By nick - miami fl

August 25, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this

anybody that has the guts to criticize hal mccoy’s column ought to have their head examined; this goes for jeff and others. nick v.

By RJT

August 25, 2009 7:02 AM | Link to this

Of the players who came north with the Reds this spring, and are still with the team, I can think of only 6 who have not been on the DL. They are Cordero, Rhodes, Herrera, Arroyo, Phillips, and Nix. I must admit that I am not too sure about Phillips.

By Jeff

August 24, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this

Hal, you should try acting like a HOF writer rather than a bitter and clueless fan. Don’t take out your being fired on the Reds front office by trying to appease the message board fans so as to make you feel better. Try thinking outside of the box for a change. This team needed a veteran presence, and a veteran leader to help guide the Jay Bruce’s and Joey Votto’s of the world; and Scott Rolen is just that. They gave up nothing to get him. Roenicke is a converted position player who struggles to throw strikes and has been pounded in Toronto. Stewart has never proven a thing and didn’t fit within the Reds rotation at this point, and likely wouldn’t have been anything more than a #5 if he were to have gotten the call in the next 2 years. This year is a total loss due to injuries. Not Willy Taveras or half the other fictitous excuses you blame on the front office. This team has missed more starts from its Opening Day Line-up than any other team in baseball, due to injuries, yet you and many other fans refuse to acknowledge this. You’d rather whine like a 2 year old and blame ownership. They didn’t need Cordero?? Has Alzheimer’s already kicked in? Do you not recall the debacle that was the 8th inning two years ago? Since acquiring Cordero the rest of the pen has fallen into place, and been one of the better pens’ in the league. This team would be right in the thick of the race had we not lost Volquez, Hernandez, Bruce, and EE for 2+ months, each, and Votto, Gonzalez, Taveras, Dickerson, Owings, and Masset to stints on the DL. Ownership and management hasn’t been perfect, but this year they DID put together a team that could’ve competed if not for injury after injury. And the Marlins have not done everything from within. Ramirez came from Boston, Nolasco came from Chicago, Ross came from the Reds, Cantu came from the Reds. Those are 4 players that did not come from within who are carrying the Marlins. Had the Reds went with nothing but rookies and a couple free agent signings the likes of Cody Ross and Jorge Cantu, you would have been up in arms at management for not having tried to put a winner on the field. The Reds do have a solid core of players from within; Votto, Bruce, Cueto, and Dickerson. Volquez was a nice addition to the rotation, Phillips was a great find, and Masset has exceded expectations. These are also the type of acquisitions you have to go out and find if you want to compete in a mid-range market. However, as a front office you need to compliment those guys with some veteran leadership. Guys like Rolen, Hernandez, Harang, Arroyo, and Cordero.

By The Professor

August 22, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this

You’re stupid!

By The Professor

August 22, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this

Obviously Baker has never heard of Pete Rose…..All Star……3 time World Series Champion…..played any position that was needed………. Move BP you idiot! How is his playing second base and winning a gold glove important? It’s about winning-not primadonnas playing where the work isn’t too hard! Damn-your stupid.

By Who Cares

August 22, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this

You better not have parked your car, or bought any food!

By misterunknown

August 22, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this

I put a curse o the Reds to lose every season since they traded all their big name players.They deserve to be losers since they did that.I went to a game last week and they played St.Louis,they were doing their normal thing,losng.Only reason I went was cause the tickets were given to us,otherwise I wouldn’t waste my time or money on a team that’s a loser.

By misterunknown

August 22, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this

I put a curse o the Reds to lose every season since they traded all their big name players.They deserve to be losers since they did that.I went to a game last week and they played St.Louis,they were doing their normal thing,losng.Only reason i went was cause the tickets were given to us,otherwise i wouldn’t waste my time or money on a team that’s a loser.

By Wizard

August 22, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this

Best comment of the year, oldtimer! Thanks for saying it better than anyone has so far! Outstanding.

By Gary

August 22, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

Where is Marge when we need her?

By oldtimer

August 22, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this

Back in the day when Birdie Tebbetts was managing the Reds he was asked how he could play light-hitting Roy McMillan at shortstop. Birdie replied: He adds a hundred points to his batting average with his glove. Ditto Jannish.

By Blogcopwatcher

August 22, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

Willy isn’t injured. Don’t be so naive. He was pouting, so to save face, Dusty replaced him and lied about his “Mild” quad strain-Then he goes on the 15 day disabled list? He wasn’t even limping when he walked off the field;just grimacing to make it look good! It was the only way they could screw Dickerson once again in not playing him in centerfield, by bringing up Stubbs-and pretending Willy was hurt. Bull.

By Ron

August 22, 2009 7:22 AM | Link to this

I agree. I don’t support acquiring over the hill ball players. Too expensive and their skills are eroding due to age.

By John Lease

August 22, 2009 6:06 AM | Link to this

Hal, at least the Reds have HAD a winning season in the last decade. Your misery isn’t anything compared to the Pirates misery. 17 years in a row? AND the GM said we won’t be competitive until 2012 at the earliest! But, we have a plan. It’s called low payroll, money into pockets of owners.

By BrarHopper

August 22, 2009 1:57 AM | Link to this

All you posters/bloggers are correct. Hal is 100% right and it’s great to see him cutting lose…speaking of nothing to lose! The future of this franchise is quite bleak. There is absolutely nothing to look forward to, nothing out there. Hopeless is the better word. The organization totally blows. This team will do absolutely nothing for the next five years. Count on it!

By ARW

August 21, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this

I think we need to start looking at the top. Castellini has a man-crush on Dusty and Walt and neither of them are doing a good job. The Rolen trade is a joke. If Willy starts once he comes of the DL I give up. He is the worst starting OF in the National League. Honestly, what do we have to look forward to?

By Joe

August 21, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this

The Reds should hire Hal as a consultant when he retires. All executives need someone there with the guts to tell them what they are doing wrong.

By rob johnson

August 21, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this

I’m really worried about the future of this franchise , with no clear vision for the future and the president of the corey taveras fan club dusty baker as a manager .

By Mike-Dayton

August 21, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this

The Reds should also take a look at the Milwaukee franchise who dump their overpaid players (Hall) and send guys to AAA that aren’t cutting it (Hardy) … they also take risks (trading for Sabathia) … The Reds just keep sending their trash out on the field everyday and, in fact, sign more of it year after year.

By Jack

August 21, 2009 5:06 PM | Link to this

The problem is that the Reds need to go all in, one way or the other. Dont say you are going young, then play CP/WT? Nix/Gomes (who I actually like) are here for one year. Gonzo was never coming back, why was he playing? EE was not the future, and never should have received a two year contract. If you say you are planning on the future, then go young an stick with it. Bringing in some veterans maybe gets you a few more wins, but is it worth a few more W’s or should the young guys be playing. Again, your building for the future, then you bring in a manager who only wants to veterans. Just stupid decisions one after the other. Not to stay Walt has done a great job, but I blame Liar Bob. They give him the plan, but then he just feels he needs to save face and bring in a name. Kind of like the bungles do, bring/draft a big name and at least the fans will be happy for a moment, until there is a reason why no one else was bringing in these guys. Become the Marlins and truly play the young guys. They might surprise. Sorry for the rambling. Hal is right on.

By Scott

August 21, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

What the lineup offers is protection. If Dickerson and/or Phillips get on then Votto and/or Rolen can knock them in. I’m not saying the lineup is the 2009 Angels (or Phillies), or 75-76 Reds or anything. Hannigan should be the everyday catcher, and Janish can hit, but not enough to be in the upper part of the lineup.

By AA

August 21, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this

The only problem with your everyday line-up is that it has 3 role type players and a guy that should be at AA. Bruce was the next great thing. He’s probably a .230 hitter, will hit some HRs and play solid defense. Gosh I hope he’s better then .210. Hanigan is a back-up catcher 2-3 starts a week. Janish is absolutely awful, Dickerson is a role type guy at best and really who knows about Stubbs. He was hitting around .260 at AAA with very little punch. I would say he will turn out alot like Tavaras with Willy being a much better bunter. Get ready for another battle with the Pirates next year.

By Michael in Monterey, CA

August 21, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

Not knowing what direction this team is going has been par-for-the-course for the last 15 years. I question the Rolen deal too but, then again, a little veteran presence doesn’t hurt. And please, D.O (I still refuse to utter his name) was the WORST GM in Reds history. I’m surprised they brought up Stubbs at all. Usually the Red’s idea of “seasoning” is a 30th birthday. Look at other teams around the league and the ages of some of their ballplayers. Yeah, I know, I know- somehow their farm systems are able to “season” their players faster than ours. Give these kids a chance to play- they may just show you something…or hit a walk-off homer to end a 5 game losing streak.

By jim m

August 21, 2009 12:34 PM | Link to this

Reds Sox released Chris Duncan… I always liked him, Think he could help the Reds? left handed power.. I know he has had injuries, but could be a cheap addition

By Tom

August 21, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

You hit the nail on the head; we’re going to miss you. I would like to keep Cordero because the blown saves before he came drove me nuts. But the money is too much and can be used elsewhere. Jocketty, who built the Cards through trades is not really the GM for the Reds if they have a PLAN. Neither is Dusty, since he has never been comfortable playing young guys on a consistent basis. Until this is worked out, I don’t see the Reds with much stability.

By RampantRedsFan

August 21, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this

I agree Hal… Closer is far and above the most overrated position on a baseball team. Some day (hopefully sooner than later) someone (a Billy Beane type) is going to realize that teams overpay for a person who comes in and pitches 1 inning every other game.

By RC

August 21, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this

OK, I totally agree on the schizoid nature of the organization’s recent moves. But if we go down the “build from within” path, I think there’s a disconnect there. The Rays built up to last season by putting their young players out there on the major league field, and living with the consequences. Which says to me that at least 2 or 3 of our oft-mentioned minor leaguers need to be on the field for opening day 2010. A few days ago, Hal, you wrote last week that there was no reason to “rush” the young players - but isn’t that to some extent what the Florida teams have done, with some success, in recent years? I’m starting to think that I’d like to see Heisey and Frasier, and even “Scissorhands” Francisco up here alongside Stubbs and playing every day after the rosters expand. Isn’t that what kinda building from within demands?

By MAC

August 21, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Many have already commented on the problems w/ Francisco. My guess is most of us detractors have actually seen him play? He’s been @ AA all year & only hit 250 or less until just recently. He had a great series in Jackson, TN which pushed his avg above 280. He’s a lot like many of the current Reds: swings for the fences & overall is undisciplined @ the plate. IMO, he’s overweight/out of shape, struggles in the field & has the same laid back attitude/approach EE had. I guess Frazier, & Valikia? R no longer 3rd base prospects nor R the other guys currently @ AAA?

By Scott

August 21, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this

Juan Francisco should probably play a full year in AAA, and then get the call up for the 2011 season (with Rolen getting reduced time, possibly traded during that season). It’s what was done with Buddy Bell when Sabo came up…and that seemed to work ok. As a matter of fact why can’t there be a plan where a player stays in a level of minors for 1 full year at each stop instead of rushing them to the majors? They draft a player, put him in A, then AA, then AAA, then the majors. Seems pretty straight forward to me.

By Scott

August 21, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this

Possible (healthy) lineup: Dickerson (RF), Phillips (2B), Votto (1B), Rolen (3B), Bruce (LF), Stubbs (CF), Hannigan (C), Janish (SS), pitcher. The problem is sticking with the same lineup instead of switching people around (that drives me crazy). Put out the same 8 guys 85% of the time (if healthy) and you can produce a winner. If Bruce only hits against right handed pitching how is he going to learn to adjust to left handed hitters?? …crazy…

By tom monahan

August 21, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

It’s refreshing that (in your lame duck year) you are doing what no beat writer normally dares to do: criticize players & management. Your essay on the misery of Tavares (incl the boom box!) and taking off the gloves on the real culprit in this tragedy: Bob Castellini. Castellini reads you, and his position around town is being marginalized the more he ruins a once proud ballclub. The Reds have lost for a long time, but Castellini has put them in a whole even Lindner would be ashamed of. Don’t blame the Indians for Baker, Rolen, Patterson, Taveras, Jocketty, Dunn, etc. Blame the Chiefs.

By Scott

August 21, 2009 7:56 AM | Link to this

Another example will be the Indians plan through the 90’s. Or (better yet) the Braves. Heck look at the Brewers and Tigers (and even White Sox). I have a feeling Bob will sell within the next few years realizing that this area doesn’t make money on (professional) sports teams like St. Louis does with theirs. The reason for this is because we (Ohio) aren’t an attractive destination for weekend activities (exception is college and NFL football but that’s because they only play on weekends). This is a society based view, and until someone in the business realm steps up to fix it nothing will change.

By BRAD

August 21, 2009 7:20 AM | Link to this

I DAMN WELL LIKE HAVING A DEPENDABLE CLOSER. AFTER YEARS OF LOSING GAMES LATE, NOW WHEN WE HAVE THE LEAD LATE IN THE GAME, I ACTUALLY HAVE REASONABLE CONFIDENCE WE CAN WIN THIS CONTEST….. YES, IT IS A LOT OF $$$ BUT I ENJOY HAVING A real CLOSER ON THE ROSTER…

By Mike

August 21, 2009 1:54 AM | Link to this

I agree to some extent Hal. I like the Florida idea. And I like the Tampa idea, but they’re both similar. Tampa has gone after veterans before. I think they would’ve done the Rolen thing too last year. But Florida wouldn’t have. But the similarities are this. Take Rolen, that’s cool. But rather they’re ready or not. Bring up your Heisey and your Frazier. Move Phillips to SS. And see what happens. We hear to often around here, “we don’t want to ruin them etc. etc. etc.” Well if you’re ruined, than maybe you never would’ve made it anyway. Florida constantly brings up prospects and relies on them. But it works, it rarely doesn’t work. I think this maybe confidence. Or they’re lucky. But that plan seems to work. This plan doesn’t. So play the cards you have. And see what happens. It just might end up working out really really well for us.

By Gary Maloy Jr.

August 21, 2009 1:26 AM | Link to this

You’re preaching to the choir, Hal. Can the congregation say, Amen?

By MAC

August 21, 2009 1:13 AM | Link to this

Hal, thanks for all the insight & your humorous way of reporting it. I’ve truely enjoyed it over the years. I’ve been “around” the Reds organization for 25 + years. The big difference I see is in scouting. Before Marge, they had one of the better networks & were able to find good players & develop them yr after yr. Since Marge, I’ve been told on many occassions by other scouts, College coaches & players in my area that the Reds scouts R lazy! Maybe it’s because they aren’t paid to do a thorough job, to shake the bushes & follow up w/ players? Maybe they don’t have enough scouts or they’re too young & still learning themselves? In contrast, the Rays have worked my area “hard” over the last couple of yrs. They’ve scouted & chased after every good player in my area & signed a number of them. All that being said, I think good teams find a way to do both: bring in quality FA and develop young players. Unfortunately, the Reds continue to miss too often in both categories…player evaluation & development has to improve!

By HuberTucky

August 21, 2009 12:32 AM | Link to this

Hal, you’re the only good thing the area sporting world has good going for it. And now the boneheads at DDN are saying goodbye to you. Fools. BTW, didn’t the Redlegs just get their hats handed to them by the Nats? Pathetic. My new team (Rockies since I moved to Colorado) learned a great lesson by dumping an ineffective manager and turned things around BIG TIME. Second place now (lead the NL wildcard). Oh, and just kicked the Nat’s team azz w/a 4-game sweep of the same weak team that just humiliated the lowly pathetic Cincy Deads. Can’t say I miss lousy baseball and poor management and lame ownership.

By timb

August 20, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this

Hal, I share your frustration, but you are wrong about Frncisco. He can’t take a walk and is a butcher defensively. The people on these annoying message boards loathed and whined about Encarncion. Francisco is Edwin without Edwin’s ability to walk. He’s a left-fielder, IF he ever learns how to take a pitch. Rolen’s a mistake because he destroys any ability to repair the two huge, gaping holes in the line-up — SS and LF. For Rolen’s above average defense and china doll constitution, i.e. the Reds just opened another hole in the line-up by giving me 40 or more games of Rosales. Just a bad decision all the way around

By Mike Brown

August 20, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

Mark in Granville and Hal have thier pulse on the real issue…Stadiums. Even adding a new scoreboard was not enough to make the Reds competitive. What the Reds and Bengals need are bigger/better stadium to be competitive.

By stlredsfan

August 20, 2009 10:12 PM | Link to this

Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t have liked trading 2 top pitching prospects for a 34 year old 3rd baseman. Rolen I make an exception. We all agree EE had to go and Rolen is far and away better than any alternative the Reds would have. Rolen playing 125-130 games is better than anyone else playing 150. Francisco still has a lot of holes in his game. Last I checked he had more errors than walks.

By drew

August 20, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Haynes opening day starter for 2003 new stadium. enough said!

By P.D. Parker

August 20, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this

Guys we are not as far away as it looks. A few things need to happen this season though. First and for most Coco Cordero although I love him, we can’t afford a closer making that much in this small market. He cleared waivers trade him for a new bag of balls to clear up payroll. Start the auditions of Masset, Fisher and Burton whoever earns it to finish the year gets it to start next. Move Phillips to short already he wants to play there and the only benefit to not moving him is the gold dlove he will get every year we are playing for wins not gold gloves. Bring up Frazier and Vallaika at the start of September give them playing time at second, third and at short on Phillips off days see what we have here. Sink or swim but at least we know if they are ready. Janish is going to be a backup at best it is what it is. Fransisco is another Willy Mo in my opinion he has to get a better knowledge of the strike zone a full year at AAA will do him good. In the outfield cut bait on Tavares it was a hope and a prayer that will never happen. Stick Dickerson/ Stubbs in center put Balentein in right and leave him there to finish the year. Keep Gomes and Nix for left field to finish out the season. Hannigan and Tatum will handle the catching duties to finish out the season. Come Spring training next year we have competition for spots. Make them earn it instead of handing out the jobs like we have done in the past. I’m sorry Dusty needs to go would love to see a young guy with a little fire. Somebody mentioned getting someone like Sabo why not Sabo can’t be any worse then what we have and at least he would be entertaining.

By got milk

August 20, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this

Completely agree with everything, except for Juan Fancisco. His defense at 3rd will make you long for the return of EdE.

By mark in granville

August 20, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

I remember vividly how development was timed for the opening of the new stadium. EVerything supposedly was geared toward that and what an epic failure it became but it did win patience from the fans for the couple of years they “built” toward that goal. Now, when I hear the tired line of building for the future I just roll my eyes. I will give some credit for sweeping the lackadasical, too cool to hustle types out, i.e., Dunn and Griffey adn the long shawdows they cast in the clubhouse and then EE and Gonzales are good losses but hanging onto Taveras for so long when all evidence showed he was worthless has to demoralize the team.

By BrarHopper

August 20, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this

The only things the Reds seem to be able to claim as homegrown the past 10 years is gross incompetence. Everything they touch turns to crap, especially Dusty.

By drew

August 20, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this

Could have Abreu 5 mil, Juan rivera 3 mil, Ibanez 5 mil(has very solid career numbers. righty, lefty, switch hitter who cares give me a hitter.

By andy estes

August 20, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

Name a player besides Votto the reds have developed and kept since early 90’s.

By Redsfan416

August 20, 2009 8:21 PM | Link to this

You’ve nailed it. The Reds need to get a clue. At this point, I can’t even fathom from what perspective they’re running the team-it’s not for profit, because they’re losing money. It’s not to win, obviously. Is it to fulfill Big Kid Bob’s dream of owning his favorite baseball team?

By ohdave

August 20, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this

The Reds are on the Pirates Plan. Develop good players like Dunn, don’t pay them, and let them go when they get expensive. Build for a future that never comes. Hire a new manager every couple years to give the fans the idea that you are turning things around. Sign a free agent once in a while only to trade him to more young talent when it’s clear you’re out of it. What do Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto, and Edinson Volquez have in common? They are all future Yankees. Like half the teams in the majors, they are a farm club for the big market clubs. The Reds are nothing more than a stepping stone between AAA and the major leagues. That’s the way it will always be. I’m actually nostalgic for Marge Schott, an owner that was willing to take bold steps and spend money to put a winner on the field.

By Wizard

August 20, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

I am all for success in any of our prospects-I am also, in favor of ‘fairness’ with Chris Dickerson. He is proving he can get on base and make things happen. If Stubbs proves to be better, then I expect CD to play LF, and to leadoff each game. But, I haven’t yet seen, that CD should not be in CF! I have a feeling that the only chance CD will get-is when he is traded to another team, which wants to give him that ‘fair’ opportunity. He was better than Corey and Willy from the getgo! Wizard 7:04 PM, 8/20/2009 REPORT ABUSE Stubbs theatrics in the tenth were impressive, if you don’t consider his other at bats, a couple of taken third strikes. Perhaps, he will adjust. Right now he is getting his eyes opened to the differences between AAA and Major’s pitching. Until they play Chris Dickerson one full month in Center field, they will not have provided him with a fair opportunity to claim the position! It appears that at least Baker sees CD as our best leadoff hitter. I agree. He still shows best range and arm, IMO. Wizard 6:51 PM, 8/20/2009 REPORT ABUSE It was great to see Stubbs come through, finally, in the 10th. Good However, I am still waiting to see his great range and arm from centerfield. Perhaps because he is the ‘New Kid’, we are still seeing some timidity in CF. Haven’t seen much ‘take charge’ out there; nor any go get ‘em in the gaps,yet. Nice young man, with apparent character, though. I still like Dickerson hitting leadoff; and until I see Stubbs is better, I also, believe he is still our best CFer, based on what I have seen. Wizard 6:36 PM, 8/20/2009 REPORT ABUSE

By Mike-Dayton

August 20, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this

Hal - you wrote the truth so you know what’s going on … this blog seems to generally know all of the issues and mistakes the Reds keep making over and over … we’re not professional baseball people and not trained to manage or run a MLB team …… so why can’t the 4 or 5 guys running the Reds ever do anything right? Forrest Gump was a shrimping boat captain, war hero, ping pong champion, college football star and met all kinds of Presidents and he was dumb as hell …. so how can 3 or 4 guys running the Reds be soooooooooooo bad all of the time?

By ctownboy

August 20, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

drunkenhopfrog, You are WRONG about being able to pay Adam (ONE TOOL) Dunn the same amount of money that Scott Rolen is geting paid. If the Reds had kept the loafing loser, they would have had to offer him Salary Arbitration. If he went to SA, he would most likely have won. Why? Because if you had read about studies that have been done concerning SA and what the two main criteria the Arbitrators look at, you would know that Home Runs and Slugging Percentage are the main drivers for position players (and they RARELY take DEFENSE into consideration). Also, when position players have similiar seasons from one year to the next and win in SA, they usually get a 10% to 20% raise on what they were paid the year before. So, since Dunn was paid $13.5 million dollars in 2008, if the Reds would have kept him and lost in SA, then they would have been on the hook for a $15 to $16 million dollar contract for him this year. On the other hand, if they had NOT offered him SA, let him become a Free Agent and THEN tried to sign him for a LOWER salary, I am pretty darn sure the Player’s Union would file a grievance, the Reds would LOSE and THEN have to pay Dunn the $15 to $16 million he would have won in SA.

By redsfandownunder

August 20, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the great post Hal. The future planning for 3rd base makes no sense. I was also thinking what the plan for the outfield in 2010 is (or should be). If everyone is healthy, they will have Dickerson, Stubbs, Bruce, Nix, Gomes, Tavares & Balantien to choose from for 5 roster spots. Will they make a trade or let those 7 compete for 5 spots?Hopefully the Reds will DFA Taveres yesterday - but what to do then?

By Bob

August 20, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this

Why are we even talking about this. It is pointless to keep bringing up the same thing everyday when it isnt changing. Bring in a manager with some fire and not afraid tell the GM your talent that he brings is crap. How about a manager with the knowledge and ability to teach like Barry Larkin and the grit of a Chris Sabo and the fire of a Ozzie Guillen. Somebody under 45 years old. Somebody that can look into a ballplayers face and say “I got the bus warmed up going back to Louisville and a few empty seats on it now go in there and hit”

By Anthony Morgan

August 20, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

I could not agree more with Mr.McCoy. I do not understand why we are spending money on players that we either do not need or are not performing. I am all for growing our own talent, however, it doesn’t do us any good to grow the talent and then trade it away for players that are either at the end of their career or we just do not need.

By Dick Gose

August 20, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this

When I was in business for 37 years,… if you made bad decisions you paid the price, ….you lost money, you probably got fired. The Reds have made horrible decisions, & thus they pay,..i.e. win 68-74 games, …as a result, don’t draw & amazing Lose $15 million. Huh.!!!! What a concept.

By Dick Gose

August 20, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this

Man am I going to miss the knowledge & writings of Hal McCoy.He has nailed it,… .again.The Reds ownership, that would mainly be Mr.”C” has created a very severe train wreck.I witness at least 65-70 of their home games a year,a very sad Decade in this once proud franchise.

By Dick Gose

August 20, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this

Man am I going to miss the knowledge & writings of Hal McCoy.He has nailed it,… .again.The Reds ownership, that would mainly be Mr.”C” has created a very severe train wreck.I witness at least 65-70 of their home games a year,a very sad Decade in this once proud franchise.

By JD

August 20, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this

The only person to blame for Rolen playing only 4 games as a Red is stupid Jason Marquis. That had nothing to do with Rolen’s bat. Francisco has zero plate discipline. His OBP is terrible, and he’ll be overmatched up here.

By BJ

August 20, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this

With Scott Rolen being represented by Scott Boros, you may not have him after next year

By Kevin

August 20, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

Hal, The old scoreboard was broken and the manufacturer went out of business. Thus it could not be repaired and a new one had to be purchased.

By Gfox

August 20, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this

The problem isn’t the Reds “plan”, it’s that there draft picks have more or less sucked over the past decade and their FA signings have more or less sucked. Should the Reds sign a SS this offseason, or should they go w/ the young guy, Janish? Should they go w/ Hanigan at catcher, or get someone that can hit a little bit? Should they go w/ Heisey/Dickerson/Balentien in LF, or should they try to obtain a known commodity. The problem hasn’t been the strategy, it’s been the execution. Look around the league, and look at all the big league talent the Reds have drafted and developed that have had any kind of MLB success. All you’ve got is Votto, Dunn, Bailey, EE, Kearns, and Cueto. It’s not the plan that matters, it’s how well you draft and how lucky you get when you sign FAs.

By Mike-Cinci

August 20, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

I agree with Hal. Dan O’Brien did a much better job than he is given credit for. His drafts were good and his scouting stsff was excellent. Krivsky changed some things and lost some good people. His heart was in the right place but he signed guys to longer contracts than they deserved. The only way this team can win consistently is by being one of the best teams in finding talent, drafting it, and developing it. Until that happens the owner and fans will both be frustrated.

By enfueago

August 20, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this

With all due respect (and a lot is due— there aren’t any other writers who make Virginians daily readers of a Dayton newspaper column), a lot of this is a complaint about execution and not the plan. The problem with Tavares and Patterson wasn’t that it was unreasonable to sign a free agent at that price to fill that need, it was that those particular guys weren’t any good and never had been. Its not that the reds can’t afford to make those moves, its that they can’t afford to be wrong when they do — and thats true even if it means making the wrong choice on draft picks. The only difference is that the guys who don’tr pan out in the minors just don’t get noticed as much. The Pirates have tried the same plan you suggest for 20 years and have nothing to show for it. When/if the current core of younger players like votto, bruce, cueto etc. are ready to lead a team to contention, then they are gonna need some other guys from outside the system to plug in during that window. I have always wondered if the thinking behind cordero’s contract was that the front office thought they were closer than they were. And one other expense that should be cut — highly priced older managers who can’t handle game strategy and refuse to admit when the lead off manh stinks.

By Cait

August 20, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this

Spot on, Hal. I have 2 points: 1, I don’t mind the Cordero signing. It came after a season in which 8th inning bullpen failures killed the Reds. If they had had Weathers in the 8th instead of closing, and then a decent closer like Coco, they may have won enough games to contend - or at least finish over .500. 2, They are grooming homegrown talent, but the talent is NOT getting better with experience. For that, I blame the current coaches & Dusty. Cueto is worse this year, so was Bruce; and Encarnacion, Bailey, Janish don’t seem to be improving. Guys like EE may never make it (he’s still lousy in Toronto, too), but not having MLB talent is one thing; players backsliding and getting worse, or not improving at all, is the fault of the coaching staff. Jacoby and Pole must go before they screw up guys like Frazier, Stubbs and Francisco. Dusty can go with them. And if Jocketty trades Harang for Billy Hall, he should be fired, too!

By Beard

August 20, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

Bravo Hal Bravo!!!!!!! Similar sentiments have been echoed by the other beat writer John Fay. I think the majority of Reds fans realize what you gentlemen are saying and are willing to accept the fact that it might be a few years before the Reds can get a consistent winner on the field. They simply seem to be too conflicted within the upper management. Mr. Castillini seems to be too meddlesome and appears to be the one in which much of the current blame can be placed. He wants a winner right now one day but will let the GM build for the future for a while only to force things on him like Scott Rolen or Willy Tavaras, or Dusty Baker. What the Reds fans really need is an angel to descent from above to buy the Reds and give them a good solid owner that stays out of the day to day business of running the team and let’s a good GM do that work. I think both Krivisky and Jocketty are capable but I really believe now they were doomed to failure as they were saddled with an impatient owner. I think Mr. Castillini’s heart is in the right place but I’m not so sure about his head.

By Gregory

August 20, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this

Hal, great story and I agree with the most of it but I do respectably disagree about Krivsky’s only curious move being the Cordero signing. I think the angst against the current administration makes people think better of the previous than they normally would - kind of like people having fond memories of Corey Patterson now that a worse player is manning CF in Willy Taveras. Krivsky had a pretty good scouting eye, it seemed to me, but I will say was a bit overanxious in extending contracts of mediocre players such as David Ross, Ryan Freel, Scott Hatteberg, etc. Multiple contracts like that hamstring the payroll worse than an admittedly huge contract given to an All-star caliber closer, Francisco Cordero (though I agree a team of the Reds’ stature can’t afford the luxury of overpaying for a closer.) Agree with the lack of a Grand Plan, and until the Reds fully commit to a rebuild or to putting together a team with stars (like they act like they want to do with the Rolen acquisition), they will perpetually be stuck in this hellish purgatory that they’ve been in for years. Thanks for the great work over the years, Hal.

By Ben

August 20, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this

I agree with all of it. Krivsky wasn’t perfect but on balance you would have to say he did a good job. Firing him was a knee jerk response. I would also point out that Dan O’Brien did a pretty good job before Krivsky of rebuilding the farm system. I think my frustration with the team is that it isn’t willing to accept where it fits in the MLB landscape. They are a small to medium sized revnue team that needs good home grown talent and affordable veterans to be succesful. Instead they have been adding pricey veterans and trading away promising young players. I think that’s why fans are upset with Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty, it isn’t that they don’t know baseball it’s that they are better suited for teams in larger markets that are poised to win now. It’s not a good fit and the player salaries are such that 2010 could look alot like 2009. One last point, people like to invoke the Big Red Machine when they talk about the great history of the Reds, that’s over 30 years ago. The Reds have one playoff appearance and 3 winning seasons since the strike season in 1994. You want fans to care, build a team so it can consistently win. Even if that isn’t until 2011 or 2012.

By Jack D.

August 20, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

Spot on Hal. Spot on.

By drunkenhopfrog

August 20, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

Brilliant. Freaking brilliant, Hal. Your open questions are on the money, that is for sure. The rudder seems rebuilt every few months. Rolen, WT, etc. are a real puzzle and not as in a piece of the championship (er, or at least .500) puzzle. You could have paid Rolen money to Dunn for a better offensive player. Oh well, that’s been re-stated over and over. Very sad.

By Greg in London

August 20, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

Although I don’t think that you have ever held back, it is quite refreshing to see your pointed comments now. I hope that you continue to “call ‘em as you see ‘em” for the next 6 weeks or so. If the Reds Management should decide to take you to task over your comments, please let us know. Keep doing the GREAT JOB you have been, Hal!

By jjwon

August 20, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

Amen brother…