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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 > July > 30 > Entry
Reds are dead - you can bet on it
Made my first visit to the new Hollywood Casino Wednesday and even had a lost my shirt it would have been better than sitting in the Great American Ball Park pressbox watching the Cincinnati Reds get one hit against the San Diego Padres.
One hit? One damn hit? Against the San Diego Padres? The San Diego Damn Padres?
That probably was the game where it is time for the Reds to issue a statement: “It’s over. Will the last person out of Great American Ball Park please pick up first base.”
As I write this, it is the third inning of Game Four of the Series and the Reds are losing, 2-0. The game probably is over and the Reds will have lost three of four to one of baseball’s worst teams.
Losing three of four to the Padres is like losing all your marbles to your little sister.
MEANWHILE, back at the casino, the place is extremely nice. And they even permitted to take a few bucks out of the place. Then I made the mistake of suggesting something to eat at the Casino restaurant, the Chart House.
The place was not crowded, but it took them 15 minutes to seat my wife, Nadine, my mother-in-law, Lucille, and me. Our order was taken quickly at 7:40 p.m. Our drinks came in short order and my wife received her salad.
But at 8:45, exactly one hour and five minutes after we placed our order, there was no food. We complained twice. Finally it came and the manager apologized and picked up the check for the food, but not the drinks.
What really angered me was that I probably missed about 30 hands of blackjack while sitting in the restaurant. And I had to sit and watch the Reds’ on the restaurant TV as sthey played futilely against the Padres and 21-year-old rookie pitcher Mark Latos.
Clearly the Reds were Latos Intolerant.
And, yes, they lost again Thursday, 7-4. Oh, the ugliness.
NEVER GOT around to posting this Tuesday, but meant to do it. It’s how rumors start and how ridiculous it gets.
On Tuesday, MLB.com forgot to list the probable pitcher for the Reds that night, Bronsoon Arroyo. When it was posted without Arroyo as the pitcher, web sites all over America gurgled with the news that Arroyo had been scratched from his start because he was traded. Then, at 7:11, Arroyo walked to the mound for his regular start.
The New York Yankees have discussed Aaron Harang in their internal talks, but they’ve talked about a lot of players and itn’t likely Harang is New York-bound. There is some concern among scouts that Harang has a back problem because he seems to be standing straight up when he delivers his pitches and isn’t finishing his motion.
Trades? The deadline is 4 o’clock tomorrow afternoon. Don’t look for the Reds to do something dazzling. General manager Walt Jocketty was burning up the phone all day Thursday.
Great story about San Diego Hall of Fame broadcaster Jerry Coleman. Enzo Hernandez of the Dominican was playing second base and Mexican Rafael Robles was at shortstop.
Coleman was doing a pre-game interview with Robles and said, “Tell me, Rafael, how do you and Enzo communicate when he speaks Dominican and you speak Mexican?”
Said Robles, “But, Jerry. We both speak Spanish.” Said Coleman without skipping a beat, “That’s the great thing about baseball. You learn something new every day.”
OK, today’s game? If we must.
If losing a bunch of games to the San Diego Padres is like losing all your marbles to your little sister, then the Cincinnati Reds are holding an empty bag today.
For the third time in four games, the Reds lost to one of baseball’s worst teams — 38-61 when the Padres landed at Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport — this time by 7-4.
The Reds have lost nine of their last 10 and 11 of 14 since the All-Star break and are sinking faster than the Bismarck toward the bottom of the sea, or the bottom of the National League Central.
For the third straight game, The Reds were behind before they gripped a bat.
On Tuesday, the Padres scored one in the first against Bronson Arroyo en route to a 3-2 win. On Wednesday, the Padres scored five in the first against Aaron Harang en route to a 7-1 victory. On Wednesday it was Johnny Cueto giving up a run in the first on his way to a 7-1 defeat.
What is it about the first innings? The Reds have been outscored this year in the first inning, 90-55, and the next highest total they’ve given up is 64 in the sixth inning.
Cueto gave up six runs and nine hits in five innings to assure himself of his fourth straight loss. Remember early in the season when the Reds owned the best starting staff in baseball, as far as earned run average. The starters now rank 14th of the 16 National League teams.
And what is it about the Padres? On May 15, the Reds were fresh from a three-game sweep in Arizona that had them tied for first place.
Then they lost three straight in San Diego and have been circling the drain ever since, going 1-6 against the Padres.
Before this string of defeats, there was a question whether the Reds would be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline and during this week a ‘For Sale’ sign appeared at the main gate. Now it’s a lighted billboard flashing, ‘Sale, sale, sale.’
The Padres led 7-1 heading into the ninth and pinch-hitter Adam Rosales hit a three-run homer, “My first pinch-hit homer ever. I’m learning that role. It is a big role to learn on a team, especially a young team. You want to do that in more of a pressure situation.”
Said Rosales of the team’s dilemma, “This is definitely a grind, but you have to be able to show up every day and stay together as a team. At the beginning of the season, the pitchers were picking up the hitters and the hitters were picking up the pitchers.”
Now the Reds are just picking up the pieces.
As so often happenes, one play that goes unnoticed at the time turned things ugly for the Reds.
It was in the fifth with the Reds trailing by only one run. The Padres had one out and a runner on first when Kevin Kouzmanoff grounded to third base — a potential inning-ending double play.
The potential, though, exploded, when third baseman Edwin Encarnacion’s throw to second baseman Brandon Phillips was off target and the Reds were lucky to get the out at second.
What followed was a double, a hit by the pitch and a three-run home run by Will Venable that made it 6-2.
“Not turning that double play led to four runs,” said manager Dusty Baker. “That’s where defense is very, very important. You play for that (double play grounder) and we just didn’t turn it. That was the difference in the game.
“It wasn’t a good throw to second base and Brandon had all he could do to just catch the ball and step on second base for the force,” said Baker.
Baker, of course, is keeping the faith, despite his team’s direction — 11 games under .500.
The Colorado Rockies pay a weekend visit, “And we face Aaron Cook (tonight) and he is very tough. We have to come with it because the Rockies are smelling the playoffs.”
That’s a different odor other folks are sniffing in Great American Ball Park these days.
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By Frank Fisler
August 2, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this
What a hypocrite you are Mr. McCoy, sure glad you enjoyed your evening at the casino and getting a free meal. It certainly was not because of who you are. Just another freeloader looking for something for free. write another bad mouthing story about Pete Rose you phony HYPOCRITE!!! Must habe been a slow year when you were elected to the HOF.
By Frank Fisler
August 2, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
What a hypocrite you are Mr. McCoy, sure glad you enjoyed your evening at the casino and getting a free meal. It certainly was not because of who you are. Just another freeloader looking for something for free. Write another bad mouthing story about Pete Rose you phony HYPOCRITE!!! Must habe been a slow year when you were elected to the HOF.
By Frank Fisler
August 2, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
What a hypocrite you are Mr. McCoy, sure glad you enjoyed your evening at the casino and getting a free meal. It certainly was not because of who you are. Just another freeloader looking for something for free. Write another bad mouthing story about Pete Rose you phony HYPOCRITE!!! Must habe been a slow year when you were elected to the HOF.
By Frank Fisler
August 2, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
What a hypocrite you are Mr. McCoy, sure glad you enjoyed your evening at the casino and getting a free meal. It certainly was not because of who you are. Just another freeloader looking for something for free. Write another bad mouthing story about Pete Rose you phony HYPOCRITE!!! Must habe been a slow year when you were elected to the HOF.
By Wiz
July 31, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this
Now, sign Hernandez, play him at first, Votto in LF, BP at SS, whomever at second, Rolen at 3rd! Hernandez can play three positions, as wellas, pinch hit. Worth the money; if we can pay Taveras 3 or 4 Million-Hernandez is worth every penny!Maybe Bob is going to spend some money afterall!?
By Indy
July 31, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
Brought in Rolen!!! Not the sexiest move, but I am sure we are not paying his entire contract. This will really help the lineup. Lineup should now be Taveras, Phillips, Votto, Rolen, Gomes, Hannigan, Nix/whoever in Right, Gonzo, Pitcher
By MAC
July 31, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this
I know it’s frustrating because most of us would like to see the Reds win again & venting about it helps for awhile, but I’d really like to hear more about what Walt plans to do to improve things next year. We can p**s and moan about Dusty & it’s not going to change a thing; we’ve heard it all before; it’s all been said. I agree he needs to go, but I’m sure Reds don’t want to pay more dead money? Why not move Votto to LF & Gomes to 1b and or BP to SS the rest of the way & find out if they can make that switch? It wouldn’t have to be every game. Sad part is were going to see another 2 months of AG @ SS which proves nothing we don’t already know & does absolutly nothing to improve the team next season! Hal I like all your little stories as much as anyone, but how about asking Walt some tough questions about next season?
By Shawn in the ATL
July 31, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
Regarding future signings, I really don’t think it makes sense to bring in Rolen or any other high-dollar veteran for that matter. Players like that make sense when you’re trying to fill one or two gaps, not the half dozen that the Reds have. Even if we had A-Rod at third, we’d still be a sub-500 team with our weaknesses at short, left, center, right, soon our bullpen…. Why dump a bunch of cash on one guy? As a low-dollar team, our only chance is to give young players chances to develop, and to do our best to trade for more prospects when opportunities avail themselves. This means that contending is very unlikely next year too, and the next hope is 2011. On that account, might as well keep Dusty next year too and let him work for his next job. Although I don’t care for his management, he’s not the reason we stink and he won’t be a difference maker next year. Why fire him and have to pay someone who isn’t actually working and bring someone in to manage the same dearth of talent?
By RC
July 31, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this
Tony LaRussa has a long history of feuding with his players. This reminded me of a blog post I read a few months back where Cardinal fans were discussing the all-time “Don’t-Get-Along-With-TLR” team. They came up with: C - Eli Marrero, 1b - Tino Martinez, 2b - Adam Kennedy, SS - Ozzie Smith, 3b - Scott Rolen, LF - Ron Gant, CF - Ray Lankford, RF - JD Drew. Along with Todd Worrell, Brian Jordan… Anyway, I’ve gone from strongly against to mildly in favor of getting Rolen, depending on the price - there was a rumor floating around yesterday that Alonso would be involved, which would be the height of assininity.
By Tom
July 31, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this
The wind went out of the Reds sails with Pujols Friday night slam followed by Manny and Ramirez. When you can’t get out of the first inning without being scored on the momentum is against you.
By Mike-Cinci
July 31, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
Rolen is 34 yrs. old with a long history of injuries. He makes $11 million per year. Recall Rolen and LaRussa did not speak to each other the last 2 years Rolen was in St. Louis. Tony could not wait to get rid of him. Bad teams make dumb moves. If the Reds trade for Rolen they will prove they are clueless. Please note Toronto can trade Rolen to anybody in baseball and so far no one has made them a good offer. He just isn’t worth $11 million. The Jays are trying to dump him. The Reds have enough of those types of players already.(Cordero, Harang, Arroyo, + Hernandez is getting 8mm).
By bob
July 31, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this
I got it! Jack McKeown. No one ever mentions Ryan Freel. Does anyone miss his attitude and hustle? I do.
By bob
July 31, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
In 10 yrs., 2 winning managers. Pete McKannin and (forgive the senior moment) fired in’99 and won W.S. at Florida. Both did a good job with the lineup. Dusty can’t figure that out.
By MisterRedLegs
July 31, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this
The scouts were not very impressed with Harrang or Bronson. They will not be traded. Reds fans can only hope they find something in the last 2 months and can trade one or both during the off season.
By timb
July 31, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this
Great Coleman story! I have Jerry ever since I read about him in Halberstam’s fabulous book. On the Tuesday night I was studying for a terrible licensing exam to be held the next day, but in the end I think that was better than watching the Reds lose to Lantos…I’d like to see the Reds do something fun and add Rolen and Halladay. Off-season closes early in Cincy as the August ‘09 Reds are now set for opening Day 2010! Halladay has a no trade clause, so I bet he’d approve a trade to this punchless anemic terrible team. At least when Adam played I could count on the occasional three run bombs, now once they fall behind by two it’s over. How fun. Uncle Walt brought a championship to St. Louis. He’s now had almost 16 months in Cincinnati and the team is WORSE than it was when he got here. Thanks for the winner, Bob
By Indy
July 31, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this
I also would not mind seeing Rolen around. This team is in serious lack of leadership. No that you ever reach the point where you don’t need prospects, but our team is already very young, I would rather them trade for someone who will lead these youngsters the right way. We need a veteran on the rotation that is a battler (like Micah, but good) and a no nonsense everyday player like we had in Vaughn a decade ago.
By Indy
July 31, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
Gomes’ attitude is what we need more of on this team. We need some more of Votto’s attitude that got him ejected the other night, but directed at his teammates and possibly his manager. I never bash Dusty, but I cannot understand not playing Gomes everyday in LF and batting him 4th. Put Phillips in front of Votto. I am not bothered as much as some on here by Taveras, he is the best option we have for batting leadoff with the exception of Hairston, but his numbers are only a slight improvement
By Dan
July 31, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this
That was a brutal game to watch yesterday. Sitting in the rain was more pleasant than watching the play on the field. We can only hope to cut the dead wood today via trades and pick up some prospects that can help us down the line. Harang or Arroyo have to go if we are to get anything in return. CoCo is good - but not for the $ we are paying with the team we have. We have been talking about EE’s potential for too long. Brandon Larson had potential too… On the bright side, I pulled a foul ball out of the stands yesterday. Now I can cross that off my life’s ‘to-do’ list.
By Cait
July 31, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
Richard, you may be onto something. Everyone knows to beat Maddox you had to get to him in the 1st or 2nd inning, because he was nearly unhittable after that.
By Keith Brooks
July 31, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this
When the Reds traded Frank Robinson I made a vow to never go back to see another game. How long has that been????
By JB
July 31, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this
Diamond Dave, I am right behind you. I’ve had 4 tickets for 10 years now - they were my fathers for 40 years, so I’ve always been a Reds fan. I have a good mind to pack up the rest of my tickets and just send them to Bob. I am tired of watching, listening to these losers and their idiot manager. I can’t listen to him babble on the radio with Marty any longer. I went to the game on Wednesday night, Ladies Night. The Reds announced the paid attendance at 17,000, but I know there were only about 10,000 people in the park. That means 6,000 season ticket holder aren’t showing up. Do you think they’ll be buying season tickets next year to see the same team and management? Wednesday was a ladies cap give-away. Since the caps went only to ladies, they probably saved some 5,000 for next year - if anybody is there at all in 2010. If Baker and his coaches aren’t gone for next season then I am.
By Diamond Dave
July 31, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this
Mike, excellent points. I love baseball, and I love the Reds, but I turned it off this week. I think the game I’ll remember most was the Thursday afternoon affair at Washington. The Reds had so many chances to win that one - it was like the Nats were saying, “Here. Take this win from us. We don’t want it.” And the Reds didn’t. Just played a dismal, dreary game on a dismal, dreary day. Regardless of whether Dusty is a good manager or not (and I’m saying he’s not - PED’s helped his record with Bonds and Sosa and he’s done nothing since.), the fans aren’t stupid. They know what they like. And the real fans don’t like him. That’s the first thing management has to change, or private season ticket sales will plummet. I can tell you right now that I won’t be renewing mine if he returns for 2010. I’ve had enough of this.
By Mike-Cinci
July 31, 2009 7:55 AM | Link to this
As one scout said the reason the Reds don’t bring up the minor leaguers is they would be exposed as not major leaguers and would no longer be considered prospects.I’m amazed folks think the Reds can trade their stiffs. What team wants to pay Harang and Arroyo $12 million per year? If the Reds pick up the Hernandez option he gets $8 million next year. Taveras is awful. EE is playing himself out of baseball but the Reds have him for another year. Bruce is hitting .207. He looks to be a bust. Dickerson has K’d 61 times in 220 official AB’s. He has 2 HR’s and 13 RBI. Projected to a full season it is 170 K’s, 5 HR’s, and 33 RBI. Even more frightening is the probability that Votto and Phillips have already had the best year they will ever have. When is the last time a pitcher did nothing for 3 months on the DL and came back to pitch great? I bet they announce in August that Volquez needs surgery and it is hoped he will return by July 2010. Cueto, Bailey, and Owings need psychologists. At this point all Reds fans do too.
By Jon
July 31, 2009 7:11 AM | Link to this
I’ve not seen a team fall apart so fast than the Reds. Can we please get a new manager already? Enough is enough.
By Mark in Sun Valley
July 31, 2009 6:29 AM | Link to this
Everytime I see people suggest moving positions for players, I am reminded of the guy who was shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic. I don’t think these kids talent level increases depending on where they stand in the field. A .240 hitter is a .240 hitter no matter where he plays.
By Austin Red
July 31, 2009 5:13 AM | Link to this
Good insight / ridicule on Dusty by Joe Posnanski: http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/07/30/dusty-roads/#more-2440
By MAC
July 31, 2009 5:03 AM | Link to this
Votto: LF WT/Dickerson: CF & Bruce: RF…that looks a lot better to me! V. Martinez: C & Gomes @ 1st? Or, Hannigan catches & VM is at 1st..I like it either way. Considering the $$ & that no one any better is ready, I think U still mix EE @ 3rd along w/ Harriston & others. Can Janish play SS or do they flirt w/ BP moving to SS & playing Harriston or a young guy @ 2nd? Would new positions hurt Def & or Off production?
By MAC
July 31, 2009 4:52 AM | Link to this
What do Reds do 2 get better next year? Probably nothing! I doubt they’ll consider trying to pry Holliday away from the Cards? I like V. Martinez idea; money comes from buying out RH & letting AG go & he wouldn’t cost a lot in trade IMO. He’s primary catcher or 1st depending on Votto move to LF. Can Votto play LF?
By MAC
July 31, 2009 4:39 AM | Link to this
Richard wins the $100 bucks; stats don’t lie…check the pitchers pre-game warm-up plan already! Obviously, our guys R not ready to go. No mystery on Harang; he’s never used his legs much; no wonder his arm hurts/drags this time of year!
By Big Daddy
July 30, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this
HEY HAL, I hate to change the subject but today Jose Canseco said baseball has inducted a steriod user into the HOF. One can only assume he was talking about Rickey Henderson. What are you arrogant BWAA writers going to do now? First you voted in admitted cheater Gaylord Perry. Assuming Canseco is right, which he has nailed it so far, how are going maintain your stance on the other roiders?
By maverick
July 30, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this
The long winded post are longer than Hal’s article. Post that long I don’t bother reading.
By Jack
July 30, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this
Hal, it is quite interesting to see two teams going nowhere, yet the Padres are so different from the Reds. They are young and playing young guys. The Reds are old and playing old. I wonder who will be better next year with their young talent actually playing this year. On Ramon, I think…that the Reds can buy him out for a million or so or pay him 8 million next year. I think he is gone. If the Reds want to see any fans in the park, do something please. Show us you care, either send some players down, trade, or release. This team is not even trying. Fans deserve better.
By Jaime
July 30, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this
It’s pretty bad that after the 1st inning its time to watch another game,silver lining though,didn’t waste 3 hours till the end….Very Sad !
By Wizard
July 30, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this
RC: good points from you. I agree; but would add a couple thoughts on Hernandez. If his surgery is successful, I think he’s a keeper, for at least two, maybe three backup positions, and a rh pinch hitter. He might be 2010’s Hairston, at multiple spots, with a better stick; although he is awfully slow. He could backup Hanigan,and Votto, and perhaps play some third base when needed{this one, I guess, is a question mark-since he didn’t play there much, but seemed adequate when he did}.And, as you said,he might play regularly at first if Votto plays LF. Where else can they find a second catcher who can do all of that. I am somewhat impressed with Tatum, also. Seems very poised for a youngin’. Perhaps a wild thought since he doesn’t show much power-but watching Hanigan bounce around behind the plate, blocking lots of pitches in the dirt, makes me wonder if HE could knock down some shots at third.
By jim .
July 30, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this
Hal? How in the world will the Reds be even better in 2010 if they cant unload the garbage they signed long term?? AND Taveras will be your starting Cf as he was given a huge reward of a double your salary for playing so awful!! 4 million for this is unbelievable!! why didn’t they offer him a club option with a small buyout? wasn’t like the Cardinals/Cubs were knocking down his door to get him!!! AND with them not bringing up Hiesey or Stubbs or Frazier to evaluate to see what they need to do in the off season (saying they are not ready, but the garbage up here cant find 1st base or home plate with a map) the fans wont be coming down to waste money. ALSO i cant bare to watch a Cubs game at GABP as it will be even worse with the Cubs fans.. guess BOB is smiling he can sell out for the opposition fans . ticks me off as it will be 5+ years before anything ever good happens here.. it sucks and i wish all fans were angry about that.. rebuilding all the time isnt the way to a championship. Its plugging in the right pieces to help the young guys. i am depressed and not excited to watch this garbage again and it reminds me of 1983 all over again..zero offense and the pitchers have to throw a shut out or they loose
By RC
July 30, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
OK, I’ve been one of those who have defended some of Dusty’s decisions that have so infuriated many of y’all folks. I thought that AGonz, if he could have regained his 2007 form, would have been huge for this team. I like Hernandez - good clutch hitter, decent defence (though not as good as Hanigan) and good with the pitchers. Taveras… well, there’s no excuse for that one. Anyway, all that ends tomorrow. We are no longer contenders. Gonzo is not in the plans for next year - sad that things worked out the way they have, but if he can’t be thrown into a trade in the next 20 hours, I’d release him. Hernandez… I really only see him here next year as 1B, assuming there’s any inclination to try that whole “Votto in LF” thing. Otherwise, I’d sadly cut him loose. We need to take a serious look at our young guys for the rest of the season, and if Dusty stands in the way of that… Walt needs to gently push him off the cliff. To quote one of my favorite old Elvis Costello songs, Clowntime Is Over.
By goredlegs
July 30, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this
I would truly be surprised if we got rid of Harang. I can’t imagine who would want him. Not a win since May, and he is leading the league in losses. But here’s hoping.
By Matt
July 30, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this
Here are a few things I would do if I were running the show in Redsland. First, I cut bait with Edwin Encarnacion. I have defended him on this forum many times, but my feeling is that he will not get any further than where he is right now with the Reds, and the Reds aren’t getting any better with him at third base. Include him in a trade package, release him, but by any means necessary, get rid of the guy. He is still relatively young, and perhaps he can blossom somewhere else down the road. But I just don’t see it happening with the Reds. I hope the trade rumors regarding the Reds attempting to acquire Scott Rolen are true. He is a solid veteran and even at 34 years old, he is a huge upgrade over Encarnacion at third base, offensively and defensively. Second, if there is a market for Arroyo and/or Harang, I trade them. I don’t know if I trade both of them, but definitely one. If I had to pick right now, it would be Harang. The Reds MUST be able to get more out of the ace of their staff than another 15 loss season (or maybe more) from Harang. I wouldn’t give him up for nothing, but if he could bring something decent in return, he would be gone. Maybe Arroyo too. It would depend on the package that I could get in return for both of them. Trading one or both of them could help free up a little payroll for this offseason. And finally, third, I go out this offseason and acquire a veteran bat (leadoff hitter or batting average, RBI hitter) to plug in that lineup for 2010. This team needs to take drastic, bold measures if it is going to see success again anytime in the near future. The status quo simply isn’t working. The Reds need a shakeup, and a big one. Enough is enough of the losing around here. We’ve all heard the excuses about why the Reds can’t do this and can’t do that. It’s time to hear about why the Reds CAN win. The past 8, going on 9 seasons have been pathetic, and an embarrassment to this city. Are the Reds going to go down the road of the Cardinals and Brewers, or will they continue down the road of the Pirates? The rest of this season and the offseason will greatly help to tell that story.
By Matt
July 30, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this
I agree 100% Hal. The Reds are very much done. It is so sad to see such a storied franchise continue to muddle through losing season after losing season. What looked like a promising season in ‘09 is now down the drain. 11 games under .500, 9 or 10 games out of first. The losing continues.
By richard
July 30, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this
My rather poor memory says that the Reds often did reasonably well against Greg Maddox, a great pitcher who credited Dick Pole with much of his success. Since Pole has been with the Reds, every pitcher has pitched poorly in the first inning. Did this also happen with other teams pitching staffs? I believe it is a Dick Pole warmup problem that contributes to bad first innings.
By Linda Seabold
July 30, 2009 6:27 PM | Link to this
It could be worse. You could be an Indians fan. We, in Cleveland, are not happy campers right now.
By Linda Seabold
July 30, 2009 6:26 PM | Link to this
It could be worse. You could be an Indians fan. We, in Cleveland, are not happy campers right now.
By Kyle
July 30, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
I don’t like Dusty any more than some the Dusty haters out there, but it’s not like Dusty has been managing for the last 9 (is it only 9?) losing seasons. This entire organization is infected. They need to put one of those big tents over GABP and gas the whole thing. Get rid of all those nasty little roaches in one fell swoop.
By steven ross
July 30, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
Two players in desperate need for a change of scenery are EE and Harang. I could say Dusty too but that seems like a moot point. When are the Reds going to realize EE is not the answer at 3rd? The five year experiment has run it’s course. Harang is shell-shocked. Dude needs a team to score some runs because it won’t happen in the ‘Nati. In a word: awful! To be this pathetic before August is sad.
By cggarb
July 30, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this
Interesting comments on the DP. Did Dusty make similar statements after Phillips gaaaked the exchange on a routine one last night?
By Michael in Monterey, CA
July 30, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this
Dead? Absolutely. But look on the bright side- Corey Patterson is available and will probably be our starting centerfielder in a few days. Reds have to go “Cleveland Indians” soon. Bring up some of the AAA and AA kids and let’s see what they can do.
By Steve
July 30, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this
Hal, how much longer until you place some blame at Dusty Baker’s feet? Obviously it’s not all his fault - injuries, under-performance play a role. But it seems hard to deny that the Reds are not committed to making sure the team is fundamentally sound, they have made some very questionable lineup decisions this year (Taveras, Gonzalez, Hernandez), and those things can be laid at Baker’s feet. The Reds will never turn the page and start working toward 2010 with Baker in control. Can you add your HOF voice to the call for change?