After 58 years, Ehler retiring
.jpg)
Funeral for Miami student manager
Winter weather photos
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 > July > 12 > Entry
Leaving my mark on ol’ Broadway
I THINK I left my mark on Broadway - dirty underwear strewn from the Marriott Marquis for three blocks to the subway station.
But that’s getting ahead of the story. On Friday and Saturday I had no problems with the subway system. Sunday, though, was, uh, different and I’m just happy it was Sunday morning when travel is light.
The difference Sunday was that I had to drag my suitcase with me to the ballpark because I have a flight out of LaGuardia after the game and the airport is not far from Citi Field.
When I got to the subway station I had to buy a ticket for one ride. The machine wouldn’t take my money. So I went to the booth and told the woman, “My card doesn’t work.” She buzzed me through a turnstile and I walked down a long set of steps.
When I got to the bottom I noticed a side zipper on my bag was open, my Dirty Underwear compartment. Oh, yeah. So I’m sure I left a path of strewn dirty underwear from 46th street to 42nd street.
YOU DON’T notice things like this until you are dragging a 40-pound suitcase. By actual count, between the first subway steps and several sets of steps at Citi Field, I dragged that sucker up and down 138 steps.
ADAM ROSALES was recalled for Sunday’s game to replace Jay Bruce and it was fun listening to him talk about his flight in from Louisville this morning.
“Never been to New York,” he said. “It was neat flying in because I saw the Statue of Liberty on my left and the Empire State Building on my right. Then I cabbed it from the airport to the ballpark. No subway. Haven’t had the full experience yet.”
When Rosales walked into the clubhhouse, outfielder Chris Dickerson saw him and said with a smile. “Hey, you aren’t an outfielder. Go home.”
REDS MEDIA RELATIONS Director Rob Butcher spent a portion of Saturday morning in New York doing his version of Rocky. Butcher, a running devotee, decided to run from the team hotel at 42nd and Lexington to Brooklyn and back.
He ran across the Brooklyn Bridge, then turned and ran back. “It was awesome,” he said. “They have a tier on top of the bridge for runners, walkers and bicycles and the view is spectacular. I saw the Statue of Liberty on my left and the Empire State Building on my right. It was about 10 miles total - awesome, very cool.”
A THOUGHT from Manager Dusty Baker on fundamentals: “When you change organizations, sometimes you realize that either fundamentals are not taught or if they are they are not retained. Players should know most of this stuff but I remember (former manager and pitching coach) Roger Craig telling me, ‘Don ‘t ever assume they know it. You need refresher courses. Even doctors need refresher courses.”
THIS IS PROBABLY it for a few days. Some R&R during the All-Star break. You won’t hear from me for a few days, so play nice. Be good to each other. Discuss whatever you wish. I’m sure Wizard has a few words about why Paul Janish, Ryan Hanigan and Chris Dickerson should play.
Well, with Bruce gone, Dickerson will play. Hanigan and Janish? Good luck.
QUICK ADDENDUM before I call it quits for the first half:
Just saw something I thought I’d never see - Joey Votto ejected from a game. I’ve never seen him argue with an umpire. He might say a word or two, but never argue.
But in the first inning Sunday, umpire Bill Welke called him out on an inside pitch. In his last at-bat Saturday he was called out on an inside pitch. On this six-game trip, the second one Sunday was the sixth time Votto was called out on inside pitches.
He was mad as hell and couldn’t take it any more. He yelped at Welke. And kept yelping. Welke let him go longer than most umpires permit players to argue about balls-and-strikes. Manager Dusty Baker was late arriving to push Votto away. Just when he got there, Votto had one more word for Welke and was ejected - his first ever ejection.
Yep, it’s time for the break. At the time of Votto’s ejection, the Reds trailed by New York Mets, 5-0, and starter Aaron Harang was long gone.
And now - I’m long gone.
Permalink | Comments (43) | Post your comment |
Comments
By Wiz
July 14, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this
I can sure agree on that response. Thanks.By RampantRedsFan
July 14, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
Baker’s lack of defending his players in arguments is inexcusable. He needs to sprint out of the dugout. If that is him sprinting then he needs to start working out.By RC
July 14, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this
I don’t honestly know, Wiz. The Reds’ pitching was clearly the strength of this team up until a couple of weeks ago. Our starters were delivering games directly to our 7-8-9th inning guys, who were very effective. Now that we’ve had some bad starts, the weaknesses in our middle relief corps have been exposed. For me, the jury’s still out on Mr. Pole - unlike the Jacoby jury, which will surely be sentencing him to hang for offences against MLB hitting any day now. PS - right now, I’m still way more exercised about the poor coaching in the minor league system. Time to clean house down there, maybe?By Wizard
July 13, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this
How is it that Duncan is so well thought of, as the Cards pitching coach? What does he do, which turns pitchers around, when they previously were duds? Seems to me it would be nice{and better than ANY trade we could make}, if Jocketty could land Mr. Duncan for improving the future’s of our Mr. Cueto, Volquez, and Bailey! I know Mr. Maddux said Mr. Pole was the best pitching coach he ever had-but, it doesn’t seem to be happening here-when I see Harang,Arroyo, and Cueto having multiple bad outings. What say you-Mike-Cinci and RC?By Gary Maloy Jr.
July 13, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this
HERE is the link good ol’ Jake referred to… http://keitholbermann.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/07/triviaandjocketty.htmlBy Gary Maloy Jr.
July 13, 2009 8:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Jake - When you recommend us reading something, how about giving us the LINK next time, dude?!! Geez!By Mike-Dayton
July 13, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this
That is not true Mike-Cinci - the Brewers got more than two months of memories - they also got the Yankees 2009 June second round pick and a compensation pick after the first pick was completed. So Milwaukee got Sabathia for three months and he got them to the playoffs and they also got two top draft picks this year to make up for some of the talent they sent to the Indians for Sabathia. And the Reds will not be trading Votto or Phillips - the Indians traded CC because they knew they could not sign CC and they could get more prospects trading him in July that letting him leave as a Free Agent and only getting two draft picks - Votto and Phillips are young and the type of players the Reds should be trading for, not trading them for other players. Perhaps Harang or Arroya have some value but at their price and performance, the Reds are not going to get Sabathia level prospects.By Mike-Cinci
July 13, 2009 2:04 PM | Link to this
Taveras has been awful. His signing to a 2 year deal looks like a big mistake. Clearly this is a talent evaluation issue. I have no problem with Dickerson in CF. He would be an improvement. However this team is a long way from seriously contending. The question they face is whether to trade young talent for a veteran or two. Another option is to trade some expensive vets like Cordero and Harang for young, cheaper talent. The Reds might be able to get something for Votto, Phillips, and Yonder Alonzo. Recall last year the Indians traded Sabathia for top prospects from the Brewers. So far those top prospects have done nothing for the tribe and Sabathia is a Yankee leaving Milwaukee with nothing but memories of a 2 month rental. In my opinion the Reds are dead in the water this year and the only moves they should make are ones that will make them a better team in 2010 and beyond.By RC
July 13, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
Cool, Jack. It honestly doesn’t diminish your point, which was well taken. I guess I’d respond by saying that, to me, those guys weren’t “benched” so much as they were given a few days off to get their heads on straight. There was no danger that they were staying on the bench, and Rollins even got his leadoff spot back before his performance actually started to earn it. PS - KO is really high on that Chris Haisley kid. Makes me feel a bit better that we’ve got great prospects in AAA that I’ve never even heard of!By Jack
July 13, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this
My bad, was benched for a series (3 games) in mid May and the next day was an off day. So got four days off.By RC
July 13, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
BTW, Jack, I’m unaware that Ortiz sat out more than two games in a row at any point this season. If I’m missing the info, point me in the right direction. And Wiz, if you respect someone’s knowledge, you should probably refrain from throwing around phrases like “erroneous gibberish”. I respect your passion, but c’mon. It’s baseball.By Jake
July 13, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
Keith Olbermann’s blog on MLB.com has a short entry today about Dusty’s inexplicable reluctance to ever play young players everyday… it’s a good read.By Jack
July 13, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this
Certainly not trying to say that another manager would have this team winning. As has been stated by others, this team lack talent. They have two actual major league starters. No one is winning with this talent, but there are some things that could be done. Dusty just made another unbelievable quote regarding fundamentals. Blaming the staff before him for the lack of fundamentals. This is your team Dusty, you have had two spring trainings. Either you do not work on simple things or the players are not listening. Your fault. Again, Dusty is a veteran players’ manager, just not sure he knows how to teach young players and/or is willing. Unfortunately, the Reds are and will be a young team. Not that Dusty should be fired, he was just the wrong guy for this job. I am sure he would be fine managing the dodgers, red sox, etc. Lastly, the Reds should bring up one of the minor leaguers to get some experience for next year (not Stubbs, do not need three leadoff men in the outfield)…anyone think that this will actually happen and if it does, do you think that Dusty would play him? Doubtful.By Wizard
July 13, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
Please. If a manager came in here and made just ONE move, it would make all the difference:Playing Dickerson in CF-that alone, improves the defense immediately! But, there are other moves that would improve the stagnation that is, Dusty Dimwit! Come on RC. I respect your knowledge, but you ARE stretching it a bit.By RC
July 13, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
That is true, Jack. Managers will try the occasional shock treatments - the much-maligned Dusty Baker has also done that sort of thing. Phillips sat a couple of times during his horrible slump, and Bruce got multiple days off right before he got the rest of the season off. However, Rollins and his .217 BA was right there in the leadoff slot when the Reds hit town. Yes, he’s starting to come around since then. But Willy Taveras’ OBP is actually better than Rollins’ right now (by one point). Of course, Taveras never won an MVP, either… Anyway, I stand by my original point - if you think another manager would come in here and make all the “obvious” moves you think Dusty is too stubborn to make, I believe you are sadly mistaken. That’s alls I’m sayin’.By alex
July 13, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
Hal - What have you heard about the rumor the Reds may trade a package of Masset or Rhodes and prospects to the Twinkies for Michael Cuddyer?By RC, JACK SAYS
July 13, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this
Not nice to post erroneous jibberish! RC-Rollings was dropped in the order, down to sixth at one point, also benched several games. Big Papi sat out for a week. So, yes, other managers actually try to do things. Yes, Mike-Cinci, this team has an overall lack of talent, something I have said since day one, but Baker does not help (Jocketty is not helping either).By Ghost
July 13, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this
Thats ok ghost. My knownledge has been on the nose since day 1. Have you seen the standings lately dude. There are some knowledgeable Reds fans on here but also some like you. Albert put the nail in the Reds once again. The Reds headed to the cellar. The Redbirds to the playoffs again. Hey Ghost can you say 32 bombs. How’s Janish,Dickerson, Rosales, Nix. Later from Albert, Gold Glove SS, and SDBy Hawk
July 13, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
Disagree with Steve on one point-changing managers would help; because any other person of sane mind and vision, would make the obvious changes necessary.By steven ross
July 13, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this
I concur changing managers probably won’t matter with this team but Baker’s lineups defy logic. He does not put the best or hottest hitters in the lineup or slotted where they should. It’s mind-numbing. Dusty survives the season but any freefall to end the year probably means he’s out. I want Jocketty to name his own man.By The Ghost Of Allbutt
July 13, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
Ross,why would anyone listen to you and all your other names on this blog? You’re a fraud! You will always be known as a FRAUD! I will make sure everyone on this blog knows your fraudulance. Go away little girl.By MisterRedLegs
July 13, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this
Rosalas? Reds lose an infielder and call up a pitcher. Lose an outfileder and call up an infielder.By Jack
July 13, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
RC-Rollings was dropped in the order, down to sixth at one point, also benched several games. Big Papi sat out for a week. So, yes, other managers actually try to do things. Yes, Mike-Cinci, this team has an overall lack of talent, something I have said since day one, but Baker does not help (Jocketty is not helping either).By FLRed
July 13, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
Lower-budget teams have to make up for their lack of superstar talent by focusing on stuff you can coach into a player — like plate discipline, bunting, baserunning strategies, pitch selection and even “positive energy”. As the Reds continue to fall down in these coachable areas, I get more and more discouraged.By ross
July 13, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, IYou are 100% correct. Ive said the same thing since day 1. The Reds are made up of a bunch of AAA/role type players. jocketty has done nothing to help this team out or the coaching staff. The Reds do not need Rolen he’s finished. I would keep EE. Janish if he played 130 games may not hit .200. They are ready to battle the fighting Bucs for the cellar AGAIN.By FLRed
July 13, 2009 7:37 AM | Link to this
…and what’s your batting average, Joyce?By Joyce
July 13, 2009 7:02 AM | Link to this
Looked like a strike to me, Joey.By Wizard
July 12, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this
Guess my only other comment would be: If I am the GM of the Reds, and would enjoy filling a few more seats this year,I’m going to do whatever it takes to accomplish that. And,it sure ain’t gonna’ be the same ol’, same ol’,that we’ve seen for a few months now! If I made bad judgments on players, I’m gonna’ correct those mistakes. Contracts have been eaten before-Play Dickerson NOW, in CENTER! “Equal Time, Unless You’re Prime Time!” That would be the new slogan.By Wiz
July 12, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this
Well, thanks RC. I like you, too.By RC
July 12, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
Just to be clear, I wasn’t talking about -my- philosophy, but about reality as I perceive it. Like why Jimmy Rollins hasn’t even been dropped in the BO despite the fact his OBP is somewhere in the .270s. Or why JJ Hardy’s still out there every day - or Big Papi… Brandon Phillips… Anyway, I do agree with Mr. Wizard about some things. I don’t think JHair should play SS ever again. CD is clearly a better CF than that other guy. And assuming that Yonder Alonso is the 1B of the future and not trade bait, the second we pull the plug on the season and start trading off some old pitchers, we start working JVotto in LF, put Hernandez at 1st, and see what Hanigan can do with the rest of the season…By George
July 12, 2009 9:59 PM | Link to this
Team management has demonstrated that they know this year’s team is not a contender by the lack of action on a “bold” trade. They know one player will not make a difference with this team. Do not expect management to come out and say this year is over because it is like announcing to your neighborhood that your daughter is a working prostitute and has aids. That type of information is best kept in-house. Management is management no matter what sport or business you are involved. For those of you who have had a successful management experience you know what I mean, for those of you who have not, well all the posting, complaining, and abusive statements will not make a difference, just as this post will not. Some suggestions: First 1.Review next year’s potential free agent and field manager market. 2.Evaluate the reds current contracts. Decide whether the current players are major league starters or bench players. 3.Plan to get a major league third base, shortstop, centerfield and right fielder. 4.Evaluate the coaching staff and field manager. Look for recent accomplishments (What have you done for me lately) 5.Establish parameters for next year’s player budget based on past attendance and include projections for increases based on improved team performance. Then 1.Develop an off-season workout regime for next year’s potential players with two goals (example; batting stance, bunting, arm strength, stealing, etc.) 2.Contract with professional personal trainers to monitor off-season player program so when the team reports for spring training all operations, physicals, x-rays and MRI’s are done. 3.Make decision on a field manager and coaching staff in November. 4.Go to MLB meetings with an agenda to get or initiate acquisition of specific established players. It may not sound dramatic but it is realistic. We have too many unproven, past primetime, and never primetime players on the 40 man roster. Have at it.By Worn Cleats
July 12, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this
Oh, but it does make a difference who plays these positions, Mike-Cinci. Wizard has given you and Royal Crown two good examples of why your philosophy is in error. My additions are, take Hairston completely out of the game, replacing him with Gomes in RF{a much better stick than Hairston}; and once again you have upgraded our lineup. Play Nix in left. Play Hanigan every other night at Catcher with Hernandes{when Hanigan is catching play Hernandes at first and Votto in left, or right! See how much better our team is? Much better talent in there now.By Wizard
July 12, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci: A real good attempt at solving the lack of talent on the roster-Putting our best defender,CD, in his rightful starting position in center field! Then, remove ‘three steps’ Hairston from SS, and play Janish everyday. Now, doesn’t that feel better? That wasn’t difficult at all. And quickly, you already have better talent in the game at two different positions! As the Cowboy would say: “How about that”!By Worn Cleats
July 12, 2009 8:37 PM | Link to this
Willy T. goes 3 for 5; and is still the second best Center Fielder on this team! Almost another spectacular catch in RF by THE best CFer we have. Hope his back spasms go away.By kettering guy
July 12, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this
Half the season is a good sample size, so let’s use it. Taveras is a pinch-runner and no more. I’m willing to close my eyes on defense and give Gomes a bat every day. Encarnacion deserves a chance now that he’s healthy. Hanigan/Hernandez is a tough call, but I’d like to see more of Hanigan than I have. On Hanigan’s days … Dickerson CF, Hanigan C, Votto 1B, Phillips 2B, Nix RF, Gomes LF, Encarnacion 3B, Hairston SS On Hernandez’s days … Dickerson CF, Phillips 2B, Votto 1B, Gomes LF, Nix RF, Hernandez C, Encarnacion 3B, Hairston SS. And please, Edinson, get healthy.By amanda
July 12, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
A good small ball team should be able to win a game by scoring 6 runs. A good team would also not have a 39 year old who throws garbage pitching in key situations every day especially when there are better options than him on the team.By Kyle
July 12, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this
Great game today, Stormy. Mull that one over on your three days off.By Mike-Cinci
July 12, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this
At the risk of repeating my self the problem is not Baker, Mackanin, Narron, Miley, or Boone. The problem is the lack of talent on the roster. Fans arguing about playing Janish, Hanigan, Dickerson, Gomes, Nix, Rosales, Taveras, Hairston, Gonzales, Hernandez, Encarnacion, Bruce are just moving the “deck chairs on the Titanic”. These players are just not good enough. It does not make any difference who plays among these guys. They are a bunch of bench players, marginal starters, or emergency fill-ins. Votto and Phillips are the only good hitters on this team. Until the Reds develop better talent in their farm system and make smart free agent signings they will not have a team that will make a season long run for the playoffs. Getting worked up over Dusty or any of the managers since Jack McKeon is wasting energy. Actually we are being unfair to all of them. When you look at this Reds roster you see a 5th or 6th place team. Over 162 games the cream rises to the top and the dead weight sinks. They over achieved through June but now their lack of quality players is beginning to show.By RC
July 12, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this
Wizard will undoubtedly have many words - the same ones he’s used every day for the last I-don’t-know-how-long. “Equal opportunity” and “so-and-so’s getting screwed by Dusty” and “play the hot hands”… I don’t tend to enjoy repeating myself so much, but since we’ve got a few days to chew on stuff, I’ll attempt to sum up the various things I’ve said on this subject. 1) No team in any professional sport gives 27 year old rookies equal time with established veteran talent. Doesn’t happen. 2) Here’s a plan: Sit a struggling veteran for the currently hot guy from AAA. Wait two/three weeks until MLB pitchers figure him out. Then, bring back your veteran, who is probably still struggling, now also cold and angry. See how that works out for you. 3) Here’s another plan: Try convincing the guy holding that power bat you want to add at 3B or in LF that, while yes, we are known as a team that benches veteran talent at the first slump, that surely won’t happen to YOU. 4) While you’re at it: As manager, try explaining to your GM why, as bad as things might be going, it would be even worse if I didn’t have the high-priced players he provided me on the pine. —- All in all, IMHO, you folks who think that there is a manager anywhere in MLB who would handle this or any other roster in an “equal opportunity” manner you propose are living in a fantasy league.By Gary Maloy Jr.
July 12, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
I remember flying into JFK mid-day back in 1984. We were at the top of the funnel, slowly making our way down to the runway. Statue of Liberty, Twin Towers, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building … Statue of Liberty, Twin Towers, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building … Statue of Liberty, Twin Towers, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building … Statue of Liberty, Twin Towers, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building … again and again and again. Pretty neat. Haven’t been to the Big Apple since. And with Hal’s drawers littering the city, I’m not sure I’m going back, either LOLBy bigdoc
July 12, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this
Watch for Hal’s underwear on ebay soon!?! :-)By CheviotSportsAuthority
July 12, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this
Jeff Keppinger would look good with the Reds. Whatever happened to him? Nevermind Pete Rosales is back to keep this team fun to watch. St CSABy CheviotSportsAuthority
July 12, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this
Jeff Keppinger would look good with the Reds. Whatever happened to him? Nevermind Pete Rosales is back to keep this team fun to watch. St CSA