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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 37th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > November > 03 > Entry
Of Aruba, Pole and Lee/Hamels
Aruba is nice this time of year - or any time of year. Spent six days there last week and it was 90 to 92 every day, not a drop of precip and the heat was kept down by a persistent cool breeze off the cobalt blue ocean just a few yards behind the hotel.
If I had stayed away from the casinos, where I firmly believe they have figured out a way to cheat at blackjack, it would have been a perfect vacation.
I mean, how many times did I have a wager between $25 and $40 in front of me with two face cards in my possession with the dealer showing five? Then he would pull an ace for 16 and another five for 21 to beat me - time after time after time after time.
Then on the next hand, with a $10 bet, I’d draw a blackjack, just to keep me interested.
Where was 007 when I needed him?
If you go to Aruba, steer clear of the casinos, but don’t miss restaurants like Sole Mare, Papiemento’s, Simply Fish (tables on the beach with torches lighting the tables), El Gaucho and, for ambiance to watch the sunset, The Lighthouse.
TALKED TO Dick Pole this week, the pitching coach the Cincinnati Reds unceremoniously fired late in the season. Why couldn’t they at least wait until the end of the season?
Pole, a Michigan resident, is in Florida this week to undergo hip replacement surgery. After 22 years as a coach he says he won’t pursue another job, “Unless somebody comes after me.”
I know many of you called for his removal all season and wanted hitting coach Brook Jacoby gone, too. Well, you got half of what you wanted.
To me, it is almost always sad to see a dedicated, hard-working guy lose his job. Perhaps when you are with somebody every day and get to know them personally, your view becomes fuzzy.
All I know is that Pole worked hard and knew his job. Usually, when a manager or coach is fired, it is because his players or pitchers underachieve.
To me, though, most of the Reds pitchers were pitching to their capabilities, perhaps everybody but Aaron Harang, who has struggled the last couple of years. Bronson Arroyo blossomed under Pole, as did Edinson Volquez. In fact, Volquez was upset when Pole was fired.
After many false starts, Homer Bailey turned it around the second half of last season. Didn’t Pole have something to do with that?
We all know how obstinate young Bailey can be and Pole refused to coddle him - and it probably cost him his job.
One problem with the Reds is that CEO Bob Castellini listens to too many people and some of them have axes to grind or let personalities sway their opinions. One of them got Castellini’s ear about Pole and Pole was axed (pole-axed?).
A manager and a coach is only as good as his players/pitchers, and I saw improvement from the Reds pitching staff under Pole.
WILL THE PHILLIES be brave enough to bring back Cliff Lee on three days of rest if the World Series goes seven games and give him the ball Thursday?
It is probably their only chance. If it goes seven - and I believe it might - it will be Cole Hamels’ turn to pitch. I wasn’t there to hear the quote or put it into context, but I’m mystified about his quote, “I can’t wait for the season to be over.”
If that’s what he said and what he meant, I don’t want him pitching the deciding game of the World Series. You would more like to hear him say, “I wish the season would never end.”
With the way he pitched in his last start against the Yankees, well, it looked as if he wanted the season to end.
What do you think? Should Lee pitch Game 7, if there is one?
Permalink | Comments (23) | Post your comment |
Comments
By Wordman
November 6, 2009 1:28 AM | Link to this
The problem the Reds had last year was HITTING - not pitching. I know you and everyone else says Jacoby is a hard worker, but if the Reds don’t improve their hitting in 2010, it will be another losing year.
By broadwaydave
November 5, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
homer bailey had to go to a COLLEGE pitching coach to get straightened out. dick pole gets credit for NOTHING in his turnaround. stop defending the guy.
By Nutjobs 101
November 5, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
“I still say it would be GOOD to trade him (along with Yonder Alonso and Willy Taveras) to the Marlins for Hanley Ramirez.” … Delusional … Reds fans are truly delusional … why you’re at it, why don’t we gather some other marginal players and load them in the truck and see if we can trade them for Morneau and Mauer. Get a life ya’ dope.
By MAC
November 5, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this
I have to agree w/ ctownboy on most of that. I don’t think Pole helped much nor do I think he hurt much. The team will continue to look towards young players to break out of their losing ways…find coaches who can relate and influence young players!
By Gary Maloy Jr.
November 4, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
A moot discussion. Yankees will win it tonight. Christening the new stadium - “The House A-Rod, C.C. and A.J. built.” Not nearly the poetic lilt av “The House that Ruth Built”, but hey, that’s modern baseball for you…
By FreeSpirit
November 4, 2009 7:13 PM | Link to this
Aruba…One Happy Island. Love your choice of restaurants. Ever go to Charlie’s in San Nicolaas? Great place to stop after driving around the island in a Jeep.
By mUTAMAN
November 4, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this
“When I watch Chase Utley play I realize how average a player that Brandon Phillips is.” Just your average Golden Glover.
By HavaKlu
November 4, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this
Bailey, Alonso and Taveras for Ramirez who is the best player in baseball outside of Pujols? Dream on ctownboy!
By ctownboy
November 4, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
I TOTALLY disagree about Dick Pole. Aaron Harnag has had trouble the past two years because of Toothpick Baker misusing and abusing him. First, the San Diego extra Inning Game in 2008 and then the May 25th Game against Houston in 2009. The Gaem where Baker thought it was a GOOD idea to allow Harang to come back after a two hour rain delay (and a couple of hundred warm up pitches) just so he could get ONE OUT and qualify for the Win. A GOOD Pitching Coach would have stepped up and told the Manager that doing things like that was NOT a good idea. Concerning Volquez and Cueto, WHo did THEY go to for advice? It wasn’t Pole it was Mario Soto. As far as Homer Bailey and his “turning it around”, it was also NOT Pole who did anything. Bailey learned the split finger fast ball from Justin Lehr (while in Triple A) and threw it AGAINST the Reds wishes. Bailey’s mechanics were looked at and changed by a college Pitching Coach. Also, as far as Bailey, “turning it around” I still don’t believe it. During the season, he was 4 and 0 with a 2.13 ERA agaisnt the Pirates (with three of those starts coming late in the season and AFTER they traded away most of their Major League talent). Against the REST of baseball, Bailey was 4 and 5 with an ERA close to 6. Based on that, I still say it would be GOOD to trade him (along with Yonder Alonso and Willy Taveras) to the Marlisn for Hanley Ramirez.
By T.B.
November 4, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this
1- Hamels’ quote was taken way out of context. If you read the entire quote, he gave a thoughtful answer about how he will do everything he can to help the team win the series, but personally, he is looking forward to starting fresh in 2010. 2) Thursday is Lee’s “throw day” so he will likely be available to pitch relief, or even start. If you remember game 7 of the 2004 ALCS, Derek Lowe started on 2 days rest and was able to go 4-5 innings. Randy Johnson also came in in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series on his throw day. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hamels start and pitch 5 innings, then 2 innings of Happ and 2 innings of Hamels. It’s kitchen sink time for the Phillies.
By joe
November 4, 2009 7:28 AM | Link to this
When I watch Chase Utley play I realize how average a player that Brandon Phillips is.
By Mutaman
November 4, 2009 6:25 AM | Link to this
Attn: Brandon Phillips. Did you notice how on several occassions this post season, Chase Utley couldn’t throw the ball from second base to first base? Just keep on playing how your playing BP, don’t worry about Utley.
By bob
November 3, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
Hal,I have read in other places that Pole had lost connection with the staff,the older guys looking to Weathers&Rhodes,and it was said that Volquez & Ceuto didn’t much like Pole at all. I also remember reading that Bailey got better after he went back to texas and talked to a former coach who made some adjustments in Bailey’s delivery or mechanics and got his velocity back,not to forget that it was Justin Lear that taught Homer to throw a cutter.My question is if this stuff is true,why have we not heard it from the players themselves? especially since pole got fired it wouldn’t be like they were throwing him under the bus.On the other hand why would other reporters say these things if they were not true? So, here’s a question for ask Hal: Hal, could you ask Edison how he feels about Dick Pole being fired,and weather or not he thought Pole was a good coach?
By bobl
November 3, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this
Hal,I have read in other places that Pole had lost connection with the staff,the older guys looking to Weathers&Rhodes,and it was said that Volquez & Ceuto didn’t much like Pole at all. I also remember reading that Bailey got better after he went back to texas and talked to a former coach who made some adjustments in Bailey’s delivery or mechanics and got his velocity back,not to forget that it was Justin Lear that taught Homer to throw a cutter.My question is if this stuff is true,why have we not heard it from the players themselves? especially since pole got fired it wouldn’t be like they were throwing him under the bus.On the other hand why would other reporters say these things if they were not true? So, here’s a question for ask Hal: Hal, could you ask Edison how he feels about Dick Pole being fired,and weather or not he thought Pole was a good coach?
By napoleon 2
November 3, 2009 8:05 PM | Link to this
Hal, I would state that a little differently if I were you about Castellini. He listens to too many of the “wrong” people. Judging from Fay and Daugherty’s comments during the season, Bob C. does not solicit the advice of people he should- like his fellow Reds owners.
By Steve
November 3, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this
Hi Hal, As I watch the Phils try to stay alive in spite of the shakiest of bullpens, I wonder - might they be interested in Coco Cordero this offseason?
By HalFan
November 3, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this
Welcome back, Hal. While I’m sorry you lost at the tables, good to know that you didn’t win enough to become independently wealthy & still have to blog. If I’m Charlie Manuel, I ask Lee if he feels like he can go at least 5 innings. If he can, he goes. Also, I agree with you, Hal. Pole - a true pro - took the fall for someone else’s issues, and Big Bob’s impatience. I think he’ll be missed more than people expect.
By Jack
November 3, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
If it goes 7, Lee will not start, but I bet you see him sometime after the 5th inning.
By Mike-Cinci
November 3, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
I believe Hamels statement was not what he meant. He has had a tough year that was not up to his or anyone else’s expectations. As Steve Carlton proved in the past it is sometimes better to say nothing. Lee will have only 2 days rest. He won’t pitch. Blanton would have 3 days rest but he did not do so well on Sunday. Happ could be a choice but pitching a rookie in game 7 is a risky move. Hamels was the star of the 2008 playoffs/Series. He has something to prove. Manuel is a loyal guy. My guess is he goes with Hamels. The real problem for the Phils is relief pitching. Lidge looks semi-lost. Relief pitching could kill the Phils in game 6 or 7 if it goes that far. I would be surprised if Pedro Martinez fools the Yankees a second time. Andy Pettitte has the edge in game 6 and Sabbathia has the clear advantage in game 7. That said, it will be decided on the field and strange things can happen.
By Steven Ross
November 3, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
I’d rather have seen Dusty and Jacoby fired instead of Pole. If the Reds stumble out of the gate, Baker’s gone by June.
By bob
November 3, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
Off topic, but I had to mention it. Attn: Brandon Phillips, Did you notice anything different about Chase Utley after hitting all these homers in the WS? He didn’t have to strut or drop his wing when he went around the bases. That’s how a true pro does it because in the next inning he may screw up and lose the game. Chase is a class act. It’s about the Phils, not him.
By buckcat
November 3, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this
whatever happened to “spahn and sain and a day of rain” ?? bob feller one year pitched 28 complete games in 35 starts. bob gibson would sometimes pitch on 2 days rest. back when “men were men”.
By HavaKlu
November 3, 2009 6:44 AM | Link to this
Technically, Lee would be pitching on 2 days rest the way they calculate this, however I’ve never understood why if you pitch Monday nite and rest all day Tues., Wed., and Thurs. it’s not counted as 3 days rest when you pitch Thursday nite!