By jocketty

June 2, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

brewcrewlew..I agree with you..I like Phillips but he needs to shut his mouth so does a .215 hitting want to be Jay Bruce..he is a JOKE

By The ghost of Don Blasingame

June 1, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

Aaron, these are real people with real lives. This is not some stupid reality TV show. Being a “fan” does not entitle you to the intimate details of people’s lives, no matter how much morbid curiosity you have. Seriously, go to #@%$, dude.

By dmcgee77

June 1, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this

Don’t equate 9/11 truth with wackos. Over 700 licensed architects and engineers are now calling for a new investigation into 9/11. If you’re so gullible to buy into the bs you’ve been fed, that’s not my fault, but I’m not going to let you insult the courageous stand that many of the families of 9/11 victims are taking, along with many experts, in calling for a new investigation.

By Mike-Dayton

June 1, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

Aaron you keep speculating and we’ll keep laughing at you … it’s a beautiful arrangement.

By Mark in Sun Valley

June 1, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this

Last year, when Votto’s father died, it was not made public immediately at Joey’s request. He is obviously a private person with regard to personal matters. I think it is only respectful to at least give him a few days to sort out what must be a very difficult situation for him before we jump to rash and unfounded conclusions. When the time is right, I am sure more details will be told.

By Aaron B.

June 1, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this

VOICE OF REASON has just attempted a classic example of what is known as “poisoning the well”. See, folks, if he can attempt to get me to take his bait and start talking about 9/11 being an inside job than all he has to do is disprove my theory on Joey Votto’s absence to show that people that question 9/11 official story are conspiracy theorists grasping at straws. That is a whole separate debate which I never introduced or even alluded to, yet here is the voice of reason trying to muddy the waters and pollute the issue of this discussion which was purely of baseball nature. Who is the real voice of reason? Again, I am being perfectly candid that I am just floating a theory and I am hoping my own theory is wrong. I just want to know more about Votto’s agent and who is clientele are to get a better grasp of the situation. I find Votto’s condition very puzzling and I just want to find out what is going on as a fan of the Reds. It is not in my nature to sit back and wait for press release explanations. I am certain I am not alone.

By dmcgee77

June 1, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this

Keep your 9/11 politics to yourself, Voice of Reason. If you buy into the official 9/11 report, than you certainly are no voice of reason.

By Voice of Reason

June 1, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this

Oh and my previous post was the last on the incredibly stupid topic … my previous blog captured all I have left on the topic and we’ll all just have to live with the Aaron’s of the world protecting us and encouraging us to “question authority” even if it means making everything up.

By Voice of Reason

June 1, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

Keep blogging Aaron - your logic and thought patterns amaze even the guys who think Bush was behind 911. You want to believe that “anything goes” and “should be investigated” because no reason was given. With that in mind, should anything anyone comes up with be investigated? With your logic, Votto could be a serial killer (prove he’s not) or Votto could be in the Witness Protection Program (prove he’s not) … you’re the classic example of someone who postulates incredible stories with zero proof and then demands someone prove they’re wrong. Man came from space dust from Jupiter (prove man didn’t) and on and on … you just don’t see the stupidity of your claims … you still feel that someone should go to Votto’s agent house and sit on his doorstep until he can prove he didn’t whisper in Votto’s ear (the good one) and tell him to “fake being sick as I have a long track record of having baseball players quit in the middle of the year and force the team to pay more money because they had a good April and May) … keep posting though as people can learn a lot about manipulation reading your thoughts.

By Aaron B.

June 1, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

No I believe when a player of a team sport suddenly is unable to be there for the fans and his teammates that explanations should be forthcoming. When they are not it is perfectly natural to assume the worst — keeping an open mind and realizing the worst might not be the case. I have said time and again I hope I am wrong. I will even say I am probably wrong. But I would like to know who Votto’s agent is, and I believe that is public record information, and that way I can see who his other clients are and look for a pattern of strange behaviors from his underpaid clientele. I understand everyone’s need to protect Votto’s reputation: he has been the one unwavering bright spot for this club since his arrival and we all want him to be every bit the hero he is on the surface. So far the only problem is we can’t keep him in the lineup and the explanations have been ambiguous at best and downright evasive at worst. All I was saying when I began my rant was that once upon a time reporters would investigate stories when officials didn’t give adequate explanations. Yes I blasted Fay for censoring me, but aside from that I have tried to keep it civil and sane and the loonies are the ones calling for me to be banned, calling me an idiot, telling me to shut up etc. This is a discussion blog. If everyone had the same views and opinions what would be the point?

By The ghost of Don Blasingame

June 1, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

So what you’re saying, Aaron B., is that if someone is not forthcoming enough to satisfy -your- curiosity about one thing or another, you feel free to ascribe the worst possible motivation to that person, and if it happens you’re way off base about the whole deal, well, darn it, it’s their own fault for not personally convincing you otherwise. I’ve read (and arguably written) some silly things on this blog, but you’re a cake-taker. Dink.

By BrewCrewLew

June 1, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this

“Brandon Phillips stood in front of his locker and said, with a straight face, that the Reds are better than Milwaukee.” Brandon Phillips is pretty f*ing stupid if he believes that.

By Aaron B.

June 1, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this

Pretty sure we would have heard about a triple homicide in the news if that indeed happened, so I don’t like that theory much. Voice of Reason: this is not how rumors start. Rumors start when someone says they are in the know, they have an inside source etc. I have freely admitted to be purely speculating. I just think 390K is peanuts in this day and age and no player carrying a team offensively like Joey has would be satisfied with that salary. Agents are notorious for shaking down teams despite their clinets being under contract. You think Votto wants to go to arbitration for the next 5 years of his eligibility (not sure on the exact time, but I am guessing he has a long ways to go before he can file for free agency.) I think there is a strong possibility his agent approached the Reds for a long term contract, was denied and now he mysteriously can only play 20% of the games this season. If Votto doesn’t want fans to speculate he should be more forthright for the reason of his absence. I am not buying anxiety disorder and we already know the inner ear infection was some kind of smokescreen. Anyhow, I am all ears as far as other theories go, keep em coming. Someone else suggested it could be anxiety related to the medication he was taking for the infection: that sounds plausible as well.

By Steve

June 1, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

Great. Just when I thought I was the biggest jackass on this blog, along comes Aaron B.. I worked long and hard at being the blogfoon and in one day he takes it all away. Thanks for nothing.

By John Ockomon

June 1, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

Great blog,Hal. Been a Reds fan since 1952 from Anderson,IN. Saw Johnny Mize hit three HR’s at Crosley. Coming down Friday June 19. need the local best casual Italian restaurant in Cincy area?

By wallyp

June 1, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

I like the three murdered nuns theory. I have a theory that Votto is tired of being the strong silent type, and is secretly taking acting classes so he can be more of a presence when he talks to reporters. On the other hand, maybe he is dating Jessica Simpson and is off to Texas for a gunfight with Tony Romo. Now, I am not saying that really is the case, and I have no evidence to support any of these theories, but there is nothing saying they can’t be true.

By Voice of Reason

June 1, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Aaron B - your logic is horrible as you have determined that since the Reds have decided to keep Votto’s issues private, that “anything goes” for the reason - and that anyone who questions your logic is a wandering sheep without a clue. With your logic, Votto killed three nuns on the west coast trip and now is on the run since it’s a “mystery” why he left the team. You asked “how does floating a theory (and I’ll add without any evidence) start a rumor? Are you really that dumb? That is what start rumors. Mindless dummies spewing nonsense without any data. Not sure if John Fay stole your girlfriend or not but your hate for him is obvious and you use him properly ignoring you as fuel to “prove” you need to be heard. No - you need to go away or shut up … I believe this blog wants you to do both.

By Jack

June 1, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

RedsFan/Jim, this is a blog. Hal cant include every quote in his blog. If you want Brandon’s (stupid) comments, read Hal’s article about the game. They are all there. And, dont care if you actually believe, but when you get swept by a team, you are not the better team. When you are frustrated, you say stupid things. Cant imagine what Phillips would have said if Berkman said the Astros were the better team after being swept last week.

By SteveinHershey

June 1, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this

Hal..why isnt anyone mentioning Chris Heisey..top 5 in avg.HR.Ops.OnBase.DB.Slugging..if his name was stubbs..they would have him in the majors by now..did I mention he is an outstanding fielder

By Mr. Redlegs (Original)

June 1, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

Is Joey Votto a long lost relative of Nick Esasky? Sure seems that way right now.

By scott from cincy

June 1, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

The people on this board crack me up. Yes, this team has issues. Many of their issues go back to before the season started (i.e. lack of depth, lack of offense, lack of bench). But, to give up on Bruce, who is 22, and suggest that Votto is holding himself out for some “mysterious” reason is a joke. The Reds just need to sack up and go .500 or better on this road trip (which means they need Cueto, Volquez, Harang, and Arroyo to step up big time), and then Walt needs to make a trade or two (rumors are flying) to get a big bat in here at third or LF, and someone who can take over at first temporarily. I doubt if the Reds would take on Zimmerman’s $9M, but he is the best fit for this team in my opinion, and is likely available for the right talent. If not, don’t waste time on people like Edmonds or Luis Gonzalez. Please, just stop all the negativity. I know the Reds looked horrible in Milwaukee, but they can bounce back, just like they did before. Everybody chill!

By Florida Buckeye

June 1, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

I find it amazing that someone would posture a theory that Votto is “faking it” as a ploy to renegotiate a contract…are you kidding me? I once had an ear infection and the long term effect is that from time to time, I get vertigo…and it follows no rhyme or reason; just something you have to get used to. And consider this: Professional Althetes have superior motor, and twitch reflex muscles…which means that ANY inconsistency, is going to be blown out of proportion…think of it this way: IF someone tells you to think about walking when you’re walking…more often than not, you start to feel akward while walking…same thing with an athlete. IF you do so much without thinking and NOW, whatever malady Votto has, or doesnt have, is on his mind, it’ll be disorienting… At least that’s my counter theory to a negotiating trick!

By ross

June 1, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

I hope Votto is ok…Ive noticed several times sitting behind the Reds dugout that he loses focus at times..there has been several occasion that he thought there were 3 outs and there was just two..now I know that happens to most players but he has done it on numerous occasions…the team needed him and he bailed ..this is an important strtch…but it could be serious and I hope he gets though it..life is more important then baseball

By Albert the Great

June 1, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

1st place Bruce..Phillips after being swept..”we are a better team”..how stupid are these guys..they haven’t won in years and are running there mouths..Let me run mine The Reds are TERRIBLE..you come to the greatest baseball town going..u guys were 1.5 games out and after you leave St Louis you will be 6.5 out..the fans of Cincinnati are clueless especially wizard..all he can talk about is Janish, Dickerson, hanigan who may be a decent back-up..those guy are not who you need to be competititive..like I said a 2-8 against Cards brewers cubs..I believe I was wrong..maybe 1-9

By W.Va. Fan

June 1, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this

Joe, Unfortunately it’s a four game series with the Cards. I just hope some of the other guys pick up the slack and we start producing some runs. Or we’ll lose all four games and that will be hard to bounce back from, even it is early June.

By Jimmy C

June 1, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this

I think these pitchers need to start pitching way inside to the Brewers.They are getting way to comfortable in the box.Same goes for the Cardinals

By Aaron B.

June 1, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this

Joey Votto makes 390K. The Reds got their money’s worth in April alone. We all know how sports agents think. Is it too much of a stretch to suggest Votto is dogging it? Possibly. I am just saying that no one knows for sure what is going on and there was a 45 minute closed door meeting and no one has divulged much of anything. Anxiety would be the simplest way to place him on the DL if there were no real medical condition preventing him from playing. I know we all want Joey to be superman — myself included but maybe he is human afterall. Believe me I want to be wrong about this, but I don’t think censoring me is the right solution. Instead we should discuss what’s going on in a logical manner and request (or demand) answers as to what is going on. How can a team expect fans to show up and pay money when the best player isn’t showing up for work and no one knows why? Its ludicrous.

By Kentucky Hal

June 1, 2009 7:36 AM | Link to this

I was thinking the very same thing McCoy and others say, this is to be honest a season making or breaking series with STL. Really-with Votto out, you lose 3 of 4 and they will just play out the string really. Plus Votto situation is too much of a mystery!

By bill

June 1, 2009 7:06 AM | Link to this

If the Reds season isn’t over now, it will be after the Cardinal series.

By joe

June 1, 2009 6:59 AM | Link to this

I told a friend that the Cardinals will win three games of this series and his reply was, “That’s all?”

By goredlegs

June 1, 2009 1:52 AM | Link to this

effin’ commies.

By J

June 1, 2009 1:50 AM | Link to this

Hal,will PLEASE ban Aaron B. from here,what an ahole,GET OFF OF HERE Ab,you freaking idiot!!!

By RedsFan

June 1, 2009 1:43 AM | Link to this

Thanks Jim. That’s what irks me about Hal McCoy - he takes out of context something one of the players says only to support his ‘this Reds team sucks’ attitude. I never have liked McCoy - not at all since he took over for Si Burick way back when. Thanks for the full quote.

By Bill In Georgetown

June 1, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this

Has anyone else noticed BP’s front foot ‘slipping’ out from under him each at bat. He is falling down at the plate! He looks like all his weight is on his back leg, while swinging upward trying to hit everything out of the park and county!

By Old Kiser Coach

May 31, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this

Where were the coaches and (I use the term loosely), manager for three innings when the starting Milwaukee pitcher had a patch on his non-throwing arm? Even windbag Thom wasn’t aware of it and that is against the rules. Thom is just like Grande, to busy telling how great all the other team’s players are. And when is Pole going to get his starters ready to start a game before the third inning? This team could be fun to watch with some coaching and leadership.

By Diamond Dave

May 31, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this

Tell Jay Bruce that the Woofing Gods just delivered him a lesson and that he needs to ask for forgiveness so that they’ll take the clamps off of his bat. I like the confidence of declaring that you’re coming back in first place, but I know the Woofing Gods are out there. And Hal, I am eating my heart out knowing you’ll be dining at Mike Shannon’s this week. Great stuff!!

By Aaron B.

May 31, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

My only axe to grind is that John Fay has no problem calling out the commonfolk and barbarians who post on his blog but has NEVER and I mean never dared to criticize a player or coach or manager despite the fact he is the beat writer for one of the most futile teams in the major leagues. It is exactly this type of kid-glove coddling treatment that perpetuates the losing because no one is ever held accountable for their actions. mcCoy dared to criticize Phillips and never heard the end of it. Thes are prima donna’s who simply can’t handle the glow of the spotlight. This is why they wilt under pressure and national exposure. As for your “confidentiality” claim, when is this ever enforced? When has a player ever prevented a team from divulging his medical condition? I mean does the guy have AIDS or something? Even Kaz Matsui who had an “anal fissure” last season allowed his condition to be reported to the media. And why the 45 closed door minute meeting? That doesn’t send up a Red flag? I smell a story here and any real journalist woould be inclined to explore it before out-of-market writers capture it for themselves.

By Jaybee

May 31, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this

Aaron, have you ever heard of HIPA? The privacy restricts the Reds or anyone from releasing medical information without that person’s permission. So…your constant carping about John Fay is misguided and way off base. Sounds like you just have an axe to grind and you’ve chosen to do it here.

By Aaron B.

May 31, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this

Jack: Ad hominem attack. Not a good way to debate. Let us stick with facts and debate the issue. How do you know Votto doesn’t want more money. Did he personally tell you this himself? I didn’t say I believed my theory, I just think its a possibility. Obviously there are other possibilities. Lets here your theories. Or should we just sit around like obedient school children waiting for all of our information to be spoon fed to us? Are we “sheeple”?

By Jack

May 31, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

Aaron, go back to the cincy board, you are not wanted or needed, we have enough idiots here. Money is not the issue with Votto.

By Aaron B.

May 31, 2009 9:46 PM | Link to this

I have the same data as John Fay and Hal McCoy which is NONE. McCoy was gutsy enough to note the “mystery” of Votto’s absence, whereas Fay simply parrots the press releases and company statements. When I float the theory I state that it is a theory and nothing more, so how does that fuel a rumor? The Reds are fueling the rumor by not providing any details and by playing the inner ear infection for weeks, way past when it possibly coul dhave been causing a physical problem. John Fay has never criticized one player or manager or member of management on his blog. NEVER! Not once! He simply reports facts and press releases. The only time he serves up opinion is to tell the fans hey, you were wrong about Baker, or hey you were wrong about Hernandez. He is 100% loyal to the team which is unacceptable when the team has a track record of abysmal performance. Any other city has sports writers “keeping it real”. And then when you point out how he doesn’t “keep it real” he simply censors your comments. Anyhow, what is wrong with my theory? Lets debate it. How much is Votto making this season? Is he undeniably the MVP of the team? Is he undoubtedly one of the best hitters in baseball? Is it out of the realm of possibibility he wants to be paid more and that his agent is telling him stuff like you have to insure for your future that everyone is just one injury away from losing their career? Isn’t that what agents are notorious of doing? Who, in fact, is Votto’s agent? If I was a reporter I’d be exploring these avenues and I’d be respobsible enough to explain that at this point it is all conjecture and that we will give Votto the benefit of the doubt until we have reason not to. Again, the way this whole situation has been handled by the front office is extremely suspicious and has caused the rumor mill to get going. You really think I am the only one that is going to float rumors on this? The problem is its going to be guys like Peter Gammons that will break the story before our own local writers, because Fay simply refuses to do anything but toe the company line as if he was in the employ of the Cincinnati Reds, which he is not. As far as I am concerned he deservesd his payless hiatus and he deserves for his newspaper to go under. He is a talentless hack without the talent to do any investigative journalism which is what newspapers are supposed to be founded on.

By Voice of Reason

May 31, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this

The are a zillion things wrong with floating theories based on zero evidence which is what you’re throwing around. You’re starting stupid and inane rumors housed in some sort of “let’s get to the bottom of this” tone as if you have “some” data and now you are advancing your theory. You have nothing … you know no one … you are not connected to the Reds … and you are making stupid sh*t up and throwing it out there and then whining about not being heard when reasonable people (like John Fay) tell you to get lost.

By Kyle

May 31, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this

Usually out of it by Mother’s Day. This year it will be Father’s Day. So we got an extra month out of the season. It’s seriously time to trade Jay Adam-Austin Bruce. He is too streaky and strikes out too much.

By Aaron B.

May 31, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this

Dude I presented as a conspiracy theory and nothing more. As long as the Reds refuse to give us a real answer what is wrong with floating theories? I never said THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING. It was a theory. I do think the situation reeks of evasiveness for a reason. If it was something kosher they would be more forthcoming. And a 45 minute closed door meeting with no viable explanation afterwards??? You tell me that isn’t suspicious.

By Voice of reason

May 31, 2009 8:28 PM | Link to this

Aaron B - are you serious or just joking because you’re bored and unemployed? There is a difference from being censored because you have information that “The Man” won’t let you get to the public … and for getting tossed off a blog for simply making up some stupid sht about Votto and his agent cooking up a moronic plan for Votto to pretend to be sick so the Reds will give him a new contract. First - no agent would ever recommend that to a third year player in the middle of the season. Second - no journalist would start investigating something as dumb as what you’re talking about. Third - the Reds are not being tight-lipped about this, they are honoring Votto’s request for privacy. You must postulate a lot of dumba* ideas and then run around pretending you know stuff others don’t and then call them naive and dumb because they ignore you.

By got milk

May 31, 2009 8:21 PM | Link to this

Team chemistry had to have taken a hit when their best position player quits on the team and doesn’t give a reason why. Maybe Joey didn’t like the presure that winning brought. Maybe he didn’t like being the supposed team leader. Maybe he longs for the Griffey-Dunn clubhouse days.

By Mike from Beavercreek

May 31, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Hal, I think they need to be looking at Dick Pole. He hasn’t done anything with the pitchers for a number of years.

By Aaron B.

May 31, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this

I’m being censored on John is not Fay’s blog for daring to be critical of Votto. For daring to speculate that maybe — JUST MAYBE — Votto is not stepping on to the field until he is paid like a top hitter. Perhaps his agent is whispering warnings and horror stories of career-ending injuries into his ear. You know once upon a time journalists did investigative work and dared to question the official party line. The Reds are clearly being tight lipped about this. They clearly exaggerated the ear issue to smokescreen something else going on. Why would you just parrot their press releases and vague comments instead of daring to question. hal, as an old school reporter understands the role of the journalist in society: they are our watch dogs. They poke into things to uncover the hidden story. John Fay doesn’t get it and worse he censors me for calling upon him to do his journalistic duty. FAR WORSe he has no problem criticising fans on his blog while never ever criticiizing Reds players or management and holding them accountable for their actions and absurd statements. Then he also laments the struggles of the newspaper industry as he goes on unpaid hiatus. Keep up the good work, Hal and keep showing the younger writers what makes you a hall of famer.

By Jim in Centerville

May 31, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Hal, Your comment on Brandon Phillips was a bit incomplete and can be interpreted as making him seem unconcerned about the loss. From John Fay: “Here’s what Brandon Phillips said on the wake of the sweep by the Brewers: “It sucks real bad. I feel like we’re a better team than the Brewers. They executed better. They did the little things. We didn’t do little things the last two games. “That’s why they won. We’ve got to learn from this and make sure we don’t take it with us to St. Louis or the same thing will happen.””