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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 > 11 > Entry
Reds kept trying to lose, then succeeded
ON THE UGLY scale, it was off the charts. Immeasurable.
The Cincinnati Reds tried, tried and tried to give away baseball games to the Washington Nationals. The third time was the charm.
An ill-advised throw by second baseman Brandon Phillips on an attempt for an inning-ending double play ended nothing. His throw skipped past first baseman Adam Rosales and two runs scored, the two runs that beat the Reds, 3-2.
The Reds had only 20 hits and scored only nine runs in the three games in the nation’s capital and luckily won the first two, 3-2 and 4-2 in 12 innings - only because the Nationals are not very good.
In fact, Phillips was back in his “we deserved to lose” mode Thursday and said the Reds should have lost all three.
“Honestly, I feel as if we should have lost every game against the Nationals. We’re not hitting the ball. Two runs a game is not good enough. That team is down, in last place and it’s just terrible how we’re not hitting the ball.”
The Reds led, 2-1, entering the eighth, only because the Nationals were on their way to stranding 14 runners.
Pinch-hitter Willie Harris led with a single off Carlos Fisher and Fisher was replaced by Daniel Ray Herrera. Pinch-hitter Andrew Hernandez singled to put runners on first and second with no outs.
Cristian Guzman bunted and Herrera made a spectacular throw to third base for a force out. When Alberto Gonzalez singled to fill the bases, Nick Masset replaced Herrera and The Big Play arrived.
Ryan Zimmerman grounded softly to short. Alex Gonzalez fielded it and threw to Phillips for the force at second on Alberto Gonzalez.
Alberto Gonzalez knocked Phillips to the ground and his throw skipped past first baseman Adam Rosales as Hernandez scored the tying run and Guzman scored what would be the winning run.
“What happened? You tell me. I was on the ground,” said Phillips. “Game on the line, you try to make a play. That’s what I tried to do. The runner hit me as I was trying to make the play. I tried to hurry the throw to first to end the inning with a double play. I don’t know what happened after that.”
Manager Dusty Baker thought Phillips probably shouldn’t have made the throw because it looked as if Zimmerman would beat the throw to first anyway and it would have been tied, 2-2, instead of Washington taking the 3-2 lead. “Probably shouldn’t have thrown it,” said Baker. “It was just him trying when he probably shouldn’t have, but Brandon is the best around. And you have a novice first baseman (Rosales).
SOMEBODY SAID President Obama ate at Five Guys today. Well, now we know he knows a good burger when he eats one. And french fries, too. Wonder if they charged him.
A double burger and large fries at the Five Guys in Nationals Park costs $17.50. I was looking for the uranium inside the burger, but didn’t find it. I’ll know it was in there if I start to glow tonight.
THE REDS go to Kansas City for the first time since 1999 for three interleague games and due to the luck of the pitching rotation draw they won’t have to face Zack Greinke (8-2, 1.55). The combined record of the three pitchers they will face is 7-10. As was Washington, Kansas City is a team the Reds should devour with their barbecue and steaks in between visits to the Negro Baseball Hall of Fame.
THE REDS did not have a good start Thursday against the Nats. Jerry Hairston Jr. beat an infield hit to short by sliding head-first into first base. Always thought that was a dumb thing to do, that it would lead to broken fingers and hands getting stepped on by spikes.
Anyway, Willy Taveras bunted in front of the plate. Hairston started to second and stopped, probably thinking the catcher had a chance to snag it in the air. So Hairston was easily forced at second. Brandon Phillips singled to left and Taveras stopped at second.
The Reds tried a double steal and Nats catcher Wil Nieves nailed Phillips at second base. Jonny Gomes popped to left. Three baserunners, no runs. That was pretty much the day’s offense for the Reds.
THERE’S A helicopter hovering over the scoreboard in center, but I don’t think Obama is in it. It might be Adam Dunn, though, searching for a hit. Or maybe for a Nationals win. They found it Thursday.
The 1962 New York Mets set the modern record for losses in a season with 120. After 57 games, those Mets were 16-41. The 2009 Washington Nationals are 15-42. Dunn has two more home runs, 17, than the Nats have wins.
BEFORE THURSDAY’S game, manager Dusty Baker said, “Maybe we can get out of town before Adam Dunn hits a home run.” It looked as if they were going to get out of town before he got a hit. He was 0 for 9 and stranded 10 runners before he got a harmless hit in the eighth with a runner on first.
ANOTHER EX-RED and Dunn’s best buddy, Austin Kearns, started his first game of the series Thursday and was 0 for 3, stranding four runners. Kearns and Dunn were two of the original Dayton Dragons and two of the biggest stars to come through there, but their gloss is wearing off in Washington and Kearns was booed loudly.
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By Blogcopwatcher
June 16, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
Brantley tonight: Discussed the possibility that Hernandes could very well play third, when Votto comes back, with Hanigan catching. It seems as though Ross/ak/albert the great—and {I can’t remember all the rest}, who are one and the same, just can’t agree with anyone who knows what they are talking about, even the ex-pros. YOUR knowledge is embarrassing ross. Perhaps, you could try Field Hockey.
By Bob Duerstock
June 16, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this
What a stupid organization!!!!! Carry 13 pitchers and no one that can catch or hit the ball!!! Cheap right bob!!!
By Bob Duerstock
June 16, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this
What a stupid organization!!!!! Carry 13 pitchers and no one that can catch or hit the ball!!! Cheap right bob!!!
By blogcopwatcher
June 14, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this
Oh, you mean like the guy who used to be at AAA, who you said would hit only .230 as a catcher if allowed to play? You know, Mr Hanigan who could be ROY! You are a fool.
By ross
June 14, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
Hernandez at 3rd. That wont and cant happen. the guy has never played there except for a few innings this year. the Reds just have minor league talent guys
By Jim Eriksen
June 13, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this
“Hell, if the game was half as complicated as some of these writers make out it as, a lot of us boys from the farm would never have been able to make a living at it.” - Bucky Walters
By Jim Eriksen
June 13, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this
“Hell, if the game was half as complicated as some of these writers make out it as, a lot of us boys from the farm would never have been able to make a living at it.” - Bucky Walters
By wizard
June 12, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this
Roho Radio: You make some excellent points in your post. I especially like your thought on Hernandes playing third. He makes better and more consistant contact than EE. This team isn’t this bad; but it’s like Brantley said tonight:” All we’ve heard since Spring Training is small ball, small ball—hit and run, bunt, squeze; and the Reds have had lots of opportunities, to do so, but we haven’t seen much of it’! Don’t anyone tell ME Dusty isn’t holding this team back!
By wizard
June 12, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this
Great points and I agree!
By Roho Radio
June 12, 2009 11:02 PM | Link to this
Wiz…I’d take Janish over Gonzales any day. Dickerson over Taveras because of defense only. They both drive me nuts with their horrendous hitting. If Votto does come back, then we do have a problem, though. I’m really digging Hanigan. He gets the base stealers out on a regular basis. But I also think Hernandez has been rock solid for the team this year. He puts the team first and is extremely reliable. Maybe we could put Hernandez at 3rd!!! Rosales can’t hit the ball out of the infield if at all.
By Wizard
June 12, 2009 10:44 PM | Link to this
As I see it, my ‘AAA guys’ aren’t getting to play-except one, Hanigan. Dickerson and Janish are not getting a real chance-while the clowns in front of them{your choices} couldn’t hit a baseball with a tennis racquet—but, our brilliant mgr. still has them in the lineup, after three months of ineptitude. Hanigan got to play because Baker was FORCED to play him, when Votto left. ‘MY guy’ proved my point. He is in line to be ROY, but won’t get the chance to play enough.He is a better defensive catcher than is Hernandes, and has proven it. The other two would do well, as well, if they could play as much as the inept starters got to play. Those are the only players I said should be playing—no one else-not Nix, not Gomes, not Rosales—just those three I mentioned. Baker’s stupidity will not allow this teams pitching, if all were healthy, to win games, because he is too damn stubborn
By ross
June 12, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this
wizard,looks like others think you are nuts over your admiration of Dickerson, Janish. no reason to blast me, as others seem to thank your AAA guys are not ML everyday players
By RC
June 12, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
I suspect we’d need to throw in a handful of magic beans to make that Escobar deal work.
By Renaissance Man
June 12, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this
They also need to acquire DeRosa from the Indians to replace Rosales as the utility man. DeRosa is a quality hitter and plays all IF positions …
By Renaissance Man
June 12, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
The Reds need to acquire an all-around SS, and then use Gonzalez off of the bench or release him. Trade Bailey and a good prospect for Yunel Escobar…
By Smokey Burgess
June 12, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
Hal, your headline reads, “Reds kept trying to lose, then succeeded” and with the current manager that should come easily.
By Jack
June 12, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this
Wizard, does it really make a difference who starts in centerfield? One is hitting .242, the other .238. I like Dickerson’s defense, but the next time he gets a hit with someone actually on base, it could be his first. Similar argument at third, which crappy hitter should be there? Perhaps the team should be looking for actual talent to put out there. Never liked the WT signing, but of course Dickerson is just a fourth/fifth outfielder. One and a half games out of first is very impressive with the lack of hitting.
By edbailey
June 12, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
In 1952 Ralph Kiner hit 37 homers for a Pirates team that only won 42 games…
By Roho Radio
June 12, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
I am confounded by some of the line ups I see. However, there is no one on this team who can HIT the ball consistently. WTF is Baker SUPPOSED to do? Quit playing his favorite baseball card guys, Wiz? Does it matter? The only guy I’m sold on in the hitting aspect for this whole team is Votto……….and will he return? Every player brings something to the team……..but not the whole package. We’re stuck with what we got. Fortunately, our pitching has been good. Quite frankly, I’m surprised we’re in contention….for now. Bottom line: Disdain for Dusty that stems from last year is old news. I don’t always agree with his decisions either, but that doesn’t drive me crazy. Poor hitting and what seems like a lack of strike zone awareness DO!
By RC
June 12, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
I don’t think that Hal was advocating for Dusty as MOY. As I read it, he was merely stating reality - with all the injuries and such, if the Reds are still above .500 and in contention at the end of the season, Dusty WILL get a lot of consideration for MOY. We shall see what we shall see…
By AK
June 12, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
you are the biggest dumb A on this blog. Phillips to SS Janish an everyday SS, Dickerson the next Eric Davis. you are the dumbest by far. you have no clue about talent. did you ever play wiz A
By BrarHopper
June 12, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
Dusty manager of the year? I usually agree with Hal, but not on this one. The manager who continues to run WT out to “play” center and bat zero is NOT MOY material. Many of his pitching decisions are simply boneheaded. And how long did it take for him to tire of McDonald? And he still doesn’t play Janish. Dusty is a dolt. I will NEVER be a fan of his…he’s just too stupid.
By Joe
June 12, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
Hal, you said in your last blog. Considering the personnel that Dusty has at his disposal, he’s doing manager of the year work.
By BrarHopper
June 12, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
Funny how Phillips rags on Dunn about his fielding and then his error costs the Reds a game. Phillips needs to quit running his mouth all the time and get serious about his own game. What a punk and a hot dog BP is. Certainly NOT a team leader with his ongoing lack of hustle. And he looks stupid wearing his hat like that. Note to Dusty: Corey Traveras needs to ride the pine!
By Zebop
June 12, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
Hey Hal… from hosted.stats.com National League leaders in Runs scored per times reaching base: 1. Jerry Hairston .59 2. Willy Tavaras .53 3. Jimmy Rollins .51
By wizard
June 12, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this
AK,aka ross:did you ever notice how ignorant people like you get completely ignored on this blog?
By Brian A
June 12, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this
Another anemic day at park. Don’t blame BP it’s the bats to blame. Get WT out of lineup CD isn’t great but better than him.
By AK
June 12, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this
that team wont see 78 wins wizard. the worst offense in the ML. got another 5 hits yesterday. what was your prediction last week when they played the brewers cards, cubs 8-2?
By Mike Ruf
June 12, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this
Have you noticed the trend to place emphasis on player stats at the expense of team goals. Cordora returns after rain, like Haraung earlier.
By AP-FLORIDA
June 12, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this
The only thing baker knows about his job is where to go to get his paycheck. This series looked like last year when we played down to the other teams level. With WT in the lineup that is easy to do!! Hope for better in KC….
By Jake
June 12, 2009 1:10 AM | Link to this
No, Brandon’s throw would not have got Zimmerman at first on the double play try in the 8th. But, in my opinion that ball has to be dug out by the 1st baseman (if you watch the replay, Rosales turns his head)… Lucky to escape with 2 out of 3, hopefully the bats wake up in KC… maybe someone needs to sacrifice a live chicken a la Pedro Cerrano. For anyone who will be in KC for the weekend series: definitely check out the Negro Leagues Museum (it is NOT a Hall of Fame, Hal) it is awesome and less than 15 dollars… and its in the same building as American Jazz museum, which is great as well.
By BrarHopper
June 12, 2009 12:42 AM | Link to this
Willie is Dusty’s new Corey. Dusty Baker has terminal Corey Patterson/Paul Bako of-the-brain disease. Steve M, you MUST stop trying to apply logic or reason to the twisted mind of Johhnie B. Baker or you will drive yourself crazy, man. Toothpick is criminally insane when it comes to things like Corey and Willie. Remember, he’s the guy who says he plays the hot hand and then is critical of that philosophy and chides it. He’s nuts! There’s just no rhyme nor reason to this guy. He pulls stuff outta his…er, uh hat.
By Steve M.
June 12, 2009 12:19 AM | Link to this
Willy Taveras: 2009 - .235/.294/.301 Since May 15: 7 for 74, 2 SB Last 40 AB: 0 walks Last Month: 1 RBI “He’s my leadoff hitter.” - Dusty Baker Hal, how in the world can Dusty justify playing Taveras ahead of Dickerson??? (or anyone for that matter) Why is Taveras not batting 8th?
By maxhack
June 12, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this
Hal maybe you can tell me why Marty is worried about the bullpen being rested when we are carrying 13 pitchers? They should be able to play two games every day with that number of pitchers.
By wizard
June 11, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this
If the Reds win 57 of their remaining 103 games—they will have reached my prediction of 88 wins!
By goredlegs
June 11, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope our O can come back to life before this road trip is over. I feel like we are just wasting all this solid pitching.