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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 > June > 06 > Entry
Maloney no phony in big-league debut
Maybe the Cincinnati Reds found something Saturday night. Something big. Something better than Homer Bailey and maybe better than Micah Owings.
His name is Matt Maloney and he is 25 years old and he made 99 minor-league starts before the Reds gave him his under-the-big-tent chance.
Some chance. Against the Chicago Cubs. In front of 40,914 raging fans - some for the Reds and some against as Cubs fans took up about half the space in Great American Ball Park.
And the guy pitched as if it was just another Louisville Bats game against the Toledo Mudhens - 6-plus innings, two runs (both homers), six hits. And he pitched out of problems nearly every inning, showing poise and steel nerves. Nothing to it, eh?
He left a 3-2 lead for the bullpen to protect, but unfortunately the Cubs scored a run off David Weathers in the eighth to tie it. Weathers was sick about it, but you couldn’t wipe the smile off Maloney’s face after the game with a cement trowel.
The Reds won it in the 11th on pinch-hitter Adam Rosales’ little dribbler up on the third base line on which third baseman Mike Fontenot threw high to home plate, enabling Jay Bruce (walkl) to score from third to end it.
Maloney’s first major-league pitch at 7:10 was swung and missed by Alfonso Soriano. His second pitch at 7:11 was ripped into left field for a double and his third pitch crashed into the ribs of Ryan Theriot.
But thanks to a diving catch by center fielder Chris Dickerson and a smart throw to second base by catcher Ryan Hanigan on a double steal attempt, Maloney’s first major-league inning was scoreless.
IF ANYBODY OUT there has heard of Scott Randall, raise your hand. Put your hand, down Scott. You don’t count. Scott Randle, a pitcher, got a first in his first major-league at-bat for the Reds on Sept. 18, 2003, in Pittsburgh against Kip Well. He was the last to do that until Maloney batted in the second inning Saturday and singled up the middle.
Randall? His career was 2003. Fifteen games. Two starts. 2-5 record. 6.51 ERA. Gone forever.
I DIDN’T GIVE you my choice for the Belmont Stakes because, well, when it comes to horses I know as much about them as I do about women. Very little. But I will tell you I did have Summer Bird in the blind-draw pool in the press box and collected some cash.
ANYBODY OUT there have any pull with hotels in Washington, D.C.? Due to a mix-up (mine) I notified the Reds too late that I needed a room in Washington Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Mayflower Renaissance is sold out. I embarked on my own to find a room and couldn’t find anything under $400 a night. I know the paper won’t go for that price, so I might be grounded for those three days if I don’t find cheaper housing.
THE UMPIRES for this series best be on their toes and make the right calls. Former umpire, now umpiring supervisor, Bruce Froemming is in the press box watching his guys work. His nickname, one you never, ever used around him was Spanky because he looked like Spany in the old, old, old Our Gang movies.
And to Matt Maloney, this post-game brew is for you. Was fun to watch.
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By Bill Lawrence
June 7, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this
Hey Hal, I use capitalreservations.com whenever I go to DC. I see one hotel on the Patomic for 143 a night.
By Colgar
June 7, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
Hal: Maybe Jim Bowden IIII’s condo is vacant as he hides from prosecutors. I am sure he would let you stay, unless Peter Gammons is in town.
By Adam
June 7, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
Hal, I live in Arlington, VA right across the river from DC (active duty Navy). We have a guest suite in our apartment community that gets you a fully furnished one bedroom place for only 125 a night (in Shirlington Village). Glad to help if I can. Can’t wait to see the Reds in DC as I’m from Northern KY originally.
By Bill from Florida
June 7, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this
Today’s line-up: Hairston 3b, Dickerson cf, Phillips 2b, Nix rf, Hernandez 1b, Gomes lf, Gonzalez ss, Hanigan C. The best players available. One comment, given that Gonzo won’t return next year, isn’t it recommended to allow Janish to play more often this year? Or is it somebody else will take SS over in 2010.
By RC
June 7, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
What the heck just happened to my computer? Not user error, certainly… anyway - I wanted to say that was an eye-opener last night from someone who I thought needed some L’ville time a couple of weeks ago. Now if JB could just have a night like that…
By Rat wasa C
June 7, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Graceful all the way, Wiz. Nice. But I will hand it to you - last night, Chris Dickerson looked like an excellent big league CF. I still have my reservations, but th
By Rat wasa C
June 7, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Graceful all the way, Wiz. Nice. But I will hand it to you - last night, Chris Dickerson looked like an excellent big league CF. I still have my reservations, but th
By Rat wasa C
June 7, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Graceful all the way, Wiz. Nice. But I will hand it to you - last night, Chris Dickerson looked like an excellent big league CF. I still have my reservations, but th
By Rat wasa C
June 7, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Graceful all the way, Wiz. Nice. But I will hand it to you - last night, Chris Dickerson looked like an excellent big league CF. I still have my reservations, but th
By Steven Ross
June 7, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this
Reds should have a lefty in their starting rotation. Not sure, in the long run, if Maloney’s the guy but he deserves a couple more starts. Probably better than Owings. Just being honest.
By wizard
June 7, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Not a peep from the ‘know-it-alls’, about the great play of our best centerfielder-Chris Dickerson. Go ahead, it’s OK for you dummies to congratulate his outstanding play-ye of little faith and limited talent judgment. Hanigan too-you can correct your bad manners and judgment of his abilities, as well. Go ahead-do it now!Hanigan: “rookie of the year-if he gets to play enough” -Brennaman. Don’t hear the calls for them to return to ‘Louie’s Village’ these days! ‘How do ya like me now’? Dickerson hitting .310 in last twenty games/FOUR great catches/demonstration of great throwing ability! It took Baker long enough to find his best CFer. Of course, he’ll move him out of the lineup soon; after he reads the back of his bubble gum card/or after he reads the blog, and discovers that no .250 average hitter should EVER be allowed to flourish in the BIG league’s. Ha,ha-How do ya like me NOW? What’d the WIZ say? I said, what’d I say? Ha,ha. Go Reds.
By Rachel in Columbus
June 7, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
Went to the game last night - great game, loved it! But I would hate to be a Cubs player. I was on the third base line and the drunk Cubs fans cussing out Soriano in left field were completely obnoxious…I think I may skip future Reds-Cubs games.
By Rocke
June 7, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this
Can someone tell me why Jay Bruce coasted into second on the past ball and didn’t slide at either second or home last night? Is it just me, or is he looking more and more like Adam Dunn everyday? Purhaps a ticket back to Louisville for a while will wake him up!
By Todd
June 7, 2009 7:43 AM | Link to this
DC-just got back stayed at the Washington Court Hotel on New Jersey. Convenient location. Negotiated price of $209/night. Concierge tipped me off to a great Italian restaurant.
By redsfandownunder
June 7, 2009 4:12 AM | Link to this
Great debut by Maloney and fun to watch - let’s hope he can keep it up. As far as finding something - Nick Masset has quietly become a lights out pitcher for the Reds. I wonder if he could be better utilized somehow - taking over from Weathers as setup or as a starter. It’s been a looong time since we’ve had this much pitching talent.
By Gary Maloy Jr
June 7, 2009 2:50 AM | Link to this
I know of the biggest Reds fan in the world (well, in D.C., anyway). Go to www.baseballchurch.blogspot.com As far as Maloney, remember Johnny “K”ueto’s first start last year? 10-11 strikeouts and we were all hooked. His second outing - and the rest of the season showed us that he was just Johnny Cueto - not Superman. Maloney probably is good, but he isn’t the Savior. Not yet, anyway.
By Randy
June 7, 2009 2:35 AM | Link to this
Hey Hal, the DDN could hire a camera crew to follow you around DC and call it, “Homeless Hal Goes to Washington”. Seriously, after 40 years, it’s great to hear the name Maloney back on the Reds pitching mound.Have you tried a hotel called the “Watergate” :)
By jim m.
June 7, 2009 2:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Hal, check what that guy says.. hotwire.com or even expedia.com too. and Maloney did a great job.. and i hope he continues to impress!! also drop the name “JIM JOYCE” the umpire that is awful too Bruce Froemming!! I never seen a ump blow so many calls as well as have a lousy strike zone!!
By Chicago Reds Fan
June 7, 2009 1:33 AM | Link to this
Try hotwire.com or priceline.com. Your best bets are hotels in Alexandria. Costs are lower across the river, and it’s still a reasonable cab ride to Nationals Park.
By hotwire.com
June 7, 2009 1:21 AM | Link to this
need a hotel?
By hotwire.com
June 7, 2009 1:21 AM | Link to this
need a hotel?
By Bill from Florida
June 7, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this
I can foresee a move in the starters rotation, this guy is for real (Harang, Owings???)…
By droll
June 7, 2009 12:20 AM | Link to this
Aww, poor Hal. Well, you’re more than welcome to shack up on my couch in DC. I can’t wait to finally see the Reds.