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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 > 21 > Entry
Hernandez to third? Baker says no
I can’t even manage my own money, let alone manage a baseball team, but I have an idea and I’m going to present it to Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker.
Let me know what you think.
Right now the best hitter on the team (average-wise) is catcher Ryan Hanigan, who has the best average and on-base average of any rookie in the National League. But his job description is “Back-up catcher.”
The only reason he has been given this opportunity is because Joey Votto is on the DL and No. 1 catcher Ramon Hernandez is playing first base.
It is obvious that Votto will be back within the week, if not sooner. Hernandez will move back to catcher and Hanigan will move to the bench.
Why?
Let’s try this. Move Hernandez to third base and keep Hanigan in the lineup Herandez had started one game at first base during his major-league career before taking over for Votto and he is playing it like Mandrake the Magician.
Could he play third, too? Why not. Even Baker said on the day he started playing Hernandez at first, “I’ve always thought any good catcher could play both third base and first base without any problems.”
So there you have it. Let’s see if Baker does it. Jerry Hairston Jr. is the shortstop for the immediate future while Alex Gonzalez (bone chips in his elbow) is out again. Adam Rosales is playing third base but as of Sunday he was 4 for 43 (.093) over his last 15 games. That ain’t gonna cut it, fans.
Of course, Hernandez is only 6 for 48 in his last 14 games (.125), but I’m more confident that he’ll come out of it quicker than Rosales.
ANOTHER ONE for Baker. Micah Owings starts Tuesday in Tornoto. Instead of using the DH, might Baker be tempted to not use a DH and permit Owings to bat? He is hitting .270 with two homers and seven RBIs — the same amount of homers and Chris Dickerson and only two RBIs less and one home run more than Willy Taveras and only two RBIs less and the same number of home runs as Adam Rosales and only five RBIs less.
I posed these questions to a much-dejected Baker after Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox and he quickly shot them both down like the G-men took down Bonnie & Clyde.
“I have to get Hernandez back behind the plate,” said Baker. While he recognizes what Hanigan is doing with the bat, Baker also knows most of his hits are not producing runs. Although he isn’t the Lone Ranger is not driving in runs, Hanigan is hitting .174 with runners in scoring position - .063 with runners in scoring position and two outs.
Hernandez is hitting .304 with runners in scoring posing, .320 with less than two outs.
And Owings? Baker sent him up to pinch-hit Sunday and he struck out. I understand, and agree, that it is better to have both Jonny Gomes and Laynce Nix in the lineup at the same time - a good 1-2 punch from the right side and the left side.
As I said, I can’t manage my checkbook.
I DO HAVE a question, though. How long is GM Walt Jocketty going to wait before he makes a significant move. After contending for 2 1/2 months, it is starting to slip away - four games out now, their biggest deficit since they were 4 1/2 behind on May 21.
With all the missing parts - Joey Votto, Edwin Encarnacion, Alex Gonzalez - Baker is being forced to fill-in with minor leaguers, guys like Wilkin Castillo and Danny Richard who weren’t doing much in Triple-A.
Do they want to win this year and do they want to keep trying to build for the future? If they want to win, and this year with a weak NL Central, now seems the time to take a grab at winning it, it is time for Jocketty to show Baker & The Boys that he is doing something to help make that happen.
Walt? Your turn.
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Comments
By Bruce
June 23, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this
Hanigan vs Hernandes, defensively? No contest! Throwing out runners, no contest! How many steals tonight? Hernandes does look tired.By RC
June 23, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this
The numbers are: Hanigan - runners on, .233 - RISP, .167 - none on, .373. Hernandez - runners on, .276 - RISP .292 - none on - .220. Part of this is due to their respective spots in the batting order, I imagine, but still… just throwing it out there.By Jim King
June 23, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
Hanigan’s hits are not producing runs?? Runs are produced when the guy crosses the plate. Put the high OBP hitter in front of the guys whose job it is to drive in runs, and walla! Hanigan produces runs!!By steven ross
June 23, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this
I agree with Andy on Hanigan. How’s he supposed to drive in runs when nobody ahead of him is on base? Baker’s an idiot. One of few players who hits and he’ll be riding the pine.By Walt from Northridge
June 23, 2009 7:48 AM | Link to this
I firmly believe that the Reds are not trying to win their division this year, but rather are preparing to take it all next year. There are a lot of growing pains involved with so many youngsters, like Cueto, Volquez, Hannigan, Bruce, Dickerson, etc. Homer seems to be finally understanding what it takes to be successful; perhaps we can unload Arroyo for a right handed hitter to begin posturing to WIN IT ALL nexyt year. Also, whatever happened to that Joe character from Dayton? His thoughts were always intellectual and well-thought out. I miss reading his iodeas.By dmcgee
June 22, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this
Encarnacion just hit a homer for Louisville tonight. So he might be returning soon enough. It’s also good to see Chris Valaika back in the lineup at Louisville, playing shortstop. He’s another option that we have at short.By dmcgee77
June 22, 2009 11:49 PM | Link to this
I see Hannigan and Hernandez splitting time equally behind the plate, to keep them both fresh. As for 3rd and SS, those are big question marks right now. Why not give one of our top prospects, Todd Frazier, a shot at third, until EE returns? Frazier is hitting .317, playing third and batting third for our AA team, Carolina. He was a supplemental first round pick in ‘07. Alot of players jump from AA to the majors. Frazier is a year older than Jay Bruce.By Jt
June 22, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this
Where have all the Red Fans Gone?? Only there when they win? If you know how hard they work,you should say good things…By RC
June 22, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this
I’m all for free speech. Some people choose to utilize their free speech in ways that prove, over and over again, that they are juvenile idiot punks. So be it. But this is Hal McCoy’s blog, and the Dayton Daily News’ website. It’s their choice what they allow and disallow here. It has nothing to do with your free speech rights. Anyway, you guys (if there is, in fact, more than one of you) don’t want “free speech”. You want speech without consequences. Nobody gets that. Maybe you’ll figure that out someday. Or not.By GARJR
June 22, 2009 8:28 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t magically not qualify as hate just because the word isn’t explicitly used. And don’t worry, I don’t take any of this personally—nobody here knows anybody else, it’s all anonymous blog postings. I just thought the other guy proved my point pretty perfectly. And nobody is daring to question—this is the easiest, least bold way to second-guess there is. Total anonymity. It’s telling—and sad—that McCoy, Fay, and their webmaster colleagues have to monitor these places like playpens. Nobody acts like adults.By braxton
June 22, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this
garjr — ironically, YOU are the first person to introduce the word hate. others simply dared to question if manager baker’s illogical and obviously biased moves could be based on race, hence the term racist. You, sir, need to take a chill pill and stop taking everything so personally — unless, of course, you are sitting at home in your robe tying nooses.By Harry the Horse
June 22, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this
Hal: You can’t manage your checkbook??? Neither can I !! Sincerely Bernie KosarBy GARJR
June 22, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
I’d like to thank the gentleman who called me a fascist on a baseball blog for proving my point (seriously, I’M for black/white thinking)? People have a right to free speech; not a right to scribble ignorant, groundless, frequently hate-tinged nonsense at the bottom of newspaper articles written by other (professional) people. And newspapers have the right to disable public comments; they’re not obligated to host your rants or mine. This is Hal McCoy’s page, not ours. And like a professional—who has his name out there and reputation tied up to what he writes—Hal actually tries to be civil, reasoned and respectful, no matter who’s managing the Reds.By Sal Monelli
June 22, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this
GARJR or GARJR17 or who/whatever you are, we’re all grateful that you aren’t in charge with your know-it-all, black-or-white linear thinking. What this free speech country and blog site do NOT need is one more fascist like you running his mouth. Go camping and hunting in Wyoming with Dick Cheney, will ya?By BrarHopper
June 22, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this
I feel the sorriest for Ryan Hanigan. This guy is awesome. Great young catcher with phenomenal potential & he shows it daily. Great D, awesome arm, calls a terrific game, couldn’t ask for better stick & Dumbsty Baker bats him where in the order? And dumps on him for lack of RBI production? Dumbsty simply can’t WAIT to bench the guy. Ryan, I’ll pray that you’re traded to a real team where you’ll be appreciated & used appropriately. That appreciation will NEVER happen under the fool previously known as Baker. The man is a mental case and a racist.By GARJR
June 22, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
Bottom line: there’s a reason Dusty and Jocketty have their jobs. And there’s a reason we’re just fans. They won’t always get it right, but with a JV offense (and with his best hitter out for weeks), Dusty has this team in contention, and all anyone wants to do is complain. 99% of comment posters think they can do a better job. 100% are wrong, even if Dusty’s not the world’s best manager. For the same reason, I wouldn’t presume to second-guess the people who run Cox and Gannett newspaper groups, but IF I were in charge, I’d just disable these comment sections wholesale.By GARJR17
June 22, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this
“I’m starting to wonder if Baker is racist. He sits white guys who are playing well and starts black guys game after game after game who aren’t.” Really? I think what’s been racist is the reaction to Dusty’s management. I HATE complaints about race, but I can’t think of another reason why he’s been so consistently villified in Chicago and now here. NO big league manager just randomly tears up his lineup card every day to exclusively play guys on 14-day “hot streaks,” without regard to track record (see Detroit, where they waited 3 months to bench Magglio). Joe Torre has wrecked more righty relievers’ careers than maybe any manager in history, but he gets a free pass while the Mark Prior/Kerry Wood case gets dragged and re-dragged through the blogosphere. It’s crazy. I don’t even much care for the guy, but this has to stop. I’ve never seen somebody so second-guessed by so many miserable (and anonymous) people on websites.By Bruce
June 22, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing on here what people claim to see, think they see, quite frequently don’t see,and numerous times, make up something they see.My suggestion would be, while some of you continue to be blind-see Dickerson swinging better each at bat, when he gets to play; and forget what you heard about his Topps history.By Bruce
June 22, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing on here what people claim to see, think they see, quite frequently don’t see,and numerous times, make up something they see.My suggestion would be, while some of you continue to be blind-see Dickerson swinging better each at bat, when he gets to play; and forget what you heard about his Topps history.By Mike-Cinci
June 22, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this
Why would the Nats want to trade Ryan Zimmerman? They just signed him to a long term deal. He is the prize jewel of the franchise. The Reds could trade Arroyo but they would be trading away pitching strength. Pitching is the only thing keeping tis team above water. They had better get real value in return if they did it.By Jack
June 22, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
Just trying to say that when as a group, you have several players that are not getting the job done and no history of getting the job done (Phillips would be an example of a guy you put out there no matter what because he has put up numbers), play the one hitting. Simple as that. Are you always chasing the hot hitter, yes, but these guys cant consistently hit anyway, so whats the harm?By RC
June 22, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this
So how do the guys who aren’t hitting start hitting when they’re sitting on the bench? When Dickerson slumps after a couple of weeks, do you come back with WT who’s now ice cold AND rusty? I’m not against sitting WT for a while, but this whole managing-by-the-numbers thing y’all keep talking about is nowhere near as cut’n’dried as you think it is.By Jack
June 22, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
Next moron that mentions Ryan Zimmerman should be banned for a week. Ramon just had a day off last week. Dusty although limited, still could make some better choices. Not sure why its bad to play the hot hand. Rosales was hot, got his chance, did some good, not back on the bench. whats the problem there? WT is not good, Dickerson is not good either, but if he is currently hitting…why not play him while he is hot…even if it is for a few games. Maybe you win those two games. Again, whats the problem managing game to game? Whats wrong with looking at stats to see who is doing what? You have a team that is unable to hit consistently, play the ones who are actually hitting.By MisterRedLegs
June 22, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
Willy Mo Pena was released today. Not only do the Reds need help so does Louisville. He was one of the finest players Ive ever covered.By Austin Red
June 22, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
From today’s Boston Globe, regarding players that are available: “Bronson Arroyo, RHP, Reds: One of the hot rumors among the scouting community is that the Reds are dangling one of their veteran pitchers in an effort to get younger and reduce payroll. Arroyo, whose name has come up in the past, is earning $9.5 million this season as part of a two-year, $25 million deal. He will earn $11 million next season and has a $2 million buyout on an $11 million option in 2011. With starting pitching hard to find, the Reds could get a decent return.”By Austin Red
June 22, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
Bronson Arroyo, RHP, Reds: One of the hot rumors among the scouting community is that the Reds are dangling one of their veteran pitchers in an effort to get younger and reduce payroll. Arroyo, whose name has come up in the past, is earning $9.5 million this season as part of a two-year, $25 million deal. He will earn $11 million next season and has a $2 million buyout on an $11 million option in 2011. With starting pitching hard to find, the Reds could get a decent return.By andy
June 22, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this
“His hits aren’t producing runs.” I just re-read that sentence and I think my head might explode from its idiocy. So if no one is on base when he gets a hit, or if no one drives him in, this is Hannigan’s fault how? He does his part, you can’t discount his contributions because his teammates can’t get on base or drive him in.By Andy
June 22, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this
Your stats for Hannigan with Runner’s in scoring position and 2 outs are wrong. He’s actually hitting .429 (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=28899) not that that means anything. We’re still only talking about a handful of at-bats that really have no statistical meaning. The fact is he’s about the only player on this team that’s getting on base with any regularity. Dusty has to consider moving him up in the lineup.By Scott
June 22, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
The solution to the 3B problem is to deal for Ryan Zimmerman. The “Natinals”, even though they have won some games lately, are still a press conference away from blowing up their team.By Scott
June 22, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
Actually I think Ramon could use a day off. Sure his knees should be good to catch, however if he rests and additional game he may be that that much stronger when getting behind the plate.By JIm T
June 22, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
GARJR, great post. DWC, I think injuries and offensive talent has a lot more to do with us not winning then Dustys managing ability. Sparky couldn’t win with this group not scoring runs. He has them at 500 with a group of minor leaguers playing a lot of innings. Get a grip.By DWC
June 22, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this
Cards are now winning, Cubs will to soon, and Brewers will stay the course. Reds will finish at least 10 games back and battle Pirates for last if Dusty continues to manage the team like he does.By GARJR
June 22, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this
“Harrang or Arroyo to Dodgers for Juan Pierre” Is this some sort of sick joke? Pierre is the original Wily Taveras (look at his career OBP and OPS), who everybody on this comment board (and the one at John Fay’s blog) wants benched, tarred and feathered—well, except before, when he was on a hot streak, and everybody wanted him in the lineup and Dickerson on the bench, and now they want him on the bench with Dickerson out there, until Dickerson hits his next slump, then Taveras should be out there again. Bottom line: we’ve got a lot of brilliant managers and GMs in waiting on these here internet sites. Really intelligent people second-guessing the people who’ve spent their whole professional careers doing this with some level of success. They change their opinions every time a player has a hot or cold streak. The Juan Pierre who’s hit well the last 35 games is the same one who hit poorly before that. People: it’s a 162-game season spanning 6 months. It’s natural for players to go up and down. Eventually they regress to their means. That’s how it works. Trade one of our starters—one of whom turned in a Cy Young caliber season 2 years ago. For JUAN PIERRE. My goodness.By joe
June 22, 2009 7:19 AM | Link to this
I would put Hernandez on the bench. What is he hitting?By AP-FLORIDA
June 22, 2009 6:30 AM | Link to this
Harrang or Arroyo to Dodgers for Juan pierreBy EWinston
June 22, 2009 5:12 AM | Link to this
Hal- I agree. Now is the time for Jocketty to help this team NOW. And, I mean pronto. We have been subjected to this “wait” and follow the plan(s) nonsense for too long. This division can be won this year if he wants. Lets see what he does.By StuttgartTim
June 22, 2009 4:44 AM | Link to this
Hal, Absolutely we need to find a way to keep both Hernandez and Hanigan in the line-up. 3B is the obvious solution to at least try. I believe Hannigan is better behind the plate. Except for a game this week, he has a rocket.By Norm T.
June 22, 2009 1:52 AM | Link to this
Hal, Love your posts - keep them up. Like the Owens as DH/pitcher combo. Why not let Ramon do some DH to give him some rest as well while you let Hanigan catch.By nllspc
June 21, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this
“dickerson in left, nix center”…and your credibility is gone.By jeff from dayton
June 21, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this
I agree with hal. once votto is back ramon should move to third ryan stay behind the plate, dickerson in left, nix center, hairston short as for all of you jerks that are obviously band wagon fans you should really learn facts and stats before you bad mouth coaches or anyone else for that matter.By Pistol Pete
June 21, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
Baker is an idiot. Dickerson should be playing instead of Tavaras. Rosalas hustles but that is about it.By Y-City Jim
June 21, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this
Hernandez needs to sit, period. When is the last time he got a day off? He is mired in a slump due to fatigue. As far as 3B, why not give a real prospect a shot (Rosales never was one) at the position? Can they honestly do any worse?By Mike=Cinci
June 21, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this
Why not Hanigan at 3B? Answwer, he would be awful. The same with Hernandez. The last thing the Reds need to do is trade young talent off the major league roster or in the minors for a stop cap solution. This is the way teams become the Pirates. Keep the good young players so the team can be competitive every year.By Big Daddy
June 21, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this
Rosales is horrible. Where are all the guys who loved his hustle? He can hustle all he wants. He can’t play a lick.By civilrights
June 21, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this
I’m starting to wonder if Baker is racist. He sits white guys who are playing well and starts black guys game after game after game who aren’t.By d
June 21, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this
hernandez couldn’t be worse at 3B than rosales, whose defense is atrocious.By nllspc
June 21, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this
While at 1B, Hernandez can dig throws out the dirt like a good catcher should, but he is average at best at fielding the position. Can only see that getting worse at 3B. Why not bat Hanigan 2nd. His OBP is somewhere near .400. What’s the difference in between batting Keppinger 2nd and batting Hanigan there. Actually I think Hanigan might be faster. Dusty is so enamored with speed its ridiculous. Taveras’ success in the beginning of the season was an illusion anyways. Most of hits were mishit slow rollers in the infield. Also can someone please send him to Dr. Hopper to learn how to bunt? His inability to bunt down the 1b line against a LH pitcher is embarrassing.By Steve M.
June 21, 2009 7:39 PM | Link to this
Hal, your idea is half right. Hanigan should continue to play a large amount of time, but Hernandez should not play 3B. Hanigan would score a lot more runs if he hadn’t been followed by the pitcher and Willy Taveras for this month. Hanigan would have driven in more runs with his hits if Jay Bruce and others would have been on base in front of him. I’m not saying Hanigan should play every day, but I think he should play around 3 days a week once Votto gets back. Hernandez doesn’t hit that much better than JHJ, if at all. I also think playing 1B has weakened him at the plate for some reason. Keep up the good work, though, Hal. Come up with those ideas and make Dusty accountable for his current decisions. Do you ever get to have a long, serious interview with Walt J?By Big Daddy
June 21, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this
How do get that “post your comment” box to dissappear?By Mark in Sun Valley
June 21, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this
I am going to say Dusty is right, but for the wrong reasons. Hernandez does need to get back behind the plate. Although I believe he has played 1st in the Mexican winter leagues, I am sure his change to 1st has had a direct effect on his hitting. The idea that a catcher can easily play 1st or 3rd is pretty silly and one only needs to look back to Johnny Bench to see the folly in that thinking.. I am sure just trying 3B would further drag down Livan’s hitting. Hanigan however is not being productive is because Dusty hits him 7th and 8th. He gets 1/2 of the teams hits by himself (2 of the 4 most nights it seems). Being productive is directly affected by the batters around you. Babe Ruth could not be productive in this line-up. As to Owings, he should not bat in the AL park when he starts because once he comes out from pitching, you are now at a serious disadvantage having to use pinch hitters and deplete your bench for that spot for the rest of the game. However, DHing him the other game is not the craziest idea I ever heard.By BrarHopper
June 21, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this
Of course he shot them down…because they are both good ideas. And it’s obvious Dummy Baker hates Janish and Hanigan. He simply does not want to give either a chance. Same with Dickerson. Baker has that CP man love for WT and a few other of his incompetent pets. I wonder if they all gather at dumb@ss Baker’s house for incompetent parties?By Aaron B.
June 21, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this
We have to use reverse psychology with Dusty. He doesn’t want the fans and the media making the lineup. He is so SLOW to make changes it is very detrimental. We all wanted Rosales when he was swinging the hot bat. We got him near the end of his hot streak. Now he is cold as ice, but Dusty continues to run him out there maybe just to prove to us that he was right in his assessment that Rosales isn’t a major leaguer. We all knew that though, Dusty. All any of us wants is to ride the hot bats when they are hot and get them out of the lineup when they are cold. We don’t have any clear cut all star caliber players except for Phillips and Votto. Everyone else can be mixed and matched as needed based on how hot they are.