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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 > September > 21 > Entry
Where did Freel and Hopper go?
There are a couple of players who not only are on the DL, they are AWOL.
Well, maybe AWOL is a bit harsh. AWOL means absent without leave and, well, maybe it isn’t too harsh.
Nobody said Ryan Freel and Norris Hopper couldn’t leave when it was determined that injuries ended their season. And they haven’t been seen much in the clubhouse.
In contrast, Alex Gonzalez hasn’t played all season, but he is in the clubhouse all the time and has been most of the season.
It says something to manager Dusty Baker and it says something to the other players.
“Are you with us or not?”
Brandon Phillips broke his finger a couple of weeks ago. Yes, that was only a couple of weeks ago, in contrast to the injuries to Hopper and Freel that happened long ago.
But Phillips could have packed it in and packed it up. Gone home. Instead he is still wandering the clubhouse and dugout, sometimes in his uniform. Baker has to shoo him out of the dugout during games, “Because he has those two pins in his finger and what if a foul ball comes in there and he sticks out his hand to fend it off?”
The point about Freel and Hopper is this? When it comes down to making some choices next spring, what is going to be remembered about them? They didn’t care enough to stick around and support their teammates.
Baker likes guys like Edwin Encarancion and Jay Bruce, guys who got hurt recently but are already begging to get back in the lineup.
After missing five straight games, Encarnacion took batting practice Sunday and said, “I plan to play (today).”
Bruce was hit by a pitch Saturday and although he said he is all right, manager Dusty Baker didn’t even ask him about playing Sunday, “But I’m sure he’ll be OK (for today).”
Of Encarnacion’s and Bruce’s desires to play, even with nothing at stake, Baker said, “I like that. I’m telling you, I like guys who want to play. I don’t care if nothing is at stake, you have to want to play. I don’t like those shut-it-down guys who shut it down.
“Guys who want to play have pride and hunger,” Baker added. “And you can’t give that to anybody. It comes from inside. You have it or you don’t.”
What do you think? Should Freel and Hopper at least be at home games? There was a time when Matt Williams had a broken hand with a cast on it, but he was in uniform before games making soft toss pitches to his teammates.
Guess you know where I stand.
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Comments
By Save America
October 3, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
I think the Reds TV team needs replaced. I watch the games to see the game. I do not want to see side attractions when the game is going on. The announcer covered up continually Griifey’s lack of hustle and when he made a routine play they made it sound spectacular. Baker is not the answer. I believe he was brought in to manage Griffey.Since Griffey and Dunn are gone show Baker the door.By Randy
September 23, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this
Personally I don’t see the point of this story.There was no chance they were coming back this year and they are doing the rehab thing,what’s the point of them having to be there every home game?Baker is laughable.He talks about EE and Bruce’s injuries and how they’re itching to get back in there.I think it’s pretty pathetic that Baker can’t distinquish minor injuies and the serious nature of Freel’s injury and the serious operation that Hopper went through.Baker can’t leave Cincy to soon for me.By ShockMonkey
September 22, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Hal, you’re closer to the situation than any of us will ever be so I defer to your acumen regarding Freel and Hopper. Maybe you can bestow a little more knowledge on the situation but reading between the lines makes me think neither one figures to be here next season. Speaking of not being here next season, I’m already lighting candles, burning incense and about to sacrifice a goat in hopes Bako and Patterson aren’t here next year either!By Bob
September 22, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Last year the MEDIA; the ones who dreamt of being major leaguers and couldn’t, crucified Josh Hamiton by what they said or didn’t say about him. He had so much star power and a wonderful poster boy for the Reds. The same type of comment was made about Freel and Hopper. The comment is probably true, but circumstances that affect their absence are not mentioned. On the surface they seem to be loafers, and we all know they’re not. When Jr. made up with McCoy, Hal slobbered on him with his drool on a daily basis. Hal and Bad Hair, the two hall-of-famers act like they have a right to control the ball club and I’m sure their daily musings do cast a light occasionally on what happens internally. Griffey made so many bad moves over the years it was pathetic, but Grande and others never called him to task on anything.By Bob
September 22, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I disagree with Hal to even bring this up. Freel has been a spark plug for 3-4 years; had to eat Griffey’s dust while he loafed all over the place; then Patterson took over and can’t hit out of a sack. Hopper has been a trouper as Freel, but just less time. Get rid of Ross, play Bako over Hanigan makes no sense either. I couldn’t blame the whole team if they mailed it in until they get rid of “gnawing” Baker. He was and still is a sad excuse for a manager. McKannon had far better concept of who to play and when.By HuberTucky
September 22, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
I’d like to retract my previous comments of September 21, 2008 4:28 PM and apologise to the blog. Upon further review, I now realize that Baker was doing what Baker does best…lying and cookin’ the truth (like most politicians)! He stabbed Hopper and Freel while promoting that wonderful loser Patterson. Baker seems to be a really nasty back-stabbing lying manager who frequently throws his non-favored players under the bus…like a punk. Perhaps that’s why he was out of baseball and timidly acting like a broadcaster for ESPN. I’m really sick of his lying and poor managing and stupid decisions. Why Bako and CP still get playing time is a joke, a lie, and an embarrassment. Perhaps Dustbag is actually a Dirtbag.By bobs
September 22, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
It has been mentioned several times this year that Freel and Hopper were at the ballpark while being on the DL. We now have a week left in the season and these two guys have known for a while that they would be done for the season. Whats the point of them being there now? I could care less if they are with their teammates. They put their time in during the actual part of the season, they have done the good teammate thing. Plus, as has been mentioned, they were both %^%$ by Baker this year…why would you want to be anywhere near him? And Mr. Redlegs get your facts in order, what happened when Bruce got hurt in Spring Training…did he wait for Bruce to heal, did he say that Hopper would take his place, did he say that Freel would take his place, or did he force the signing of Patterson?By Pete
September 22, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
I’m not so certain that they should be in the dugout every game. If they should be doing anything in which they should be held accountable, it’s rehabbing their injuries to try & get healthy for next year. Reality shows that Freel’s not an everyday player, can’t stay healthy, & @ best is an adequate utility guy. If he’s around next season, it’ll be his last in Cincy. Hopper, on the other hand, wasn’t doing too badly until his injury. I’ll agree w/ some others that he may not have gotten a fair shake once CP was brought in to show how inept he is, although he clearly showed it w/ Chicago & B-More. & I find it interesting that Holliday’s name keeps being brought up as coming to the Reds. Got news for ya, folks. Ain’t gonna happen!By bruiser
September 22, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
After reading jshortt’s comments, I really wonder where Hal gets his information. It really comes off as though he’s deliberately trying to slam Freel and Hopper. Anyone remember if “Captain” Barry Larkin was in the dugout when he missed all those games? I seriously doubt it.By jshortt
September 22, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
I have to chime in here on behalf of both Freel and Hopper. Hal, I’m usually with you, but I know for a fact that Norris was at the stadium and in uniform for at least a few games this homestand. I spoke to him last week, and he said his arm is feeling much better. Furthermore, he has been at the stadium MOST days this summer. As for Freel, he has been at the stadium quite a bit this summer as well. In fact, he was on the field during the Giants series doing drills with Mark Mann, and even signed autographs for about 30 minutes (until everybody had one). Obviously these two aren’t expected to travel (nor is any player on the DL), but they have both, most definitely, been at GABP quite a bit AND quite recently. I’m honestly not sure where this misinformation is coming from.By Deaner
September 22, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I definitely think that Freel and Hopper should be in the clubhouse/dugout to support their teammates, but I also find it hard to believe that not having the desire to play is the whole story (especially with Freel)… I’m thinking that there has to be a serious rift with Dusty Baker and he just doesn’t want to play for him.By Wordman
September 22, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Freel will be included in a trade; Hopper will be out of baseball and Patterson will start next season the way he started this one: on the outside looking for a team to pick him up. The Reds have moved on and have tons of good utility type players now.By Mike-Cinci
September 22, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
More info on Ryan Freel: Freel will be 33 at the start of the 2009 season. He has been in the majors since 2001 and has batted over 500 times only once in his career. His lifetime batting average is .272. He has 17 lifetime HR’s and 117 lifetime RBI. He has struck out 327 times and walked only 211 times. The most RBI he has had in a season is 28 and that was the the year he was up 505 times. He always seems to be hurt. He makes foolish base running decisions. He is fun to watch play. He hustles and gets his uniform dirty. He is not a starting player but can be a useful utility player on a team that has other players with power on the bench. He will be a Red in 2009 due to his $3.5 million contract but he is not a key part of the team’s future.By Ted Lawson
September 22, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Right on about Freel and Hopper. Should be there for sure to root all the guys on and etc. Freel especially with the salary he gets. One note for all Sportwriters is that they should mention the great job our Golfers done by bring the Ryder Cup home!By Mike-Cinci
September 22, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Ryan Freel is not Mickey Mantle. He is a useful utility player. He strikes out too much to lead off and rivals Corey Patterson for making dumb decisions on the bases. Freel is not the answer to anything but he will be a Red in 2009 because he has a $3.5 million contract for next year. Cory Patterson will not be a Red in 2009. Let’s talk about the future. The Reds need a catcher and two outfielders to play with Bruce. Can Gonzalez come back at shortstop and earn his $5.4 million contract in 2009? Would you trade Volquez to Colorado for Holliday and the chance to sign him to a long term $100 million contract? Holliday will be a free agent after the 2009 season.By bruiser
September 22, 2008 3:24 AM | Link to this
Greg—I agree with you. Why would you point your finger at Freel and Hopper without asking questions of the management. Did anyone outside of Rose ever play harder than Freel? We want the facts Hal, not your speculations!By Aaron B.
September 22, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this
When Freel is healthy he is one of the better lead off hitters in the game, so even though he is being overpaid he is still an asset to to this team. If they can get Hairston for cheap you figure they have the leadoff position taken car of between the two of em. As far as I know this is the first time Freel has done a disappearing act, and with a new baby I feel he deserves the benefit of the doubt. He’s been a major contributor in seasons past and since he is under contract anyways he should be here next year and slotted for the leadoff role when healthy. As for contributing to the team… THIS SEASON was over in May. There is nothing to contribute by anybody at this point. As long as he shows up in April healthy and ready to go I don’t see a problem. This is just drama being foisted upon us because the season is so dull they are groping for stories to keep us active on this blog. These are big boys they don’t need Freel’s presence in the clubhouse to play better. With Eric Davis and other advisors its crowded as it is, what do you want Freel to do, serve gatorade in the dugout? Let the guy recuperate and enjoy the new addition to his family.By UD=WHO D?
September 22, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
Regardless of Freel’s wife just having a child, he hasn’t been around all season. Take away the last month even, he hasn’t been there. I just hope that Freel and Hopper have been doing lots of rehab work behind the scenes to justify being away and not supporting their team. And honestly, we get that no one is a fan of CP. He is only here because DB had to have one of “his guys”. But he didn’t get Freel and Hopper hurt and he didn’t take a position away from either guy, he filled it when they got injured. The real crime is that the Reds gave Freel 7.5 million for two year of nothing.By Chris
September 21, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
I’m glad we’ve finally gotten to the bottom of this enormous situation, which has surely been at the root of the Reds’ problems this year. Now that we’ve handled all the important stuff, maybe Hal can move on to some trivial questions, like: Where’s the youth movement ownership promised in the letter last week? All I’ve seen is a parade of never-wases. Corey Patterson? Paul Bako? Three catchers? Is Brandon Phillips really a 3-hole hitter? Who’s going to replace Dunn’s production? Was Cordero worth the money he’s getting?By Jeff
September 21, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
For crying out loud, I have no idea if Freel’s wife had a baby but the guy should still show up at work once in a while. I have kids. Your wife had a baby, you take a week or two off of work…it’s not an excuse to take an extended vacation. Just apply some common sense. Both have no track record with Baker. He’s still learning who they are. Out of sight, out of mind. If I’m Baker and I don’t see them showing up to work out and support their team, I’m going to question their dedication. If Baker was sending a message through McCoy, it was intended for the players so they might drag their butts into the clubhouse once in a while. BTW - You don’t check in with your company’s CEO or president when you’re going to be out of the office, you call your boss. I too believe that Baker favors Patterson, but for a large portion of the year the Reds have not been very deep in outfielders. I don’t think that will be an issue next year because I doubt that Jocketty will bring him back. The thing is, if Freel and Hopper don’t get a fair look in spring training next year, they have no one to blame but themselves.By Greg
September 21, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Reds Fans, If anybody ever has any reason to wonder why current players like Brandon Phillips or past performers like Joe Morgan can’t stand Hal McCoy, just read his writing on a daily basis. Here is a perfect example of a guy who has never played an inning in his life, who sits in a press box all day criticizing and manipulating situations just like this one. Let me ask this. What is the point of this article? To stir up controversy just for the sake of it? Or is there actually a point behind it? If there’s suppose to be a point, where’s the retrospective view on the behalf of Hopper or Freel? Freel apparently just had a baby, but Hal McCoy didn’t bother to mention that, much less bother to look it up. And who’s to say that Freel or Hopper to continually check in on a daily basis with either Walt Jocketty or Dusty Baker? I don’t see any direct quotes from either Baker or Jocketty concerning Freel or Hopper? But I’d like to ask Hal McCoy a question? Would you ever call out Ken Griffey Jr. like this? Because in all those six-hundred some games I don’t ever recall you blatantly calling him out like you are Freel and Hopper right now. Aside from this garbage rant on McCoy’s behlaf, I wouldn’t show up after being F’ed over by Dusty Baker the way Freel was this season either. Corey Patterson is enough reason to not want to ever be apart of this team.By Aaron B.
September 21, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Hal, if that is true about Freel just having a baby girl I think it is somewhat irresponsible of you to not have mentioned that. He has been one of the few members of this team in recent years who willingly sacrificed his body for the sake of the team. While his salary is a bit outrageous for what he offers he is still a team player and was clearly shafted by Baker in ST and only got a chance when Patterson was getting booed viciously at home games. While Baker may appreciate players who don’t shut it down, he is totally guilty of overusing guys (Volquez, Cueto) in a meaningless campaign as if there will be some kind of carryover to April. The only thing that would for sure carryover is a devastating injury to either of those young arms. Also, I totally agree with the treatment given to Ross and the absurd final appearance that forced them to move him to the DL allowing Bako to take his job. Baker may say he likes gamers but what I see is an infatuation with mediocrity in his stubborness to prove everyone wrong by playing Patterson and Bako as everyday players when they wouldn’t have a job on any other team in the major leagues. Finally, Baker should be absolutely grilled for his earlier season tirade about how this is Krivsky’s team and not his. What kind of manager makes a statement like that? He lost my resepct that day and it won’t be coming back anytime soon.By Carl's Little Brother
September 21, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Dave, you must think Baker is evil! Well I agree. Where are all these free agents that he said before the season started that wanted to sign with the Reds because he was manager? I just am so sad that we will be stuck with him at least another year,,yes an C.P. also.By earl
September 21, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
It is kind of weird to see this kind of angle taken, as at least from how they played within the lines, I just don’t see either Freel or Hopper as players that are doggin’ it. Freel might not play too smart at times, but both of those guys seemed to play hard.By Dave
September 21, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
More media manipulation by the Baker man, similar to the way he has manipulated the Reds’ front office. He refused to even consider Hopper, and only grudgingly worked Freel into the lineup, despite the fact that he hit about a hundred points higher than CP, and with just as good range in center. No doubt Baker is angling for Freel and Hopper to be gone next year in favor of his favorite Patterson, just as Ross is now gone in favor of his favorite Bako. Remember how he cleverly manipulated the DL coming out of spring training so that Bako would get a chance over Ross? Ross had been playing only minor-league ST games, so that if he had to go on the DL, it could be retroactively. But Baker put him in one major league game right at the end of ST, so that he had to spend at least 15 days on the DL. After those two weeks, only Bako was capable of catching Volquez and Cueto, according to Baker. Baker is a manipulator. I wouldn’t be surprised if he told Freel and Hopper to go home, and is now complaining because they did, building up a case to dump them in the off-season.By mhopp
September 21, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
I wonder if they were made to feel part of the team? Anyone who has competed for a center fielder position would not since they’re behind CP. The bottom line is that Dusty Baker has shown favoritism on this team all year and if anyone on the Reds team arrogantly think the “New Team” is going to draw people to want to play you are kidding yourself. What players did Dusty bring with him? That’s right, the same one that he has paid back by putting him in when he didn’t deserve it!!By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
September 21, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Good grief. Ryan Freel played almost every game from the middle of April until he got hurt in early June, batting 1 or 2 for 105 ABs. So he didn’t get benched in place of Patterson, just like Hopper didn’t get benched in place of Patterson because Hopper couldn’t throw a ball to his dog, least of all from the outfield, his elbow hurt so bad. But some of you are so numbskulled with idiocy about Patterson that you not only can’t remember the facts, you’re too lazy to look them up, and you’re too dumb to read a roster and injury report to know the status of this team’s players since about the first of May. You just scream blindly, ignorantly, about Baker’s handling of his outfield situation because … you’re just Cubs fans in disguise.By Billy
September 21, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
I’ve read the pros and con about Freel and Hopper and the pros out weigh the cons. First Baker screwed Freel at spring training, secondly Freel and his Wife, Christie had a new baby girl, 8/14/08. Why sit in the dugout and watch all the Ofers when you can be holding his third and beautiful daughter?By bigxbomber
September 21, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Let’s not forget that Baker lied to the media when he said Freel told him he was not comfortable playing everyday.By Cait
September 21, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
I agree with Mark in SV and Fla. Buckeye. While I do think Hopper and Freel should be there supporting their teammates, if I were them, I’d be feeling like I owe the team nothing because the management didn’t give them a chance to compete this year. CP should never have been signed and once he was and played horribly, why didn’t Freel/Hopper get a chance?By Florida Buckeye
September 21, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Personally, IF I was Freel, or Hopper, I wouldn’t show up in the clubhouse either: NOT until it was explained to me WHY Patterson was signed, and has gotten the lion’s share of playing time…as far as next year goes: Let’s figure out who’s left here; let them play spring training games; and compete, not be given positions…By Mike-Cinci
September 21, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Freel has a $3.5 million contract for 2009 so unless the Reds can fool some team into taking him off their hands he will be a Red. CP is history as a Red. The Reds need a right hand hitting outfielder with some pop.By jimbo1238
September 21, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Men, ya better read between the lines. Maybe they should have been around, but I see this as Musty Baker making a place for his son next year as he has all season. Guys get a minor tweek, in comes cp to start again, see how this works.By Y-City Jim
September 21, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
During his injuries, was Griffey ever around?By HuberTucky
September 21, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
I’m really glad to know this tidbit of inside information, hal. And it sorta p!sses me off. Let’s see, I assume that Hopper and Freel are both still pulling in some ginormous paycheck of, uh, what, maybe tens-of-thousands per week for doing nothing? And they can’t show up at the office. Bye bye boys. Take your injuries and call your agents because you have the wrong chemistry for this new club. Maybe the D’backs or the ChiSox would like to have you to add to their recently acquired lugs.By rob in stl
September 21, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Good thing Hopper and Freel don’t have standard 9 to 5 jobs, otherwise they would be doing some mind numbing, menial tasks while they collect workman’s comp.By Gary Maloy Jr.
September 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Hopper, I like. Too bad Dusty hired a surrogatt son (CP). Freel? Send him and his beer keg out of town. Pronto.By tom
September 21, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Injury or not, you’re there as much as possible. If not, bye, bye.By Mark in Sun Valley
September 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
It’s unfortunate that Freel and Hopper are not around. It definitely sends a message they do not want to be part of this team. I have to wonder, were they made to feel part of this team? Hopper got virtually no opportunities after a solid rookie season, and Freel was once again mentioned at the start of the year as a starter only to find himself behind Corey Patterson. They should be there to support the team, but I suspect they feel they were valued members of the club, even when they were healthy.By Chi Redsfan
September 21, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Has anyone spoken to either Freel or Hopper? A writer, a player, Baker? Obviously on its face it seems strange and negative but do we have the whole story?By Kevin
September 21, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
H@ll Dusty….I`ll play!!!