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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 > 07 > Entry
The Big Rally Machine: pitching and defense
UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave while packing (cigars go in first) for a five-day trip to Hilton Head Island):
What do you think of The Big Rally Machine? I like it. It’s is oh so apropos for the 2010 Cincinnati Reds, who never believe the game is over until Coco Cordero scares the bejeezus out of everybody before getting the final out.
Now all you Dusty Baker disbelievers save your vitriol and lame nicknames for the Reds manager and give the man his just due. He did it again Wednesday night.
AND WHAT might that be? Well, with tough left-hander Jonathon Niese (from Defiance, Ohio) on the mound, Baker gave Jay Bruce the night off and inserted Chris Heisey into the line-up in right field. What does he do? Well, he saves a run with a sensational running backhanded catch in deep right-center and then he hit a tie-breaking home run during the Reds’ 3-1 win over the New York Mets.
Amazing stuff. Just amazing. Joey Votto and Scott Rolen each went 0 for 4, and the Reds’ still won. All the Reds wore ‘Vote Votto’ t-shirts for batting practice in support of their snubbed teammate. Is that team unity, or what? One of the more vociferous in supporting Votto was Jonny Gomes, a guy who had an outside chance at making the All-Star team, but was a long shot and didn’t make it.
Anyway, the Reds were facing a pitcher who was 5-0 in his last five starts and it didn’t look good when the second hitter, Angel Pagan, hit a home run to give the Mets a 1-0 lead.
It was comeback time again. And pitcher Bronson Arroyo was up to shutting down the Mets, who were 29-13 in Citi Field. The Mets scored no more off Arroyo, who needed only 99 pitches to go eight innings, giving up one run and seven hits, walking none and striking out three.
Pitching and defense? That’s the formula for any championship team. Arroyo provided the pitching while Heisey and second baseman Brandon Phillips provided the defense. Phillips made a barehanded stab on a ball bouncing over second base hit by Alex Cora and threw him out.
They need a new classification for Phillips. Gold Glove? He’s beyond that. He should win a Platinum Glove.
Phillips also tied the game in the third inning with a two-out home run.
It stayed 1-1 until Heisey batted in the seventh and plugged a one-out home run, his fifth. Baker always seems to know when to rest a regular and which utility player to plug in. Amazing, just amazing.
So it was 2-1 Reds with one out in the seventh when some Reds Magic surfaced again. Drew Stubbs nubbed one up the third base line that David Wright permitted to roll. It stayed fair. Corky Miller lined to second for the second out. Arroyo then bunted the ball up in the air. An out? Nope. The ball cleared the pitcher’s head and plopped in the grass behind him for another bizarre hit.
Phillips then doubled to the right field corner for another run. He and Heisey both had two hits.
OF COURSE it wasn’t over. The Reds had to have their acid indigestion imposed upon them by closer Cordero. He gave up a lead-off double to Ike Davis, putting the tying run at the plate with no outs. He got Jason Bay on a pop-up, but walked Jose Thole on five pitches. Now the Mets had the tying run on first and the winning run at the plate with one out.
Cordero got Jesus Feliciano on a smoking line drive to center and ended it when Alex Cora fouled off three 1-and-2 pitches and flied to right on a 2-2 count, giving Cordero his 24th save in 29 chances.
The guy is a one-man ulcer carrier, but continues to get the job done. Usually.
The Reds took two of three in New York after taking three of four in Chicago. They open a four-game series in Philadelphia Thursday night to finish play before the All-Star break. All they need is a 2-2 split to finish the trip 7-4, the W-L record I predicted for this trip. It could be better.
YOU ARE ON your own in this corner for the next five days as my wife and I take a rest on Hilton Head Island. Be nice to each other. Give Dusty some credit. And I’ll be back right after the All-Star game for some more fun from The Miracle Workers.
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By valaFoeta
March 27, 2011 7:05 AM | Link to this
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By Carol in Cologne
July 13, 2010 4:09 PM | Link to this
Rick, 4 years ago we stayed at the Hampton Inn across the river in Covington KY. Nice place, clean, reasonable. We walked across the street, caught the shuttle to the ballpark, $1.00 each, it dropped us off just a few steps from the entrance. When game was over we walked those same few steps and caught the shuttle back. We were back at the Inn before the cars got out of the parking lots at the stadium. There is also a Holiday Inn very close to the Hampton, I’m sure there would be a shuttle stop near it also.
By rick
July 13, 2010 12:01 PM | Link to this
REDS fan from Missouri coming to town to see Reds & Cards. Any suggestions on where to stay?
By Aaron
July 12, 2010 12:38 AM | Link to this
Big Rally Machine isn’t bad, but to make it more original and detached from the mid 70s I like… Never Dead Reds
By Believe It
July 11, 2010 11:42 PM | Link to this
Most errors: Orlando Cabrera (9) And, that’s just discussing the balls he can get to—not the ones that elude him after his third step!Janish should be playing a helluva lot more than just today!
By Aaron B.
July 10, 2010 3:17 PM | Link to this
UMMM, NO you don’t have a few games like this per season. THis is in fact the first time in history a team has blown two 6+ run leads in the 9th in the same season. It is also the first time in MLB history it has happened three times in one season (including the Cards debacle). … so these are very rare events and they indicate two things: 1 is that Cordero is horrible this season. A WHIP of 1.54 is unacceptable from your high salaried closer. He needs to be called out, and you do that by giving some of his save opportunities to other people in the pen until he learns his lesson. You don’t give him the right to choose the clubhouse music. Rolen maybe needs to get in his face. Secondly, Baker needs to have a shorter leash on whomever is beginning the 9th inning. He is letting these young pitchers go deeper into games than they ever have before and when you do that you need to have a very short leash. Finally one has to wonder why Chapman is in the minors when there are so many weak spots in the bullpen. Volquez should be here too. And hanigan doesn’t need as much rehab as he has been give at AAA. You don’t play a big series before the all star break short handed.
By Mike-Cinci
July 10, 2010 11:37 AM | Link to this
Missing from the agony over blowing a 6 run lead to the phillies in the 9th was the fact the Reds left 22 men on base during the game.
By Bill
July 10, 2010 8:08 AM | Link to this
Well, then, can I complain about Dusty’s insistance upon playing his second best SS, who isn’t hitting?
By s.l.
July 9, 2010 11:29 PM | Link to this
Complaining about Baker’s managing is pretty lame. You occassionally have games that end up this way over 162 games. Just look at the Cardinals in Colorado the other night. I am happy with the way the Reds have played so far this year with a two game lead. Instead of whining about the manager leaving Leake in for a batter too long or Cordero losing movement on his fastball, you should be going out to the ballpark and cheering on your team. It’s an embarrassment that this team is averaging less than 23,000 fans in a new ballpark. Cincy is right up there with Tampa, Atlanta and Pittsburgh as the worst baseball towns in America.
By StuttgartTim
July 9, 2010 10:35 PM | Link to this
I’ve posted before that Dusty deserves some credit some times. However, tonight’s giveaway in Philly was the most incompetent managing I’ve ever seen. Leake, a ROOKIE, could have left the game with two ERs after the run in the ninth. That’s still a great outing. Instead he has 5! Great job Dusty. I don’t care if the kid begged to stay in when Price spoke with him. YOU Are the manger. MANAGE! Then he lets CoCo blow another save. Just incompetent.
By believe it
July 9, 2010 5:51 PM | Link to this
by the time the st.louis injured get healthy, the reds pitchers will have gotten even better than they are now…dream on.
By Sportsfan
July 9, 2010 3:00 PM | Link to this
Keep living the dream - when the Cards get their injured players back, it will be just a matter of time before they overtake the division and then you all will be tearing the team down as you did at the start of the season.
By Cow Creeker
July 9, 2010 1:24 PM | Link to this
I guess to each his own; for opinions regarding Dusty. So therefore here’s mine, if Dusty were managing the Yankee’s- Bo Sox, or The Bum’s of the LA he would be all that and a box of rocks. Dusty gets my vote(one that I sadly don’t have) for the NL Manager of the Year.
By chuck
July 9, 2010 11:36 AM | Link to this
if dusty wins all the rest of the games add the world series he is still the worst manager in baseball.
By Worn Cleat
July 8, 2010 11:28 PM | Link to this
The Big Rally Machine didn’t rally. Instead they did all but give this one away. What was it JimT was saying about Drew Stubbs being a good base runner? Best take another look JT.Hey DS,they still teach little leaguers to check out the third base coach, when approaching second base! In the little guys league, they also teach you to keep the bat parallel, instead of dropping the top of the bat below parallel, at contact, when bunting—Dusty said they have been working with you everyday all of this year—better tell Dusty the instruction isn’t good. Baker: More stupid lineups? Heisey’s great game yesterday and you start Stubbs AND Bruce today? Brilliant.I applaud your attempted use of the safety squeeze with Stubbs, pathetic as his technique was…On the triple in the 8th,why was our centerfielder, who is supposed to take charge, shying away from J. Bruce who was running to the ball, also? Timidity once again shown.Then fumbling the ball at the wall, before making a throw which the ‘former’ gold glove, Cabrera, let get away from him with more of his not- so-nifty glove work. And, speaking of ‘OC the great’,what kind of leadership is demonstrated by his jogging to first base, as he is making a ground ball third out? He has been doing this often—I thought he was a “veteran leader” on this team? I’m not impressed with his loafing, when he doesn’t get a hit. Thank God for Cairo!Nice game Cueto! Janish must play more! Cabrera has expectedly cooled off, and no longer has the best glove at SS.Good thing Hanigan is coming back tomorrow—Hernandes to the DL.Corky did well.Nice job by Dusty with relief pitchers this time—Jordan just failed this time. Go Reds.
By Sam Jackson
July 8, 2010 9:53 PM | Link to this
Hal, I don’t know if I was the first who thought of it, but I’ll take a bow for suggesting the Big Rally Machine. No need to send me a cigar, but a shoutout in the blog and maybe a championship ring if the Reds go all the way would suffice. By the way, I used to be a journalist in Indianapolis and you once sent me a nice e-mail after I complimented your blog. I’ll always appreciate that.
By Sam Jackson
July 8, 2010 9:52 PM | Link to this
Hal, I don’t know if I was the first who thought of it, but I’ll take a bow for suggesting the Big Rally Machine. No need to send me a cigar (I’d get in trouble but I would risk it since you probably have good ones), but a shoutout in the blog and maybe a championship ring if the Reds go all the way would suffice. By the way, I used to be a journalist in Indianapolis and you once sent me a nice e-mail after I complimented your blog. I’ll always appreciate that.
By Sam Jackson
July 8, 2010 9:52 PM | Link to this
Hal, I don’t know if I was the first who thought of it, but I’ll take a bow for suggesting the Big Rally Machine. No need to send me a cigar (I’d get in trouble but I would risk it since you probably have good ones), but a shoutout in the blog and maybe a championship ring if the Reds go all the way would suffice. By the way, I used to be a journalist in Indianapolis and you sent me a nice e-mail after I complimented your blog. I’ll always appreciate that.
By Brian
July 8, 2010 7:50 PM | Link to this
Hal, Brian from McCoy’s in Houston. Yes, the cigars always get packed first. Congratulations on your “Reds” Are the Reds interested in Oswalt. I think he would like to play in front of more than 6000 people in the stands as he does here in Houston.
By Jack
July 8, 2010 2:21 PM | Link to this
Will be in Hilton Head myself in a few weeks, Guissepi’s Pizza is great and sit outside San Miguel along the Marina and listen to the acoustic guitar singer…and the Margaritas are awesome.
By Steve F
July 8, 2010 1:03 PM | Link to this
Have a nice trip Hal and Dusty should get an extension.
By David
July 8, 2010 12:22 PM | Link to this
Phillips’ ball hit the ground, then the wall, then bounced up into the screen above the right field wall. Ground rule double. I would sure like to see Janish spelling Cabrero more.
By wallyp
July 8, 2010 11:58 AM | Link to this
Hal, can you give a full report on the restaurants at Hilton Head? I was there in March and was extremely disappointed. I am going back next March, and your report would be a big help on where to go and what to avoid.
By Florida Buckeye
July 8, 2010 10:39 AM | Link to this
Jon, that’s what I heard; however, I never saw it hit the pole. To me it looked like it hit the side wall, and the spin on the ball made it come back at an odd angle…I swear I saw the replay time and time again, and never saw the pole come into play. Thankfully, it didnt have anything to do with the final outcome! Thanks for the info…
By Jon
July 8, 2010 10:08 AM | Link to this
Florida Buckeye - the ball bounced off the ground then hit the fair pole, which is deemed a ground rule double. Not sure why, but my best guess is because if the fair pole was not there, then the ball would have gone over the wall for the more conventional ground rule double. Bad break. Would have been one more rbi for Phillips.
By Florida Buckeye
July 8, 2010 9:16 AM | Link to this
Hal, great game last night…a few questions though: What happened with the ball Phillips hit into the corner. The ESPN crew was so busy talking to each other, and rooting the Mets on - Valentine, ha! - that I never got a good view, or explanation of what happened?!? Also, what’s the status of Hanigan? Miller looks more like he should be at a 70’s porn reunion, than behind the plate! Lastly, I call Cordero Beetlejuice…the guy scares the crap outta me every time he takes the mound!
By GFR
July 8, 2010 9:10 AM | Link to this
I like the “Big Reds Machine XP” , with the”X”, standing for the extrordinary plays, the guys make every day. The “P” for the potential for October playing, seeming more and more and more p0ossible.I think the Reds are better then just a split with the Philles. Is it just me, or is that Pennant Fever,I feel slowly coming on? “Go, Reds, Go!”
By Zeke
July 8, 2010 9:07 AM | Link to this
Nice solid win vs. a good team. Only one questionable move: Mets pitchers had our number (outside of phillips); PLEASE bat Janish when we have a guy on 3rd and two outs. I like the odds…
By Buckfan69
July 8, 2010 6:46 AM | Link to this
This team reminds me more and more of the 1961 Reds. Great pitching from guys who had been good, but not great before (Purkey, Jay, O’Toole). A couple guys having career years like Gene Freese and Gordy Coleman in ‘61. Great chemistry in a team nobody predicted to be a factor. (Reds were 6th in 1960) A great team leader in Rolen like Robby in ‘61. They’ve really got me excited for the first time in a long time (again, like 1961).
By bucknut60
July 8, 2010 1:44 AM | Link to this
Sounds like Gomes is the latter day “Greg Vaughn”…stepping up and making “Vote Votto” t-shirts MANDATORY for bp…LOVE IT!! He, and Rolen, are clearly the leaders of this team. Reminds me of “1999” with, hopefully, a better end result. GO REDS!!!
By JDK
July 8, 2010 12:14 AM | Link to this
How about the Big Red Rally Machine…looking pretty smart Hal. Although i hope you are wrong about ypur predictions. 7-4 is good, 9-2 is better!
By PaulyOH
July 7, 2010 11:49 PM | Link to this
Have fun in Hilton Head, Hal! And here’s hoping that by the time you return, the Reds will have added a certain stud lefty named Cliff Lee.
By Steve Leever
July 7, 2010 11:43 PM | Link to this
Hal,I am Sam Leever’s cousin and am trying to promote his election into the National Baseball HOF. Wondered if you knew of Sam and if you could help. Thanks. Please e-mail me. I’ll be in Cooperstown for the inductions in a few weeks;
By Mike R
July 7, 2010 11:40 PM | Link to this
Corderro scares me daily, Tonight the Mets had scheduled 4 lefties to bat in the 9th. Perfect opportunity to give Corderro a night off and let Rhodes close a few when the matchups are good. Less stress, and hopefully less blown saves long term. Yhanls Hal for what you do and have fun in SC.
By Michael Heinlein
July 7, 2010 11:14 PM | Link to this
Hal, It’s a good start on a nickname for this year’s squad. But I would prefer a name that’s less beholden to the past and more respectful of the team’s unique identity. So, going along with your excellent hint, how if we just call them: “THE RALLY REDS” That has good promotional possibilities and goes well with a loudspeaker-charge. All best, Michael Heinlein
By MBH
July 7, 2010 11:11 PM | Link to this
Hal, It’s a good start on a nickname for this year’s squad. But I would prefer a name that’s less beholden to the past and more respectful of the team’s unique identity. So, going along with your excellent hint, how if we just call them: “THE RALLY REDS” That has good promotional possibilities and goes well with a loudspeaker-charge. All best, MBH