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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 > 07 > Entry
Brandon Phillips tells it as it is
Brandon Phillips - you have to love the guy. Brutally honest. Brutally self-deprecating. He calls a jack a jack and a diamond a diamond and if you don’t like it, deal the cards elsewhere.
After the Reds lost horrendously Sunday, a 6-3 14-inning affair to the Chicago Cubs during which they stranded 16 baserunners, Phillips was on a roll. Mike Lincoln, manager Dusty Baker’s eighth and last available pitcher, gave up a home run to Alfonso Soriano on his first pitch in the 14th and then two more runs.
What did Phillips say?
“Mike Lincoln never should have had to be in that game,” he said. “We should have won it long before he took the mound. He should have been home in bed after a win for us long before he was on the mound.
“That was a terrible game. The pitchers did their job but the position players sucked. We deserved to lose. We had so many chances with one out and guys in scoring position. We two outs I can understand it not happening, but not with only one out.
“Down the road this loss might hurt us, the way our division is,” Phillips continued. “We might need this win.”
Phillips tossed a piece of gear into his travel bag and said, “We need to go beat the Washington Nationals into the ground.” The Reds are off Monday, then play three in Washington and three over the weekend in Kansas City.
What irked Phillips even more was when he saw that both Milwaukee and St. Louis lost Sunday and the Reds muffed a chance go gain ground on the leaders. “I said Friday after we lost to the Cubs that I thought we were the better team. Then we played like today and saying that made me look bad.”
JAY BRUCE WAS not in Sunday’s lineup against the Cubs and was told to sit near manager Dusty Baker for at least two innings. It wasn’t punishment, not like a teacher ordering a dunce to sit in the first chair in front of her desk.
It was tutorial time, even though Baker didn’t know Bruce was 2 for 33. All he said was, “All I know is the law of averages are with him and somebody is going to pay.”
“Dusty told me I was going to sit next to him today and learn some stuff,” said Bruce. “I’ll take it in for a couple of innings, then be ready for whatever task I’m given.”
Baker said Sunday’s day off and a day off for the team today should serve Bruce well to sit back, observe and organize his thoughts.
“It’s tough on you mentally when you aren’t getting hits and you’re used to getting hits,” said Baker. “He’s been better the last few days on pitch selection and not chasing bad pitches. He’s taking some walks. I talked to him about narrowing that strike-zone box, make the pitcher come into that box and the walks go up, the RBIs go up and the batting average goes up.”
Whatever Dusty and Bruce discussed worked - for one day, for one at-bat. Bruce pinch-hit in the seventh and drove a double to left-center, didn’t try to pull it.
UMPIRE SUPERVISOR Bruce Froemming was seated in the press box for the second straight game and told a great story about his first year of umpiring, when he was 19 years old and fresh out of umpiring school in Daytona Beach, Fla.
It was his first week in the old Northern League and he was working a series between Duluth and Superior. In his first game he reversed a call on the other umpire that went against Duluth and the pressbox erupted.
“Then they got after me in the newspaper,” said Froemming. “I was there a week and every day in the paper it was, ‘Froemming did this and Froemming did that,’ in big headlines. I got tired of it.”
So before the next game, Froemming ordered the pressbox cleared. Everybody out. The writers refused to leave. Froemming threatened to forfeit the game to Superior. The Duluth management convinced the writers to leave so it wouldn’t have to refund ticket money.
“The main guy I threw out was Arnold Gotha of the Duluth paper and he later worked in Detroit,” said Froemming. “Hey, I was young and they told me I was in charge of the field and to me the press box was part of the field, so I cleared it.”
I asked Froemming who was the best pitcher he ever saw and I got a litany of Hall of Fame and All-Star pitchers.
“Bob Gibson was the best athlete,” said Froemming. “He could throw, hit, run, he was smart and he threw strikes. And if you hit a home run off him and watched it too long you knew what was coming the next at-bat. He’d bury one in your ribs.”
Froemming, of course, listed Nolan Ryan and said, “I worked the plate for his fifth no-hitter, a Saturday afternoon in Houston in 1981 against the Dodgers.”
He also listed Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton, Greg Maddux, Bob Veale (“Nasty when he could throw strikes, as was John Candelaria.”), Don Sutton (“Great stuff.”), Don Gullett and Randy Johnson.
And one other? “I worked the plate in Class D in Michigan City, Ind. for a guy named Juan Marichal,” he said. “And Jose Tartabull was on that team. A great team.”
Ah, great stuff for us old-timers.
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By Voice of Reason
June 9, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this
I’m not, I’m glad he is leaving. Perhaps he can go make up another theory that Votto was abducted by aliens but refuses to play Firstbase for them either.
By RC
June 9, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
I don’t care if Aaron goes away or not… it’s a free country. Aaron has used his free speech rights, and we have used ours in response. The system works.
By Voice of Reason
June 9, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
Thanks RC and Roho Radio … more voices of reason. The blog is now up to 97% for Aaron to go away which, according to his previous post, he is finally going to do - hopefully with his tail between his legs and Joey Votto’s baseball cards shoved in his mouth.
By Bill from Florida
June 9, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
What a dilema with Homer Bailey, IL pitcher of the week again. Is this guy a AAA+ player? Too good for AAA, too bad for ML.
By RC
June 9, 2009 3:49 PM | Link to this
Aaron, as I see it, you have two problems: 1) Your proposal that a second year player has pulled himself from the team, feigning injury or personal problems or whatever, over money, is utterly ridiculous. Name me ONE player, young or old, who has EVER attempted to blackmail his team in such a manner. It is unheard of. Frankly, if I believed this was the case, I’d sue the player for breach of contract and do my best to see that he never sullied a major league ballfield again. 2) You’re talking out of both side of your mouth. You declare yourself a fan whose only goal is to get your best player back on the field, yet you spout silly theories and declare yourself entitled to someone’s personal information. Taken seriously, these demands would undoubtedly delay the return of said best player. Fortunately, the “taken seriously” bit is where you fail.
By seriously?
June 9, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
All Cub’s fans are idiots? Wow, and I bet, being a life long Cub’s and baseball fan, I bet I know more about your Red’s history than you do. So, just because there are idiots fans for all teams, yours included, don’t make hasty generalizations. Red’s fans are jsut sour because they win and still can’t fill their stands to keep other team’s fans from outnumbering them.
By Aaron B.
June 9, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
Yes, I was censored at both Redlegs nation and at the Enquirer. My comments were deleted without explanation — not even a notice about violating the terms of service. Now you throw my own “posioning the well” comment back at me, like you thought of that term. You were the one poisoning the well by comparing me to 9/11 truthers. Furthermore, now you are trying to say that I “whined” at both McCoy and Fay, when I never said anything negative about McCoy — quite the opposite I praised him for being a hall-of-fame journalist who has the guts to say it like it is and criticize when necessary, something you will never get from John Fay. Of course that was on a different thread, but heck why not re-visit that discourse if you can misrepresent the facts yet again, right? Anyhow I am done responding to your attacks. You don’t debate issues, you resort to straw man arguments and ad hominem attacks. The bottom line as I have said all along is that I am a Reds fan. I think we can be competitive this year but we need our best player in the lineup. I don’t know why he is missing in action. I pointed out that he makes just $430K per year and I wonder who is agent is and if salary could at all be an issue. A bunch of people refuse to acknowledge that major league baseball is a business and that players all want to be paid what they are worth. Apparently Joey Votto is above material concerns, according to Voice of Reason and others like him. Maybe you are right. I never said you weren’t. I just want some answers. Maybe I won’t get answers. This is a blog, I am posting my thoughts and opinions.
By wade
June 9, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this
further proof that cub fans are idiots….read on a post yesterday about some guy & his kid at the game friday night who stood up to cheer when the reds did something good & said 2 drunken cub fans behind him told him to sit down & ask why he would root for loosers like the reds…he said all he said to them was “1908” as he pointed to the championship banners hanging at the stadium & the cub fans didn’t know what he was talking about.
By Roho Radio
June 9, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this
The Voice of Reason lives up to his name. Nice posts.
By Jack
June 9, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
Lets revisit an old subject. Who would do the Bailey for Dye trade now? Want to hear from those who did not want to pull the trigger prior to the season and see if your thoughts have changed.
By Voice of Reason
June 9, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this
Aaron - again you miss the point on several issue, first, you are irrelevant and you were not censored -you were ignored. Your massive ego and inferioriy complex forces you to think you were censored but only relevant and thoughtful people get censored. Goofballs with dumbass ideas simply get ignored (like you). Second, questioning things is fine - but again, you like “poisoning the well” to change the topic. You were bashed and ridiculed not for questioning there might be something else, you were bashed and ridiculed for running around like a three year old who got a timeout for ranting on with the idiotic idea of a agent ploy for money AND then ranting on about Hal McCoy and John Fay not doing anything about it. You bashed them and whined about being censored as if you stupid idea had real merits and then called them hacks for not “getting in the weeds” and doing some “real” journalism. Then you hide behind your entire stupidity by writing that you only want to get the Reds best player back on the field as if you have any control, input, or relevance to that process. Why don’t you buy a Sherlock Holmes hat, Google “Joey Votto’s agent”, call Watson up and figure it out for yourself if you think his agent is hiding Joey for more money.
By seriously?
June 9, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this
Here’s another but of info for those who can’t quite figure out why you don’t score more runs. You have very good pitching, no doubt there. Votto and Bruce are very good also, but you do not have a clean up hitter and until you have a bonafide number 4 hitter, especially with Votto out, Bruce will continue to press when he does see pitches in the zone. most teams won’t give him anything to hit because no one hits behind him. When he does, his inexperience makes him try too hard and often not get the job done. I hate the Reds as much as the next guy(though it’s nice with no Griffey or Dunn - the young guys are more exciting to watch), but for them to be successful, they need a prototypical home run hitter in the #4 spot. spot.
By seriously?
June 9, 2009 7:20 AM | Link to this
Okay, how many times do I have to listen to how the Reds should ahve won the game, they left 16 men on base, blah blah blah?!?!?! Look at the numbers folks, the Cubs left 15 men on base themselves. The Cubs are the ones that blew a sweep, by not pullin out the game Saturday in extras. It’s embarrassing being tied with the Reds in the Central. It is nice though how we have taken a nice chunk of Great American Ballpark away every time the Cubs are in town. Wrigley South for sure. Go Cubs!
By Gary Maloy Jr.
June 9, 2009 2:16 AM | Link to this
My comment to ‘dude’ regarding Brandon Phillips hat. I agree completely. And when he realizes how it’s supposed to be, he can bend the bill of Volquez’ hat and press it down on his head a little. And what’s with the pant legs going BENEATH the cleats?! And the guys who are traditionalists enough to show their sanitaries, whatever happened to stirrups?!
By Aaron B.
June 8, 2009 11:31 PM | Link to this
If I were irrelevant than blogs wouldn’t bother to censor me even though I just float ideas and I make it clear it was just a theory with absolutely no substantiating evidence. You want to talk about irrelevancy, Voice of Reason? The Reds have been irrelevant this past decade as a National league team and within their own division. This year they have some pitching and they have a chance with no team clearly better than the rest, but unfortunately our best offensive player is MIA. We can turn this into a personal pissing match but the bottom line is that none of us our happy while Votto is missing in action. Some of us want answers and some of us want to show how kind and sympathetic we are by offering get well prayers. Either way, as fans of this team we all want the same thing which is for the best of our players to be on the field. I am a big Pete Rose fan, and as such I simply cannot understand how any valuable player cannot find a way onto the field to win at all costs unless they are severely injured. I thought Pete Rose was the epitome of baseball in the city of Cincinnati, but apparently that was a different era and a forgotten credo because now we accept vague answers and quietly hope our players decide to show up to play one day.
By greg
June 8, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this
The last time phillips had a hit with men in scoring position was mid may against the Phillies, that’s why the the reds keep loosing
By Greg
June 8, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
Brandon might be able to state the obvious but he has had a number of times the last 3-4 with runners in scoring but can’t position
By Marty in Illinois
June 8, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
I’ve always respected you Hal, but I feel you wrote this blog to make amends with Phillips when he indirectly called you out earlier this year when he was struggling. Fact is, BP is lazy and not so smart when it comes to opening his mouth. As someone noted earlier, he should lead by example on the field. It’d be nice if he would run out some grounders and make a slide into third when it counts. He certainly doesn’t look like a team leader to me. Perhaps Cleveland knew what they were doing years ago. That’s Cincy for ya though.
By mike
June 8, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
I know Mike Lincoln had a bad day it could have been avoided he pitches better when he pitches more often.So if Dusty would play him more often
By Bill from Florida
June 8, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this
Tomorrow’s line-up: Hairston SS, Dickerson CF, Philips 2B, Nix RF, Hernandez 1B, Gomes LF, Rosales 3B, Hanigan C.
By Voice of Reason
June 8, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this
Actually Aaron you didn’t get “blasted” for suggesting that perhaps has Votto has issues not stated, you got “blasted” for talking out of your a*s about some stupid agent ploy without any evidence at all and then writing critically of Hal McCoy and some blog guy for not”running with your stupid idea” as if there is ALWAYS something more to the story and they are hacks for not doing more. You’re too irrelevant to be censored - you were just ignored and we all see you’re still posting your “I am the one thinking here” posts about what Hal McCoy should do for you. If you read back the last week or so ago, it is running about 95% in favor of you shutting the f’ up and going away. Your suggestion of a massive agent ploy/cover-up is so incredibly stupid, it defines you.
By HavaKlu
June 8, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this
Max Venable—-read Mike-Cinci’s comments about the Votto situation and see if you can develop some class!!
By Gold Glove SS
June 8, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this
bill, our outfield offensively is the worst. defensively is decent. we need to be able to score and that group will not or cannot get the job done. I think will finish 6th
By Bill In Georgetown
June 8, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
Our outfield: Defensively, it is probably one of the best in the league, with Nix/Dickerson/and Bruce-Taveras is way overrated, defensively. Offensively, the outfield has been awful. With our pitching/our middle infield/Hanigan catching/ and Votto at first we have a very good defense
By dude
June 8, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
hey phillips, straighten your damn hat right , you look like an idiot
By dude
June 8, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this
hey phillips, straighten your damn hat right , you look like an idiot
By w.Va. Fan
June 8, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this
You can’t leave 16 runners stranded and win many games. We had out chances. We miss Votto and Bruce has got to step up. I admire Phillips for being honest. I do think we should have tried the squeeze play with one out. Who knows, it might have worked.
By What Do Ya Think Of Me Now?
June 8, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this
When these players make the kind of money they are making, per game, I think we can easily demand a better effort and hustle each and every play! Hell, they are only playing nine innings a day, for most of the season. Players in the major league’s used to play a lot of double headers; and they hustled during each game. Too many primadonna’s today.
By Jack
June 8, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this
Matthew: masset pictched two innings on Saturday and Dusty did not feel comfortbale throwing him out there after his recent DL trip. Think Walt/dusty need to put the next injured person on the 15 DL with no questions asked. Perhaps, these guys will then play through some pain. I am not trying to be critical of those being hurt, if you are hurt, you are hurt. But, sitting 9 out of 10 days, hurts your team. Either have these guys play or put them on the DL. How many recent extra inning games have we had recently when we have had less then a full squad.
By Max Venable
June 8, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
“I am officially boycotting redleg nation for censoring my comments simply because I dared to question the reasons behind Votto’s mysterious absence. I think we are entitled to answers, and I think hall of fame reporters like Hal McCoy are entitled to do some poking around to find said answers even if it means ruffling a few feathers in the process. Our season very may well live or die…etc” Aaron, Redleg nation doesn’t care, you are “enitiled” to squat, Hal doesn’t have to do anything you suggest, (he got into the HOF as you remarked, without following advice from people like you), and YOU don’t play for the team. The REDS chances of making the post season are at risk, not yours. absent.
By Double Time
June 8, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
Great, Just great. We finally get a pitching staff and our best hitter goes mental. Great, just great.
By Matthew
June 8, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
I must have missed something, can any one shed some light on why Masset didn’t pitch Sunday. He should have been pitching instead of Lincoln. Are the Reds going to trade or release this guy any time soon. I know he pitched well last year, but like The Cowboy says, this is what have you done lately business.
By ross
June 8, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this
good post Jack..if I was Jay Bruce I would shut the Heck up. he’s hitting .212. I never have been a fan of him. I do think he can be a decent ML but definitel not a franchise type that some think he will be. I hope Im wrong but I still think this team will have trouble staying out of the cellar
By Jack
June 8, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this
Aaron, do us all a favor and boycott this site. 3-7 against the big boys…sounds about right. This is a team that should hover around .500. Difference this year is we are beating the bad teams to allow a .500 to be a somewhat realistic dream. I am not naive enough to think that on every play, you have to hustle down the line, but two on, two outs, close game, yes, you need to get down that line. Phillips needs to be a team leader and let his play reflect his leadership abilities. He is the best player on this team, but will quickly be seen as another Dunn unless his actions back up his play. Phillips/Bruce, before you talk, lets see you perform.
By Scott
June 8, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this
BP is telling it like it is, and that is what a leader is supposed to do. He is supposed to take charge and lay some lumber. What would you have him say? Something that Jr may have said in the past? Also his “blast” would have been out if it was hotter and/or more humid. Everyone thought it was a homerun.
By Mike-Cinci
June 8, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this
Joey Votto has asked for privacy regarding his injury/illness. It is not the Reds fault there is no information on this. The Reds are respecting Votto’s wishes on this. He has asked for privacy in this matter and they are honoring his wishes. It would be awful if they did not. I also admire the professional way Hal and the other writers have handled this. They have not got into ‘National Enquirer” specualtion on this matter. Clearly Hal is a pro. Any of us would want the same privacy if we asked for it. Those who are clamoring for more inforamtion are either complete lunkheads or classless. Hopefully Joey Votto will recover. Let’s remember he is a human being not a piece of cheese.
By BrarHopper
June 8, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
BP disrespects the game, his teammates & himself w/his hot dog attitude & lack of hustle. He did it again yesterday. What a clown. Just like when he was stylin’ & watching his huge blast (NOT) & went into his HR trot & the ball hit the wall & all her got was a single. He’s got a big mouth & flappin’ braggart lips & a bunch of hollow meaningless empty words. I’m sick of his attitude. back it up, big shot! He’s the team leader? LOL!
By stupid is stupid does
June 8, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this
we still miss ya joey! get well soon!
By Barry
June 8, 2009 10:15 AM | Link to this
Wow some great posts. 1 Phillips not running hard down to first on a bad throw, I have been complaining about Phillips lack of Hustle and it showed up big time on that play 2 Dickerson facing a LHP late in the game, Taveras was on the Bench and ended up coming in later, not a huge fan of him hitting in that situation but a better chance hitting the LHP than Dickerson. there is no question that BP has it right, the Reds should have won the game, Rosaleas does get the ball deep enough to score a run from 3rd with 1 out. And it happend again later with I don’t remember who was batting, but he taking huge Uppercut swings at the ball ended up poping up in the infield. Something I want to know is why is Gonzalez hitting ahead of Hannigan, I know a lot of people talk about how Hannigan’s numbers are misleading since he wasn’t playing a lot, It almost like making the line up based on looking at the back of baseball cards and seeing that Gonzalez has hit a few HR’s in his career and Hannigan is a Rookie. I think it was the 7th inning Gonzo lead off with an out and Hannigan hits a single. If the order had been switched Gonzo would have been able to sacrifice Hannigan to 2nd and instead of 1 out runner on first it’s 1 out runner on second. I don’t complain about Dusty as much as some around here, and in terms of playing somone over someone is just as much about who this team has, but I just never can agree with his Batting Orders.
By Gold Glove SS
June 8, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this
yes, Phillips speaks his mind but its pretty stupid most of the time. he said the reds were better then the brew crew after getting hammered 3 in a row. then they are better then the cubs after losing 2 of 3. let me tell you that has to be the worst offense in the game. that line-up has NO ONE thats a major threat. EE will help it out when he comes back. Its the worst OF in the majors. You have 2 minor leagers playing, A .212 face of the franchise, A CF who is mr punch/judy
By Steven Ross
June 8, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this
I nearly watched the entire game (mess) yesterday. Yeah, I need a life but let’s not digress. Anyway, it’s painfully obvious, without Votto, Bruce and to a lesser extent, Phillips, have no protection in the lineup. Bruce rarely sees a fastball anymore and it shows. BP needs to bat 2nd. Hello Dusty? Dickerson plays wonderful “D” but he can’t hit an off-speed pitch if it was delivered on a platter. The pitching’s been aces (except Lincoln) so we’ll be in many games but finding ways to win the close ones remains elusive.
By Rick
June 8, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this
“Entitled” to Votto’s personal info indeed… (not)LOL’ing
By RC
June 8, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
To those of you who want the “scoop” on Joey Votto and his problems, whatever they may be, ask yourselves this question: If the Reds release, or some enterprising reporter ferrets out, information that he considers “personal” and doesn’t want out there for public consumption, do you think that will hasten Votto’s return to the field, or just delay it further?
By Gold Glove SS
June 8, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this
The punchless Reds go 3-7. Jocketty has done nothing to help Baker and staff. Leaves the roster shorthanded. Baker cant make the moves he needs to like PH for Dickerson against LH yesterday. The Reds are back in 4th and I thionk they will finish last. There is just no talent to compete with other teams. You have a catcher playing 1st. I wouldnt give you a nickel for any of there OFs. Horrible Talent
By Bill from Florida
June 8, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this
Too bad, only 3 wins out of 10 games against direct rivals. As long as Votto is out Bruce will struggle. Philips can not hold all the bats. We can not expect that guys like Nix, Gomes or Hernandes will be everyday sluggers, either. So, the bottomline is the “Votto affair” and at the end is a top management issue, as usual. Excellent pitching (but Lincoln), it’s just a matter of adding a decent RH bat at 3B.
By Gary Maloy Jr
June 8, 2009 1:24 AM | Link to this
Central European Time, the game started at 7:10 pm. I went to bed at midnight, after the Cubs scored their 4th and 5th runs. I’d seen enough. Literally, the Cubs should have lost in nine, in several ways. Arroyo’s error on the double play ball early in the game. The offense not getting the job done with RISP and none - or one - out. I have no idea how I managed to sit through (most) of that game. It was literally painful. But it was nice watching the pitching. Arroyo, Rhodes, Herrera, Weathers, Burton, Fisher (WOW!) and Cordero rocked, although Burton threw way too many pitches). I agree that Brandon Phillips could have been safe at first on the wild throw where Derek Lee tagged him out. Why dive? A hook slide would have made the tag impossible - but probably left BP a couple feet short of the bag. But Lee would’ve been out of balance and unable to reposition himself before BP had scampered the few extra feet to the bag. I’m glad I went to bed when I did, but I feel like the entire evening was wasted.
By Bill In Georgetown
June 7, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
BP jogging to first base, after hitting a ground ball, with his head down, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, in the 5th inning with two outs:Until he noticed an offline throw at 1st-then decided he would sprint and try to duck under the tag at 1st—only it was too late to hustle!He was tagged out. Running hard from the start,with his head up, he is safe, and a run scores. It’s 3-2 and runners on 1st and 3rd. BP is immature and doesn’t play hard on all occasions. A hotdog with sometimes talent.I’m afraid THAT is what Cleveland didn’t like about him.Captains and REAL leaders hustle all the time!When Brandon starts playing like a leader, he’ll have others respect. Right now he’s a boring bag of wind.Stats are often misleading—he has loafed more than once this year, feeling sorry for Brandon—and costing his team! Hustle is an attitude and respect for the game and your team. Loafing is also an attitude; and a demonstration of disrespect for the game, and your team!Not sliding into third-pure and simple:DISRESPECT.
By Mike
June 7, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this
I think it’s time to look at some moves to strengthen our lineup. Homer Bailey just isn’t working out. Jay Bruce seems to have come down with a bad case of Griffeydunnitis. Joey Votto could very well have a couple of screws loose. How about trading all three for a big name, big offense outfielder. Use Hernandez at first, and have Hannigan and Castillo as catcher.
By patbut
June 7, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this
did phillips rant on about his not sliding into 3rd on a sac bunt - if he’s going to call a diamond a diamond then call that play lack of aggressiveness
By Aaron B.
June 7, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this
I want to extend a big thank you to fellow blog posters Andy, Jimmy, and Al for requesting answers regarding Votto’s status. When I tried to do this a week ago man I got blasted and censored everywhere. In fact I am officially boycotting redleg nation for censoring my comments simply because I dared to question the reasons behind Votto’s mysterious absence. I think we are entitled to answers, and I think hall of fame reporters like Hal McCoy are entitled to do some poking around to find said answers even if it means ruffling a few feathers in the process. Our season very may well live or die depending on how long Votto decides to stay absent. Tonight’s offensive output shows what a problem it is for this team to produce without Votto in the lineup. Hal, please simply let us know who Votto’s agent is. I simply want to rule out that it is a matter of salary which can be done easily. For instance if he just recently signed up with Scott Boras, well suddenly my suspicions that this might be salary related become instantly validated. The fact is Votto makes a measly $430K even though he is the best player on the team. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he has an open request to re-negotiate his contract which is being denied by management. That would explain the lack of transparency on both sides of the equation. All the people that called me a conspiracy theorist on the Reds message board and on Fay’s blog in the past, I want them to know that when I suggested AGON’s problems with his son could very well have something to do with the mafia kidnappings in Venezuela I was totally ridiculed… and here today I see a huge story about the Colorado Rockies catcher having his kid in Venezuela kidnapped and held for million dollar ransom. So maybe, just maybe, I see the world in a different light than the rest of the average readers. I don’t pretend to know everything that is going on, but I have an open mind and I know when official stories are smoke screens usually there is something going on that is dark and disturbing. We need Hal to help us get to the bottom of what is going on with Votto. I hope its a simple medical issue that will resolve itself over time, I really do, and I am sure all Reds fans want to believe that as well. But if it isn’t I don’t want to have to learn the truth months later via the national media while the local Reds writers cite privacy concerns for failing to follow a story that very well might be the difference between the playoffs or not this year.
By No Votto = No Wins
June 7, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this
Hal, could you please give us the real scoop on Votto! Something strange is abviously going on with him and it seems like everyone is trying to cover it up. He needs to play or this team will go nowhere. Even when he is “dizzy” and plays half a game he still hits home runs and drives in clutch runs. He is killing the Reds’ season by being on the DL.
By Jimmy1Time
June 7, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this
What a day in the lazyboy. Wish I had those 6 hours back. BP is the best. Hal when will or will we ever really know what’s the deal with Joey. I’m just tried of all the rumors. I just want the truth. As Reds fans we need to know. Also with 1 out. Bases juiced. Why not lay down a squeeze bunt with Adam? Or act like your bunting and slap one through like they did earlier. Reds need to get it together soon.
By Andy
June 7, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
Phillips should tell it like it really is….the Reds suck without Votto. Even worse is that Joey seems like an absolute head case.
By al smith
June 7, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this
ouch! this one really hurts bad. the offense was flat terrible! they really gotta go to DC and get rolling-they need to forget about this one quickly