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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 > 22 > Entry
Votto probably will play in Toronto
THE CAVALRY is arriving, if you can call one man a cavalry. In the case of Joey Votto, is just might be.
It looks as if Votto is going to try for his triumphant return with the Cincinnati Reds in front of his hometown friends and relatives tonight in Rogers Centre against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Reds confirmed that Votto was on the team charter flight to Toronto Monday. Although they wouldn’t confirm that he is coming off the disabled list to play, why would he accompany the team instead of continuing a rehab assignment if he wasn’t going to play?
So look for Votto and his .357 average, eight home runs and 33 RBIs to be playing first base and batting third tonight.
Votto has been on the disabled list since May 30 with stress-related issues. He began a rehab assignment with Class A Sarasota last week and played six innings of one game, then played a full intrasquad game the next day with the Gulf Coast Rookie League Reds.
On Saturday and Sunday he played two games, nine innings both times, for the Class A Dayton Dragons and talked his way with general manager Walt Jocketty and manager Dusty Baker into making the trip.
The Reds hope Votto can inject some punch into a lifeless offense.
If it’s symmetry you seek, check out the Reds as they begin a three-game series against the Blue Jays. The Reds are 34-34. They are 17-17 at home and 17-17 on the road.
Symmetry in baseball, though, doesn’t win World Series rings, or even wild card spots. It gets you anonymity in the middle of the pack, not real good, not real bad. It makes you mediocre, as the Reds have been the past eight losing seasons.
And while the Reds are poised on the precipice of once again falling below .500, they received even more bad news and as manager Dusty Baker said the other day, “I’d rather not get any news about us because all the news I get is bad.”
Shortstop Alex Gonzalez underwent surgery Monday to remove bone chips from his elbow and won’t return for four to six weeks.
That means for the immediate future the Reds will have Jerry Hairston Jr. (10 for his last 60, .167) at shortstop and Adam Rosales (4 for his last 46, .xxx) at third base. Edwin Encarnacion is on rehab at Class AAA Louisville, but hasn’t played since late April and most likely needs a lot of at bats. And when he left he was hitting .127.
The battle to not only score runs, but to string together back-to-back hits, continues to plague the Reds. Over their last 17 games they are hitting .199 with runners in scoring position and are 7-10 in those games. In eight of those 17 games they’ve scored three or fewer runs.
Micah Owings makes his first appearance against Toronto night and Wednesday should be, uh, interesting.
Bronson Arroyo starts Wednesday in Rogers Centre, scene of one of life’s embarrassing moments for Arroyo — and it barely lasted more than a moment. And amazingly it will be exactly a year prior to the day — June 24, 2008.
Arroyo gave up 10 runs and 11 hits in one-plus innings and became only the sixth pitcher in major-league history to allow at least 10 earned run in game in which he retired three batters or less.
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By Bruce
June 24, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
I’ll buy that RC; as long as Dickerson is patrolling CF. What do you think we could get for Nix/Gomes/ and Arroyo?
By RC
June 24, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
Look, I LIKE Hanigan! He’s done a fine job this season. I’m only “singling him out” because we’re doing a direct comparison between him and Hernandez. But the sample size is not that small - Hanigan has started more than half of the team’s games so far. Bruce thinks that, both offensively and defensively, Hanigan is better. I think Hernandez is a better clutch hitter, as good defensively, and his experience in calling games tips the balance in his favor. My hope for next year is: Hanigan is the everyday catcher, Hernandez holds down first base for a couple of years until Alonso is ready, and Votto’s in LF. A man can dream, can’t he?
By Bruce
June 24, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this
And, considering the number of times we don’t hit—discussing ‘runners in scoring position’ seems like a weak argument.
By Jim King
June 24, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
Hanigan’s numbers are based on a very small sample size while batting in front of the pitcher as opposed to 5th or 6th. Also, why is he being singled out for RISP as opposed to other players ?
By RC
June 24, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this
Hernandez is above the league avg. throwing out baserunners, though admittedly Hanigan is better. (I would argue that no catcher in the game would have thrown out last nights thieves - those bases were stolen on Owings.) But here is the number you should take away from this: Hernandez, going into last night’s game was hitting 125 points higher with runners in scoring position. 125 points! Ignore that number at your own peil. So all you folks who went haywire over Dusty’s comments about Hanigan… the numbers back him up on this one.
By Bruce
June 24, 2009 12:21 AM | Link to this
A few more little ditty’s for RC to munch on: Hanigan has made the most of his opportunity, hitting .325 with a .411 on-base percentage. During Hanigan’s 35 starts behind the plate, the Reds have gone 19-16, and Hanigan has thrown out 11 of 23 runners trying to steal, which leads the majors among catchers with 20 or more chances. He has one error and two passed balls. He ranks among the National League rookie hitting leaders – he’s first in batting average and on-base percentage, third in multi-hit games (13) and third in hits (41). He has been stuck at the bottom of the order, however, and has only eight RBI. He hit .271 in 31 games with the Reds last season, but because he didn’t have 130 at-bats (he had 126) or appear on the active roster for 45 days, he retained his rookie status. Hanigan is something of a rarity among hitters, boasting a positive walk-to-strikeout ratio (19-11), showing a plate discipline that he has practiced throughout his career. In his 1,822 minor-league bats, he hit .294 with 245 walks versus 248 strikeouts.
By Bruce
June 23, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this
Hairston is NOT our best alternative at SS-never had,imo, all the tools to play it. No range-anytime he takes three steps to field a ball, not hit directly at him—he, and we, are in trouble! Watch and see what I am talking about in future games. His arm failures were very evident tonight on several occassions! When and where, did he last play that position? There are amateur SS’s all over this country with more range and ability than this guy. Not only is his arm woefully inadequate on a lot of plays he is asked to make; but often we don’t know what county his throw may end up! I am certain we have others in our system who would at least, improve our defense, if they played instead of Hairston. He isn’t impressing much with the stick, either. Janish: Why keep him on the bench, when those playing before him, are demonstrating just as many, or more flaws than he?
By Bruce
June 23, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this
Earlier in the year it was Hanigan and Dickerson{up to .279} that wouldn’t hit well enough…No one can hit when sitting! Hey, no one is calling this team great; what some of us are saying is: there are better options on this team. And, as someone recently, and wisely suggested:”what IS wrong with playing the hot hands”? Can’t be any worse idea than playing Gonzo and WT Patterson, FOREVER, to no avail! RC: Basically, because he has thrown out half the running attempts against him; and he does a much better job blocking pitches in the dirt than Hernandez, IMO. Dusty keeps throwing this crap out that Hernandez ‘knows’ all these teams-and Hernandez has poo-pooed that! Well Dusty, sit him next to you in the dugout; and he can signal pitches into the better catcher!
By Ghost Of Allbutt the Fraud
June 23, 2009 11:01 PM | Link to this
Well, look who just crawled out from under his rock…It’s Allbutt The Fraud. He’s back with another name.Can’t talk much about his birds, cause they ain’t putting much daylight between themselves and our Reds-embarrassing huh, Fraud? Naw, he has to pick on Paul Janish who neveer plays. Haven’t heard your stupidity for a while Fraud! You better head back to English class at Purdue.LOL Bet I know what SD stands for. LOL
By RC
June 23, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this
I didn’t enjoy capitalist’s rant so much, as I assumed it was meant for the Nats’ message board, or maybe the D’Backs… surely he wasn’t talking about a team that despite being as injury-beset as any in baseball, is still playing .500 ball and is still in contention. However, I do very much enjoy capitalism as an economic system, so he’s got that going for him.
By nick w
June 23, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
kind of off topic but i was at the nationals yankees game last week and to my surprise corey patterson is playing for the nationals. He got a single then struck out 2 times. See what the reds are missing. I think the nationals are trying to get as many x-reds to be a part of there team on the field and off.
By SD
June 23, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
great post misterRedlegs agree 100%. Janish is on his way to .220. several people were all over him when he was over .300 with minimal ABs. great post also capitalist
By RC
June 23, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
You think that’s bad… I just spelled both “offense” and “defense” two different ways in the same post. And the sad thing is, I don’t know which is correct. Fortunately, I’m not Catholic, so I fear not the nuns.
By JimT
June 23, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this
Guys I’m sorry for that last post. That spelling was bad even for me. The nuns would be after me with a ruler if they saw that.
By RC
June 23, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this
On a slightly more serious note, I wanted to repost numbers from the previous thread regarding Hanigan vs. Hernandez - The numbers are: Hanigan - runners on, .233 - RISP, .167 - none on, .373. Hernandez - runners on, .276 - RISP .292 - none on - .220. And as far as sacrificing defense for offence goes, as many close games as this team plays, that better be some pretty good and consistent offense. Our defence in general, and at 3B in particular, has already cost us games this season. there.
By JIm T
June 23, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
Janish does not hit well enough to get a lot of playing time. He is a good field no hit SS. there are plenty of them in the league that don’t start. I know his average is right now says other wise but that is a short sample. Look at his numbers pror to this season in the minors and you’ll see. Good field no hit. Can anyone say Juam Castro.
By jim t
June 23, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
Florida Buskeye, what sort of return do you think we would get for Bailey? Do you think Bailey can put up Arroyo’s numbers?How much of EE’s injury doo you think was attributable to his poor start. Is he closer to the 26 hrs and 70 rbi’s of 08? While considering SS for next year you may want to consider Cozart of the mudcats. Hitting 291 and has 9 dingers and is a excellent fielder.
By RC
June 23, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
OK, so here’s the list of the top 20 possible Reds third basemen I’ve put together, in order. Let me know if I’ve left anybody out: 1)Adam Rosales 2)Jerry Hairston Jr. 3)Ramon Hernandez 4)Ryan Hanigan 5)Micah Owings 6)Jerry Hairston Sr. 7)Javier Valentin (he’s available, y’know) 8)Willy Tavares 9)Todd Frazier 10)Drew Stubbs 11)Homer Bailey 12)Ryan Zimmerman 13)Mike Schmidt 14)Yonder Alsonso 15)Rosie O’Donnell 16)Chad Ochocinco 17)Old Grandpa Hairston 18)Dusty Baker 19)Thom Brennaman 20)Paul Janish
By Florida Buckeye
June 23, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
I’ve heard/read some suggest that we get rid of Arroyo, and, monetarily it makes sense; However, it makes more sense - IMO - to get rid of Bailey as a possible quality starter than Arroyo as a proven starter…Also, I liked that fact that I saw someone point out that EE was only hitting a buck something when he was healthy, and we shouldnt expect much from him either…I’d like to see, a new third baseman; a right handed stick with some pop…that can play good D in either LF, or Third. . and I’d like to see Hanigan given the lead as catcher instead of as a backup. He has better defensive stats, although I know it’s early in his career…and, yes, obviously he has a hotter bat now…I hope Votto doesnt put too much pressure on himself when he comes back…Go Reds!
By bernie
June 23, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this
Has Ryan Hanningan ever played third? You have to admire the reds playing now. Almost all of them were either perrenial backups or had their old team give up on them (even stars Phillips and Harang). …but some are showing their wear from playing every day. Give Jerry Hairston some rest and let Paul Janish play a few games.
By Nick W
June 23, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this
Great news on votto. Hopefully it will take some pressure of the other hitters and the can relax and not try to hard to make up for not having votto in the lineup. On the issue of janish, I think that hairston will do fine at short. Yea he is struggling at the plate now but I don’t think janish will do much better. Nothing against janish he is young and I think he will be the starting shortstop next year but right now I think it is best to have hariston playing short. That’s his natural postion and once he gets his swing back we all no what he is capable of doing. Hopefully the reds can make a run the next couple of series, they did ok while votto was out but they are still at .500 and only 3.5 games out of first.
By MisterRedLegs
June 23, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this
The barking of the fans howling for Janish is the same idiot fans the whined for Rosales, Gomes, Maloney etc. All are career minor league players. This lineup is already full of these players. If Baker can get this team to finish .500 he will have my vote as Manager of the Year
By Barry
June 23, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this
Excellent news, makes my day, I hope he doesn’t try to hard to win all the games himself. This team needs to get on base around him, they offense wasn’t nearly as horrible
By Dawg_Pound
June 23, 2009 11:49 AM | Link to this
I agree. Janish must have kicked Baker’s dog or something. What’s he got to do to get some good old-fashioned playing time? And it seems if I was some great sportswriter, I’d be breaking stories for my own paper or firm, not as a post on a message board for my competitors. But hey, I’m not a sportswriter as some on here claim to be. At least I am a former journalist, though. And I don’t live and breath to hear myself talk, but that’s getting away from the topic at hand.
By Jack
June 23, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this
Have a missed something with Jannish (and maybe I have)? With Gonzo out, why not get Jannish some starts?
By justin
June 23, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this
isn’t there some other guy who can play shortstop, Paul something or other, maybe Paul Yan, or Paul Jaish, oh Juanish, that’s right. He is a defensive wiz, and while he hitting isn’t great it won’t be any worse than what Gonzo put up. Face it Gonzo doesn’t bring anything to the table, and the best thing the Reds can do is put him on the 60 day DL and forget about him.
By capitalist
June 23, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
I ask this: If you had a chance to spend some money to upgrade this essentially useless bunch of retreads with players like McClouth, etc., and you decide you do not care because you are making money off the idiots who pay to watch your minor league Reds team, what would you do? Bob C. has answered that, as did Big Carl, etc.: Do nothing and continue to make money with a lousy product. If you could buy a Toyota for the same price as a Yugo, which would you buy? Why are Reds’ fans so ignorant about this crappy franchise that they continue to support it when all they hear is the same lies that have been told to them for 15 years? Stop going. Maybe the latest Reds liar owner will get the message, maybe not; but you will not spend your money on watching just another group of lousy players play for nothing!
By RC
June 23, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
Hanigan is the best catcher based on what? Hanigan is a fine young defensive catcher, but Hernandez is very good as well. Hanigan may be somewhat better at throwing out runners, but Hernandez’s experience at handling pitchers and calling a game weigh pretty heavily in his favor. What am I missing that makes Hanigan such a clear choice defensively for you, Bruce?
By Bruce
June 23, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
Actually, all a thinking manager needs to do is either play Hernandes at third, or sit him—since Hanigan has proven he is the best catcher on this team; irregardless of what his hitting is! Catching and Short, are primarily about defense—if there is offense too, that’s great—but not primary! and
By Mark in Sun Valley
June 23, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
Mike a really great idea, which of course mean it probably won’t happen.
By Blogcopwatcher
June 23, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this
Harry The Horse: are you Dr. Spock in disguise? Your idea makes sense to me; but is much too logical for Captain Baker!
By joe
June 23, 2009 9:19 AM | Link to this
Votto is having a good season thus far but he is not superman. The Reds will continue to struggle even when Joey returns.
By RC
June 23, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this
Excellent thought, Mike! I hadn’t considered that, but it seems like a very good idea, especially given that I’m worried that Votto and the Reds are rushing this a little.
By Mike-Cinci
June 23, 2009 7:05 AM | Link to this
Personally I would let Votto DH for a few games to let him get adjusted. He could do that while playing in Toronto and Cleveland. This would allow him to ease back into it.
By josh
June 22, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this
BrarHopper, oftentimes Hal’s late-evening blog posts act as an incomplete/preview of printed stories to appear the following day. His reference to “tonight’s” game is part of that. Also, welcome back Joey!
By Mark in Sun Valley
June 22, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this
Great to get Joey back. Of course with Taveras and Hairston in front of him, he might be as “unproductive” as Hanigan.
By BrarHopper
June 22, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this
Ooops, Hal. The Reds don’t play tonight. Not until Tuesday. I mean, I’m in Colorado and I know that.
By cornhole
June 22, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
Who needs Hal when we have the all seeing, all knowing, omniscient Master — Mister Redlegs ORIGINAL!!?
By Harry the Horse
June 22, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this
Hal: How about Joey in LF and then you can keep Hanigan and Hernandez in the line-up?? Could you ask DB about it??
By MisterRedLegs
June 22, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
Great news about Votto. One back and two more to go. I made the first post about this earlier from a source.. Are you off today Hal?