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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > February > 22 > Entry
Jones, Gomes: no great risk involved
It is neither a shock nor a secret that Jacque Jones and/or Jonny Gomes is/are reclamation projects - guys who tripped over baselines or disappeared in a far corner of dugouts last year.
Both signed minor league contracts with the Cincinnati Reds so if they can’t recapture their days of success, well, nothing ventured nothing gained - or lost.
The Reds are looking for a left fielder if Chris Dickerson can’t hold it. And they’re looking for bench help if Dickerson lays claim to left field.
Manager Dusty Baker realizes he is flirting with another Corey Patterson situation. Patterson played for Dusty in Chicago, was brought in to Cincinnati last year, and was a bigger flop than any one-day-and-close Broadway Show.
He doesn’t believe that will happen with Jones.
“Jacque can play,” said Baker. “Jacque can run, he hustles, he is a good outfielder. He had a down year last year just like Gomes. But they both have some track records of excellence. Just because you fall down for a while doesn’t mean that you’re through.”
Jones, once a star in Minnesota, was a 2008 fizzle - .165 in 24 games with Detroit and .108 in 18 games with Florida. He played winter ball in Mexico to resurrect his career.
Gomes, once a budding star in Tampa Bay, hit .182 in 77 games last year and was sent to Triple-A at one point and then was left off TB’s postseason roster.
Jones will be 34 in April and Gomes is 28.
“Jones is 33? That ain’t nothing,” said Baker. “Al Campanis (former Dodger GM) told me you are in your prime from age 32 to 36. Then you stay there or go down from there depending upon body type, how you take care of yourself, injuries and desire to play.”
For sure, Jones has a sculpted, fat-free body. But so did Patterson. Let’s see what happens before fans come down heavily in their combat boots and work shoes on any necks.
CATCHER HUMBERTO COTA, the last player signed (minor league contract, invite to majoer-league camp), had difficulties getting out of Mexico (he didn’t think it would be too cool to try to cross the border at Tijuana under cover of darkness), showed up in camp Sunday morning.
He won’t be here long. He leaves a week from tomorrow (March 2) to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Also leaving the Reds that day are Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto (Dominican Republic), Joey Votto (Canada), Jerry Hairston Jr. (Mexico) and Ramon Hernandez (Venezuela).
“And we found out today that Pedro Viola (hard-throwing lefthanded pitcher) is going to pitch for the Dominican Republic,” said Baker.
EVEN THOUGH EXHIBITION games start Wednesday, after an intrasquad game is played Tuesday - a shorter than usual workout period - Baker said the team has accomplished most of what needs to be done.
“We haven’t done sliding yet,” he said. “We’ll try to do that tomorrow (Monday). “You get more injuries sliding than you get in any other thing. We’re working on cutoffs and relays and chasing pop-ups today.
“You never get everything in because there are not enough days prior to games,” he said. “You try to get the more important stuff in before the games. Then you add-on as you play the games. Or you go over again what you need to go over as you go along.”
Not too many people are thrilled about moving spring training to Arizona next year, but Baker knows one reason it is good.
“The one drawback with Florida versus Arizona, is that in Arizona all the teams are so close together you can do fundamentals AND batting practice before you leave for a road game because the other parks are so close. You just go play the game.
“Here in Florida, with the lengths of so many of the trips, you’re lucky to get batting practice at their parks and that’s about it. You have to do all your work only for home games. In Arizona you can work every day.”
FOR THOSE once-in-a-while complaints about typographical errors and misused syntax, here’s the deal. If you’re an English teacher looking for perfection, look elsewhere.
Our blog posting site has no spell check. I read what I write quickly because I want to post it for the readers as soon as possible. The type is very small and difficult for me to read (I’m legally blind and errors do slip through). And don’t blame DDN editors. They don’t read the copy before I post it. It is my blog and my responsibility. You want perfection? Go elsewhere. You want information and you want entertainment, come on in.
And I thank those who always step forward to defend me. Appreciate, it, guys (and gals).
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By Buy Ambien
April 5, 2010 8:36 AM | Link to this
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By Fat-Reed
February 24, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
Just a fan saying that I read you with as much faith in what you say as I did with Si Burick and Ritter Collette. If you don’t think that is a compliment, you are wrong. My father was acquainted with Mr. Burick and I met Mr. Collette several times when I worked for the Dodgers. I grew up reading them and listening to Waite Hoyt. You are in their class.
By TonyB
February 23, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this
Hey Hal, Regarding your statement about the text on your laptop being small for entering your blogs I have a tip. Use the new version of the Firefox browser (www.getfirefox.com) and use a mouse with a scroll wheel. If you hold the control key on your keyboard and scroll your wheel on your mouse you will blow EVERYTHING up larger. This is unique to Firefox, it increases the size of the text, images, everything. I HIGHLY recommend it even for those with good vision so many new computer monitors only look their best in higher resolutions (but smaller text size). Firefox will remember you preference for size of a site and it will just be natural. I have done this for my parents and it has really improved their experience on a computer. Thanks for all of your great reporting. Tony, Jasper IN
By Gary Weaver
February 23, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this
Simply put, it’s what you have to say, not whether the spelling is perfect. You are, of course, the best, and getting a daily dose of your blog entries in edition to what’s in the paper (shrinking all the time!) is a baseball fan’s dream. Keep up the excellent, Hall of Fame work, and just know this, true Reds fans know that you are absolutely the best there is! Rock on Hal!
By michael
February 23, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this
Rick- that was good.
By HuberTucky
February 23, 2009 2:02 AM | Link to this
Rick M — Your comment, “Watching Baker manage is like watching a two-year-old playing with a pair of scissors.” That’s seriously the finest comment I’ve ever read on this blog. And hilarious! What a perfect mental image that creates. Brilliant! Please, keep ‘em coming!
By ctownboy
February 22, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, Toothpick, one more thing. WITHOUT steroids, MOST offensive players peak years are ages 27 and 28 and NOT 32 to 36.
By ctownboy
February 22, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this
During the Reds caravan, Toothpick Baker was quoted as telling Chris Dickerson to “not let them take it away from you” as far as Left Field goes. Note to Mr. Dickerson, “they” are not going to take it away from you, Toothpick is going to GIVE it to them. Just like last year, Jones or Gomes will get WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more playing time than they should and Baker will make up some non-sense like he did with Patterson; “players usually revert to the stats on the back of their baseball cards”. Right Toothpick. Patterson didn’t. Also, if that IS true then don’t YOU expect Jerry Hairston Jr to “revert back to” beinga .260 hitter instead of a .326 hitter? Can’t have it both ways Toothpcick.
By nick vourdubakis
February 22, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this
hey hal dont care about spelling. just enjoy reading your stuff. keep up the good work. look for you in sarasota will be there march 25th. thanks for all the info on the reds! nick vourdubakis las vegas
By E-train
February 22, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
thanks Hal! You’re the best - period - end of story!
By Rick M
February 22, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this
Dickerson might have to hit .600 with 10 bombs in Florida to get the starting LF gig. I can just about smell a scenario whereas ex-Cubbie and veteran Jones plays way too much and with way too many chances. Watching Baker manage is like watching a two-year-old playing with a pair of scissors. You just want to run up to him and take it away from him and spank him on the butt.
By Florida Buckeye
February 22, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
Hal, I have a few things to add - hopefully, ha! - and a comment or two on your blog…First off, I find it amazing that Dusty has the audacity to refer to not wanting Jones to turn into another CP situation:Hmm…wasnt Dusty the primary reason for CP being signed, and getting so much playing time in the first place? Secondly, I’d like to see Gomes given a fair shake: However, I wouldnt be surprise IF Dusty sticks to his version of a ‘good ol’ boys club’ and keeps playing Jones and giving him all the chances…Also, I tried to get tickets to three Reds games down here. Two tixs cost $60 for a Tampa game (Yankees), $18 in Bradenton(Pirates), and $40 in Sarasota Home game)same seats. Hmm…Sixty bucks to the a spring training game Just because it’s the Yankees…please! As it is, the Phillie’s Brighthouse field is about two blocks from my house and I am just gonna try and scalp…lastly - and I apologize for it being so long today - I enjoy your blog, and the syntax and spelling errors makes it that much more compelling…it’s not canned, it’s off-the-cuff and insightful…for those who want their Red’s News…read the articles: This is information and insight, and a forum for us, the Fans, to comment!
By StuttgartTim
February 22, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
Well said Hal. As you can see most of us enjoy your work and have no problem understanding what you type. Isn’t that the point? Was it Dizzy Dean who was vilified by some about his english, only to have a teacher come on the air and say “I’ll teach them english and you keep learnin’ em baseball”? Not that I am comparing your mastery of the english language to Diz. Thanks again Hal. You are the best! I just wish there was some inter play between the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues.
By JB
February 22, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
I see where the Reds just signed Bruce and Burton each to a 1-year contract. What’s up with that? Doesn’t seem much like they’re interested in locking these guys up for a few years!
By Lang Rogers
February 22, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this
Keep up the good work Hal!!!! Down here in Mississippi, I get more Reds news from you than from all the other media outlets combined. Thank you for your blogging!!!
By DALE ROBERTSON
February 22, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
Here is another one to jump to your defense. You said it, “When I want info and entertainment, I know where to come”. Add one more to that… Honesty with no other reasons but to tell it like it is. Dale in Hamilton
By Paul
February 22, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this
Hal: Just a note to thank you for your blog. I look forward to your updates daily to keep up with what is going on down in Sarasota. I appreciate your non-Reds related comments, such as commentary on the area, as well. Thanks.
By rob in stl
February 22, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this
The anonymity of the internet is perfect for those cowards that call you out, Hal. A couple of things about Jones. Aren’t he and Nix redundant? Both are LH hitters that are insurance for Dickerson and roster filler at L’ville. I wondered this when Jones signed, why not Jay Payton? He might have called it a career but he is a better option than Jones because he hits RH.
By IndySteve
February 22, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this
Good for you for standing up for yourself, Hal! It’s unfortunate that people haven’t quite understood how the internet era has changed media. Print newspapers were once carefully edited before printing. The demand for instant, online, news - either fortunately or unfortunately - has meant little errors slip through. And blogs are different beasts altogether. Either way, your blog has made me a much more informed Reds fan. I don’t even mind the acchasianal miszpellings.
By alan
February 22, 2009 12:11 PM | Link to this
hal you are one of the best. don’t allow the ”idiots” who get upset over your spelling to get to you. i look forward to your blog and anything your write. And, you’ve been a wonderful guest everytime I’ve abeen lucky enough to have you on either WLW or 1530homer.
By BrarHopper
February 22, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this
I wonder if the Nationals were stupid enough to give Patterson $3.5 mil. Probably NOT without that dopey nod from Dusty.
By David-Dayton
February 22, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
I still think that BP needs to get outta the 4 spot. Move him to 6 and put Encarnacion to bat clean up. I feel he will do very well there this year. What do you guys think?
By Don Carpenter
February 22, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this
Hal, those of us who do blog (I am a conservative blogger, who gets a lot of criticism)I can appreciate where you are coming from. People are quick to criticize expecially ones who are inflicted with superioritis! I enjoy your work tremendously and if you misspell a word, big deal, could care less. It is the intent of the thought that matters. Keep writing strong Hal, you are an important part of my daily life. You belong in the Hall of Fame and you deserve the utmost of respect!
By Monroe
February 22, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
How very interesting to read Dusty quoting Al Campanis. from ABC.com, let’s take a trip down the memory hole to Campanis’ notorious appearance on “Nightline”: “During the interview Koppel asked Campanis why African-American managers and general managers were virtually nonexistent in the sport. Campanis gave a notorious response: “It’s just that they may not have some of the necessities to be, let’s say, a field manager, or, perhaps, a general manager.” When Koppel objected, Campanis responded, “I know that they have wanted to manage, and many of them haven’t managed. But they are outstanding athletes, very God-gifted and wonderful people … They are gifted with great musculature (sic) and various other things. They are fleet of foot and this is why there are a number of black ballplayers in the major leagues.” Yes, clearly Campanis was a bigot. Also, it seems, he doesn’t know much about baseball if he really thinks players hit their peak from 32-36.
By Jim
February 22, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
Jones isn’t as big an issue as Patterson. Jones at least has a history of success in MLB. Patterson, well, it is nice the Nationals decided they were going to be just bad enough again this year to take a chance.
By Bill
February 22, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this
I second the disdain for individuals who snipe misspellings and syntax errors by readers or the blogger. Personally I dont get the thrill of correcting someone one The Internets unless its a factual error. Then again there was always someone back in grade school who was more than willing to tattle to the teacher on their classmates. Party on, Garth!!!
By HuberTucky
February 22, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
This is and has been a terrific blog. I very much look forward to it and even look forward to the opinions that I initially disagree with because they make me think and sometimes change. That’s what it’s all about. Who cares about a few typos? We all make them. I’ll take the casualness of this blog any day! Keep on, Brother McCoy, and ignore the insignificant naysayers and negaholics. Remember that great bumper sticker: IF YOU CAN’T CHANGE YOUR MIND ARE YOU SURE YOU STILL HAVE ONE?
By Wizard
February 22, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this
Yeah, “rock on, which your badself”, Hal!
By Chi Redsfan
February 22, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this
Rock on Hal. Folks who get uptight about blog grammer miss the point.
By maxhack
February 22, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this
Hal, you are doing a great job covering Spring Training. It’s a time of great hope and Baker is the eternal optimist it seems. I hope some of these guys live up to his hopes. Funny how he references Al Capannis on physiology. I think Al got into a little trouble on his views on that subject.
By Howard Bucy
February 22, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this
Last Para well said. I read you first because you know what your talking about.