throwing a bunch of pieces together and hoping they all sort themselves out which is basically what we have now.

By wizard

August 9, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

In my humble opinion, we don’t need a SS—we already have him—he just hasn’t decided to be enough of a leader to voluntarily move his hotdog butt from second base to SS! In addition, I’m not real convinced that we are going to buy ourselves a great centerfielder before next year. I see more value in keeping the speed of Corey Patterson{even though this year was a flop}; than sending him on his way. I believe it’s possible he will hit! Well, if Dusty can have hunches, why can’t I? If, in fact, he did hit next year—we would have our centerfielder—and leadoff man…IF! He can cover ground in the outfield—where else are you going to get a fielder for the money we pay him? If he could get comfortable at the plate, it could turn into a goldmine for the Reds. I think that is what Dusty was hoping for this year—it just hasn’t happened yet.I realise watching him continue to screw it up this year doesn’t help my argument—but if they moved BP to short—and CP found his stroke—then a Dunn decision, and a catcher would be all that was left—oh, and another pitcher.Mike-Cinci and Mr. Baseball come on in with this one—any merit you can see in this?

By Matt

August 8, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

MAC, if we were still in the days of Lindner and Bowden running this team into the ground, I would say absolutely not to your question about re-signing Dunn, keeping the core in place, and adding a CF, SS and SP. But the fact is, that the days of penny-pinching are over. Now does that mean that the Reds are all the sudden going to be competing with the Yankees and Red Sox as the big spenders in baseball? No. But Castellini and Co. have shown since they’ve been here that they have no problem bumping the payroll a little bit, provided that it makes sense and is for the good of the team. There is simply no doubt, at least in my opinion, that keeping Dunn is good for the team. Obviously, the Reds don’t figure to be able to afford to keep ALL of their young, high ceiling players, depending on how things play out. They must make the difficult decisions on who to keep around here, and who they are going to build their club around, and jettison the ones that don’t fit into that plan.

By MAC

August 8, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Matt, valid pt, they’re still developing which is why I don’t say they’re talented just yet. We just don’t know which ones will be. So, how much longer do the Reds wait for Phillips and EE to develop and do you resign Dunn to give him another few years? Sounds like more of the same to me? It’s highly unlikely all these guys are going to have career years next season So R U willing to go through another year like this year?? W/ all do respect Matt, U seem to be on both sides of the issue? Basically U want to keep the core in place, resign Dunn which will eat all the free agent money up and U want Reds management to get quality veteran help @ Lead-off, CF & SS. Do U really believe that’s realistic knowing how Reds management has worked around here the last several yrs?

By michael

August 8, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Nate, good call. I am not believer in Jerry Hairston as our future. He is career utility man at best. We need a Legit Centerfielder.

By Nate

August 8, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Name this current Red based on career stats: 2726 AB, 707 H, 232 BB, .329 OBP, .259 AVG If you guessed Jerry Hairston, Jr., presumptive future centerfielder for the Cincinnat Reds, you’d be correct. My point, He is having a career year. He will not all of the sudden at age 32 figure it out. As the Creeper Chris Welsh always says, sometimes you’ve just got to look at the back of his baseball card to know what you getting. Maybe the Reds brass aren’t baseball card collectors, because if they were, Jerry Hairston would not be in the conversation for getting the starting centerfield job until all other avenues have been explored. But he’s one of Dusty’s boys, just like the I-85 (b/c avg. is .185) mauler, Corey Patterson, so I guess the job is his.

By michael

August 8, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

I think Dick Pole flunked his audition! We have some good young arms and we need a coach to mentor them. Pole sucked as a pitcher. I said don’t throw in the towel 3 games ago, but after watching last night, I think its time for Walt to start making moves. We need coaches, a Centerfielder, Shortstop, Catcher, and a 3rd Baseman. And lets get a true leadoff hitter from one of those spots that can provide the team some energy. Wow, what a frustrating season.

By Steven Ross

August 8, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Matt wrote: the Reds� core nucleus (Votto, Encarnacion, Bruce, etc.) are a deep well of talent. This team needs to keep those players around for as long as possible, and build a winning team around them. Who would include as “etc”? You got two out of three right in Bruce and Votto but not EE. He’s very tradeable and probably not the long-term answer at 3B. In fact, the only untouchables are probably Bruce, Votto, Phillips, Volquez, Cueto and Burton. Everyone else is fair game to be traded in my humble opinion.

By Steven Ross

August 8, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Mr. Redlegs (the Original) hits the nail on the head. You sir, are correct in your acumen and wisdom. If I may opine: it really doesn’t amount to a hill of beans if any of those mentioned returns next season.

By Matt

August 8, 2008 6:15 AM | Link to this

MAC by no means am I a part of Reds management. As far as the young guys not coming through in key situations, I have a question for you. I’m not trying to be condescending or to talk down to you here, just a serious question. When you started your job that you have (I assume you work) were you an expert from day one? I think in all fairness, the answer is no, just as it would be for me. It is a world of difference from Triple A to the Majors, and it takes most guys a period of adjustment, and I think that is the case here. These younger players need time to develop and to find their niche in the major leagues. Give ‘em some time, and I think we will all be rewarded for our patience.

By MAC

August 8, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Matt, I think you need to deferentiate between talent and potential. All players have a degree of both, but for the Reds I think it’s more potential and less talent right now. Our guys (young & old) fail too many times to be called talented. Most of our guys have a lot of potential. When they consistently become successful game in and game out, then I think it’s fair to say we have a lot of talent. Likewise, unless ownership is going to increase payroll significantly, the Reds will have to sit tight again next year and hope all the young guys continue to develop or move one or more of them to acquire a stud player they so desperately need. U continually say this team is talented, yet realize we need more help @ C, CF, SS, leadoff and SP. R U by chance part of Reds management?

By Matt

August 7, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Good point, Mr. Redlegs. The Reds must add veteran presence at the SS and CF position. When I say veteran presence, I’m not talking about Keppinger or Hairston. Those two are fine for spot starters and backups, but they absolutely should not be starting for this team. There is a reason why those two have never been starters (at least not for long) with other teams. They are solid players, but not long-term solutions for this club. As far as the opinion that the Reds don’t have talent, I simply disagree with that way of thinking. The Reds’ core nucleus (Votto, Encarnacion, Bruce, etc.) are a deep well of talent. This team needs to keep those players around for as long as possible, and build a winning team around them. It is possible, and it definitely can happen, if the Reds make smart decisions and don’t succumb to some of the knee-jerk reactions found on this forum.

By MAC

August 7, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Hal. I have to agree w/ Mr. Redlegs. I like Kepp more than most, but I don’t think he’s the long term solution @ SS. As for the others mentioned, they just aren’t going to cut it IF the Reds are looking to get better. Nothing makes a team competitive like good SP; therefore, I suggest the Reds make a very hard run @ C.C. in the off season, hope Harang makes it back and finds a way to bringing Soto in on a full time basis to COMMUNICATE w/ Volques and Cueto. Other than that (& that’s enough) what studs @ SS or CF might be available to the Reds this off season?

By Mr. Redlegs (Original)

August 7, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Anytime you write a something that paraphrases Jerry Hairston Jr. as the center fielder for 2009, go ahead, take a year off and come back in 2010. This team won’t be going anywhere anytime soon if near-future plans include these backups, retreads and castoffs (Hairston, Keppinger, Bako/Ross, Cabrera, Patterson, etc.) are mentioned in the same sentence structure as “starter.”

By Mike-Cinci

August 7, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Overall it is a lack of sufficient talent in the field and on the mound that is creating misery in Redsland. Unfortunately getting this fixed won’t be easy. By the way have the Reds signed their #1 draft pick yet? It would be just their luck he goes back to Miami(FL) for another season.

By Michael in Monterey, CA

August 7, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

When CP reaches .185 I think the Reds should sell.

By Matt

August 7, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

I think the Reds would really prefer not to put him on the DL again, primarily since they want to see if he fits into the Reds outfield for 2009. It doesn’t seem like Hairston’s injury is really that serious or career-threatening, or he would be on the DL. Of course that’s all just my opinion.

By rob

August 7, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

How long has Hairston been a couple days away? He origianlly injured his hanstring July 13 and still isn’t right. It’s not his fault. He didn’t get hurt on purpose. What I can’t figure is why Baker and Jocketty keep playing with a 24 man roster.

By Mark in Sun Valley

August 7, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

A 4 pitch inning. These guys are playing like if they hurry, they can have the season be over by tomorrow.

By Matt

August 7, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Yeah, someone needs to tell Foggy that batting practice is over. As far as Houston “playing it right”, would that include Berkman dropping the ball at first base a minute ago, or Matsui not getting the tag down on Bako after he got two bases out of Lee’s misplay in left field? No disrespect intended, I just don’t agree with the assertion that Houston plays it right.

By Brarhopper

August 7, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Uh, I think Fogg just flunked his audition. 5 runs before the end of the top of the third. But hey, it’s kinda nice to watch Huston…they play it right.

By Michael in Monterey, CA

August 7, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Roy Oswalt is 20-1 against the Reds? Make that 21-1. Fogg is going to get crushed. A near 8.00 era and still pitching in the big leagues? Walter Johnson is rolling in his grave. Wasn’t Jerry Gil available?

By Jackson

August 7, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Hi ya Hal! Glad you’re still with us. Thought maybe you tossed in the towel but your hand was still attached to it.

By bigdoc

August 7, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Welcome back, Hal! Some folks thought you’d been abducted by aliens—others thought you were in Sarasota getting in shape to play third base!

By crypticphrasing

August 7, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I’d like to know when was the last time any Reds team, went 30-17 or better over a 47 game stretch. I bet that team had a lot more talent than this one. Time to start evaluating who’s in the minors who could be useful for the 2009 roster.

By HuberTucky

August 7, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Gee, Dusty? Have you ever pulled a hamstring? I did a few times when I ran marathons. There’s no feeling quite like it. There is also no doubt right when you do it. The feeling is unique. So is the feeling of vulnerability that your body knows and your head knows to warn you that you are simply not ready to get back at it. Baker better listen to Hair. Hell, what’s a few more days? I saw Hair play his last few times (center and pinch hit) and he’s not there yet — I would certainly err on the side of caution unless they want lose this guy for the rest of the year. A tear is much worse than a pull. This is a very troubling comment from Dusty Baker, to be sure. And welcome back, Hal…we were getting a tad concerned.