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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 > 17 > Entry
Live by the broom, die by the broom
When Joe Garagiola wrote his book, “Baseball is a Funny Game,” he didn’t mean it as funny ha-ha - although there are some funny lines and stories in it. Baseball is a funny game because you never know what will happen.
In 37 years of covering major-league ball, not a week goes by that I don’t see something I never saw before.
So how do you explain the Cincinnati Reds winning three straight in Arizona, then going to San Diego and losing three straight?
All together now: “Baseball is a funny game.”
It wasn’t funny what Jake Peavy did to the Reds Sunday in a 3-1 San Diego win. He held the Reds to four hits and was never in a smidge of trouble. No embarrassment there. Peavy is one of baseball’s best and the cash-strapped Padres are trying to dump him. He will only cost whoever gets him $52 million over the next three years - starting in 2010.
He might be worth that to a contending team, but not the Padres.
“He has good control of his slider and fastball, throws them for strikes in any count,” said Jerry Hairston Jr., whose two-out ninth-inning single was the Reds’ fourth hit. “He does a good job of hiding the ball, too. He’s their ace for a reason.”
Hairston and Peavy had an on field playground skirmish in the sixth inning. Hairston grounded to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Peavy covered first and they got Hairston, who angrily slammed his helmet to the ground. It bounced precariously close to Peavy, who shouted out, “Hey, man, watch it.”
More words were spoken and they were kept apart.
“One of my strengths is fire and emotions,” said Hairston. “That’s also one of my weaknesses. My brother (Scott Hairston of the Padres) told me that Peavy and I are alike in the fire and emotions department. It has been a tough 24 hours for us (losing twice, including Saturday’s 6-5 16-inning mess) and I was just frustrated. I apologized. I said I was sorry and that’s that.”
AFTER THE ARIZONA sweep, the Reds were tied for first. After the San Diego sweep, the Reds are two games out of first place - and you could say they are second, but they are also fourth because there is a three-way tie for first with Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Louis.
And now the Reds go home to begin a three-game series Tuesday with World Series champion Philadelphia, fresh from sweeping four games from the Washington Nationals.
“Just a bump in the road,” said Reds manager Dusty Baker. “It’s no disgrace losing to Peavy. But I wasn’t happy about losing the previous two to those guys (in games started by Kevin Correia (0-2, 5.34) and Josh Greer (0-1, 5.14). “We just need to get back to work. But it sure makes it tough without Joey Votto. That’s a tough loss.”
For the second time in a week, Votto left a game with dizziness - Saturday in San Diego and Tuesday in Arizona. He’ll be checked Monday by an internist. Votto says he gets dizzy and loses focus, is unable to concentrate on anything.
And Edinson Volquez left Saturday’s game with back spasms, something he sustained at home in Cincinnati running up steps. “We old people go up steps one at a time, but young people take them two at a time,” said Baker. “That’s what Volquez did and when he landed after takingt two at a time he felt something in his back.”
He isn’t scheduled to pitch until Friday when the Cleveland Indians come to town and Baker said, “We’re working on a treatment for him.”
IT IS 8 o’clock eastern, only 5 p.m. in San Diego as I finish this. The sun is shining but it is cold enough in the pressbox for a jacket. The hot pizza the Padres left for us helps. Now it is decision time. Back to the hotel to finish Harlan Coben’s “Long Lost” and early to bed to get up for my 7:45 flight home? Or do I venture into Gaslight for a nice dinner?
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
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By colgar
May 19, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this
Wizard clarified what he meant because he knows what he’s talking about. Blogspot watcher everyone knows that you have to mix in a high pitch.
By Colgar
May 19, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this
Brandon, yes I did think of that aspect of the low pitch. Which is why most players have trouble with the low pitch Thanks for backing my point.
By Brandon
May 19, 2009 7:49 AM | Link to this
Hey colgar, did you ever think that the reason for keeping the ball down may be more for the fact that it’s harder to elevate the ball over the fence when it is low? Or the fact that you are more likely to hit the top of the ball and hit a ground ball? It’s a lot harder to put a ball at your knees over the fence than it is to put a chest high fast ball over the fence.
By blogcopwatcher
May 19, 2009 12:25 AM | Link to this
“most players have trouble hitting the low pitch. Why do you think every pitching coach alive tells his staff to keep the ball down?” says colgar the all-knowing. Oh, that must mean that:”high,higher, and highest” must have something to do with another sport! That must mean, when the catcher stands up, as the pitch is on its way, and shows his mit to the pitcher, that he is merely tired of being in a squat position and is just stretching his legs!Hey, all-knowing one, you are stupid.
By wizard
May 18, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this
Errors: 1. stating Janish doesn’t belong because of past stats; while ignoring his present stats, under very difficult circumstance-is silly. Stating that none have predicted 88 wins, simply ignores the wizard’s pre-season prediction for the Reds.
By wizard
May 18, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this
The point being made was: Many hitters, including Dickerson, have trouble recognizing the “hittable” low pitches. Perhaps my explanation was not complete or clear-thanks for the heads up, colgar. Griffey and Dunn for example had trouble with two-strike, low -and-away pitches, mainly because both tried to pull most everything-and did not recognize the hittable one’s. Which is one good thing about Dickerson—he does try to hit to left more often than they did; and it appears to me, that when he does that{instead of trying to pull the pitch} he is more disciplined at the plate. So, I’m thinking he is trying to pull too many third strikes; and is not recognizing hittable low pitches. Sorry, ross, unlike you I don’t give up on players who are talented—his defense is as good as anyone in our outfield{subtract one bad game}/his arm is second only to Bruce’s/his speed is second to none in our outfield/ and I still believe he will hit, if given regular playing time. He is playing out of position when Baker plays him in left—CF is where he is most comfortable. Have your own opinion—I’ll have mine.
By AP-FLORIDA
May 18, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this
But my question was, did rusty make any right moves?
By Mike-Dayton
May 18, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
With almost 1/3 of the season gone??? Bill from Florida might want to do some math. I know they don’t have a state tax in Florida but the Reds have played 37 games which constitutes 22% of the season gone … since 1/3 is 33% of the season, you added 50% more to the season gone than is actually gone. Bloggers on this board have a tendency to not really look at any data prior to posting their “thoughts”.
By colgar
May 18, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
Wizard most players have trouble hitting the low pitch. Why do you think every pitching coach alive tells his staff to keep the ball down?
By Kyle
May 18, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cincy. Your post reminded me of Bull Durham with all the baseball cliches you tossed in there.
By ross
May 18, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this
timb..agree Janish probably does not belong on a big league roster..Dickerson come on wizard the guy dont belong..the Reds have many holes..I do like Hernandez with the bat
By Brian from Florida
May 18, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this
Nick W and Timb: I do apologize, I had to add to my comment “with the available roster”. Of course a real third base, RH power hitter, will be more than welcome in order to balance the left side of the infield. Is WJ aware of it?
By bb
May 18, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this
Joe, Go back to Cleveland. This Reds Team is a good Reds Team. We just do not have a Real Manager to teach these young guys how to Win. Ty, Atleast JH Jr. shows some emotion on this team, you should teach your own kids why he is throwing his helment, it is called Passion for the game of Baseball… Hal, I love you stories, i try to read your stuff everyday..
By Nick W
May 18, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this
this was a bad weekend but not that suprising because of our past trips to california. These next two series are going to show if the reds are going to contend all year. I agree with you timb, the left side of our infield does need improvment and it has been one of the weak spots all year. I think this team will be fine as long as votto and volquez get better because we can’t afford to lose them for an extended period of time.
By timb
May 18, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
“The infield can not be improved far from Votto, Philips, Janish and Rosales, with Hairston” HAHAHHA. Janish the .220 career hitter and a utility infielder are perfect for the left side of the infield. Bill, I’m just glad you’re not named Walt
By Mike-Cinci
May 18, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
A lot of folks think the Reds stink or they should make big changes. The Reds are 20-17. If they win at the same rate the rest of the season they will will 88 games. This will be far better than any prediction for this team this year. Baseball is a game of streaks. The best teams lose 40% to 45% of their games. Relax it is a long season. Baseball is a marathon not a sprint. One of the keys will be staying away from injury. Hopefully Votto and Volquez will be OK. This team will go as far as its pitching takes it. Most say the Reds have over achieved so far. Probably have. Time will tell.
By Sam Jackson
May 18, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
This will be an early indicator of what this team is made of. The previous two years, the Reds would have one good series, such as Arizona, then would have two or three bad ones after that. The last two teams were very frustrating for that reason. Hopefully they can win at least a game or two against Philly and stay in contention.
By Bill from Florida
May 18, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
Hello everyone, I just want to tell you that as a real Reds fan it really hurts to be swept by a team like the Padres. I think the key for this weekend’s results was the friday’s 5-3 loss, it had to be won. Perhaps it was the decission to let Harang bat in the 7th or anything else, I’m not sure, but I’ve insisted all this time to do not ever let Gonzo and EE return to the line-up. Period. It affects in a negative way the rest of the line-up. Reds were suppossed to take over friday’s game, fight on saturday (as it really happened) and then do their best against Peavy (as it really happened, too). With almost 1/3 of the season gone I think it’s time to make some roster movements, I see the pitching staff doing fine, perhaps I’d promote Matt Maloney. The outfield is well covered with Bruce, Taveras, Nix and Dickerson. I’d send McDonald down, along with EE. The infield can not be improved far from Votto, Philips, Janish and Rosales, with Hairston as back-up. I’d release Gonzo to open another roster spot. Hernandez and Hanigan are doing a good job behind the plate. So, in brief, send McDonald and EE down to Lousville (give a last chance to EE in the minors). Bring up Maloney and Hopper or Gomes. Release Gonzo and then promote Drew Sutton.
By wizard
May 18, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
Watching Chris Dickerson making his offensive comeback that I predicted, yesterday—it is still apparent to me, that his weakness in hitting is “low” pitches. He swings and misses them, or grounds out. The pitch he hit out, and the singles he hit, were all belt high, or above. When Peavy kept the ball low, Chris had trouble hitting it; and this proves to be the case in all of his other at bats, previously.
By joe
May 18, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this
This Reds team is a bad team!
By Brandon
May 18, 2009 7:50 AM | Link to this
@Ty, I have to completely disagree with your viewpoint. Pro athletes have been doing that for a long time and I do not think it affects young ballplayers. It’s funny how a guy that is making millions of dollars gets ripped to shreds by fans when they don’t perform. Would you rather see him jog to first and walk back to the dugout like the play doesn’t matter? This team wants to win and shows true emotion and passion that we haven’t seen in Cincy in a long time. JHJ can slam his helmet all he wants in my book. He’s playing to win, not jog around the bases like a robot to collect his paycheck.
By AP-FLORIDA
May 18, 2009 6:22 AM | Link to this
I didn’t watch every inning this weekend, so can someone let me know if rusty made a correct move at all? Saw quite a few questionable moves but a good move? NOT!!!!
By Mutaman
May 18, 2009 12:45 AM | Link to this
“Jerry Hairson Jr. aggervates me more and more every time i see him slam his helmet or throw his bat. Doesnt he know kids are watching him and immitating his every move?- “ JHT does this about once every month or two so if this is what aggrevates you, better find a professional to talk to about it. There’s a guy in New York who used to do that stuff all the time- he’s got five rings and the kids there are ready to retire his number. Ever hear of Paul o’Neil?
By Ty
May 18, 2009 12:20 AM | Link to this
Jerry Hairson Jr. aggervates me more and more every time i see him slam his helmet or throw his bat. Doesnt he know kids are watching him and immitating his every move?-
By Jim
May 17, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this
Hal, The Reds will never get over the hump, with Dusty leading them. He plays guys out of respect, instead of how they are performing. I also think Nix would be still riding the pine, had it not been for all the local pressure put on Krusty. Playing Gonzalez at this point in the season, is a joke. His hitting is pitiful and to those who say hes great defensively, if he’d lose 20 pounds, he may have more range. Oh well, I guess he’s earned it:) Jim
By hdkelly
May 17, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this
Hal go to gaslight.we live here now. we’re former REDS fans. we followed your stories for most of those 37 years. Hang in there. not many of us olders left. HDK
By George
May 17, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this
Hal, maybe you should check out Raymond Chandler, “The Big Sleep” and “Farewell, My Lovely” are great. They follow detective Phillip Marlowe. One of them, I can’t remember which, has him betting every day against DiMaggio’s 56.