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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 > 2010 > July > 03 > Entry
A wild one as Reds take walk on the wild side
UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave while thinking, “Wow, I never covered a baseball game barefooted before:”
Did I say Friday’s game was one of the weirdest baseball games of 2010? Scratch that and dump it into File 13. Just one day later, one day after the Cincinnati Reds scored nine runs in one inning to beat the Chicago Cubs, 12-0, another heard-scratcher emerges.
The Reds lost this one, 3-1, but it was a game in which Cubs manager Lou Piniella had to wonder, with apologies to Casey Stengel, “Can anybody here play this game?”
In the first five innings, the Cubs had 12 baserunners against Johnny Cueto. None scored. In the first six innings, the Reds had one baserunner (a walk) against Randy Wells. No hits. Not a sniff of a run.
But it was 0-0 going into the sixth inning as the Cubs stranded 12 runners. And in one of the more unusual pitching lines of the season, Cueto pitched five innings and gave up seven hits and five walks. But no runs.
BUT IT CAME apart for the Reds and rookie relief pitcher Jordan Smith in the Chicago sixth when they scored three runs. With one out, Tyler Colvin singled and Smith walked Derrek Lee. Then he hit Marlon Byrd with a pitch to fill the bases.
Smith retired Mike Fontenot on a pop-up and was one out away from total damage control. But on an 0-and-2 pitch, Alfonso Soriano broke his bat and blooped a shallow single to left for a run and a 1-0 lead. Catcher Geovany Soto then cracked a two-run double into the ivy in left field for two more runs.
BUT THESE ARE the 2010 Reds, the no-quit-in-us Reds. And what’s a 3-0 lead? And here they came. Chris Heiser and Joey Votto opened with back-to-back singles - and Votto was on base for the 41st consecutive game.
Then, disaster. A pitch got away from catcher Soto and rolled a few feet to his right. Heisey started for third, but inexplicably stopped halfway. He was caught in a rundown and thrown out. So what happens? Scott Rolen immediately doubles to left, putting runners on second and third. Heisey would have scored and there would have been no outs - if you are one of those people who thinks what happens after a certain event would have happened the same way if the preceeding event hadn’t happen.
I don’t subscribe to it, but you see what MIGHT have been.
Nothing, though came of the inning because Jay Bruce struck out on a 0-and-2 pitch in the dirt and Ramon Hernandez grounded to third.
The Reds scored their one run in the eighth after Laynce Nix led with a double. He took third on a wild pickoff throw and scored on pinch-hitter Miguel Cairo’s grounder to second.
Heisey’s baserunning blunder was painful, but one also can call them growing pains. He’ll learn.
Wells came into the game with a 3-6 record and a 4.92 ERA, but a walk to Paul Janish, playing shortstop when Orlando Cabrera took a rare day off, was Cincinnati’s only baserunner through six innings - 19 up, 18 down.
MEANWHILE, Cueto was in Scramble Mode all day. The Cubs stranded two in the first, two in the second, three in third, two in the fourth and three in the fifth - without scoring. But Cueto’s pitch-count mounted up and he was finished after five. The Cubs put their lead-off hitter on base in the last four innings they faced Cueto, but couldn’t find home plate with a GPS, a Himalayan Sherpa guide and a miner’s helmet with the light on bright.
Reds pitched walked nine (only one was intentional) and hit a batter in the first seven innings of work.
Newly arrived bullpenner Bill Bray was a sliver of hope for the relief corps. He pitched the eighth and struck out the side.
AND THERE WAS hope for magic in the ninth when Rolen drew a one-out walk off Cubs closer Carlos Marmol. That brought the tying run to the plate with one out. Jay Bruce popped meekly to short and Hernandez lined hard to the shortstop.
So they Reds fell back to 10 games over .500, awaiting the outcome of tonight’s St. Louis-Milwaukee game to see if their lead stays at 1 1/2 games or dwindles back to a half-a-game. Strap it on, sports fans, it is going to be this way the rest of the season.
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By tjana pengar
July 19, 2010 4:49 AM | Link to this
This is the greatest nonsenese I ever heared off.
By Bill
July 6, 2010 3:15 PM | Link to this
And, exactly what was it that Cabrera has taught Janish about fielding—how to take three steps before the ball eludes your glove?
By Bill
July 6, 2010 3:12 PM | Link to this
Yep, the same astute people who picked up Corey Patterson and W. Taveras and A. Gonzales! And the same wise souls who said they needed Hernandes, because Hanigan wasn’t ready. Those are the astute ones you speak of…correct? Hey JT, I’ve watched the past two games and DS did well…Did you watch the previous 80+ games???Not so good! My point is: you say Janish isn’t ready yet; well, neither has DStubbs been ready—I agree he will be better than average—my complaint is that he hasn’t deserved to play EVERY day, until he is ready.The Reds could have played Heisey and others part of the time…Stubbs has left a lot of people on base when striking out. If his defense is good enough to keep him in the lineup, while not hitting, then Janish’s defense is also.But, neither you or anyone else can say that Janish wouldn’t have been hitting all of this time—just like Hanigan did—if he’d have been playing!He did well in ST, then they sat him…
By jim t
July 6, 2010 8:14 AM | Link to this
Hey Bill, I don’t care how many times you post this it wasn’t true the first time you posted it and it is true now. Fact is I never labeled Hannigan a career Minor L. The fact that Stubbs has speed is great. It is evident by his beating out infield ground balls and chasing down balls in the gap. The fact that he is not a good Drag bunter doesn’t mean he isn’t a good ball player. Have you watched the last 2 games? Have you seen how many big hits he has delivered so far?Do you not understand he has a very high ceiling. Have you not listened to many reds players who have heaped praise on OC for being one of the new additions responsible for providing skills and leadership to this team. Janish may yet develop. I hope he does but now is not his time. That decision was made by astute baseball people based on his performance. The same people who have turned this team of 9 consecutive losing seasons into a first place playoff contender. Go buy a ticket if you want to help. Your GM skills are very much lacking. DARN
By Bill
July 5, 2010 11:58 PM | Link to this
By Bill July 5, 2010 1:50 AM Fact is JimT, you were probably one of the morons who said Hanigan was a lifetime AAA player last Fall, just like you are trying to label Janish this year. You are the one who thinks he knows-it-all. Stubbs isn’t out hitting any of the Reds outfielders in any category,so how does he get your all-encompassing approval? He has demonstrated speed only, and has yet to use it in all ways possible. How many years does one have to play this game, before they realize that they have speed, and need to learn how to drag bunt? Wouldn’t that speed have been evident in little league? How many coaches have missed the boat in utilizing this guys speed in bunting? Is Baker hitting instructor the first to teach him bunting? Damn.
By and and and and and
July 5, 2010 8:00 PM | Link to this
… that was profound there pal … wow - what a thinker you are. Blog some more. We all care.
By and and is a dipshit
July 5, 2010 5:20 PM | Link to this
Some sad and lonely people populate this blog.
By and and
July 5, 2010 1:20 PM | Link to this
Believe it gotcha - what are you rambling about? You are taking credit for having the ability to affect others with your stupidity and wearing your make-believe gotcha as some sort of crown. As far as I can tell, they could care less about your nonsense … so quit celebrating, pull up your pants and go watch a cartoon or something.
By Believe It Gotcha
July 5, 2010 11:33 AM | Link to this
hahahahahaha—JT and Dude, “GOTCHA”! You guys are too easy… I love getting you all hot and bothered. I don’t hate Stubbs-love the guy. Has a great upside. Swing looked terrific yesterday. Could be outstanding, in time. Has weaknesses, I believe; and I’d like to see them corrected so he is a complete player, that’s all. I don’t hate anyone on the Reds. Love the team; but disagree with moves made. I’d soon get bored if all I did was agree with you two. I have enjoyed raising your blood pressure, however. Gotcha!
By Believe It Or Not
July 5, 2010 11:15 AM | Link to this
haha, does more than one ID confuse you JT? It’s easily done. Just ask the baseball bloggers. Looks like we have another ‘hater’, the DUDE hates Heisey now. He loves to use that word-HATER- when losing a disagreement on the blog. He and you, and a few others, can’t stand to be disputed. haha. Why would anyone get on a baseball blog to agree all the time? I’ll bet you boys didn’t share your toys, either. JT you should sit down and mention to Paul what YOU’D do. He probably never thought of that…You are talking to the wrong guy, still, about correcting your post. I have yet to worry about your ignorance in other areas. You have enough ignorance in this one. You aren’t a right wing reactionary by any chance are you? haha. No doubt about it.
By jim t
July 5, 2010 10:33 AM | Link to this
Hey Believe it, I left a few spelling errors in that last post. Why don’t you see if you can find them. That may be your nitch. Your sure don’t know baseball.
By jim t
July 5, 2010 10:29 AM | Link to this
Believe it stick to one ID son you have trouble making sense when just using one ID.I’m enjoying the reds season and all are contributing. That is what a team does. If I was Paul Janish I would approach every game just like yesterday be ready when needed and sieze the opportunity. He did a great job yesterday.As did Stubbs. I guess in your world the team winning isn’t enough they have to bat as you see the order or play who you think needs to playor they are terribl. Wake up moron they are in 1st place and you couldn’t manage a pack of #iss ants to water.Go buy a ticket.
By dude
July 5, 2010 10:27 AM | Link to this
Which is it? Plays to too deep or plays too shallow? You can’t have it both ways. No idea how many men he has left on base. He is 4th on the team in RBI’s, 4th in scoring and leads the team in SB’s. I have yet to see him get caught with his head up his butt like Heisey did while running the bases. What the hell is the difference for you between Stubbs and Bruce? They are equal in HR’s and Stubbs has more RBI’s.
By Believe That
July 5, 2010 9:47 AM | Link to this
Yep, hasn’t played a full season yet, but is near the top in the league in strike outs and ‘figure eights’ to the baseballs hit over his head. Impressive that he is still in the lineup, failing.Six times successful, and how many failures with men on base was that?
By Believe that
July 5, 2010 9:39 AM | Link to this
He has DONE it six times. Look that up,hollow skull.
By dude
July 5, 2010 9:34 AM | Link to this
Jim, seems a couple of people on these blogs have a love affair with Heisey and Dickerson and a hate affair with Stubbs. They can’t seem to grasp the fact that Stubbs has not yet played a full season in the majors. Stubbs leads the team in K’s, but not the majors, there are a few ahead of him. In all of the reds comeback/walkoff wins this year Stubbs leads the team in the deciding hit or the walkoff, he has did it 6 times. Look it up.
By Believe it
July 5, 2010 9:22 AM | Link to this
Yep, JimT, and Dimaggio was “much better offensively” until Mantle played regularly—and Wally Post was much better until Robinson played regularly,and Hernandez was better until Baker woke up and played Hanigan regularly—Duh? Your arguments have lots of holes.I’ll take my knowledge and playing career anytime over yours.Get a life.
By and ...
July 5, 2010 9:15 AM | Link to this
jim t - it’s “I before E except after C” … so “believe” would not be “beleive” … and these aren’t grammar errors as you pointed out, it’s stupidity on your part.
By jim t
July 5, 2010 7:43 AM | Link to this
hey bill, which is it fact or probably? I love that one.Fact is Hannigan has been very solid and has more than earned his playing time both offensively and defensively. Dusty has used both Ryan and Ramon perfectly. Both having good years. I have never said Hannigan was a career minor Leaguer. Please lets stick to facts shall we.Here is something for you and your girlfriend Beleive it to ponder.Stubbs is not a leadoff hitter. Never will be regardless of his speed. What he may be is a good field,20 hr,80 rbi,30-40 sb guy in his first full year in the majors which is what his current numbers project to.He is also a guy who could very easily improve on those numbers as time goes by which is why he will continue to get playing time.Strikeouts are high but hopefully will come down with experience which will raise his batting avg.You don’t sit a guy with those numbers and potential.If I thought it would benefit the team to play someone else I would be all for it.I also love the fact that Paul Janish had a great game yesterday. I also hope he developes into a good all around SS.Right now OC is the better option considering he can hit second in the line up and is much better offensively.I was probably wrong to respond to beleive its post in the first place. He is usually wrong and is very limited knowledge wise. Both of you can feel free to ignore my post in the furture as I will be ignoring yours. Enjoy the season.
By Bill
July 5, 2010 1:50 AM | Link to this
Fact is JimT, you were probably one of the morons who said Hanigan was a lifetime AAA player last Fall, just like you are trying to label Janish this year. You are the one who thinks he knows-it-all. Stubbs isn’t out hitting any of the Reds outfielders in any category,so how does he get your all-encompassing approval? He has demonstrated speed only, and has yet to use it in all ways possible. How many years does one have to play this game, before they realize that they have speed, and need to learn how to drag bunt? Wouldn’t that speed have been evident in little league? How many coaches have missed the boat in utilizing this guys speed in bunting? Is Baker hitting instructor the first to teach him bunting? Damn.
By Believe it
July 4, 2010 11:41 PM | Link to this
Jt: You only need to click on the ‘post comment’ one time when you are getting excited!
By Believe it
July 4, 2010 11:33 PM | Link to this
How many strikeouts does he have JT? He ought to be pretty close to leading not only the team, but the league in those. How many rbi’s and HR’s SHOULD he have,JT? You’d think after two months of playing too deep in the outfield, he’d get that right; or after three months of learning how to bunt, we’d see some semblance of his instruction. Perhaps,with your all-knowing wisdom you could wake up your hero and give him the suggestion.You should give your tickets back, that way there will be more people at the games who know not to cheer for home team members striking out. Oh, and by the way it wasn’t me correcting your grammer…are there no comments that you can read accurately? You have way too many other baseball things that need correcting. I most enjoy pissing off morons like you whose only thrill in life is correcting others on a baseball blog…now THAT is comical!
By jim T
July 4, 2010 9:30 PM | Link to this
Beleive it, a grammar error. LOL! Janish had a very good day and I couldn’t be happier.Drew had a good day and I’m happy for him. Both players play on the team I root for. Fact is janish is a 220 career big league hitter. If he was a little better offensive player Walt would not have signed OC. The fact that he did has made this a better team.You trying to imply you know more than them is comical. As I said if you want to help the reds buy a ticket.As far as Drew’s production 11 hrs,41 rbi,s leads team in SB’s.
By jim T
July 4, 2010 9:30 PM | Link to this
Beleive it, a grammar error. LOL! Janish had a very good day and I couldn’t be happier.Drew had a good day and I’m happy for him. Both players play on the team I root for. Fact is janish is a 220 career big league hitter. If he was a little better offensive player Walt would not have signed OC. The fact that he did has made this a better team.You trying to imply you know more than them is comical. As I said if you want to help the reds buy a ticket.As far as Drew’s production 11 hrs,41 rbi,s leads team in SB’s.
By jim T
July 4, 2010 9:30 PM | Link to this
Beleive it, a grammar error. LOL! Janish had a very good day and I couldn’t be happier.Drew had a good day and I’m happy for him. Both players play on the team I root for. Fact is janish is a 220 career big league hitter. If he was a little better offensive player Walt would not have signed OC. The fact that he did has made this a better team.You trying to imply you know more than them is comical. As I said if you want to help the reds buy a ticket.As far as Drew’s production 11 hrs,41 rbi,s leads team in SB’s.
By and
July 4, 2010 8:12 PM | Link to this
jim t - It is “you’re” not “your” - go back to school you moron and get your GED.
By Believe it
July 4, 2010 8:05 PM | Link to this
Well,congratulations to Drew Stubbs for his fine performance today. Why Drew, I do believe you created a hotter air flow in Wrigley today, then JimT does with his mouth. I guess Janish’s 4 for 4 and a homerun, is still indicative of MY inability to judge baseball talent…I wonder what Drew would have done in todays game after sitting as long as Janish has? Better yet, I wonder what tomorrow and the next day will bring for Drew? Swing looked good today; or was it that the ball hit the bat for Drew? Hey Drew, you hit and I’ll support you—you don’t hit the p**s ant will bite your a$$.Produce or sit, in other words. I’m tired of watching you stir the hot air, like JimT does!
By jim t
July 4, 2010 4:49 PM | Link to this
Beleive it, I didn’t mean to be so hard on you. I’m sure you are a true loyal fan. I might suggest if you truly want to help the reds I might suggest buying a ticket or some merchandise. As far as advising Dusty or Walt who have turned this franchise around in a very short time I’d consider watch and learn instead of shoioting your mouth off.
By jim t
July 4, 2010 12:26 PM | Link to this
stubbs has 9 hrs and 30 rbi’s and leads team in sb’s. Good fielder. You are without a doubt the guy with the least amount of baseball knowledge on the blog. Keep posting your good for a laugh.Dusty has his team in 1st place and you want to act like you have all the answers. Your a case. You couldn’t lead a pack of #iss ants to water let alone a ML baseball team. have a nice day!
By Believe It
July 4, 2010 9:45 AM | Link to this
“People were upset because we were playing Willy, but we were playing Willy because we were trying to trade Willy.” I presume that means Votto, Phillips, Rolen, Bruce, Hernandez, Cabrero, and Gomes are also on the trading block. Stubbs? No interest except from teams that need help moving the air around in their ballparks. You have to be kidding me!What a scamming liar.This ‘manager’ has no freaking idea why he plays people, and no semblance of a plan for their replacements.
By Aaron B.
July 4, 2010 9:30 AM | Link to this
This was a hilarious sentence: The Cubs put their lead-off hitter on base in the last four innings they faced Cueto, but couldn’t find home plate with a GPS, a Himalayan Sherpa guide and a miner’s helmet with the light on bright. HAL you’re on fire lately, this may be your finest season yet if the Reds can make it happen.
By David
July 4, 2010 8:43 AM | Link to this
I doubt Bruce will ever be mistaken for a clutch hitter.
By David
July 4, 2010 8:41 AM | Link to this
“Bruce always swings at those pitches that hit the dirt.” You can say that again. As a clutch hitter, he doesn’t have a clue.
By J
July 3, 2010 8:52 PM | Link to this
Bruce always swings at those pitches that hit the dirt. And he always misses them. You’d think he’d learn.