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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 37th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > June > 13 > Entry
Baker, Phillips disagree on 3-and-0 swing
JUST WHEN YOU think you’ve seen it all, something head-shaking happens. In the fifth inning Saturday of the Reds 7-4 loss, KC pitcher Kyle Davies walked two. Brandon Phillips was up and had a 3-and-0 count. Take one pitch? Take two pitches? Naw, he swung away and flied to right. Un-beeeeee-leeeee-vable. And at the time Davies had thrown 93 pitches in 5 2/3 innings.
Was he given the hit-away sign. Was he given the take sign. He was given the take sign and ignored it. Didn’t even look for the sign.
Manager Dusty Baker was not happy and said Phillips missed the take sign, but Phillips said, “Why shouldn’t swing in that situation? To tell you the truth, I didn’t even look for a sign.
“Honestly, in that situation, why wouldn’t I swing at a 3-and-0, that’s just my opinion. We only had two hits at the time and our offense stinks right now. I respect my teammates and they see what’s going on. We haven’t faced anybody that overmatched us. If we’re facing No. 1 pitchers, but we’re not and our team is too damn good to be making outs against the pitchers we face. We should be undefeated on this trip.”
Baker disagrees about Phillips swinging at the 3-0.
“That was the big play and Brandon was supposed to be taking,” he said. “That could have been the ball game. We had the pitcher on the ropes, he had just walked two and thrown nine balls, then threw three more balls and we gave Brandon the take. Said he didn’t see it. In that situation, you have to know to take that pitch even if you didn’t see the sign.”
Phillips disagrees with that, too.
“We were struggling getting men on base and we’re not hitting with runners in scoring position,” Phillips said. “I had the opportunity, I swung at 3-0. I was trying to make something happen and it didn’t happen. If I would have come through it would have been the best play of the year. For future reference, I will not do it again. I apologized to everybody.”
I still say, un-beeeeeee-leeeeee-vable.
ON DAYS Bronson Arroyo pitches, maybe they should start closer Coco Cordero and have David Weathers or Arthur Rhodes pitch the second, THEN bring in Arroyo.
Arroyo’s first two innings are notoriously hideous. If he gets past the first and second, look out. But lately that hasn’t happened.
He got the first two outs of the game Saturday against the Royals, then loaded the bases, but escaped damage. No such luck in the second and third — five runs, 11 hits.
The Royals took a 3-0 lead in the second and then, get this, the Reds had only one hit in the third, but scored thee runs - which these days is the only way they can score three runs. Then Arroyo gave up two more runs in the third, giving up four hits in each of the second and third after giving up three in the first.
So, after three innings, the Royals had outhit the Reds, 11-1, but led by only 5-3.
REPLAY, REPLAY: In the fourth inning, KC’s Billy Butler hit one into the left field seats. Umpire Tony Randazzo called it foul. KC manager Trey Hillman challenged the call and asked for a review - the only challenge allowed in baseball (home run or not a home run). Umpires checked the replays for three minutes and upheld the call - foul ball. It was the first challenge ever in Kauffman Stadium.
WILLY TAVERAS just popped up and is now 0 for 30, hasn’t hit the ball out of the infield in eight at-bats. And he hasn’t walked in 12 games. Is that good for a leadoff man? Uh, no. Taveras tied Jason LaRue (2006) for hitless longevity and next on the list was Alex Ochoa, 0 for 31 back in 2001. the only thing I remember about Ochoa is that he looked like Denzel Washington
But wait. It gets better. The Reds had a runner on first with one out in the seventh. Taveras up. First pitch. Swing. Grounder to short. Double play. Move over Denzel. And keep all sharp objects and dangerous liquids out of Taveras’ reach. Then he grounded out in the ninth and is now 0 for 32, one away from a 36-year-old record - 0 for 33 by Denis Menke in 1973.
And to think Menke was later a hitting coach for the Reds. And he was hitting coach when Ochoa went 0 for 31.
Of course, those are numbers for position players. Pitcher Aaron Harang went 0 for 49 and once said, “They’re making Catch of the Day plays on me all over the place.” To that, manager Jerry Narron said, “What? The catcher is catching the ball?”
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Comments
By Blogcopwatcher
June 16, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this
By blogcopwatcher June 16, 2009 9:38 PM I guarantee you, that you could never touch what I have done in athletics! In addition, since we now know you are a fraud, hiding behind several names to make it look like others agreed with your stupidity; I suggest you run along now sonny—and dream up some other Walter Mitty fantasies. Phoney.By ross
June 16, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this
EE is like Mike Schmidt compared to who the Reds have playing 3b whether its Rosales, Hairston, Janish. Get well soon EEBy SalMonella
June 16, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this
LOL. Who cares? This is ONLY the Dayton paper, not a real publication. This is just light entertainment for hillbillies. There are very few of Dayton area black folks who participate on this blog. They are way too smart for that. This paper is designed for shallow bored white boys. And for THIS rag to censor ANYONE with all its vapid, inane, and incendiary articles? Hypocrisy at its best!By RC
June 15, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this
Nice, Wiz. You won’t hear about it from me again.By Wizard
June 15, 2009 6:29 PM | Link to this
On second, and third thought, I do owe an apology for my written comments of a couple days ago, on this blog. To Hal and the DDN, and all those who have called me out about it—you are correct, and I was wrong—I sincerely apologize for my utter stupidity and poor judgment. My intention was to try to be light-hearted about my disagreement with Mr. Baker’s lineup—I FAILED. I am not a racist; and have no idea why I carried that post too far. I accept the fact that I was wrong to do so; and I believe Hal had every right to embarrass me on line—and I am embarrassed. My intent, and the final product of my pen, were two different things—for that I offer my sincere apology, to all concerned. I remain embarrassed about my very poor judgment!By Infielder
June 15, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this
one kicked off, its time for u to move on blogcopA because you are about the same caliber on knownledge as the other guy that got bootedBy Blogcopwatcher
June 15, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
And the beat from the crazies goes on…By Infielder
June 15, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
Enough, you are so right. Wizard runs his mouth about other peoples comments when he thinks Janish, Dickerson are All Star Caliber. He tries to run people into the ground while he has nooo clue. Later WizardBy Enough
June 15, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
This is crazy, Wizard should be removed pronto … his baseball knowledge (whatever amount he has), his history with the blog, his length of time on the blog, whom he voted for, whom he hates/loves mean nothing - he should be removed permanently for his recent posts which are horrible and reflect poorly on Hal, DDN and everyone else with a functioning brain.By RC
June 15, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
I suggested nothing about anyone other than our red-faced spittle-spewing friend Wizard. I appreciate his passion, but he’s totally lost the plot in the past couple of days. Even giving him the benefit of the doubt on the incedibly lame hillbilly/ebonics post, there’s still the dragging-Dusty-behind-his-vehicle business - anyone who doesn’t understand the virulence of THAT particular slice of imagery needs some serious educating.By Bruce
June 15, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this
RC, are you suggesting that everyone except Wizard, on this blog isn’t taking baseball and the world around them too seriously? Seems to me the wizard has many good posts on here. Just maybe some like you disagree with his baseball opinions;and take this opportunity to try to sound holier than thou. Maybe you and some others need to chill and reflect on what you have been about, as well. knowledge…………….By RC
June 15, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
Oh, and I owe y’all an “o” from the previous post. Use it as you see fit.By RC
June 15, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this
Ah, the long-awaited Wizard meltdown has finally arrived. Such a tightly wrapped fellow - I’m only surprised it took so long. Nobody cares who you voted for. You just need to calm down and reflect for a while. You’re taking yourself, this blog, and baseball in general, waaaaaay to seriously. It’s a beautiful day out there. Enjoy it.By Enough
June 14, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this
Hal - get the IP address from Wizard’s posts - your webmaster can access it- and then block that IP address from making any further posts.By Wizard
June 14, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this
First of all, those who know me, would never refer to me as a racist. Second, Uncle Remus? “Man sees what he wants to see, and disregards the rest”:Last year Brarhopper and I used the same exact dialect, having fun with another blogger; and it wasn’t referred to as ‘Uncle Remus’ language, or racist! That instance, as well as, yesterday’s could just as easily be seen as ‘Southern Ohio’ or ‘Kentucky speak’—which is exactly what my intention and meaning was. Are you calling all of southern Ohio and Kentucky RACIST? I have NEVER suggested in any of my comments on this blog, that Dusty Baker wasn’t a good man—he appears to be so to me. I HAVE suggested that his managerial skills leave much to be desired. So, suggesting that my remarks are racist is simply, wrong; and I categorically deny it to you Mr. McCoy, and any others who suggest it. As someone who voted for Barack Obama, and despises the Republican right wing racism, that was mounted against he and his family during the past election{and continues to this day}—I find it ironic, that one of the most racist states in the Northern Union, has some who want to brand me, as one of their own. Wrong. I refute your accusation. Any ire I have had, has been against POOR MANAGEMENT skills of our Cincinnati Reds—nothing else. Therefore, any apologies that might be forthcoming, should be from you to me. But, please hurry, as I have other things in my life, much more important to me, than you and your blog.By Gary Maloy Jr.
June 14, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
Thanks DDN and Hal. The removal of the said comments and the undressing you gave the guilty parties was right on the money. I wish it was as easy to clean up the otherwise “innocent” Rusty Toothpook et.al. remarks. I’m tired of it all. When the Reds are producing, there isn’t any problem; as soon as they lose 2-3 games, the ugliness comes out of some people’s computers. This team has been so bad for so long, we have to remember that NO ONE can turn it around overnight. Neither the owner, nor the general manager, and certainly not the manager, people, can work miracles!! Let’s pull our collective heads out of our collective butts and give the Reds -and Dusty Baker - a chance.By Hal McCoy
June 14, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hubertucky, Salmonella, Wizard: I know you guys are regular posters and I appreciate it. But you FAR step over the line when you write in Uncle Remus language about Dusty. It is racist. And insulting and assaulting other posters who do not agree with you is not acceptable. Your posts have been removed by our web-site (not me) but I agree with it and future abuses could get you banned. Please keep it humane, guys, OK?By Dick Gose
June 14, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this
Hal it is refreshing to hear someone say it like it is. Mgt.had to know since last Oct. this team stuck & to remedy they get Nix,Taveras,&Gomes?By Dick Gose
June 14, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this
Hal it is refreshing to hear someone say it like it is. Mgt.had to know since last Oct. this team stuck & to remedy they get Nix,Taveras,&Gomes?By ross
June 14, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this
mike-cinci, agrre with you 100%. ateam of back-ups and minor league talent. Tavaras/Dickerson who cares they are both terrible. Janish if he played in 1100 games would hit around .210.Rosales is awful. the Reds are headed home by there next door neighbor the pirates. will be last by All Star breakBy nyc
June 14, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this
it doesnt matter one way or the other…the reds will collapse in july…they are not going anywhere….they never do…By Scott
June 14, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
What I don’t understand is that if the the hitters are not making solid contact why not bunt more? Put pressure on the defense. With the spped this team has they can accomplish a lot more than what they have if they follow this (what should be) basic baseball strategy.By Mike-Cinci
June 14, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this
Sorry, the post comment in the box can cause confusion. The Reds have over achieved. The hitting is particularly weak. There are a bunch of minor league players and bench players in the starting lineup.By Mike-Cinci
June 14, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
If Phillips had the take sign he should have followed TEAM ORDERS and taken the pitch. Phillips was wrong. 3-1 pitches are grooved too. As previously stated by several this team has over achieved.ent particlarly hitting.By Steve F
June 14, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
Dennis Menke was the hitting coach for the 99 team and that team hit the ball pretty well. But of coarse they had a big thumper batting 4th in Greg Vaughn. One of my all time favoruteBy derf
June 14, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
on willie what happened to dickerson he was playing so well in cinn. and now hes no where to be seenBy MAC
June 14, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
Problem w/ BP swinging on 3-0 is he was trying to hit the ball out of the park and “that’s not how he rolls” IMO. He’s best when he’s hitting the ball the other way…singles and doubles and not trying for the Johnson. Far too often, our guys R overly aggressive & great @ getting themselves out! Baker was right to try & instill a little discipline @ the plate…problem is he & the team don’t do it often enough: lack of walks, lack of productive outs & far too many Ks aren’t the keys to “smallball.” essiveBy Diamond Dave
June 14, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… FIRE THE HITTING COACH!!!!By Gary Maloy Jr
June 14, 2009 5:01 AM | Link to this
I agree with Bob. As soon as I read the headline, I knew what’d happened. I have wondered for several years why on earth we let a grooved 3-0 fastball go by. That’s the pitch we’re looking for. If the offensive teams could start pounding 3-0 fastballs, it would force the pitchers to continue to throw junk - quite possibly missing the strike zone and giving the batter ball four. Like Brandon said, if he’d homered, or doubled off the wall, he’d have been a hero. Unfortunately, he flied out. I say that CERTAIN HITTERS should be allowed to swing away on 3-0. Brandon Phillips being one of them. I feel it is un-beee-leeeev-able that we give the pitcher that strike, and I feel that BP is catching flak because of the Reds terrible run since Joey went on the DL. Joey’s condition is worrisome. Any of you guys remember a guy named Jimmy Piersall? Most probably not the same thing, but hey, when we don’t know anything, speculation abounds.By MAC
June 14, 2009 1:37 AM | Link to this
Brandon…how about changing your attitude dude? U want to be the leader, but U aren’t willing to be a team player & do what’s best for the team…go figure! Another good example of how impatient & unprofessional this team is AB…consistently swinging from their heels instead of having good ABs. Everyone TALKS about playing small ball, but we have little guys swinging for the fences & trying to hit HRs?By Wiz
June 14, 2009 1:20 AM | Link to this
As usual, Mr. Redlegs, trying to be original, but making little sense with his suggestions of rascism, probably caused by the late hour, alcohol and lots of dead brain cells. Past your bedtime Mr. original dummy? Close your eyes; and your pain will soon go away!By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
June 14, 2009 1:04 AM | Link to this
But hey, Phillips is a self-appointed team leader. Kinda like Wiz is a clueless racist with that comment at 11:38. Unbelievable, on both ends of that stick.By blogcopwatcher
June 14, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this
I did not say ‘ALWAYS’—you did, Bob! In this situation, the guy, as I recall, was showing wildness-having walked two previous hitters; and thus having to throw three straight strikes, requires any thinking hitter, to make him do so!Base runners being important is wise in this instanceBy diamondjim
June 14, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this
the fans ask baker why he filled out the lineup like he did he said the fans don’t make out the lineup the answer to the reds problems fire the fansBy Bob
June 14, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this
O.K. blogcopwatcher,what is the reason to always take at 3-0?By Wizard
June 13, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this
There is one I have to give to Baker. The ‘hotdog’ is dead wrong; and needs a big fine, while sitting down for a couple of games!By Blogcopwatcher
June 13, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this
Bob, yuze is a dummy!By Bob
June 13, 2009 11:45 PM | Link to this
Frankly, I agree with Phillips swinging at 3-0, how many 4 pitch walks do you see? You’re pretty sure the pitcher is going to make sure he throws a strikeBy Wiz
June 13, 2009 11:38 PM | Link to this
Hot dang Stever. Yer bout as smart as my buddy Brar. Really. Sure do agree which ya. Been askin’ lots of questions concerning Mr. Bake-a, too. Me thinks its all that man cun doo to, find hisin’ toothpicks and make out a disastrus lineup card!By Steve M.
June 13, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this
One last Taveras issue: why in the world wouldn’t we pinch hit for him in the ninth inning? With a runner on, one out, we need to do whatever we can to get a runner on if our goal is to WIN THE GAME. Taveras at that point was 0 for 31. How could be allowed to bat again? Dickerson, Hairston, Janish, even Owings would have a better chance to get on base to bring the tying run to the plate. Will anyone ask Dusty why he didn’t pinch hit?