Springfield vs. Dublin Coffman
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Carlisle vs. North College Hill
Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > August > 19 > Entry
Dear Fans: Yada, yada, yada
It always boggles my mind when a baseball team sends a letter to its season-ticket holders - begging forgiveness or begging patience or just plain begging.
Cincinnati Reds ticket holders received this letter, signed by owner Bob Castellini and Walt Jocketty this week (my comments after you read the letter):
Dear Fans,
Thank you for your loyalty and support of the Cincinnati Reds. You are extremely vital to the success of the Reds, and it is important we share with you the thinking behind our recent personnel decisions.
Since taking ownership of this franchise, we have aggressively tried to improve our Major League roster for the purpose of restoring championship baseball to Cincinnati. We have sought and signed proven players. We have extended the contracts of select current players. We added Dusty Baker, a proven winning manager. And, we have capitalized on our burgeoning younger players like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Johnny Cueto.
We had high expectations for the 2008 season. Unfortunately the team has not played up to our expectations and we have sustained injuries to key players within our starting lineup and rotation.
We opted to trade Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn at this time because we believe it provided the best outcome for the long-term success of the organization. By executing these inevitable changes now, we secured more players as part of our focus towards building a deeper, stronger inventory of young talent.
We are pleased that the trades allow Griffey and Dunn the opportunity to play for teams in tight division races. Both Ken and Adam made significant contributions to the Reds and we are extremely proud and grateful they wore the Reds uniform.
While the run production generated by these two veterans will not be quickly replaced, we chose to endure the short-term ramifications for the sake of building a strong, competitive team for 2009 and many seasons to come.
The vast majority of our 50 draft picks were signed, culminating last week with first-rounder Yonder Alonso and a pair of talented pitchers. Our expanded scouting operations also signed Juan Duran from the Dominican Republic and Yorman Rodriguez from Venezuela, who are arguably the best amateur free agent position players from their respective countries.
As we near September, we will continue to provide valuable playing time to our young players and new acquisitions who we feel can become significant contributors at the Major League level. We ask your continued trust and patience as we build the roster that will get us back on top. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the ballpark.
Sincerely, Bob Castellini, Walt Jocketty.
COMMENTS:
It’s a long letter that is short on substance. What’s the plan? Are they trying to win in 2009 or 2012 or the nth of never?
They talked about signing No. 1 draft pick Yonder Alonso. You won’t see him for three years, two at the closest. They talked about signing two 16-year-old kids. What are they, five years away?
They talked about signing 35 of 50 draft choices. If three make it to the majors they’ll be fortunate - and that’s years down the road, too.
They want your “trust and patience.” Trust? Patience? Reds fans have been trusting and patient ever since they were promised a winner when voters approved a new stadium. How’s that worked out? Eight years of losing.
They talked about signing selected players to extended contracts — Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Brandon Phillips. Hows that worked out?
They talk about trading Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn, a move that they say sacrifices the short-term for the long-term. But they also talk about the trade benefiting the team in 2009. How is that going to work? The only player they obtained in those two trades who is a major-leaguer (for 2009) would be pitcher Micah Owings, and he hasn’t been very good lately.
They don’t talk about possibly signing big-ticket free agents or acquiring high-profile players in trades for 2009. The truth is that the Reds needed to draw 2.4 million this year to break even.
That isn’t going to happen. So where will they make up the shortfall? Most likely a reduced payroll.
Castellini and Jocketty are honorable men, hard-working guys with their hopes and dreams in the right place. But this letter that mostly talks around the issues probably won’t appease too many fans. In fact, alienation comes to mind.
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Comments
By うつ病
September 23, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
検討に値する。By Shhhhhhh
August 23, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
shhhh.By wizard
August 22, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Matt-boy,You are my ONLY target—and only when you use my name and make wrongful statements concerning me. In fact, otherwise I hardly think of you…oh, OK, except maybe when I am sitting on the toilet!By Matt
August 22, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
I really could care less what you “require” Steve C. You don’t know me from Adam, and you have no right to sit here on some high horse telling me (or Hal) who is the problem and who isn’t. Open your eyes and read the posts, sir. You’ll find that I am not the only target of Wizard, HT and Brarhopper’s name-calling and personal attacks. The “storms” happened once I got back here because they thought they had intimidated me into leaving this blog, and they didn’t. They failed miserably. I am going nowhere. I will continue to post my opinions, which I back up with more than just my rear end, regardless of what they think. They can go drink their anti-Dusty, anti-Reds, anti-everything Lemonade elsewhere if they don’t like my posts or my opinion. Don’t try to pin the problems of this blog on me and expect me to sit back and take it.By Steve C
August 22, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
You prove my point, Matt. My message was addressed to Hal yet you felt compelled to respond. My observation is that things were going along smoothly here recently and as soon as your posts returned so did the storm. These others you mention are not quibbling with anyone else. I find you to be the common denominator in all of this strife. I do not require a response from you.By Matt
August 22, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Steve C., the ones who are ruining the blog are HT, Brarhopper and Wizard, with their endless stream of negative, juvenile personal attacks. You don’t have to believe me. Ask some others who have been berated and insulted by those three because they didn’t care for someone else’s opinion. I don’t look for fights with anyone. I post things about Reds baseball, and then am sought out and put down and attacked for my positions. I’m not the problem on here.By Steve C.
August 22, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
Hal, I am sick to death of reading this childish Matt crap on here. This guy is ruining your blog and turning it into his own private pissing contest. Please do something! I’m afraid to even check in anymore because 60 to 70% of it is about him and not the Reds or your articles.By wizard
August 21, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Read—then reread,Matt. Eventually, you might get it. Big order, I know.By Matt
August 21, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Yawn. More of the same from you, Wizard.By wizard
August 21, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
You really are delusional—those people are not me—you are wrong Mr. Matt. There are lots on here who think you are an ignorant child—and you prove them correct with every interfering blog that you write!By Matt
August 21, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
No, it’s just the same old “enemies”, Wizard. I submit that pocketpool, lugnut and a lot of the other new SNs that pop up on here almost on a daily basis are not new folks at all. Rather they are HT, brarhopper or you hiding behind different SNs to make your “points”. I know you and your two best buds enjoyed drinking your anti-Dusty, Cubs Kool-Aid this past week and a half or so, but I’m back now. I’m back and am continuing to offer fact-based posts with proof to back up what I am saying. I don’t just throw out blanket statements about things that I don’t understand. Thanks Wizard. Go back to posting your “intelligent” posts that reflect no facts, statistics or anything else that represents reality or anything close to it.By wizard
August 21, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Who the hell needs to prove anything to you, Matt? I see you are bad mouthing me again—don’t do it too long! We all enjoyed it very much when you were gone—no blog cop from anyone. Just intelligent remarks respected by everyone. Notice as soon as you come back how it pisses people off? Nothing to do with you though, huh? It amuses me to see you use the same people’s names, as the problem; when in fact, YOU gain new enemies on here every week! There isn’t anyone on here calling any of us out—just YOU! Get the message!By Matt
August 21, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
I don’t engage in name-calling and personal attacks, pocketpool. You should check your sources before you make untrue accusations.By pocketpool
August 21, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Of course, using personal attacks are okay as long as matt is the user (ask hubertucky, brarhopper, wizard, lugnut, me, james bradley and a few others)…then the boy saw the light as he drove by that goal post jeezus on I-75 and was instantly converted into a humane man lover). Or so it seems, right matt?By Matt
August 21, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Using personal attacks and juvenile name-calling to attempt to drive a point home is never right.By timb
August 21, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Matt, shouldn’t be hard to excuse him. He’s saying what he thinks is right. On the other hand, I don’t want to be drawn into the obvious feud you guys have.By Matt
August 21, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Timb, you may have to excuse lugnut. He falls in the same realm as Wizard, HT and Brarhopper. That realm is where you use personal attacks and name-calling to win (or attempt to win) your argument. Why? Because they can’t win or prove their points with fact and merit, so they delve into elementary school tactics. Very unfortunate.By timb
August 21, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Ah, luggie, any word is okay as long as it is in the dictionary. As for your comments about Pete, DUH. Acknowledging Rose’s shortcomings is not exactly popular with Reds fans. WOW! Doesn’t mean it ain’t true. As for your racial musings, all I can say lugnut, is that you clearly are not a racist.By Bowshier
August 21, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Why can’t we have an “ignore” option on this blog?By lugnut
August 21, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
okay timb, check it…American Heritage Dictionary, homey n. Slang, A homeboy or homegirl. So according to you, using accepted slang in the English language is racist. I am NOT racist, do not and NEVER use the N word, but it’s all over the rap/thug culture as not only acceptable but normal, even preferred! So who is the racist, timb? Perhaps you for your skewed interpretations! FYI, genius: Leo “Duroscher” is spelled Durocher. If you’re going to recommend us to google information on John Franco or Pete Rose, you might want to try it yourself first and check for correct spelling. (Are you taking spelling lessons from yourself, matt?) And BTW, you are on a very slippery slope bashing Pete Rose here in Reds country, especially those of us who watched his entire career. We still love Pete. Oh, hey timb, rumor has it that you are REALLY the anti-matt a.k.a. bruiser. Is that true or do you all just sound the same in your posts?By timb
August 21, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
lugnut, First I wasn’t talking to you. Secondly, I was unaware that telling someone he is NOT a “racist” is considered such a abysmal sin. The fact that telling someone he is not a racist infuriates you is sort of strange. Michael, you also aren’t a jerk. Let’s see if lugnut gets all worked up over that too. PS luggie, “there has been no racism here”. Well, I can’t speak for every post Hal ever made and every comment on it, but I can say that Hubertucky slid pretty close to the line when he called Justin Upton a “homey.” I’m sure you didn’t see that as offensive since being called “not a racist” is offensive. It’s BIZARRO WORLD!!!!!!!!!By lugnut
August 21, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
timb, just read your condescending comments. and why on earth did you have to bring the “racist pig” comment into this blog? there has been no racism here (perhaps in your mind — you feeling guilty or something?). are you in a race with matt to see who is the biggest gasbag?By lugnut
August 21, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
gee matt, you sure do think highly of yourself. that makes one.By timb
August 21, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
I also happen to think Michael in Monterrey is correct. The Reds control four starting pitchers through 2009 at relatively cheap prices. The bullpen is a little more stable than before and the addition of Owings, along with Daryl Thompson and (hopefully) a Homer Bailey who remembers how to pitch, gives the Reds some mild depth. Additionally, Dallas Buck was a steal. This was a kid ho was going to be a high first rounder, but no one wanted to pay the 100,000 for surgery, plus bonus money, so he dropped. When this guy’s arm regains full strength (the beginning of 2009), he should a year and half to two years away from the Reds. With that said, this team can’t score runs without adding offense from somewhere, and, until they play fundamental defense, even their best pitching would be worthless. By the way, Edwin gets a lot of grief for defensive lapses, but Votto STILL can’t make the throw to a pitcher covering first. Why can’t he and why don’t more people complain? So, I too think the future looks bright, BARRING major injuries to Volquez, Cueto, or Harang (who I would shut down for the season).By timb
August 21, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Gee, Mike, you could listen to me, since I clearly know more about baseball than you do (no crime there). You could listen to Walt Jocketty, he of the several Division championships and World Series title). Walt said months ago the five players he would not trade on this team were Bruce, Cueto, Volquez, Votto and Encarnacion. Personally, I’m a huge fan of Baseball Prospectus. a bio on Ted Williams or any baseball book by David Halberstam might teach you how teams in the past won. The last person you should listen to is any talk show host from Cincinnati, save Doc Rogers. The next to last person is anyone who broadcasts for the Reds not named Welch. Face it, Michael, you like the Reds and you’re not a racist pig. You like baseball and have a firm interest in it. You have to be a reasonably good person to like baseball! You can do this.By wizard
August 20, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
All one has to do is watch Dickerson and Bruce run the bases—they do it correctly everytime—perhaps Votto, also. Everyone else can be fined for lack of busting your a$$!By Michael in Monterey, CA
August 20, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
I’m one of those who believes this team will be good down the road. But forget about signing free agents. The Reds have a good group of young players and some up and comers. The Reds need to develope their farm system and lock in instructors that can teach these kids something other than a 2/4 seam fastball and change-up. Stop signing worthless veterans and let youth take over. Worst to first can happen.By Matt
August 20, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks for your post, lugnut. It sure was an intelligent one. At least I’m sure you think so. In your version of this blog lugnut I’m sure that I do label everyone who doesn’t agree with me as “dusty haters”, but here in the real world, that simply is not the case. Unlike certain folks on this blog, I don’t just throw personal attacks at people. I present thoughtful, intelligent opinions and thoughts on everything related to Reds baseball. I hope you will start doing the same.By lugnut
August 20, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
and matt can’t seem to stop his obsessive manlove/hatefest with huber and brar and damn near anybody else who doesn’t agree with him as he labels them dusty haters. and once again, it’s another non-baseball post from the blogcop where he criticizes other people for their non-baseball posts. what a hypocrite you are matty boy the manchild.By Robert
August 20, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
“As we near September, we will continue to provide valuable playing time to our young players and new acquisitions who we feel can become significant contributors at the Major League level.” If this is true, did anyone tell Dustbag? For some reason he continues to play Cory Patterson and Paul Bako. Are they part of the future? Sounds to me like not all of management are on the same page.By Matt
August 20, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
I see that Hubertucky and his friend Brarhopper are continuing to ruin the dignity of this blog with their personal attacks. If you can’t win arguments or debates based on fact and merit, then you should just let it die there. But unfortunately, HT and Brarhopper just can’t refrain from engaging in petty, immature personal attacks and insults.By MAC
August 20, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Bruce’s mis play in RF and lack of discipline at the plate just flat looked bad. CP hustled to Soto’s gap shot, but forgot to catch it. Of course, EE’s botched bunt Def was all too familiar, but I’m surprised no one is placing much blame on Bako. He’s the Captin in that situation and a vet and provided NO leadership. Once again, this guy has more ABs than a good hitting Valentine because he’s “better” defensively? We’ve seen it all season long and it reads as bad as Mr. C’s and Jockett’s letter. Bako has been terrible at the plate and his defense hasn’t been much better, yet (CP anyone) Baker continues to try and sell his “quality” Def??By michael
August 20, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
matt or timb, somebody please tell me, who should I trust as my source for all things Reds Baseball?By HuberTucky
August 20, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
timb shows his ignorance with his comment, “hustle is immaterial.” You make a great Reds manager, timb. Oh wait, they already have you in the dugout dressed as Dusty. I guess BJ’s manager diidn’t bench him because he saw how fruitless it was after 3 benching in two weeks and the dude is STILL stylin’. Or maybe because he apologized? Regardless, he’s just another slacker jock. If the homey fits, wear it, bro!By mike cahill
August 20, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
I read that letter earlier. If that were a letter to shareholders, it would cause a riot. Why go the time and trouble to write something as hopeless as that? I would’ve felt better if they had kept silent and allowed me to think they had a secret agenda. Heres’s a plan. You put a winner on the field and I’ll come buy a ticket. I may even have a Wiedemann or two and one of those hot dogs. While you are at it, see if you can find a manager who can act like he cares.By timb
August 20, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
So, we know three things: 1) Season ticket sales for next year are going to way down, which means Uncle Bob will want to drop 8 million per season on a new Eric Milton (hopefully, Walt prevails on that one); 2) it is now officially our knee-jerk, Marty Brennaman-esque consensus that a 25 year still a year away from arbitration and the lone source of right-handed power on the team needs to be moved. We don’t know for what, but we can anticipate the marvelous wonder of Jeff Keppinger grounding to third four times a game and that makes us giddy; and 3) Hubertucky says something in this sentence that should be addressed: “Sounds more to me that a mental lapse for this homey would be if he actually DID hustle.” So, let’s address it. Unless, Huber you are a really cool 22 year old or an African-American, you invalidate your entire argument by writing that. In typical “Cincinnati” fashion, you ignore the talent of this guy and the fact that his manager did not sit him after this gaffe. He played Upton and his sparkling .380 OBP and Upton not only got a hit, but threw a runner out at the plate. You missed this because sadly, you think criticizing kids for showboating in an embarrassing screed means you know something about winning baseball, when it means the opposite. Baseball managers are not dictators and “hustle” and “talent” are not the same thing. Talent wins; hustle is immaterial.By AP-FLORIDA
August 20, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
hey1 GIVE mATT CREDIT!!! HE FIGURED OUT WHY THE REDS ARE THE ONLY 6TH PLACE TEAM IN BASEBALL. HOORAY FOR MATT. Hal, I for one would also like to see your midterm grade on Rusty Baker’s performance..ThanksBy Steve
August 20, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Matt- I’ve heard enough about being in 6th because it makes me sick, not because 5 other teams are in last place. I don’t care about those teams. I care about the Reds, who are in 6th place. No positive spin on that one, sir. Facts are facts. Spindoctors could argue that at least we aren’t in 7th. Maybe Bob can put that in next years letter.By Roho Radio
August 20, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
You’re right Matt. I was thinking the same thing when I saw that comment for the umpteenth time. But your explanation of it is classic. I never would have figured that out on my own. It was way too deep for me!!!By HuberTucky
August 20, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Interesting little story in today’s Columbus Dispatch. Seems that B.J. Upton apologized yesterday for a “mental lapse” on the bases. He was SHOCKED when he was thrown out at 2nd base on what should have been a routine double. He went into his “trot” coming out of the batter’s box on a drive that hit the left-field wall instead of clearing it and was tagged out at second. This is the kind of lack-of-hustle guy we have seen on the Reds this year. Incidentally, B.J (wonder what THAT stands for?) has been benched three times in the past two weeks for not hustling. Sounds more to me that a mental lapse for this homey would be if he actually DID hustle. Baker take note: Some managers do not reward this sort of lethargic play.By Brarhopper.
August 20, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
I think most of us have heard way more than enough from matt.By Bobs
August 20, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
They want us to believe that the Reds will be fine, yet we all know that: 1. There will be no money to spend on free agents. 2. No free agents want to come to Cincy…except bad ones. 3. Our future is already in Cincy, and it is not enough. 4. Say what you want about Griffey and Dunn, but at least when we were losing, it was fun to see what they would do. This does not mean that I wanted Griffey to be back next year, but I did want Dunn. This is not a smallball park no matter how many of you think we should find single and double hitters. You need players to be able to hit homeruns in this park. 5. With the above, the Reds will be picked to finish last next year, will have no talent coming in or up, and less money will be made. Hal, how many realistic years are the Reds away?By Matt
August 20, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
I think most of us have heard enough about the Reds being the only 6th place team in all of baseball. The reason for that is because the NL Central is the only 6-team division in all of baseball. The Reds are a last place team, just like 5 other MLB teams are.By Steve
August 20, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
I think everyone would agree that baseball is a business. My problem stems from a much larger picture. If I hear one more ‘leader’ put a positive spin on a matter that has no positives I may drive off a bridge. We need to be realists to improve. If ‘leaders’ really want to improve and be the best they need to stop surrounding themselves with yes men and admit when mistakes are made. ‘Leaders’ need to learn from mistakes and shoulder the load of bad decisions. As far as the Reds, who is responsible for Dusty being here? Cordero? Patterson? It’s the guy writing the checks. You will recognize him. He’ll be the one wearing the rose colored glasses while the oldest team in MLB slides further away from championship baseball. How very sad. Hal, if you see Bob tell him we want our stadium back.By Marge
August 20, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Hal, do you have really have confidence in Baker to lead this new group of young players to winning baseball in the next couple of years? Answer this based on the results we’ve seen this year and the fact that the Reds were predicted to contend for the Central. They have underachieved. If the Reds were in first place Dusty would be considered the savior in the DDN and on ESPN and so on. He has to be accountable for some if not most of the losing. Also, tell EE or B. Phillips that when I say I’m a Reds fan I get laughed at. It’s freakin’ EMBARRASSING. Are they embarrassed?By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
August 20, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Thing I’ll never understand is how supposedly smart and successful business people can possibly believe their customers are so irretrievably stupid as to ever buy such a load of BS as this letter. Yet, time and again they get some PR flunkie to write this fluff, thinking the company can sell these crates of rotten tomatoes. Here’s what Castellini should have already done long before now: Stand before a public audience, “say” what he feels, answer questions from the audience, be forthright and magnanimous, take blame, pass blame, whatever. But the upfront approach works every time. This letter to the public stuff has never worked. Ever. In history. Yet, supposedly smart business people keep trying to sell this smelly box of no-goods.By pocketpool
August 20, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Right on, Bob, Mike-Cincy, Michael, Florida Buckeye. And while they’re at it cleaning out the junk in the Red’s dugout, get a replacement for EE. He is dreadful, or is that redful? Remember, red and dead are only one letter apart. Seriously, EE is a disaster. I’m sure Bruce will come around (although he reminds me of a country boy being taken advantage of in the big city). There is a reason (or several) that this is the only 6th place team in MLB.By Bobs
August 20, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Florida Buckeye, I am with you. Bob Castellini is a LIAR. He stated he wants to win, and win now. So we sign and keep players like Patterson and Bako. Show me you actually care and get rid of horrible players. Seriously, the organization tried to sell us on Matt Belisle. I know it brainwashed the Cincy writers, but at least our own Hall of Fame writer knew this would not work. Starting Patterson over Bruce…the organization cant continue to feed the fans crap, they (we) are a little smarter then that. Give us real players or play younger guys. Fans will at least support younger players compared to older players who just plain stink. I did and I will not watch a game that Belisle started, that Fogg now starts, or that Patterson starts…and yes, that means I am not watching any Reds game these days.By Cait
August 20, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Hal. You said what I was thinking - only better. OhDave, yes, you are dreaming. Jim M. - quit thinking about Sabathia. 1. The Reds won’t cough up enough money to sign him. 2. What pitcher in his right mind would play in the GABP bandbox? I once thought we might have a shot at Sabathia because he and Dunn are friends, but even that very remote chance is gone now - along with the only power hitter this team had.By Mike
August 20, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
The last sentence said it all. “Look forward to seeing you at the ballpark! They forgot one vital fact! it should have read : “Look forward to seeing you at the Ballpark, we probably won’t win, but please be patient with us. We are really trying. Oh and by the way, When you come be sure and bring lots of money, your relatives, co-workers and friends as you will love our concessions and our low prices. We are only 22 1/2 games out right now, but we feel you will be on the edge of your seats watching our proven manger Dusty Baker and his Class AA team battle to get out of the cellar. Oh, by the way, we take Visa and Mastercard!By Bob
August 20, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Just how long does Encarncion’s audition last? He has failed in every area over and over and all I hear is about potential and quiet desire. Has talent are just plain brains ever been examined. The play last night on the bunt would have been made by a good Little League team.By Florida Buckeye
August 20, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
What galls me,is that they state that they have “aggressively tried to improve our Major League roster for the purpose of restoring championship baseball to Cincinnati. We have sought and signed proven players.” And it begs the question of WHO?!? Bako? Patterson? The only player that I agree with, and ONLY, if he can stay healthy was Hairston…what have the rest of the signings under Jockety acheived other than a dilution of an already weak product?!?By michael
August 20, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Jacoby and Tricky Dick Pole need to be sent to the minors. I think they are ruining our young talent. Bring up Sabo and Power.By Mike-Cinci
August 20, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Last night Jay Bruce looked like Daffy Duck misplaying a fly ball in right field. He again proved he has no idea of the stike zone by fanning 3 times and looking bad doing it. EE goofed up at 3B again by misplaying a bunt. He also looks bad at the plate. Cueto looked great. Compare the Cubs/Reds line-ups and pitching staffs. There is no comparison. The Reds need much better players to get anywhere close to the Cubs, Cards, Brewers and Astros.By AP-FLORIDA
August 20, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
THANKS HAL!!! I had not read the entire letter yet, but I was preparing a donation check as I thought they were asking for money….That’s probably next week!!! Jeff easy on the submit buttonBy jeff
August 20, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Alonso will be here faster than you think. Kid is 22 and making 4.5 million. He is already being assigned to Class A Sarasota according to the reportsBy jeff
August 20, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Alonso will be here faster than you think. Kid is 22 and making 4.5 million. He is already being assigned to Class A Sarasota according to the reportsBy jeff
August 20, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Alonso will be here faster than you think. Kid is 22 and making 4.5 million. He is already being assigned to Class A Sarasota according to the reportsBy jeff
August 20, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Alonso will be here faster than you think. Kid is 22 and making 4.5 million. He is already being assigned to Class A Sarasota according to the reportsBy rockieredsfan
August 20, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Hal - It would be great if you write your book, no doubt a #1 best sell. Another great story writer was Joe Cullinane in Denver. I would believe you know him from Coors Field (he has an unlimited pass to the clubhouse, the field, the press box etc.). When I go to the Rockie games, I get to the gate D early (media and players gate) for autographs, and he used to walk to Coors Field every game, and always had a short baseball story to tell—he never failed to tell one. I wear a Reds hat (yep, I take a bunch of crap from Rockies fans) and he called me the “Cincy Kid” (I’m 55 and a kid to Joe). I bought his book, a great read and encouraged him to write a second one, but he never got around to it, and now he is now reported to be in a care facility very ill. He is sadly missed at Coors Field. Hope you walk to the ballpark this coming weekend. Would like to say hello to you.By Tyler
August 20, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Marty you need to look a couple yards down the road to see the most dysfunctional franchise not only in Cincy but in all of sports….silly bungals you will never learnBy Roger
August 20, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
No mention of hotdog prices in the LETTER? How about a few changes in the concession areas? Maybe a crying towel givaway each night, while we “wait ‘till next year”.By sick of it all
August 20, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this
same old ** dummy baker plays his son cory..dropped fly ball then another stupid play by error eddie and another loss in a quality start..8th inning 0 runs and who still bats(note I did not say hits) good old corey bakerson…how much is baker getting paid to throw these games..no moron not being paid would continue to allow this mindless crap.By MAC
August 20, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this
No doubt, the Reds have a lot of issues most of which won’t be resolved unless Mgt brings in some ML talent! Essentially, Cincy has NO ML ready OFs and no one @ the catching spot. The INF is resonable, but still lacking in many aspects. SP has improved, but it’s still young and inconsistent, and the BP has a number of unsigned FAs that leave it up in the air for 2009 as well. IMO, Mgt has been much too slow to act which almost guarantees 2009 won’t be much better than this season?By Marty
August 20, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this
Hal, You’ve hit the nail on the head again. What a HORRID, PATHETIC AND EMBARRASSING sales pitch to try to rally Reds Nation. Pfftttt! I’ve never seen a more dysfunctional franchise as what I’m seeing now. Ownership can plead and beg all they want, but when you put a AA team on the field against real Major Leaguers, people will see for themselves what a debacle this organization has become. It’s sickening.By scott
August 20, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
The public relations on this letter may not be the greatest. It might have been better to say that “We’re going to get it done no matter what it takes, but it’s going to take time”. However, as far as I’m concerned, the best PR is to put your money where your mouth is and Bob Castellini has done that in my opinion. How can you say otherwise? If he has a fault it’s that he’s too impatient, but isn’t that a crime of passion? I’d rather have that then what we had in previous ownership - it’s no contest. The recent signings and moves are encouraging, and I for one am content to wait on Bob and Walt Jocketty. If the wait is a few years - so be it.By mutraman
August 19, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
This organization was ruined by the Banana Man, Uncle Carl Lindner, that fellow who makes payments to Colombian terrorist groups. At least the new guys are trying which is more than I can say for that fellow who ran things from 2000-2006.By Steve Cy
August 19, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the repeat, but this is a better place for it. I read the letter signed Bob and Walt. As an advertising copywriter during my professional career, I was called upon to write a lot of press releases, corporate communications and PR pieces for the bigwigs. I can tell you, this Red’s letter is a fluff piece and a shallow and hollow load of crap that says or contains very little substance. Its a stop the bleeding attempt. Pure BS IMO.By jim m.
August 19, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Well tonight shows this team needs some hitters.. cant rely on all youngsters to carry the load after vets like Jr and Dunn are gone.. Plus having a hitting coach Jacoby doenst help, its evident with the lack of run producing since their departure..i see nothing different in 2009 if the same coaches are kept here!! AND they don’t go get a power right handed bat like a Matt Holiday who would be perfect in Left field batting 4th..and a stud lefthanded pitcher like C.C> Sabathia!!By ShockMonkey
August 19, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
We added Dusty Baker, a proven winning manager. Proven at what? Playing marginal players who do more harm than good? The sooner we erase him from the corporate spin doctor letter, the happier I will be. He’s awful filling out a lineup card. I could do better pulling names out of a hat. Phillips batting 4th? Playing Patterson though is one for the ages. Somebody needs to wire Dusty’s head and fanny straight.By ohdave
August 19, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Maybe I’m the eternal optimist but I don’t think the Reds are that far away. As Cueto and Volquez have shown in their most recent starts, the two young men are a solid foundation for the rotation for 09. I refuse to believe that the Aaron Harang we’ve seen in the second half of this year is the real Aaron Harang. And Arroyo has proven to be a serviceable starter for the club. There’s plenty of competition for the fifth starter within the organization… Let’s hope Bailey fulfills his promise and joins the rotation as a contributing member. With Lincoln, Cordero, and Burton, the bullpen is solid. Could be a great pitching staff next year with a little luck and a little defense. Which leaves the offense. One or two solid veterans to provide leadership and teaching to the Reds’ talented young hitters could make this team competitive in 09. And the money is there to get those players. Am I dreaming?By ohdave
August 19, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Maybe I’m the eternal optimist but I don’t think the Reds are that far away. As Cueto and Volquez have shown in their most recent starts, the two young men are a solid foundation for the rotation for 09. I refuse to believe that the Aaron Harang we’ve seen in the second half of this year is the real Aaron Harang. And Arroyo has proven to be a serviceable starter for the club. There’s plenty of competition for the fifth starter within the organization… Let’s hope Bailey fulfills his promise and joins the rotation as a contributing member. With Lincoln, Cordero, and Burton, the bullpen is solid. Could be a great pitching staff next year with a little luck and a little defense. Which leaves the offense. One or two solid veterans to provide leadership and teaching to the Reds’ talented young hitters could make this team competitive in 09. And the money is there to get those players. Am I dreaming?By Don
August 19, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Nice dissection of Castellini’s shallow comments. You nailed this one, Hal.