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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 > 18 > Entry
Taveras: Be kind to Willy Weekend?
MANAGER DUSTY BAKER was asking for a lot before Thursday’s game, asking for lenience, patience and compassion for Willy Taveras.
Despite going 8 for 80 (.090) over his previous 22 games, dropping his average from .322 to .224, Taveras remains in the lineup and Baker said that booing him and vilifying him does no good and, in fact, “makes it worse.”
Taveras was booed mightily in the second inning when he struck out on a bad pitch with two outs and the bases loaded. And it was even louder in the fifth when he popped out with two on and one out.
What do you think? Should a hometown player be supported during the hard times or should he be booed and hooted at?
YES, IT’S FRUSTRATING if you are a Reds fans After Baker said that, Taveras went 0 for 5 and stranded five runners. He struck out to end the game. Glaring, just glaring.
And it stands out even when the team loses, 7-0, as the Reds did to the Braves Thursday. And it stands out when the team averages 1.9 runs and 4.9 hits over a seven-game period (subtracting a seven-run, 10-hit explosions= Tuesday in a 7-2 win over the Braves).
The Reds did win two of three from the Braves and they still are one game over .500 and they still are in the NL Central hunt - along with everybody else.
MAYBE TAVERAS should do something drastic, like Dave Concepcion. When Concepcion was in a slump, he once took a shower completely dressed in his uniform, “To wash away the slump.”
When that didn’t work, the next day Concepcion had the team bus driver stop at a small park near Wrigley field where there was a statue of a general on a rearing horse. Concepcion raced to the pedestal and planted a kiss on, well, on the place where only a male horse could be kissed if he isn’t a gelding.
Davey went 5 for 5 that day.
Don’t know if I believe this one, but Ken Griffey Jr. told me once that when he buys a new car (which is often), if he goes hitless for three days, he sells the car. That’s when you know you have way too much money.
IT ALWAYS AMAZES me that when a guy is in free-fall like Taveras, inevitably the guy in the slump comes up time after time in important games situations, with men on base. It reminds me once of what former Montreal manager Gene Mauch said about playing a guy who was bad on defense: “No matter where you try to hide him, the baseball always finds him.”
STARTLING REVELATION: The start of today’s game was delayed 36 minutes. This season, in the first 65 games, there have been 12 rains delays totaling 674 minutes. That’s more than 11 hours. What could I do with those 11 hours? More sleep. Some Yuengling or LaBatt Blue? Some cigars?
As I stand around the clubhouse day after day after day waiting to interview a player, I often wonder, “How many hours of my life have passed standing in a clubhouse doing nothing?”
Hey, maybe this might work. Let’s officially make this weekend Be Kind to Willy Taveras Weekend. Shower him with cheers and kindness. Didn’t your mother always tell you kindness works better than hatred?
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Comments
By dmcgee
June 20, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this
The manager owes it to the fans to put out the best lineup. The fans are paying good money to see a competitive team on the field. The other night, when Dusty started four position players hitting below .220, and the team was shut out, then that’s shortchanging the fans, and they have a right to boo. There’s no excuse for this, because Gomes is hitting .302, Dickerson is hitting over .300 the last month, Janish is hitting better than Gonzales, and Hairston is hitting better than Rosales. Gomes, Dickerson, Janish and Hairston were all on the bench that night, watching Taveras, Gonzales, Bruce and Rosales swinging like little leaguers and putting up goose eggs. Dusty should be given his walking papers. That would be the kindest thing Jocketty could do for the fans. That would be a great father’s day gift.By Bruce
June 19, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
In addition, saying that Dusty has the Reds at .500 does not mean that their record could not have them in first place,with more wins, had a different leadoff hitter been getting on base; and a .215 hitter had been replaced by what was then a .300 hitter, with an equal fielding ability!By Bruce
June 19, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
So,Colgar says, if your car battery is barely turning over and needs replaced; you just keep using the old one, even though a new one will give some new energy and spark to your machine? Nonsense, to you who believe that! And, to you who believe competition isn’t called for with the Reds and/or business, I suggest you are plain and simply ignorant about both worlds! Some of you get a HO for a tv personality; and can no longer think straight-dumb. When I watch Dickerson vs WT in each AB, I see a big difference: Chris looks over a lot more pitches than Willy. As a result he walks more and gets better pitches to hit. Another poster said it best, when he mentioned that WT has 85 more at bats than does CD! 85. This means CD has done wonders with the limited and irregular times he gets to start! Getting into a really good groove requires playing regularly. Since Taveras was unable to take advantage of more playing time than Chris-PLAY CHRIS-if for no other reason than he made four diving catches before being benched!By Dawg_Pound
June 19, 2009 4:57 PM | Link to this
What are you talking about MisterRedLegs?!?! Here I am watching your back, telling folks not to question your authoritaaay and you come back at me like that? I must say that took me aback and I’m kinda hurt. But “despited” all that, it’s all still good. The Reds pitching, like you say, has been phenomenal. And you’re right, Dusty can’t mess that up too bad as he only has five starters to choose from. We can all find solace in the fact that he can’t put Willie T on the mound, although I wouldn’t be surprised if the thought hadn’t crossed his mind a time or two.By MisterRedLegs
June 19, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
Pitching wins games (starting and relief). The Reds starters are eating up innings and the relief has been outstanding. All this despited Dsty. A real manger could do better. Right Daswg.By Colgar
June 19, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
Dusty Baker and the Reds are above .500 and right in the thick of the NL Central race with all the slumping and adversity. Tony LaRusa with a healthy Albert Pujols and Lou Piniella with a hundred million payroll are right around the same record. Yet, you guys constantly act like the Reds are holding up the division. Thom Brennaman, has never been offered a job in the front office and has never been in the business world to have an INFORMED opinion. Yet you guys act like he is an expert. He is far from it. As someone with more experience than Thom in competitive endeavors both in athletics and the world of business, I have always appreciated playing or working for a leader that had the guts to stick with their employees when things are not going well. Business and baseball are cyclical. There are ups and downs and Dusty Baker has been through them all. Hang in there DB. Don’t let the uninformed and clueless get you down.By Dawg_Pound
June 19, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this
SILENCE!!! The argument is over as MisterRedLegs hath spaketh. One must refrain from questioning the Great Wisdom which speweth forth from His Eminence. Be wary that questioning His Shrewd and Mighty intellect imperils you to banishment from other Web sites. Thou must treadeth a delicate path, Young Grasshoppers, and cease this imprudence post haste. Because He said it is so, it shall be so.By JRS
June 19, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this
In regard to Taveras,(not just hitting but his defense) what do you think Larussa or Pinella would do : keep playing Taveras or make a change? Baker is described as a players manager. If that means continuing to play Taveras and an last year when Baker kept Griffey hittilasyear bat Grifrfey 3rd becaBy Indy
June 19, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
You guys are crazy. Everyone was saying the Reds would be out of it by June. Well, it is almost July and Dusty has us in the hunt. Just layoff and find something else to complain about. I wonder how many managers could lose their best pitcher from last year, two of their middle of the lineup bats, and depend on a 22 year old (I’m speaking of Bruce)By Dave in FL
June 19, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this
Willy’s problem is swings way too early in the count and doesn’t look at enough pitches. He has trouble recognizing strikes. Maybe he doesn’t have the confidence in his ability to put the ball in play with two strikes. The fact is he hsan’t drawn a walk in over 60 at bats and that is unacceptable. If he isn’t going to work the count then he is doing the team no good and should be benched for Dickerson what at least shows he is willing to look at pitches.By Diamond Dave
June 19, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this
Over the last 14 games, the Reds are hitting a collective .195. They are hitting .183 with runners in scoring position after going 0-for-10 Thursday. FIRE BROOK JACOBY!!!By RC
June 19, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
OK, let’s all try to remain calm. Simple facts: there is aboslutely zero chance Dusty gets canned during this regular season. Unless this team totally folds during the second half, there is no chance Dusty won’t be there next year. I choose not to needlessly elevate my blood pressure worrying about such things. Secondly, I think you’re fooling yourselves if you think that most other MLB managers would have benched WT by now, or would be playing Janish over AGonz. Managers who play the high-priced talent provided them and lose can blame the talent (for a while, at least) and live to fight another day. Managers who bench the high-priced talent and lose get fired. Fast. And lest we forget - this team is not, at the moment, losing.By MisterRedLegs
June 19, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
Take it from me, I’ve covered a lot of baseball. You need a player like Willy Taveras at the top of your lineup. Dusty must play him.By jeff
June 19, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this
Taveras= Corey Patterson. Dusty is too stubborn to be a managerBy jeff
June 19, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this
First let me bash baker. Dusty, your whole premise is that you need the batting order to go around many times so you can get your best hitters through the linup. Why do you bat taveras and gonze 1-2 when they are both hitting about .215. this is a moron for a manger that we have. why not move hannigan up, or oplay dickerson. i know our team is hurt but you are givig tweo easy outs 3-4 times with your one and two hitters. also where is the call for jacoby, taveras is so far ion his front foot he couldnt hit off a tee right now. while we are at it, lets bash walt a bit here. good ole bob ran krivsky out of town for his signings how bout walt. lincon, taveras, haorstoon have alll been flops this year. and signing EE to a two year deal was away too much money. walt needs to be under pressure just like krivsky. Baker is anot a good in game manager or game planner, he never has been. he is a veteran team manager which is not this team. i love the reds and I am happy they are one above .500 and i think the will get better with pl;ayers coming back but for as much money as they sopend o their broadcasters you would think they would pay more for thos whowho manage and evaluate or at least pay better for what they gotBy AP-FLORIDA
June 19, 2009 6:10 AM | Link to this
Watched Braves announcers during yesterdays game. They said it seems like the reds are trying to lose with the lineup baker puts out there. They really questioned not hitting for wt in the ninth. said reds have given up. How long must this go on? Now we are not allowed to boo? BAKER MUST GO!!!!!By Ben
June 19, 2009 5:05 AM | Link to this
With every opposing pitcher given 1 out to start the game doesn’t it change the approach of every other hitter in the Reds lineup?By Rick M of Anderson Township
June 19, 2009 12:39 AM | Link to this
If I’ve said this once, I’ve said this a hundred times…….Watching Dusty manage is like watching a 2-year-old child playing with a pair of scissors. Makes me want to run up to him, take it away from him, and give him a spank on the rear-end. And this thought crossed my mind a couple days ago—-Since this Tavares debacle has now surpassed the state of being ‘beyond ridiculous’, could it be that Dusty was the person to ask Jocketty to sign Tavares????By steve
June 18, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this
seems this team had a spring in its step when janish and dickerson and hanigan were playing regularly. they seem listless and like they’re just going through the motions. seems there is little or no recognition for a jb well done but if you can’t hit and just keep getting worse then the manager feels sorry for you and runs you out there every night like a gambling fool in vegas…this slot is bound to win on the next pull.By Y-City Jim
June 18, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this
Professor, he remove further stress by calling Gonzales into the office and telling him that his one step and dive defense sucks along with his weak fly ball bat. He can then tell Janish he is the starting SS until further notice.By The Professor
June 18, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this
Seems to be a lot of stress on this team. Do you not think it would be lessened if our manager brought WT and CD into his office and said: “I am going to platoon you two against righties and lefties”! I think this would relax both of them—and get results from both, if they knew all they had to do is know when they would play-and each could work to improve their own performances. If WT wasn’t playing every night, I’ll bet the boos would lessen, because the fans ARE booing Dusty!By steve
June 18, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this
forget it, guys. cheap@ss ownership will never admit the blunder they made hiring idiot baker. we’re stuck with that toothpick molester for another 1&1/2 years, and by then we’ll have 10 straight losing seasons. and they wonder why attendance is off. i would’t pay to see baker and his stupid line up with traveras and gonzo batting 1-2. baker’s a idiot. only a total fool makes out that lineup card day after day after day.By Sal Monella
June 18, 2009 11:07 PM | Link to this
Willful & wrong-headed Baker. We had to watch this bullheaded dolt all last season with CP and we’re seeing it again this year with WT. Is this manager capable of making a $3 million decision? What a terrible judge of talent Baker is. He really needs to go. Needs to be Clint Hurdled. NOW! BOOOOO!By Y-City Jim
June 18, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this
You know what is more unkind than the boos? A manager who bats two guys at the top of the order who aren’t even the best players at their respective positions on the team.By Jimmy1Time
June 18, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this
Listen what ever Walt does. Weather you trade young talent for somebody like Matt Holliday. You still need a leadoff hitter. Can Dickerson? No. Willy is pressing for some reason. I hope it gets better. Fans are crying for Stubbs. Is he ready? But it might have to happenBy ME
June 18, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
I can recall numerous games when Dickerson did something Taveras never does-get a couple of walks. His on base percentage dwarfs WT’s.By Jack
June 18, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this
Hal, a professional baseball player is allowed to be boo’d. The problem is that Dickerson is not hitting much better. Again, can any recall a game when Dickerson got a hit with someone on base.By Lars
June 18, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this
What do I think? I went to a game in Cincinnati recently. Harang was pitching and failed to cover first on a ground ball. Fans sitting all around me jumped up and started booing. I was not only appalled, but embarrassed. Booing Aaron Harang? I’m sorry, but booing anyone on the home team is a cheap, punk and low thing to do. In fact, I abhor booing period. End of story. If you don’t like what you see, keep it to yourself.By W.Va. Fan
June 18, 2009 9:44 PM | Link to this
It’s obvious Willy Taveras just doesn’t have it. I agree with other posters, bring up Stubbs and see what he can do. We brought up Bruce last year. Taveras was suppose to bunt, get on base an steal bases. He apparently has weak hamstrings, so there goes the stolen bases. He can’t bunt - let alone hit, so he isn’t getting on base. Isn’t that what a leadoff hitter is put at the top spot? His defense isn’t that good either. He misplayed a ball Wednesday night. Cut him lose. Admit you may a bad pickup and try to get a younger guy like Stubbs in that spot to see what he can do. I am happy with how Nix has played. Maybe they can even try Rosales in the outfield, since is sounds like they want Encarnacion back at 3rd when he gets healthy.By W.Va. Fan
June 18, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this
It’s obvious Willy Taveras just doesn’t have it. I agree with other posters, bring up Stubbs and see what he can do. We brought up Bruce last year. Taveras was suppose to bunt, get on base an steal bases. He apparently has weak hamstrings, so there goes the stolen bases. He can’t bunt - let alone hit, so he isn’t getting on base. Isn’t that what a leadoff hitter is put at the top spot? His defense isn’t that good either. He misplayed a ball Wednesday night. Cut him lose. Admit you may a bad pickup and try to get a younger guy like Stubbs in that spot to see what he can do. I am happy with how Nix has played. Maybe they can even try Rosales in the outfield, since is sounds like they want Encarnacion back at 3rd when he gets healthy.By Pistil Pete
June 18, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this
Dusty needs to go. He plays favorites. No way does Wt deserve to play in front of CD. I am tired of watching him chew on that toothpickBy Steve M.
June 18, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
You mean it doesn’t occur to Dusty that we are booing HIM? Or that he’s the one putting WT in a situation to fail - bat him 8th for goodness sakes. Give him some time off etc. His lineups are far more incompetent and willful than Willy Taveras’ hitting. It’s not just WT - it’s also batting Gonzalez second - he hasn’t had his AVG above .225 all year, yet he gets the second most at bats. We literally have our two worst hitters batting first and second. I’m going to the game tomorrow night, buying a scalped ticket close enough to yell at Dusty during the game. Only the threat of rain stopped me today. I’ll make sure not to hurt Willy’s feelings.By RC
June 18, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this
OK, Hal, I’m having a hard time with this one, too… have they talked to WT about cutting down his swing, trying to hit the ball on the ground more? Have they had him working on his bunting? I’d feel better about the guy if there were ANY signs, any at all, that he’s been working on changing his approach at the plate. I’m just not seeing it.By Rockieredsfan
June 18, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this
I didn’t care for WT when he played here for the Rockies and like him less playing for the Reds. I blogged early in the season when the Reds signed him that it was a huge mistake. And when he made the comment about stealing 100 bases, who was he fooling? Baker and company? He needs to sit and now and let our other talented CF’s have a chance to show what they can do. If CD/Gomes/Stubbs othe whoever after let’s say playing now until the All-Star game can’t get the job done, then you can try WT a final time. Otherwise dump him and dump him fast —probably is can you find a good ole bunch of “we don’t care unless we run out beer” softball players that would have him! Doubtful, very doubtful. Post script - The Rockies have turned it around since the firing of Hurdle and we are greatful that management finally fired him. GO ROCKS & REDS! himBy Mike
June 18, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this
Hal..if you want to declare a “be kind to Willy week” that OK…But when you are a pro and you lace em up and get paid millions toperform,if you don’t want’t to hear the boos, get ear plugs!!. Baker is doing nothing but setting up Taveras to fail. He at one point today was 8-92 which is .069 and he goies 0-5 today… You try and give baker credit and thethe benefit of the doubt, but in this case, it borders on beingBy HuberTucky
June 18, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this
It’s really good to be away from Dayton. Moving to Colorado was an awesome decision. Now I get to watch a young team a lot like the Reds but one that’s exciting. One that fired it’s manager because the fans were restless and didn’t care for the results or te product. Unlike what you poor folks have to watch with idiot baker as your manager. Last year all we did on this blog was b!tch about Baker and his pet center fielder. I see that 2009 is no different for y’all. Sorry guys. You really deserve better than that same old crud. Go Rockies! Baker needs to be benched (for good) much like Hurdle.By jim m.
June 18, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this
Hal! Please tell Dusty that the fans are boing his decison to bat a guy making the most outs leadoff!! at least bat him 8th!!! IF he isnt allowed to sit down so a Chris Dickerson can play!!! heck Dickerson makes 4 diving catches in 2 games and his reward?? sitting the bench!! Dusty has love for Patterson/Taveras, no matter how bad they are.. If Dusty doesnt like Dickerson, then get Stubbs up here!!! at least they can say they are going with young talent!! not the excuss of a over paid making out outfielder!! soemthing dusty seems to like leading off for his teams the past 2 years!!By Mark in Sun Valley
June 18, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
Maybe Dusty should coach little league where everyone gets to play and we don’t keep score and all go for ice cream afterwards. The majors are about results. The worst part of Taveras is he never seems to even TRY to do something different. He is impatient, swings at the same bad pitches and refuses to square in a sacrafice situation when that is all it would take to help the team. Last year with Griffey, you at least knew he might get hold of one and make a difference in the game. And he was a player who earned through a long career, some extra opportunities. That can hardly be said of a player 2 teams have given up on in the last 2 years. And why does Dusty seems to feel all the fans are wrong and stupid to boo when a player does not perform. Maybe it would help Willy if he played in an empty stadium?By econprof
June 18, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see Stubbs given a chance to win the cf job. Given his stature as a number 1 pick, his age (24), and his performance this year in AAA, it’s time to give him a shot. What do you think, Hal?By RampantRedsFan
June 18, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
WT needs to realize that i’m not booing him, i’m booing his manager for keeping him in the lineup. Much like i boo him when he’s announced before games.By RampantRedsFan
June 18, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
WT needs to realize that i’m not booing him, i’m booing his manager for keeping him in the lineup. Much like i boo him when he’s announced before games.By Reds Fan In Canton
June 18, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
“Didn’t your mother always tell you kindness works better than hatred?” In The Untouchables didn’t Al Capone say “You get further with a kind word and a gun than just a kinds word”? If fansaren’t going to boo Tavares, they should justrattle the foundation by booing the dolt that keeps him in the lineup - Crusty Baker. Crusty’s absolutely worthless.By BrarHopper
June 18, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this
WT deserves to be booed. DB deserves to be attacked by a mob. Walt deserves a pay cut. CastelLiar deserves to go live in Texas with his buddy W Bush. The team sucks right now and all stupid Baker can do is make lame excuses and lie and continue to play Corey Traveras instead of the deserving Chris D. I pay my money and boo a terrible product and dreadful dismal disheartening depressing performances by losers like Baker and Willy. Reds fans have suffered enough…more than enough!By Wizard
June 18, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
By Wizard June 18, 2009 5:27 PM As I listened to Thom and Jeff on the radio today, they sounded like they were echoing others comments on this blog, and mine. They were discussing the fact that CD should be getting a lot more playing time in center, because ‘He has earned it’. For the most part, they skipped around what they really wanted to say, about Baker’s decision making{by not naming Baker}, but one could read between the lines. In fact, Brantley said: Sometimes I think managers don’t want to face answering the questions they will get, if they make a change, that is needed”. Before that, he had commented about players you come to camp with, who are supposed to solve some of your problems— but who don’t always pan out as expected,and who sometimes need replaced’. THAT my friends, is what I and others have been saying this season. Baker is either too stubborn, or an idiot to keep playing Willy— or anyone else— who is not performing. It’s ludicrous. Taveras continues to prove what he cannot do: 1. Lay off bad pitches. 2.Take walks 3. Steal bases 4. Hit the round white thing where they ain’t 5. Bunt correctly down each foul line for base hits and/or sacrifices 6. Field as an equal with his counter part, CD. When someone isn’t doing the job {two months and counting, as in Corey Patterson and others}most thinking managers and/or owners would cease this stupidity of playing WT! Thom Brennaman’s comment was: “Show me a business with no competition in its ranks, and I’ll show you a failing business”! These two also alluded to the fact that Dickerson’s, unequal, playing time when compared to Taveras’s is very unfair, when CD is outplaying him. At the very least, IMO, they should be alternating vs righties and lefties! So, it isn’t just my thinking—others close to the team suggest it, as well. I have been rooting for Hanigan and Janish and Dickerson, for sometime now; and Hanigan has proven to be what I predicted. Why, because he has been playing enough to get a groove—offensively and defensively! People can’t prove themselves without an opportunity! A regular opportunity!By wizard
June 18, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this
Excellent post JKH!By Clag
June 18, 2009 5:34 PM | Link to this
I agree with the previous post. I know that Dusty has forgotten more baseball than I’ll ever learn, but playing WT at this point makes no sense.By JKH
June 18, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this
Hal, would be so kind as to tell Dusty that the boos aren’t all directed towards Willy, but rather to the coach who continues to bat said player in the position where he will get the most at bats in the game. We don’t boo Taveras because he is in a terrible slump, we boo because he continues to start almost every game and bat leadoff!