The Real McCoy

By ホストクラブ

September 21, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

検討に値する。

By LAS

August 24, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

What are the chances the Reds go after Furcal this offseason? The other guy I like is Texeria and making the OF Votto, Hairston, Bruce. The lineup would be Furcal, Phillips, Texeria, Bruce, Votto, Hairston, EE/Kepp, catcher. Hey, why not, its not my money!!!

By wiz

August 23, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

error: I meant short and second simultaneously!

By wiz

August 23, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Now MAC, most of your posts made sense,but—BP has already proven he can go to his right, while playing second. My guess is, Gonzo won’t return, and/or he won’t be what he was—tough injury.You know what? They could save a lot of money for pitching, if they let BP play 1st and 2nd simultaneously!

By MAC

August 23, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Wiz, think of all the balls BP gets to in the hole @ 2nd. If he moves to SS, who’s going to get those outs; maybe Phillips doesn’t go well to his right? W/ Gonzo making 6M + a year, my guess he’ll play SS if healthy which is bound to put Kepp and Harriston on the bench more. How that will help things is anyone’s guess; sounds a lot like the Griffey situation all over again if you ask me?

By michael

August 23, 2008 5:52 AM | Link to this

Well, Karl we don’t give a crap if anybody else gives a crap!

By w

August 23, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

Perhaps, next year when the pitching is even better, as well as, the hitting—and our Reds are competing for a division championship—it will get to be real important to get to ground balls in the hole, or up the middle—in crucial games—I would bet BP gets to more of them than Kepp. Now Kepp made a great play tonight, but he didn’t have to go that far into the hole; and I’ve seen a lot of balls he couldn’t get close to this year, that others would have reached {IMO}. I doubt they’ll be calling either one of us for opinion—but I’ll stick with mine.Whether they make the change, or not—it remains my wish for another reason:BP hasn’t become an all-star at second, yet.I’m hoping he’ll show some leadership—and volunteer.Anyhow, Go Reds!

By MAC

August 23, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this

Wiz, let me also say, I understand the need for a good SS and it would be nice to find the next AROD, Jeter, Nomar, Renteria?, but there aren’t many of them around the in NL or in MLB. Rollins, Reyes & Tejda? are the 3 elite guys & the Cubs and Rockies SS are nice players, but there aren’t many studs in today’s game. On the other hand, there are numerous quality 2nd basemen: BP, Uggla, Utley, Weeks, Sanchez, Kelly Johnson, DeRosa to name a few NL guys. There has been a changing of the guard if U will w/ SS moving back to a more Def position and 2nd base becoming more of an offensive position IMO. No doubt, the Reds need one, but I don’t see many out there?

By MAC

August 23, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Wiz, I played Legion and College ball and have coached and umpired from Single A all the way down to LL. Last year my BR All Star team finished 2 in the State. Like U, I’ve been around the game. To the point at hand, Cincy isn’t losing games because of bad SS play! Experience tells me, ML coaching moved BP to 2nd for a reason. Likewise, all too often I’ve seen such a move negitively effect a players otherwise good offense; that’s why I wouldn’t move BP. The Reds have at least 20 other significant & more pressing issues; why not fix some of those & leave our All-Star 2nd baseman alone?

By wizard

August 22, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

MAC: I maintain,still—the idea is to win—and your best fielder and strongest arm plays short in 99.9 % of the time—at any level. Brandon is brilliant in the field at second{you are correct}; great ability is not lost by moving to short—I played both and could have signed with the Twins had I not played college football. If Gonzo comes back {a BIG if}and is as good as before, then fine, leave BP at second—otherwise,Play Keppinger at third, or second, because he does not have as much range{although he is adequate}.Trade “jog to first” Encarnacion! There are numerous options to play at second, if all are healthy. IMO, whomever it is, is not as important as who you play at SS. I don’t know any teams, at any level, who play their second best infielder at SS. Even my softball mgr.moved me from short to second,one year, when Doug Flynn came out to join our team, and shortly after, started playing for the Reds. You make good points, MAC; I happen to disagree largely because of experience—but also because of what I see available on the Reds team.Thanks for the conversation—it’s refreshing to speak to someone who doesn’t demand capitulation.

By Matt

August 22, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your friendly post, Baseball Guru. Allow me to respond in kind. First, let me talk about your comment that the last two teams that Baker took over (Cubs, Giants) were “predicated on established teams being in place before he got there and riding the success that was already on the horizon”. Really? Let’s take a look at the Cubs record in 2002, a year before Baker took over. The Cubs were 67-95 in 2002. That doesn’t exactly sound like success on the horizon to me. In 2003, the Cubs were 88-74, and finished in 1st place. Now THAT sounds like success. Let’s take a look at the Giants record in 1992, one year before Baker took over as manager. The Giants were 72-90 that year. Again, success is not ringing in my ears. In 1993, Baker’s first year as manager, the club finished 103-59. Again, THAT looks like success. I stand by my belief that Dusty is a very knowledgeable baseball man. I would think that a guy who has been involved in baseball, either as a player or a manager, for close to 40 years would be pretty knowledgeable about the sport. If he isn’t, then he’s probably not too bright. You also mention that ownership “spends a large amount of their time candy-coating and hiding real facts”. Really? So ownership is routinely lying to the fans and purposely attempting to deceive and mislead the fans? I think you are a little bit mistaken on that, sir. Are you a cynical individual? As far as Dunn batting all over the lineup, from what I gather, Dusty was trying to mix and match and see what works. I believe that was also part of the process of figuring out his team and what he had to work with. Dusty is not a statistician, and doesn’t pretend to be. Baseball is not trigonometry; it is a sport. It’s not that complicated and doesn’t require a PHD in order to understand it. If all that was required to be a good manager is just using a stats book, I could be a good manager. Dusty isn’t a strictly by-the-book manager, and that draws some folks’ ire. Well, I guess if you want that, you can look to Bob Boone and Dave Miley. They pretty much managed 100% by the book, and look where that got them. A good manager must do things his own way and have a certain style of managing that he brings to the table. Anybody can just pull out a stats book and write out a lineup card. I agree with you about Encarnacion, and Corey Patterson. CP should not have a roster spot on any major league team. He is a disgrace, and is not fit to wear a Reds uniform. As far as moving Phillips to SS, again, I say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. BP is a tremendous 2B, and moving him to a different position makes no sense. SS is a whole new dimension from 2B, and what is the guarantee that he would be successful there? Then what? Mess with him more by moving him somewhere else, or back to 2B? Very high risk/low reward, silly idea there that I think makes absolutely zero sense. I agree that Phillips should not be batting 4th. His skills suit him more for batting 2nd or third in the lineup, in my opinion. But I’m not qualified to be a MLB manager and I trust Dusty to handle the decision-making on things such as that, and any other managerial duties. Phillips has come through in the cleanup spot this year, and other times he has not. When he doesn’t swing for the fences he is a fine hitter no matter where he is in the lineup. I hope that you enjoy, and I wish you luck, with your research sites and statistical information.

By BaseballGuru

August 22, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Matt, most of what you say is being met with debate because you use strawman debates. For one, you say where is your “proof” that it is this way. Well, considering that the ownership spends a large amount of their time candy-coating and hiding real facts, you can’t use “quotes, articles, and research” materials to define. The number one form of judging managerial success is how close players play to their level of ability and of course w/l record. You talk about statistics, yet you overlook the biggest ones. I mean if your stats that you’ll use to counter w/l record were worth more, than why do they use w/l to determine the post-season teams?! Sounds to me like all of baseball judges performance based on w/l. I’m not a huge Reds fan, but they became my “national league team” as I’m from Seattle originally and follow the Mariners. My parents live in West Chester and I’ve lived in Ohio for a few years a while back, so I did have my finger on the pulse of the Reds for some time. I bring this up because Riggleman who is identical to Baker in a lot of ways, couldn’t manage to save his (another name for donkey)! My pet peeve with Riggleman is not walking a guy with less than two outs, first base is open and a runner at 3rd base in a close game. Bunting with Johjima who has failed to get the bunt down 5 times out of 5 tries. These things are not noticed by most fans and so they aren’t brought up to defend their point that Dusty has failed as a manager. As for the Reds problems, let’s start with Dunn. Pros and cons are, a high OBP, great power, poor AVG, poor clutch hitting. 5 walkoff HRs do not make you a clutch hitter, check the stats and you’ll see that he pretty much only succeeds in the clutch when the bases are loaded and he can sit on a fastball. Regardless, the solution would be to bat a .400+ OBP guy like Dunn 1st, even with his speed, the rest of the team dictates that most are not table setters. You however don’t do what Dusty did and bat him 2nd since 160+ strikeouts per season shows him to not be able to have the bat control. Furthermore, they then tried Dunn at 4th, 5th, and 6th all run producing positions for a guy that hits .230s MAYBE .240s with RISP. He should be batting 7th, a position that was used commonly for Mark McGwire by what I feel to be the greatest manager in the last 30 years, no guy has done more with less than LaRussa. He knew McGwire would strikeout a lot, so he put him in a position to drive in the RBI guys like Dave Henderson and Carney Lansford who hit in the clutch but lacked power. Too often guys like Dusty fall in love with the HR when making up their lineup card. However, anybody realize that while Dunn is a slamdunk for 40 HRs, he’s less than a certainty for even 30 2Bs. Probably not because we love the HR as baseball fans, but there are other problems too in the Dusty logic. First off, it’s bad enough to start Corey Patterson and you can go back and forth about whether he’s in the lineup, but why is he batting at the top of the order for 70%+ games?! Logic would be that if you bat him 8th, in the event he defies logic and gets on base (despite a less than .300 OBP), you could have a pitcher take a couple pitches so he could steal a base, then lay down the bunt to move him over to 3rd base, maximizing his talents and not making the team suffer by putting guys with low OBPs in front of guys like Encarnacion who constantly had nothing to drive in because of it! People that are concerned with Encarnacion… You shouldn’t be, give the kid a break, he’s been sent back and forth between Louisville and Cincinnati so much that he just needs to get some confidence shown in him by the FO and he’ll respond with better play. He reminds me A LOT of Adrian Beltre, who struggled defensively for a while when he was younger and is now a GG 3B. Encarnacion boots the easy play and makes the difficult seem trivial. You can’t train a guy to make the amazing plays, you can instill the fundamentals to get him to make the routine plays however! Brandon Phillips should be playing SS, not Keppinger. I’m sold on Keppinger as a regular, but his arm is not strong enough to play SS. This is specifically translated in the double play when going 2B to SS to 1B (that’s 4-6-3 for those of you scoring at home). The throw from Phillips is there, but Kepp doesn’t have the arm strength to throw without a plant foot across his body as he’s not able to twist all the way back to a closed position to get the torque on the ball and it has cost them a few DPs because of it. Phillips has a very strong arm as he was a pitcher in H.S. Also, he may have more errors, but you insulate Encarnacion by giving him a GG caliber defensive player with a great arm next to him to take some of the burden off him. Also, you get more balls hit to SS because more hitters are right-handed, so you want your best defensive player there! These are all decision that Dusty should be making. A lineup with Phillips batting 4th totally kills the benefit of his OBP and his speed. It’s silly batting orders with no thought process. I think Dusty would be a great bench coach, but stinks as a manager. By the way, his early success this season was with arguably one of the best players in the history of the game being the vocal leader and dealing with the press to take the burden off the younger guys. His team in SF had Bonds(MVP x 7), Kent(MVP), and a slew of other guys on it that were more than a little talented. In fact, Dusty has always enjoyed the benefit of having a past MVP winner in his prime playing for him OR a 600 HR guy. Baker’s success in his past two locations was predicated on established teams being in place before he got there and riding the success that was already on the horizon. If you think he’s a knowledgeable baseball man, than my guess is you are either young, ill-informed, biased, or only look at surface stats and do not understand the finer points of baseball. If you are going to reply to me, please start with an explanation detailing why I’m wrong and you are right, okay Matt?! Not just tagents, tell me how it is logical to bat Dunn 2nd, to bat Dunn 4th, to bat Dunn 5th. So if you say anything, know that I will go to my research sites and I will hammer home so much statistical information in my next post, it will only display your lack of foresight and knowledge! COnsider this a friendly post.

By Insane Ramblings

August 22, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Check this out. Sounds like the ravings of a very disturbed mind. “By Matt August 22, 2008 4:45 PM 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 Todd Jackson

August 22, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

I’m a bit confused here guys. Maybe you can help me out. Is this Hal’s blog or Matt’s?

By Matt

August 22, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a “Man Crush” on Dusty, MAC. I simply respect what he has done in his managerial career, and I have no doubt he can bring the success he has had with other teams here. A man doesn’t get to the number of managerial wins and accolades that Baker has just due to dumb luck. I don’t know all of the intangibles that he has, but clearly he has done something right over the years, and there’s no reason why that can’t happen here with the Reds. If all it took to be a successful manager was to write out a lineup card every night and sit in the dugout, my 11 year old sister could be a fine manager. Clearly, Baker brings more than that to the table and his previous successes show that. I think he is the most qualified manager the Reds have had since Jack McKeon, and that the Reds will have success under Dusty Baker.

By MAC

August 22, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Good Pt Karl; maybe you’re on the wrong blog?

By MAC

August 22, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Matt, I’m not going to flame on U like some, but why the Man Crush on Dusty? U don’t need insider information to know it isn’t working real good. I can’t remember too many players stepping out & saying what a great job he’s doing and how much he’s helped them?? Pole at least has one ataboy to his credit this season. Maybe Dusty hasn’t done anything wrong & is a fine Mgr (??), but the team doesn’t hustle or show any kind of spark under him. Likewise, their execution night in and night out is just terrible, and HE hasn’t came up w/ a plan to make anything better thus far. If that’s not concrete enough for U, take a look at the won/loss record. Maybe w/ a veteran team Dusty would do just fine, but I don’t see him helping a very young Reds team get much better?

By Matt

August 22, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Good point MAC. That’s very close to the point that I made before about BP.

By Karl Hungus

August 22, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

You people are comical! I can’t believe you’re all splitting hairs over the REDS. They stink worse than Lindberger cheese. Talk about the Bengals or tractors…..something. Nobody outside of Cincy could give a sand covered cat crap about the Reds.

By MAC

August 22, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Wiz, I don’t see how moving BP to SS helps the Reds at all? When’s the last time BP played SS? Why did the Indians move him to 2nd in the first place? Likewise, have U considered that such a move may create more errors @ SS and negatively affect his performance @ the plate? Who steps in & plays 2nd the way BP does; certainly not Harriston? The Reds aren’t losing games because of their Def @ SS; Harriston, Kepp and even a healthy Gonzo are more than adequate Def @ SS! More importantly, BP is the one player & position on this team that doesn’t need addressed & most anyone around ML baseball would agree the Reds R set @ 2nd. What other position on this team can U say that about? The guy plays Gold Glove 2nd and when selective @ the plate, he can put up All Star numbers and U want to move him to SS? The Reds have a lot of problems; 2nd base/BP isn’t one of them IMO.

By Matt

August 22, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Apparently, someone is using my SN to make false posts so that it looks like I am making them. The immaturity and nonsense will never cease from certain folks on here I guess. Bobs, what inside knowledge do you have of this club that would enable you to make a statement such as “Dusty lost this team before they left Florida”? Do you have anything to back that up with? You also mentioned “Bob the Liar”. Are you referring to Castellini? If so, what lies has he told? Jay Bruce was not ready to be on this team in Soring Training, and it showed. He was downright over-matched at the plate and in the field several times. He is much more prepared to be on a major league team than he was then, as his skills have sharpened due to minor league seasoning. Also, Dusty pretty much didn’t know much about the team in Spring Training. That makes sense because he wasn’t affiliated with the Reds prior to this season. I’m sure that when the offseason comes, Baker and Jocketty will have a much more positive idea as to what they have here, and what parts they need heading into 2009 and beyond.

By bobs

August 22, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Matt, I respect the fact that at times you bring facts to the table, but if you cant accept other posters facts or examples, then you are just as moronic as they are. Dusty lost this team before they left Florida. He was not willing to give Bruce the shot he deserved. As soon as he got (barely) injured, he forced Bob the Liar to get Patterson. Not to mention, he has Norris Hopper and Freel ready to play center-field if Bruce was ready, so instead of going to someone who could bat leadoff, play centerfield and who hit over .300 last year or play Freel, he went and got his own guy. He showed a veteran team that he knew nothing about the team and was more comfortable going with his old players…how that turn out?

By mountain man

August 22, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Arroyo should have said that the Reds need a fifth starter-to take his place. On any other team Arroyo would be at best a fifth starter. I believe if I had a 5.32 era, I would not be talking to the beat writers and putting down some of my teammates.

By michael

August 22, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Wiz, you are right that he would be the best SS- but I think he has to want to play there in order to be the kind of SS he can be! They don’t make them like they used to, now they won’t always do whats best for the team.

By wizard

August 22, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

BP has the best arm, and best range—SS!This move should be what is best for the TEAM, not Brandon Phillips!It’s about putting the strongest TEAM on the field!!!! Play Hairston at second.

By null

August 22, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

sign adam dunn. that will fill every hole on this team

By wizard

August 22, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Because the BEST fielder on every team since time began—played shortstop! Duh.

By MAC

August 22, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I’d like to know what the Reds plan to do at the lead-off position? Most all of us have talked about the team not having a spark, (and they need 1) so what do the Reds do about it? Is Freel still an option? If so, CF is likely to be a by committee approach w/ Harriston, Dickerson & Hopper (who I like a lot) because Freel can’t stay healthy. Does that get anyone excited about next season? I think Phillips could be that guy if he were more selective & disciplined at the plate, but that leaves a right handed hole in the middle of our line-up. Could a Kotsay or Coco Crisp be an option? Whether U like any of those choices or not, it’s probably the ONE position that NEEDS TO BE FIXED and wouldn’t break the bank doing it? For that reason, I’d suggest that’s what the Reds try and fix this off season. Find somebody who can jump start this anemic offense and then pitch & play solid Def for a change!

By MAC

August 22, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

I liked the way Bronson pitched against the Cubs, but I’m not so sure about his plan. He had pinpoint control w/ all his pitches & did a great job of changing speeds to keep hitters off balance. As for his plan, trying to fill all the holes: C, CF, LF, lead-off hitter & SS, would likely take too many moves/money for the Reds? The best bang for the buck IMO is to go get C.C. That one player could solve a lot of problems every 5th day if you know what I mean? Of course, I doubt the Reds do that; they’re not ready to win so why spend that much money on any one player? Just don’t forget many of the guys in the BP are FA and may not be back next season…the Reds still need more quality SP IMO. Along those same lines, I don’t see Harrang bouncing back. This is the 2nd yr in a row he’s had this forearm injury and this season it’s been an extended problem. I see that getting worse before it get’s better; his out pitch is a slider and that puts a lot of pressure on the forearm. In short, I see a lot of by committee approach at SS, OF, C while the team waits for all the young guys to get more consistent and competitive. Because of that, I just don’t see Baker being the RIGHT guy for the Mgrs job either. He’s a veteran Mgr who needs accomplished veterans to do well IMO. Unless Mr. C. is going take on a partner and or open up the check book, I just see next season being a lot like this one; I hope I’m wrong!

By michael

August 22, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t move BP to SS unless he wants to play there. BPis a fine 2nd Baseman, and if it ain’t broke (one thing on the Reds that works)don’t fix it. He could play either fine.

By Matt

August 22, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

2009 changes: Pokey Reese at SS (he’s batting .167 for Columbus Clippers, Dusty should really like that), outfield of Griffey, Sheffield & Patterson (for his dazzling speed and base running skills, Dusty should love that), Brett Tomko, Eric Milton, Matt Beliese & Todd Coffee as your 2,3,4 & 5 starters. Sound like a great Reds team? Oh yeah, and Dusty Baker for president in 2009.

By ShockMonkey

August 22, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Actually Matt, I can envision Phillips moving to SS with WJ bringing in a new 2B. Mark Ellis from the A’s would be a great fit! Slide Kepp over to 3rd.

By ShockMonkey

August 22, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Put Arroyo in charge! Somebody has the stones to tell it like it is or should be! Baker simply doesn’t get it. Playing hit and run with Patterson and Bako in the 7th (Bako’s hitting .213)then leading Patterson off in the 9th and NOT pinch hitting for Bako either convinced me Baker must go. Just awful managerial decisions.

By Matt

August 22, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see why you would move a player who is Gold Glove caliber at his current position. Phillips is just fine at 2B, so what would be the point of moving him to SS? I wouldn’t imagine that is in the Reds plans.

By hij

August 22, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

I agree that it’s important to win as many games the remainder of the season as possible to create a winning attitude. But I still question why not play Adam R, Chris D and Ryan H every inning for the remainder of the season. Also, if we are considering Brandon P at SS next year and Joey V in the outfield, then we not try it in 2008 at the major league level. I guess this is why I don’t manage and Dusty does.

By Mike

August 22, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Matt nees to look up the definition of concise. Good thing he doesn’t have a microphone.

By Matt

August 22, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this

I submit that Dusty absolutely fits here, AP. I think the Reds will win with him as the manager, and hopefully folks will give him a decent shot. Mark, you and I were able to make our points and share our points of view without stopping to the low level of juvenile attacks and name-calling. That’s the point I’m trying to make, and the one that Wizard, HT and Brarhopper fail to get, as their most recent posts indicate. They insist on drinking their anti-Dusty, anti-Reds Kool Aid and expect everyone else to either do the same or to have no opinion that counteracts their own. Well, I don’t bow down to those demands, not now or ever.

By AP-FLORIDA

August 22, 2008 6:00 AM | Link to this

Matt you say rusty has done his best. I agree, it is just not good enough. He does not fit. Do you guys sleep?

By HuberTucky

August 22, 2008 3:58 AM | Link to this

Matt, I’m sure enough sorry for you that Twin Valley MHC closed. Now where will you go? Oh yeah, you’ll take it out on Hal’s blog.

By Silky

August 22, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this

Bronson pointed out something about this year’s team that is pretty ironic compared to the last few year’s teams. They actually do have decent pitching, the team ERA notwithstanding. It’s their offense that has been inconsistent and terrible. I looked on ESPN’s page and the Reds actually have the 3rd best bullpen ERA in the NL. That is even with the bullpen having the second most IPs, which usually wears down and kills a bullpen. One of the other posters who pointed out that Bronson referring to the pitching being there is obviously assuming we see continued improvement from Cueto, and Harang returning to some semblance of his normal self. I think next year this team will be mirror image of itself from the last few years. It will be good pitching and an offense that struggles.

By Silky

August 22, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this

Bronson pointed out something about this year’s team that is pretty ironic compared to the last few year’s teams. They actually do have decent pitching, the team ERA notwithstanding. It’s their offense that has been inconsistent and terrible. I looked on ESPN’s page and the Reds actually have the 3rd best bullpen ERA in the NL. That is even with the bullpen having the second most IPs, which usually wears down and kills a bullpen. One of the other posters who pointed out that Bronson referring to the pitching being there is obviously assuming we see continued improvement from Cueto, and Harang returning to some semblance of his normal self. I think next year this team will be mirror image of itself from the last few years. It will be good pitching and an offense that struggles.

By Ty

August 22, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

wow…can you guys get a life..your blog comments are longer than hal’s whole article. I love the Reds to, but…WOW

By Brarhopper

August 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

I see the bloghog is back bigger and badder than ever. Man it was great while he was away. His are not blog posts, they are ego- driven, repetitive and tiresome short stories. See ya guys.

By Mark in Sun Valley

August 22, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Last post on this subject for me. Maybe if you looked at this blog as a place to vent frustrations and praise successes instead of a forum for debate? I do not come here to debate. I do not think most of the people here want to pound their thoughts back and forth, constantly trying to top each other. Just say what you think and move on. It is trying to have the last word that frustrates people into responding and then degenerates into name calling. From many sources. As I said, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Try giving it and then letting it go. I think you’ll find the name calling will go away. I hope so. The name calling from all parties and the continuing attempts to sway all readers to one person’s ideas make what otherwise should be a great forum into something tedious, unreadable and frankly, boring.

By wizard

August 21, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

No one cares what you THINK you know…How many sports were YOU a professional in Matt? I was in two professional sports—you are inferior, Matt! All you can do well, is interfere with opinion, in a childish, immature manner.

By Matt

August 21, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

You continue to misrepresent me and what I say, Wizard. I don’t “attack” anyone’s opinion. I may offer a rebuttal or offer an opinion in contrast to someone else’s. That’s not attacking, that is called debate or discussion. In your view Wizard, unless I drink the anti-Dusty Kool Aid and side with you, HT and brarhopper on everything that you three say, I will be attacked. So be it then. I’ll continue to offer intelligent, thoughtful opinions on all things Reds baseball. I can answer questions, and I can back up my arguments and points with fact and statistics. What do you back yours up with, Wizard? Juvenile, petty name-calling? Personal attacks? Very sad.

By wizard

August 21, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

I am dead certain that you will get personal attacks as long as you disregard what I and Mark, and many others have said to you about opinion! You have totally disregarded what mark said about opinion{read it again}; and that is what irritates people about you—you refuse to understand, and DO what Mark and MANY others suggest. You don’t have to make every thing “right” in your eyes—if you continue this way—you will be rebuffed! Your choice.

By rob in stl

August 21, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Just to clarify, it was an 18 inning game and not 22.

By Harry the Horse

August 21, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Adam Dunn must feel like he got a get out of jail free card. Reds are wondering how they can get out of last place in 2009. Dunn is the big wheel on a first place club. No more jibes from Cowboy or Hall of Famer Marty. Or sore armed C Dub on TV. Mark Grace and Darren Sutton have a man crush on “Thunder Dunn”. They are wondering aloud how the D-backs can lock-up Dunner. Yeh the grass is greener in the desert. Greener than the wasteland of gripers in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. A bunch of Big Fish in a small pond who chased Dunn out of town. Dunn couldn’t be happier!!!

By wizard

August 21, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

The point is, Matt—others are allowed to find fault, if they want—without ANY comments from YOU! This has been repeated to you many times—why don’t you get it?

By Matt

August 21, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

What you keep forgetting in your eloquent poss about how bad I am Wizard is your faults. I’m sure you don’t think you have any, but the fact is that you do. Whether you want to believe that is your business. You use personal attacks, and name-calling in order to try to reinforce your points. In my opinion, that is what is “ruining” Hal’s blog. If someone disagrees with my opinion, let them. It is a free country. I have a right to post my opinion and to make as any posts as I want. That is the part that you don’t seem to understand about “blog life”, Wizard. If you want to believe irrational absurdities that don’t hold water, go ahead Wizard. If you want to believe that Dusty is a horrible manager, believe it. The statistics and substantiated facts do not support that. If you want to believe that the Reds are a talentless team with no hope, believe it. If you want to believe that the sky is red, believe it sir. More power to you. I will continue to post my opinions, and to back them up with something other than juvenile personal attacks and insults. I hope you’ll do the same.

By Matt

August 21, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

First of all Mark, let me say that I agree with you about the personal attacks, and that is why I don’t use them. My opinions are backed up with solid substantiated facts, statistics, quotes, etc. Those things don’t lie, sir. I present my opinions on Baker, CP and everything else that is related to Reds baseball in a thoughtful, intelligent way. I don’t call people “man-child”, “worm”, “sick”, or any other name to drive home what I have to say. I also agree that this has been a miserable season, and I’m sure that Baker has some degree of fault for it. He is absolutely not faultless for the Reds struggles this year. Not, however, to the extent that some on this blog insinuate. As if Baker wants the team to lose, or that he doesn’t try to win. Those are blatant, absurd falsehoods that don’t hold any water. You say that a manager must manage for both today AND tomorrow. In my judgment, that is partially correct. However, “today” is the more pressing issue than “tomorrow”. You can worry about tomorrow when you get to it. You don’t sacrifice a win today so that you might win tomorrow. If you do that you are going to have a slew of losses, in my opinion. Hindsight is always 20/20, and it’s easy to sit in a Monday morning quarterback chair and point fingers as to all that Dusty did wrong in this game or that game. As far as the 22 inning game, how was Baker supposed to know that the game was going to go on that long? How many 22 inning games are played per year? Baker was managing and made decisions in that game based on strategy and the situation throughout that entire game, and that was the reason why he had so little to work with at the end of the game. Not because he was “overusing” someone or because he was being short-sighted. Did you take a gander at the available Padres players as that game dragged on and on? I don’t seem to recall Bud Black having a bevy of personnel to turn to either. Was that because Black “misused” his pitchers or didn’t know what he was doing? No. It was because nobody envisioned a 22 inning ball game. The manager and the players had to adapt and overcome, which is something that happens in baseball from time to time, as well as the military. Dusty has played the hand that he was dealt this season. He can’t pull players out of thin air in order for the Reds to win. He can only use what he has available. I believe that Dusty has done as best as he could this season, and unfortunately the team has not performed to a winning note on the field. At the end of the day, all a manager can do is manage the team he has on the field. The players either perform or they don’t. Dusty has done the best that he could with what he has to work with, and I can’t fault him for that.

By wizard

August 21, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Mark in sun valley: Your comments on what opinion is, is well taken by people who have the ability to store what they read on here, in the “little grey cells”. But one on here can’t do that. The facts of blog life have been explained to Matt, over and over, by Sooooo many bloggers. He is incapable of getting along with others— because he will not allow others to have their own opinion, if it disagrees with his own! He named me in one of his tirades, just recently; and I have not spoken his name anywhere for weeks. But, as you say,when he inflames the situation…! The question remains: why can’t Matt, understand that his Blogcop ways ruin Hal’s blog for everyone? Is he stupid? He claims to love baseball; but is ruining it’s best blog. Why can’t he get it? Matt claims people on here “hate”—the ONLY damn thing that is hated on this blog is Matt’s refusal to understand what opinion is, and why it should not be attacked by him. Hell, a child can figure this out!

By AP-FLORIDA

August 21, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

I remember corey;s good days, all three off them. But his bad days outnumber his good so much that there is no reason to use him as Rusty does. I think maybe Rusty does not really like him, cause why would he put him out there to look so bad, and set him up for all of our abuse? Want lefthanders in lineup, use Votto in left and Javy at 1st. Rusty lacks imagination.

By Mark in Sun Valley

August 21, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Ok, here is an answer for your scenerio. Did I know who the personnel were when I started? Did I get to make at least SOME of my own hires? Then do I expect results? Yes. I at least expect improvement. Has this team done worse as the year progressed? Now, let me ask you, as a former military person. Is your CO responsible for the men under his command? Are their mistakes not his mistakes? In the Harang situation, Baker caused the problem early in the game by misusing his bullpen and throwing his long reliever for 2 batters. And although losing a game is bad, has the resulting 10 games lost been a better result. A manager must manage for today AND tomorrow. In that game, he was short sighted and created problems for days to come. Injuries do happen no matter what, and there are a thousand factors that govern the outcome of games. The most important thing overall is this. What happens under a manager reign; he is responsible for. Otherwise, you can throw out Dusty’s fabulous past you keep bringing up. He is either responsible for the good AND the bad, or responsible for nothing. This year, his performance is poor. The Reds record shows it. The attitude of the team shows it. The attitude of the fans toward the team shows it. One last thing. Opinion is just that. It does not need fact. Someone can have the opinion that Carl the peanut vender has a great arm and would make a hell of a pitcher. That is neither delusional nor idiotic. It is simply an opinion, and who knows, it might even turn out to be true. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, without being called names or having their intelligence questioned. Some opinions are more informed than others. Mine, so you know, has 40 years of playing and coaching on the semi pro level. And even in that case, what I feel is the right move can be countered by someone else who has no experience other than sitting on a couch and watching 1 game a year. And that opinion could turn out to be a correct accessment of the situation. Your are entitled to your opinion, I am entitled to mine. Personal insults only serve to undermine your position and inflame others. Let everyone have a say, you do not have to convince everyone else you are right and they are wrong.

By Charlie

August 21, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Hi- I stumbled on your column late in the season, after the Reds had gone down the tube. I liked Arroyo’s comments, but I question Encarnacion and Votto’s defense. At least you tell it as it is…the Cincinnati “writers” are terrible…if possible, worse than the team. Please don’t retire!

By rob in stl

August 21, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Matt, Well said regarding Dusty Baker. Winning track record with two of the most petulant players in the history of the game (Kent and Bonds). Came within 5 outs of taking the Cubs to the World Series for cryin’ out loud. Granted, his reputation was tarnished at the end in Chicago but I was ecstatic when he was hired.

By wizard

August 21, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Matt posts “with a degree of intelligence”? Who in their right mind would agree with that nonsence? Brarhopper, I agree—Dickerson should be in CF,period.

By Matt

August 21, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

You forget, AP, that CP wasn’t actually that bad when the season started. He had some pretty key hits for the Reds and turned in some pretty fine defensive plays. He hasn’t been a total failure the entire season, just most of it.

By David

August 21, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

And I believe, Matt, that a) if Dusty would have known that the Reds would be moving Griffey and Dunn for prospects during his first year on the job, he wouldn’t have touched the job with a 10-foot poll. Too many other openings pop up all the time that would be a better fit, and b) that if the Reds knew they were going to be trading Griffey and Dunn for prospects in the middle of this season, they would know that would only mean “rebuilding”, and why do that with a three-year, seven-figure contract on a manager when you could have Mackanin or Oester for a fraction of the cost? The Reds aren’t in a position now where one manager over another will make the difference between making the playoffs or not making them in 2009 or 2010. The difference between where the Reds are now and having wet dreams about the postseason in ‘09 or ‘10 are two front line starting pitchers, a starting catcher, a starting shortstop and at least one impact outfielder. And none of those holes are going to be filled by anyone currently on the 40-man roster.

By AP-FLORIDA

August 21, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Matt-you are still Matt, and that’s not good!!! Rusty dealt that card (corey) to himself!!! Rusty deserves alot of blame….

By Mr. Redlegs (Original)

August 21, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

David, you really need to give up the Ron Oester BS across all the Reds boards. He’s been fired from three organizations (with two stints with the Reds) and is no where close to working in professional baseball on any level for a reason. Move along on that one, doggie.

By Matt

August 21, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Let me use a little scenario to explain to you my way of thinking, Mark. If I give you a task, and I give you a few months to do it. But I don’t give you the adequate personnel or the right amount of resources in order to get it done. Would it be your fault (i.e Dusty) or mine (Reds ownership/GM) that the task didn’t get done to standard? I agree that Dusty has made some questionable decisions this year, one of which is the continued playing time and roster spot occupied by one Corey Patterson. There is no reason for him to be on the roster next year, and he shouldn’t be on the roster now. As far as Harang being used in relief, what was Dusty supposed to do? Throw in the towel and give up the game? The Reds had exhausted practically every other pitcher available by the point Harang was used. Apparently with Burton, the Reds, or Burton, had underestimated his injury. Was that all Dusty’s fault? I don’t think so. As far as Hairston, how do you know he wasn’t 100 percent? Something that you read in the paper or on a blog? Even if he wasn’t “100 percent”, guess what. Most big leaguers aren’t 100 percent, whether they are healthy or coming off the DL. All of the wears and tears of the season add up very quickly, and I would submit that few, very few players are at totally 100% for the entire season. As far as asking players to bunt who “have never bunted before”, this is a major league team. A player may have to step up and do things out of his comfort zone. That’s just how it goes. A manager can’t cater to every single player’s wants and comforts. If you are a major league player (especially in the NL) and can’t lay a bunt down, there is a serious issue there. Again, as far as Dusty playing CP, he is playing the cards he has been dealt. I can’t fault him for using what he has available. I do fault him, and the Reds, for not cutting him off the team long before now.

By Mark in Sun Valley

August 21, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

How about Harang used in relief and then as a starter? Hairston used at SS when he is not 100% and now back on DL? Burton warmed up every day and now on DL? Asking players to bunt who have Never done so and therefore losing scoring opportunities several times. And tell me Dusty’s use of Patterson in key scoring opportunities does not make the team worse? Does Dusty have NO FAULT in your mind for the condition of this team? I know in Dusty’s mind it is not “his team”. I live in a world where you take responsibility for what happens under your leadership.

By Matt

August 21, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

The delusional posts keep coming. As far as Dusty, what decisions has he made that has led to injuries? What decisions has he made that has led to countless losses? Please provide some kind of proof or evidence to back up your claims with.

By BrarLugTucky

August 21, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

“In my opinion, that simply is not the fact.” Huh? Well, in my opinion, the fact is that you’re a blithering idiot who makes things up, the attributes it to “them,” then argues with yourself and defends against what “them” said. You’re a sick one.

By rob in stl

August 21, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Arroyo the armchair GM? He does bring up some valid points. I look for Jocketty to shop for a righthanded hitting corner OF this winter. Matt Holliday, Jeff Francoeur anyone?

By Dunn Fan

August 21, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Keep up the good work, Hal! I love reading your blog and your articles!

By Mark in Sun Valley

August 21, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Regardless of Dusty’s past achievements, he has done a poor job of running this team. There is no debating that. His decisions have lead to injuries, and countless losses. Since his good seasons as a manager have occured when he has a team of at least 7 starters with more than 5 years major league experience, and his bad seasons as a manager occured when there were younger players, it seems obvious that whether or not he knew he was taking on a young Reds team, he is not capable of motivating or teaching a younger team. In the question of what have you done for my team Dusty Baker, the answer is jack squat.

By Matt

August 21, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Well lugnut, at least when I post something, it is something with a degree of intelligence. And brarhopper, with your usual hostile response, I must have hit the nail on the head about something. Nobody may have ever said directly 25 or 30 years, but it certainly is the implication from some folks on this forum that the Reds will not win for years and years. In my opinion, that simply is not the fact. Also, what facts have I “made up”? Just because you don’t like the facts and statistics that I present does not make them untrue.

By lugnut

August 21, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Whew, matt, that’s the longest post ever. Sure glad I didn’t bother to read it. Somebody has diarrhea of the keyboard, matt!

By Brarhopper

August 21, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

“Some folks on this blog seem to think that the Reds won�t win for another 25 or 30 years.” NO ONE on this blog EVER said that! Are you on bad acid or soemthing? Another in your long strand of made up facts. And, “not to be a �blogcop� or anything,”…that’s just hilarious, SOOOO RICH!! Hahahaha!! ROFLMFAO!

By Matt

August 21, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

David, not to be a “blogcop” or anything, but your analysis has a few holes in it. First of all, Baker, according to published news stories and quotes directly from him, knew exactly what the Reds had in mind when they hired him. He has claimed that the Reds ownership/GM told him that the Reds planned on going with younger players, with a mix of veterans here and there. Specifically where I got the information that I shared above was an ESPN.com story, which discussed Dusty wanting to prove those who say he doesn’t want a young team or doesn’t like young players wrong. I believe Dusty knew exactly what the Reds had in mind when they brought him here, or else he wouldn’t have come. Some folks on this blog seem to think that the Reds won’t win for another 25 or 30 years. As far as I’m concerned, any reasonable person that looks at this Reds roster could not come to that conclusion. With guys like Votto, Phillips, Encarnacion, Bruce, Volquez, Cueto and others being the pieces this club is building around, it seems to me this team is maybe a year, maybe two away from winning at the most. If the Reds can make some smart moves this offseason (trades, free agents, promotions from within the organization), I would not be surprised at all to see this team win in 2009, as well as the years to follow. I don’t understand now and I never have understood how a man with Dusty Baker’s credentials and accomplishments could be the object of so much vitriol and vileness from certain people. A person who knew nothing about baseball would think that Baker has no experience, has accomplished nothing and is the worst manager in the history of the game. According to my judgments, that is simply not even close to being the truth. Guys, he has a track record. He has won everywhere he has managed. That wasn’t all just dumb luck. Clearly, as unorthodox as some of his decisions are, he has done something right over his managerial career, when you factor in all his victories and accolades, as well as the utmost respect from players he has managed, as well as executives throughout the game. But apparently, the “Dusty haters” on the DDN blog know more than all of those people. Or could it be that they are drinking too much Cubs Kool-Aid, which I suspect is probably more the case than anything else. While I agree that he is not the perfect manager, he is certainly no Bob Boone, as was suggested on here a few days ago. If not Dusty Baker, who else should manage the Reds? Who is more accomplished and qualified to manage this team? Most of the “Dusty haters”, and those who spew their personal juvenile attacks on this blog daily seem to not be able to answer any questions or have any tolerance for any opinion other than their own, so I don’t expect any of them to respond in kind to the questions and points that I have posed. Borrowing a phrase I’ve heard a few times in my life, people like that “have all the answers but they don’t know any of the questions”.

By bigdoc

August 21, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Hal! Good nfo! Wish good outfielders grew on trees! I don’t understand bashing ‘Big Bob’—he’s doing his best with an almost empty farm system and he’s been willing to spend the $$. Tying the francise to Junior turned out to be the wrong move—but it sure looked great in ‘99!

By David

August 21, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

I’ve made this point elsewhere, but it bears making here. When criticizing Baker, we seem to have forgotten one simple thing. Dusty doesn’t do rebuilding. His tenure in SF is testament to that. You don’t hire Dusty to rebuild. You hire Dusty when you think you’re ready to win now, because Dusty is, and always will be, a veterans guy. He plays Patterson because Patterson’s a veteran, and that’s what Dusty is comfortable with. Dusty ain’t gonna change his spots at this stage in his game. He doesn’t do youth movements; he doesn’t do rebuilding. Obviously, over the winter the front office thought this team was ready to compete, and didn’t anticipate they’d be blowing up the ship in the middle of the season because it can’t compete. But regardless of what Bob and Walt want you to believe, the Reds are in full rebuilding mode now. Problem is, their manager, who has two years left on his contract at seven figures a year, doesn’t do rebuilding. I believe had the Reds known that both Jr. and Dunn would be out of town before the end of the season, they would have stuck with Mackanin or gotten someone like Oester — guys better suited for youth movements at a fraction of the Dusty Baker price tag. Now, however, the front office has determined that we’re rebuilding with a manager ill-suited for that task. Unless the Reds are willing to buy him out at some price so Dusty can move into a situation more to his liking and style, this awkward marriage is far from over. It’s still got two years left. Buck up and deal with it.

By Brarhopper

August 21, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Watched the last few innings of the Reds Cubs today. Did you notice the Cubs fans glee in the top of the ninth, knowing the winning combination of Patterson, Bako and Baker? They looked as though they felt they were holding a winning trifecta ticket…which, of course, they were. What’s wrong with playing .333 batting Jolbert Cabrera in left and move Dickerson to center instead of Patterson and his sub .200 BA? I agree that Patterson is an okay PR and def replacement late in the game, as required. But Patterson batting leadoff in 9th? No way that happens on my team — EVER!

By Florida Buckeye

August 21, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

IMO, these are players who need to be replaced, notice, not just gotten rid of, they must be upgraded: EE, CP, Bako, Bailey…I think that Fogg, when used correctly is hands down a better situational pitcher than Bailey. And I’m not convinced that Baily will ever live up to his potential. Besides the above mentioned, there are too many fringe players on the Reds: that is, players who aren’t necessarily starters, but will fill in, when needed. We need solid, everyday players, to replace some of these, retreads, or journeymen that inhabit the dugout & bullpen.

By Matt

August 21, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

According to the Reds 25 man roster that I just perused through on the team’s website, they have three (count ‘em) outfielders on the active roster. They are Bruce, Dickerson and Patterson. It seems like Dusty is just playing his hand by giving CP playing time and ABs. He is using what he has to work with. As far as playing the youngsters, I am in full agreement, provided of course that they are in the Reds’ future plans. Just playing young guys for the sake of playing young guys is not the answer. You don’t just throw away games and play out the rest of the schedule because you are in last place and 22.5 games out. The team should still be hustling, grinding it out every inning of every game and trying to win every game. For that not to happen is unacceptable.

By Cait

August 21, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Why, why, why did CP lead off the 9th inning. Why did he play at all? Trade Bako for anything and let Hannigan play 5-6 days a week from here out with Javy as backup. All the youngsters should play full-time the rest of the season. That also means trading Fogg for anything and bringing Bailey up to get as much experience as possible. I agree with Arroyo. The other ingredient they need is a winning attitude. Bronson has been on winning teams in Boston - maybe he should jump into a leadership role here?

By JJ

August 21, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

JTM products are made from the harvested thigh meat off dead men they steal from funeral homes.

By timb

August 21, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

I can see playing Patterson on this team AS a defensive replacement or pinch-runner, but Dusty’s decision to allow him to lead off the 9th in a one run game is just baffling. Dusty is just good at making those decisions.

By Steve

August 21, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Anyone that questions Hal’s information is a moron. If he is so far off base, why do you continue to read? You read because he is the only good thing the Reds have going for them right now. Hal is a writer, not a GM (although my money says he would have some solid insight if a GM asked for it). Get off his back before you clowns drive him away.

By HubetRucky

August 21, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Reds lose another close one. And once again, I must question the desire of one Johnnie B (for Bonehead) “Dusty” Baker, Jr to actually want to win this game with the Cubs today. Once again, Bonehead allows Corey (Bonehead) Patterson with his potent .197 BA to lead off the 9th of a game withing reach. Honest to jeezus, I question this man’s abilities to make sound managerial decisions! This team is frustrating enough without simply giving away ABs.

By got milk

August 21, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

sorry, but Arroyo saying the Reds ‘only’ need two outfield bats is like saying if we had ham, we could have ham and eggs, if we had eggs.

By wizard

August 21, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Dickerson: centerfield—next Spring! But, he’ll never make it as a starter, huh, Mr. Redlegs{original}?

By timb

August 21, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Tyler, I once tried one of those things….many moons ago and they are as awful as Bronson pitched in the first half of the season. Nasty stuff

By Tyler

August 21, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I know this is a little off topic but since we are talking about Bronson I figured it is relevant, but I had a JTM burger the other day and it could have been one of the grossest things i’ve ever eaten in my lifetime. Shame on you Bronson for endorsing such a nasty burger….

By wizard

August 21, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Welsh is correct:”I don’t know why they are playing him”!Referring to Patterson, over Dickerson in center.I’m afraid I was wrong—he has to go—why play him? That is Dusty stupidity!The idiot was almost picked off base twice in the same inning, 5th.

By timb

August 21, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Before I started reading Hal’s blog, the only place I regularly heard from him was on the radio and I thought he was a Marty clone. I’m sure he and marty get along fine, but reading this blog has opened my eyes as to Hal’s rather unique ability to discern good baseball from bad.

By timb

August 21, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Fine point, Don, but I think Arroyo is counting on improvements in Cueto and the return of the real Aaron Harang. Harang has somehow lost 13 games, which a ten game turnaround from the last two years. After checking the scores and realziing the last time I saw Zambrano pitch (he stunk) he also homered, maybe the Reds can platoon Zambrano and Owings in left field and spend all their money on a CF? Imagine the throws from LF!

By Don

August 21, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Arroyo has some valid points, but his suggestion that the rotation and bullpen are good enough to win the division is laughable. The Reds currently rank 14th in the NL in ERA, just ahead of the terrible Pirates and the terrible Rockies and just behind the Astros and Nationals. It is no coincidence that none of these teams are in contention for a division title. The problems of this team reach far beyond offensive and defensive woes. I just hope Reds management isn’t looking through the same rose colored glasses as Arroyo is when it comes to pitching.

By timb

August 21, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Bronson is dead on. The Reds need two OF’s for next year. personally, I like the cheap Marcus Thames or Juan Rivera (lefty killers) platooning with Dickerson in left and batting sixth or seventh and then Rocco Baldelli patrolling CF. Moving Brandon down to fifth and batting the Votto, Bruce, Encarnacion group up top (2-4), leaves with the need for a lead-off hitter and a catcher. A trade or signing of an extra reliever would be important too, since bullpen success varies widely from year to year. Bronson and me and JTM