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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 > May > 13 > Entry
Say it out loud: FIRST PLACE (tie)
One team is on a natural high, so high it has taken them (the Cincinnati Reds) into a three-way tie for first place in the National League Central.
The other team is so low it is obvious they have already quit, just 35 games into the season. The Arizona Diamondbacks fired manager Bob Melvin last week, an unpopular decision in their clubhouse, and replaced him with A.J. Finch, who was the team’s 34-year-old farm director and that decision was even more unpopular.
So the D-Backs are heartless, playing with no zing, no verve, no purpose.
AMAZINGLY, after the Reds completed a three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks, the phone in Reds manager Dusty Baker’s office rang during his meeting with the media. It was Hinch and Baker said, “Yeah, I told Rollie Hemond (D-Backs executive) that I would talk to you. Give me your number and I’ll call in the next couple of days.”
Baker hopes he can help Hinch over the jagged rough spots he is encountering. Then Baker rushed from the clubhouse to fly to Sacramento for today’s off day to visit his gravely ill father, Johnny Baker Sr. Asked how his father was doing, Baker said, “Not good.”
WITH THE REDS pitching, a team like the D-Backs, 16th and last in hitting in the National League, has no chance. And will it be the same starting Friday in San Diego? The Padres are 15th and next-to-last in hitting.
OK, SO WHAT’S this all about, Alphie?
The Reds, St. Louis and Milwaukee are tied for first place in the National League Central at 20-14.
“Our swagger is real nice right now and our team chemistry is gorgeous,” said Brandon Phillips. “This is the best team I’ve ever played on.”
Gorgeous? Did he say gorgeous. When’s the last time you heard an athlete use that word to describe teammates. It’s a first for me.
And first place?
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “It’s just like getting to the major leagues — the hardest thing is to stay there. Anybody can get there, but it is all about staying there. But it does feel good.
“Plus our pitching is gorgeous,” he added. “It makes us play defense because they are not wasting time and not walking anybody.”
It is a positive numbers game for the Reds: They’ve won six of seven, are 6-2 on travel days, 7-2 in game three of series and 9-4 in May. They are six over .500, the team’s best since it was 12 over at 36-25 in 2006.
The Reds swept three games in Arizona for the first time in 10 years, back when Chase Field was Bank One Ballpark and the D-Backs wore green and purple uniforms.
They should wear black and blue these days with their 13-22 record, tied with Cleveland for most defeats in the majors.
“First place? I like the sound of that a lot,” said manager Dusty Baker. “And I like the sound of a sweep. We broke it open with five runs (in the seventh) with a whole lot of singles and doubles.
“Brandon got hot for this series and Willy Taveras got extremely hot for this series and Jerry Hairston is swinging better,” Baker added. “It was a great series overall.”
Phillips was 7 for 14 with eight RBIs and three runs scored. Taveras was 9 for 19 with six runs scored and two RBI. Hairston was 5 for 12 with five runs scored and two RBIs.
So, from three of the top four spots in the order the Reds got 21 hits in 40 at bats (.525) with 14 runs scored and 12 driven in — all in three games.
OK, I’VE PUT this in the middle of the post to see who is paying attention. I’m declaring a cease and desist order for today and today only. It is an off day. The Reds are in first place. Nothing negative today, OK? No squabbling, no hassling, no name-calling. Lay off Baker, lay of E.E., lay off Gonzo, lay off each other. This is First Place Appreciation Day, OK? OK. Anybody who doesn’t heed this is admitting they aren’t reading the blog, just putting their negative ideas on board.
ONE OF THE neat things about being around the Reds’ clubhouse is that nearly every day Baker has visitors - mostly blasts from the past, some of his ex-big league teammates or some of his former players from his managing days.
It’s a little bit of a hindrance to the beat writers and broadcaster Marty Brennaman because there are some days when we are delayed for our pre-game briefing session with Baker and Brennaman’s taping of his pre-game show with Dusty.
But it’s great to see and talk with some of the players from my younger days - and I don’t mean the 1890s.
The last couple of days were good examples when Chili Davis and Matt Williams stopped in to see Baker. And it was an example of how young Jay Bruce is.
When one watches Bruce and his accomplished, stylish baseball demeanor, it is easy to forget he is only 22 years old and when asked that very question, Bruce smiled and said, “Yeah, sometimes they do.”
Baker called Bruce into his office on separate days to meet Davis and Williams.
“Jay didn’t know Chili, didn’t know who he played for,” said Baker. “When I told him Chili hit 350 home runs, he said, ‘Really, wow.’ And he asked me if Matt Williams could hit a little bit and I said, ‘Not a little bit, a whole lot.’”
Davis played 19 years for five teams, mostly the San Francisco Giants and drove in 1,377 runs. Williams played 17 years, mostly with the Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks and hit 378 home runs with 1,218 RBIs.
“Oh, I’d heard the names,” said Bruce. “I just didn’t know who they played for. l’ll tell you one thing, I talked with Davis and he told me a lot of good things about hitting.”
OVERHEARD IN my hotel lobby Wednesday morning.
GUEST: How did you get to BOB? I’m going to see Obama.
CLERK: Well, first of all, it isn’t BOB any more. It isn’t Bank One Ballpark. It’s Chase Field. Secondly, Obama is in Tempe tonight at Arizona State University. If you go to Chase Field, you won’t see Obama, but you’ll see a bunch of Obumas. The D-Backs are terrible.
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By jocketty
May 18, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
1st to 5th..I believe we might hold off the Pirates but they are improving..Im not soo sure..the Reds have alot of minor league players on there roster…Dickerson, Janish, McDonald, Hanigan, Rosales
By jim t
May 18, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
Sal I love that.lol If you want I’ll buy a soda. I hope you like humble pie.
By Sal Monella
May 18, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks, JimT, I sincerely appreciate you offer, but I don’t drink. Gotta keep my head clear to keep an eye on Baker’s moves. Oh yeah, and to be clear and concise in writing my awesome posts. Further, you couldn’t change my mind about Baker — there’s not enough beer in Cincinnati to do that. But you go ahead and keep drinkin’ and telling us what a great great manager Toothpick is. Now all your posts finally make sense. LOL!
By Jim T
May 15, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this
sal if you live in the area I’m going down to the wed. night game against Philly. How about I buy you a beer and I’ll change you mind.I usually stop at the in-between bar right across from the stadium.
By blogcopwatcher
May 15, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this
I Agree with you, Sal. Baker isn’t taking this club ANYWHERE. If they get into the playoffs it won’t be because of Baker moves, it will be in spite of them. Rusty hasn’t fielded, or hit one ball, that I can recall. All he has done is continue to start the wrong people, in the wrong positions!One example: How the hell does he justify inserting a non-hitting Gonzo in place of, either Hairston or Janish- Both of whom are out-hitting him; and one of which is just as good defensively?
By Scott
May 15, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
Hal: When was the last time the Reds had 20 or more wins, were close to 1st, and at least 5 games over .500 before Memorial Day?
By Sal Monella
May 15, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
Jim T, I will be first in line to eat both crow AND humble pie should your scenario unfold. I have Reds team autographed ball from 1955 when my dad used to take me to Crossley Field. So yeah, I’ve been following the Reds for a while myself. I will remain a Baker critic until I stop seeing the same boneheaded moves he makes from the dugout. Gotta admit, this year it’s easier for him to manage, but I’ve still seen enough to make me still doubt his logic.
By Jim T
May 14, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this
sal, you know if Dusty takes this team to the playoffs your going to have to admit you were wrong about him. Take it from a old man who has been a reds fan since 1960 Baker has a special appreciation for the game. I guess you could say its old school.Personally I find that refreshing. In the end lets not forget we are rooting for the same team.Lets sweep San Diego and come home 9 games over 500.
By Rider Buck
May 14, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this
Hey JimT, I completely agree that Nix’s increased playing time, along with hitting of BP, JHJ, Rosales,and especially, Ramon Hernandez, has coincided with the team’s turnaround. I was glad to see Dickerson has two hits last night. Still will be interesting to see if the teams maintains the same energy tomorrow night with AGon, and it will be interesting to see how Dusty handles EE. While you don’t ever wish for any injuries, you cannot deny that AGon and EE’s injuries could not have occurred at a better time for them, personally, and the team. Let’s hope they both come back healthy and ready to contribute to what could be a special first half.
By Sal Monella
May 14, 2009 8:10 PM | Link to this
Jim T, I’ve always had great love for you…same amount as I have for Dusty. LOL back atcha.
By Gary Maloy Jr.
May 14, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
To Brar Hopper 3:05. Whoda thunk it? I thunk it!! I predicted it!! I wrote it!! Much earlier than early spring training, too. I was preaching the Big Five before Christmas! But there are those out there who laugh at we who are positive and believe in the Reds. But that’s alright - my shoulders are wide and strong - I can take the ridicule and those who laugh in my face with their criticism. The Reds pitching will carry them through and make it a tough summer for both Sweet Lou and Saint Lou. Hugs and High-Fives to everyone today. Now we sweep the Padres and come home on a real roll.
By Gary Maloy Jr.
May 14, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this
Hey Max 10:45 - It was the 1927 Yankees - who are only the SECOND best team in history. Right behind our own 1975 Reds.
By Mike-Dayton
May 14, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this
Let’s give Florida one good pitcher (AH) and three average players for their superstar SS - not gonna happen … And Hanley looking like the “real deal” makes no sense seeing as he has been playing at high level for three years now and is an established star.
By Jim T
May 14, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this
Tom, do you really think that the marlins would give up one of the best young SS in the game for a career minor leaguer outfielder, a aging ss in the last year of his inflated contract and and a up to this point an under performing 3rd baseman with a broken wrist.Time to wake up now.
By Jim T
May 14, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this
Hey rider, would you agree that the turn around started when nix went into the line up,Hariston and BP started hitting, Hernandez picked it up as did Bruce. Lot more to the success than Agon and EE being out of the line up. Hey Sal how about a little respect for Dusty after all he has Our team in first place.By the way I love you too today. lol
By Sal Monella
May 14, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this
Me too. I love everybody today! And will as long as the Reds are in 1st. Now if T-Pick puts EE and A-Gone back in the lineup and the momentum collapses, I’ll be back leading bitchfest 2009.
By Barbara Wire
May 14, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Tom, your trade is absurd. Why now throw in GABP along with all your other offerings? Geesh!
By Brar Hopper
May 14, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this
I love all of ya! Reds in 1st. Whoda’ thunk?
By Rider Buck
May 14, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this
It’s great to see the Reds in first place. their recent turnaround started with the changes at the bottom of the order, i.e., injuries to EE and AGon. It will be very interesting to see how Dusty/Walt handle their return to their lineup. Dusty/Walt cannot afford to be patient with either EE or AGon’s offensive struggles at the bottom of the order, or the team’s momentum will be lost.
By Jack
May 14, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
Very surprising, but very nice to be in first place 34 games in. Evidently great pitching overcomes bad bats. Keep it up!
By Leblin
May 14, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
I’m a life long REDS fan(55 years) and I have a question. I haven’t been able to listen to reds games in awhile until just recently.I waited for the star of the game, but they didn’t have one. That was one of the things I enjoyed the most during the broadcast in the past. What’s the scoop. Len in Navarre, Fl
By jim t
May 14, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this
Nice article Hal. I enjoy watching this team play.
By billy hustle
May 14, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this
1st Place Appreciation Day is great! Lets have another one next month and the month after, and after that(you get the picture).
By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
May 14, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
I can’t help but laugh when I hear of Chili Davis because his given name is Charles Theodore Davis. He got the nickname “Chili” because when he was a kid he got a haircut so horrendous other kids called him “Chili Bowl,” and the shortened version Chili has stuck for life. Hilarious.
By Martha Hardcastle
May 14, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
Glory Hallelujah! Thanks to Hal for a day when we are allowed to feel the glory, to let long-shrunken and broken hearts to swell with pride and happiness. I a stamping on a virtual ancient Sportservice paper cup “Please crush cup after using” and have emptied my ancient virtual cardboard popcorn megaphone - CHARGE!
By fenwah
May 14, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this
It’s getting exciting to watch Reds baseball again. I haven’t said that in a looonnng time!
By Votto 4 Pres.
May 14, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
Thanks for keeping the attitude positive today Hal! I’m loving this Reds team. We have been winning with a thrown together lineup, which gives me hope for when we get back to full strength. Throw in a trade for a power RH bat sometime down the line and I see us going far. All those players for H. Ramirez though including our ace? Don’t see that coming close to happening…
By Rocke
May 14, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this
Here’s to hoping every day for the rest of the year is “First Place Appreciation Day!” Lovin’ this season!
By Joe
May 14, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
In years past, whenever a Reds team would face someone in their first big league experience they would fare very poorly. It looked that way last night until they came around the second time to face him. They also won without Votto and Bruce isn’t hitting either. When he starts to hit, lookout. Also in years past they’ve hovered near the top in the division only to “swoon in June”. But they now have a pitching that I don’t think will allow any extended losing streaks. Sure, it was only the D’Backs but this was a team they were supposed to beat and did. Hopefully they’ll take this energy to San Diego.
By Tom Swander
May 14, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
Hal, I greatly enjoy your columns and I too will miss Sarasota. How about a blockbuster trade to think about during the off day. Aaron Harang, Chris Dickerson, Edwin Encarnacion and Alex Gonzalez to Florida for Hanley Ramirez? He looks like the real deal at short and he would give the Reds the right handed pop they are looking for. Your thoughts?
By timb
May 14, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
Will Clark, Kevin Mitchell, and Matt Williams….the 3-4-5 combo that ruined so many of my summer nights. I always loved Matt Williams. As far this current incarnation of the Reds goes, their pitching (especially their bully) is much better than the “above average” I thought it would be. And, the hitting? Well, that can’t last, but it is very fun watching all the 2 out RBI’s. Maybe they’ll avoid the fifth place start we predicted for them, eh, hal?
By max
May 14, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this
The games count in the standings just the same as if they had beaten the 1926 Yankees. Arizona might meet the standards of a bad baseball team—100 losses, but that still means they have 62 wins. I’ll take a “W” anytime over anyteam.
By wizard
May 14, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this
To meet the wizard’s pre-season prediction: All that is needed is 68 more wins!
By Aaron
May 14, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this
Well Joe, I guess it’s true that some people can’t be happy unless they’re miserable! I don’t care who they beat I’ll take a sweep on the cursed West Coast anyday! I love this team. Hustle, hitting, pitching, smiling. These guys are fun to watch (or listen too) win or lose! I love baseball again!!! FIRST PLACE!!!!!
By Aaron
May 14, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this
Well Joe, I guess it’s true that some people can’t be happy unless they’re miserable! I don’t care who they beat I’ll take a sweep on the cursed West Coast anyday! I love this team. Hustle, hitting, pitching, smiling. These guys are fun to watch (or listen too) win or lose! I love baseball again!!!
By Scotty J in WV
May 14, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this
The 1st place Cincinnati Reds!! Man, that do sound good!! Interesting stat….for the past 9 games (since he’s been playing SS), Jerry Hairston is 15-37(.405)! He’s scored 14 runs and the Reds are 7-2 over that stretch. GO REDS!!!
By mamapo
May 14, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this
I think I’m gonna loose weight watching these guys. Used to be snack time when the opposing team was batting because our pitching was so questionable. I’d come back to watch us bat hoping some slugging would keep us in the game. Now I’m compelled to watch both halves of the inning because our pitching has been so effective. Nothing tentative about the guys on the mound this year. Pitching + defense + hitting + heads up baserunning = Keep the Reds on Top Day!
By RC
May 14, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this
Hal, you gotta be kidding me! This situation is absolutely horrible. Normally, by this time of the season, I can push the Reds to the back burner and get on with my life. But NO, they gotta be tied for first place. Buncha selfish punks. And what’s worse, after getting me all excited about watching Reds baseball again, they TAKE A FREAKIN’ DAY OFF! What the heck am I supposed to do tonight? And on top of that - after three piddly little games in beautiful San Diego, they’re taking ANOTHER DAY OFF!! WTH!!! Poor little pampered trillionaire ballplayers need a stinkin’ day off every four days now? I say fooey on the whole thing. Darn lucky D’backs fans… living their lives free as you please… grumble… grumble…
By Decker
May 14, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
Happy First Place Appreciation Day!
By greg
May 14, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
anthing else you want to gripe about joe ? i see you are lacking in comprehensive skills
By nick w
May 14, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this
i do make criticsms on this blog but i agree Hal this is team is playing so good it is hard to make them. It is been a long time since ive seen this team play like this and for me who was not a thought during the 70’s and 2 in 1990 it is even better. My prayers go out to dusty and his family and i know he will stay strong during this tough time in his life.
By joe
May 14, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
They just swept the worst team in baseball so why all the hoopala?
By econprof
May 14, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this
Hal, Just a bit of news that you might find amusing. I read in the SF Chronicle on line yesterday that Scott Hatteberg will play himself in the upcoming “Moneyball” movie, which will star Brad Pitt as Billy Beane. One question: Will Hatteberg ever be a coach? I’ve always read that he’s an intelligent and very nice guy.
By Florida Buckeye
May 14, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this
Hey Hal, I agree w/r to the vast majority of the bickering on here…It’s not needed on a daily basis, not just when we/the Reds are in First! Also, this teams smacks of the Rays from last year, and I like it!
By Andy
May 14, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this
Well played, Hal. No need for cynicism today. Today, we celebrate the first place Reds!
By Nancy
May 14, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this
Hey, Hal — I read your posts, all the way through.
By Barry
May 14, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this
I am thrilled, I have no complaints about the team, so I have had no reason to be negative, at least right now. This team is playing so well right now its nice to finally see a Reds team built on pitching. for the past 20 years I have watched this team win by trying to outscore everyone on HR’s. When what you need is what we saw last night, Good Pitching and timely hitting. 10 runs last night, none by way of HR. 3rd in the NL in steals, its almost like we are watching the Cards of the 80’s Lets all celebrate first place day
By Aaron B.
May 14, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this
I am one of those that makes criticisms from time to time. Yes, Hal, I do read your blog and yes I did read your commentary in the middle of the article. I agree when the team surges into first place like this we can take a break from critical anyalysis. When I criticize it is not because I want to be troll it is because I love the Reds and want to see them win like this. Some of my criticisms in the past were simply suggestions like why not play Nix more? I think we saw how that has panned out in a positive manner so I feel vindicated for expressing my strong opinions. Anyhow, the team is firing on all cylinders and it is nice to have a west coast trip like this. I can’t remember th last time this team went out west and didn’t get beat up like a rented mule.
By Kyle
May 14, 2009 6:07 AM | Link to this
Well-called for, Hal. LOVE this TEAM.
By joe
May 14, 2009 3:39 AM | Link to this
Williams was on the roids. He shouldn’t have been allowed in the clubhouse.