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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 > 24 > Entry
Cordero doused with hot coffee; he’s OK
SARASOTA, Fla. — You know it is a slow news day when the biggest thing to happen early in the morning involved me and Francisco Cordero.
I ran into him in the clubhouse Tuesday morning. Literally. I was carrying a just-filled 16-ounce cup of steaming coffee when Cordero and I collided. As the coffee splashed on him, I had visions of putting the Reds’ closer on the DL.
But he quickly brushed it off and said, “Hey, no problem. It’s OK.” They grow ‘em tough in the Dominican. And polite and understanding.
BEFORE TUESDAY’S workout, Aaron Harang, David Weathers, Homer Bailey and Mike Lincoln were spotted in Gus’s 12th Street Cafe, across from Ed Smith Stadium, partaking of breakfast.
Harang finished first and left. When the others finished and went to pay their bills, they were told by Gus’s wife, Diane, “It’s already been taken care of. Harang paid it.”
AFTER today’s afternoon workout — (shhhhh, we’re not allowed to call it an intrasquad game because intrasquad games are not permitted by the players’ union until Wednesday) — the Reds open their exhibition season Wednesday in Port Charlotte against Tampa Bay, the AL’s World Series representative.
Outfield candidate Jonny Gomes, who played for Tampa Bay last season, will face his old teammates.
“I have nothing bad to say about that organization,” he said. “They treated me with respect and dignity and they helped make me the player I am today. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. It will be fun going back to see the guys.”
EVEN MANAGER DUSTY Baker said it is time for exhibition games to begin.
Every morning at 8 a.m. he meets with the three beat writers and the topics are running thin: Who’s in left, who is No. 5 in the rotation, how is Alex Gonzalez, who is batting where?
“Yeah, I’m saying it is time to see some game action,” said Baker. The meetings are becoming like Groundhog Day — the same things over and over.
EDINSON VOLQUEZ and Johnny Cueto will pitch Wednesday in Port Charlotte, their only appearances before they leave for the World Baseball Classic. Also leaving are Joey Votto, Jerry Hairston, Jr., Ramon Hernandez and Pedro Viola.
“With three guys going, that leaves us a little thin in the pitching,” said Baker. “But we have a bunch of position players I need to see. We don’t have any split-squad games this year, so I have to figure out how to see how these guys in games. And I need to get the position guys who are leaving for the WBC (Votto, Hairston, Hernandez) a lot of innings in the next four days - 7 to 9 - to get them ready for the WBC.”
AN OUTSIDER asked Baker about the dynamics of the clubhouse this spring with Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn gone.
“It’s a natural reaction for things to be different when superstars leave,” said Baker. “But time goes on and the game goes on. They left pleasant memories. Sometimes I listen for Griffey’s infectious laugh or Dunn’s humor and wit. But they’re gone.
“Of course, they were gone late last season, so that makes it a bit easier this spring,” Baker added. “There is a period of adjustment. When Hank Aaron left the Braves and wasn’t in spring training in 1975, man, that was strange.
“Nobody in the clubhouse is a lightning rod,” Baker said. “That’s what Griffey was, a lightning rod. Dunn was a little lightning rod.”
SOME HAVE asked my opinion on the Reds leaving Florida for Arizona.
In a word, “Rats.”
Sarasota is perfect — a medium-sized city (not too small, not too large) with all the amenities one needs. I stay in a condo in Siesta Key, on the beach. My wife, Nadine, says she doesn’t want to leave Florida for Arizona because there is no beach and I tell her, ‘Honey, it’s all beach in Arizona, all sand, but there’s no water.’”
And I’m not fond of rattlesnakes.
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By HuberTucky
February 26, 2009 2:38 AM | Link to this
Cait, there IS great Mex food all over Phoenix area. Careful though, some of the “authentic” Mex restaurants regularly make the health department’s weekly top 10 list! If you like to hike or mountain bike, check out HUGE South Mountain Park. And hike camel Back. And visit Taliesin West (Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and teaching studio). Lots to do in Phoenix!
By Cait
February 25, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the info, Huber. I plan to research the AZ area for things to do (besides baseball)within driving distance of the Phoenix area. Must say, I am eager to get some good Mexican food. I’d wager it’s better in AZ than Fla or Ohio!
By George
February 25, 2009 8:22 AM | Link to this
I agree with the majority sentiment about the Reds moving to Arizona. While it made the most sense from a baseball standpoint (the object is to get the team ready for the season) a lot of fans like me will continue to go to Florida in the spring. I’ve been to Arizona and there’s nothing that can entice me to spend my hard earned money getting there and visiting there. I’ll be lucky enough to take the grandson for one last spring at Ed Smith this year. As long as Siesta Key has the Daiquiri Deck, Salty Dog, SKOB, Broken Egg or reasonable facsimiles thereof and that gorgeous beach, we’ll continue going there and I’ll satisfy my spring baseball itch watching the Pirates in Bradenton or the Yankees (ugh) in Tampa. I also don’t blame the public officials in Sarasota (although I think they made a mistake); they legitimately couldn’t justify spending taxpayer dollars for a project probably not supported by most residents, supported only by a few business owners who may get hurt and us snow birds who pump limited dollars in their local economy a few days out of the year. Hal, I live vicariously through your blogs most of the spring so I guess I’ll do the same when you’re in Arizona and I’m watching the sunset over the gulf with an adult beverage in hand next year.
By BrarHopper
February 25, 2009 1:29 AM | Link to this
Hal, that cup of hot coffee…did your cup hit Cordero’s cup? Oh, Marge, there isn’t a coffee cup big enough to knock THAT much sense into Baker. He’s gonna bat Phillips 4th again this year when he should bat him 3rd and bat Votto 4th. Dummy Toothpick.
By Marge
February 24, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this
Hey Hal-next time spill your hot coffee on Rusty “Toothpick” Baker. Maybe it will knock some sense into him and he could learn how to manage.
By bobs
February 24, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
DSmith..was down in Sarasota this past weekend (great timing, missed games by a few days). Gomes was in an article for the paper and said all that and more. Was very grateful for the Rays, no hard feelings at all, and wishes them the best. Made me become an instant fan. Also said how great it was to come to a team with so much history. Hal, was at the Broken Egg on Sunday morning, where were you? No Dickie V., no Mr. McCoy, but good food. You can feel the disappointment of most people in the city…most surrounding cities will have a team. It is a shame.
By Dan H
February 24, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this
Count me also as one that will miss Sarasota,grouper ,beach, Siesta Key sunsets,even th e Florida drivers. And I agree with the original Mr Redlegs on his AZ assessment of the Reds in Goodyear.
By Gary Weaver
February 24, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
Since the Reds will be thin on pitching for a spell, about this concept (well actually, two): Hal, I know you played first base at Ohio U., but being a lefty with a pulse, how about you have Dusty write your blog every fifth day while you take the mound? Seeing some the guys the Reds have tossed out there in the past few years, you might not be the second coming of Robert Feller, but you certainly can’t be the worst of the bunch? I know you might have a little difficult reading a catcher’s signs, but this being spring training, it certainly would keep those batters on their guard! Or, how about a raffle before the game, everyone buys a raffle ticket for a buck (proceeds go to charity or the Reds coffers so they can try and land Manny Ramirez) with the winner taking the hill. And finally, I must say, God bless the internet and blogging, being able to log on at any time, day or night, and read your insights is certainly a diehard Reds’ fans dream. Oh, by the way, your biggest 7-year old fan Vincent (little Mc), says hello!
By Gary Weaver
February 24, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
Since the Reds will be thin on pitching for a spell, about this concept (well actually, two): Hal, I know you played first base at Ohio U., but being a lefty with a pulse, how about you have Dusty write your blog every fifth day while you take the mound? Seeing some the guys the Reds have tossed out there in the past few years, you might not be the second coming of Robert Feller, but you certainly can’t be the worst of the bunch? I know you might have a little difficult reading a catcher’s signs, but this being spring training, it certainly would keep those batters on their guard! Or, how about a raffle before the game, everyone buys a raffle ticket for a buck (proceeds go to charity or the Reds coffers so they can try and land Manny Ramirez) with the winner taking the hill. And finally, I must say, God bless the internet and blogging, being able to log on at any time, day or night, and read your insights is certainly a diehard Reds’ fans dream. Oh, by the way, your biggest 7-year old fan Vincent (little Mc), says hello!
By Gary Weaver
February 24, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
Since the Reds will be thin on pitching for a spell, about this concept (well actually, two): Hal, I know you played first base at Ohio U., but being a lefty with a pulse, how about you have Dusty write your blog every fifth day while you take the mound? Seeing some the guys the Reds have tossed out there in the past few years, you might not be the second coming of Robert Feller, but you certainly can’t be the worst of the bunch? I know you might have a little difficult reading a catcher’s signs, but this being spring training, it certainly would keep those batters on their guard! Or, how about a raffle before the game, everyone buys a raffle ticket for a buck (proceeds go to charity or the Reds coffers so they can try and land Manny Ramirez) with the winner taking the hill. And finally, I must say, God bless the internet and blogging, being able to log on at any time, day or night, and read your insights is certainly a diehard Reds’ fans dream. Oh, by the way, your biggest 7-year old fan Vincent, says hello!
By HuberTucky
February 24, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
If you like sand AND water, there is a wonderful place east of Phoenix, just beyond the edge of Mesa and out past Apache Junction called Apache Lake. It’s on the Salt River and is along the old Apache Trail. Some beautiful and awesome geology out there…deep stunningly beautiful canyons that are carved through billions of years of earth’s history. Lot’s of great boating and hiking. Fantastic place. VERY interesting drive. Check it out. And don’t forget to stop and eat in Tortilla Flats.
By DSmith
February 24, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
I have to say, reading Johnny Gomes’ comments about his old organization is very impressive. Maybe he’s just saying them to be politically correct, but even if that were the case, how many other players would do that? I find myself hoping he plays well and brings that attitude to the regular season. And I also am very disappointed by the move to Arizona. You can’t get good grouper in Goodyear.
By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
February 24, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this
From a baseball standpoint, moving to Arizona made a lot of sense for the Reds. They were handed a state of the art facility. But I believe what they will find is after a year or two people are not migrating from the midwest to see spring training in Arizona. Attendance, hotel and business revenues will not get the kick everyone expected, and the whole damn thing will be a consumer/retail/tax base bust. This will not be a civic case of “if they build it, they will come.” From my experiences at spring training in Arizona, it will be a case of “if they come, they will be bored senseless.”
By Cait
February 24, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
I’ll miss Sarasota, too. I thought I might retire there - I’d have sunshine and the Reds. Not now. I’ve made 4 trips to spring training in Sarasota. We love going to afternoon games, then walking the beach and shopping district in the evenings. I’ve never been to AZ (except the Phoenix airport). I’ll go and I’ll visit a few places I’ve wanted to see (like the Grand Canyon), but I agree with Nadine - I prefer water with my sand.
By ctownboy
February 24, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this
What also could be like Ground Hog Day all over again in 2009 is if Willy Taveres is having a hard time getting on base and Toothpick keeps playing him in Center Field and batting him lead off ala Corey (two pitch At Bat) Patterson circa 2008.
By Decker
February 24, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this
I’m disappointed they’re leaving too. I’ve never had a chance to visit spring training, but Sarasota is a delightful town. The non-stop strip malls of the Trail are fugly, but that’s a part of most any town in America these days. Moving to Arizona is chasing a mirage - overbuilt, isolated, and short of any resources apart from real estate agents. My wife and I got to see the Sarasota Reds play a double header last year, and it was one of my best evenings all summer. Everyone treated us great, and one of the young Reds tossed us a ball to take home to my daughter. Thanks for your blog Hal. Like everything else you write, it’s a pleasure to read.