By jim t

August 8, 2010 9:37 PM | Link to this

Worn Cleat, maybe another time.Not a basketball coach. I do love the game. From the cincy area. My kids, much to my chagrin were wrestlers and soccer players.I stumbled on this blog because I like to read Hal McCoy.I’ll do my best to bring home the wins but it is a tough assignment.You also sound like a nice person.

By Worn Cleat

August 8, 2010 8:33 PM | Link to this

JimT—congratulations on your three tickets. Good for you.I’m not going, but will be watching. I’m counting on you bringing home THREE wins! You are good man JimT. I can tell that. You didn’t coach Catholic and public basketball in Dayton did you? I wonder why RC thinks my way, even though he says it has never been used will not work. Personally I think closerby committee will work!/Cabrera/Chapman/Massett.Just as well, I think playing ‘hot hands’ will also!If it has never been used before—isn’t it about time? And, if it hasn’t been used before, how can one be convinced that it won’t work? Go Reds-Listen to Cleat!

By Worn Cleat

August 8, 2010 8:02 PM | Link to this

absolutely RC! “Play the hot hand”. I keep trying to tell you and Dusty that. Neither one of you ever ‘get it’. The complaint is in not sitting the people who are not ‘HOT’. Stay tuned you’ll figure it out someday.

By RC

August 8, 2010 3:16 PM | Link to this

So because of a start Stubbs should never have gotten in the first place, being frosty cold as he has been, he gets to start today? ??? I will simply repeat something I said to you over a year ago (which I don’t feel the need to repeat three times a day every day): To my knowledge, no franchise in the entire history of MLB has ever been run the way you seem to think this one should be run. Tell your ‘important people’ I said hey.

By jim t

August 8, 2010 1:24 PM | Link to this

Worn Cleat, Glad your back. I got tickets to all 3 games against the cards. If your going down let me know and I’ll buy you a beer and try and enlighten you some more.

By Worn Cleat

August 8, 2010 12:18 PM | Link to this

I remain satisfied with what I have previously said. Although much of what ‘Batman, Robin, and the Lone Ranger’ said, is often what I concur with; much is not. Been visiting with ‘important people’, while the three above were writing their ‘novels’ to try to impress; but, as usual…Congrats to Drew Stubbs on his great day yesterday. ‘Play the hot hand’—put him back in the lineup today with Heisey in right and Nix in left. Play Stubbs in center, until he cools, or Dickerson arrives—whichever comes first! haha. just kidding—I’d play him until he cools, then play CD. ALWAYS—play the hot hand, whether Jocketty and Mike like it, or not. Just check with the Cleat and I’ll let you know who should be playing, since none of you can figure it out.

By Bill

August 8, 2010 11:58 AM | Link to this

when someone strikes out over 100 times, how does an objective person try to suggest that a replacement would not improve upon their poor performance…? With one eye open odds are they’d make better contact.

By Bill

August 8, 2010 11:48 AM | Link to this

Have Heisey and Nix been striking out, or getting key hits…? Proven improvement.

By Kyle

August 7, 2010 4:00 PM | Link to this

Cordero is still the closer because….?

By RC

August 7, 2010 3:23 PM | Link to this

Like jim said, assumptions are not “proof”. I know a lot of people agree with you, Cleat. That’s not “proof” either. As for negativity, the Fay blog reached the depths for me just a couple of days ago, when Dusty sent Votto in to pinch hit with 1B open late in a game, whence he was intentionally walked. I thought it was a very clever move - you get your opponent to put the tying run on base in front of a guy (Cairo) who’s been hitting well, and your best player, whose bad wrist had kept him out of the two previous games, doesn’t even have to swing the bat. Most everyone on the blog thought it was the stupidest move since Shoeless Joe went shoeless. Eh. One man’s clever is another man’s idiocy - just like one man’s “play the hot hand” is sometimes another man’s “panic move”.

By Mike-Cinci

August 7, 2010 12:04 PM | Link to this

The great thing about baseball is everyone can second guess the manager. In football most coaches react to second guessing by saying “the game is too complex for fans to really understand”. Dusty Baker has done a fine job with this Reds team. They play hard and have good team chemistry. While “in game” moves are soley the responsibility of Baker and his coaches the overall roster is the responsibility of Walt Jocketty. Dusty can’t bench a guy like Stubbs or Bruce over an “extended” period without Jocketty’s concurrence. Managers who argue with GM’s (or owners)get fired. Baker stuck with Stubbs and Bruce because they were the highest rated young players in the system and the “organization” wanted to give them every chance to succeed. At the same time, despite disappointing offensive stats by these 2 players, the Reds were winning. It seems to me that Stubbs has played his way out of a starting position and Heisey and probably Dickerson will share playing time unless Jocketty wants to give Stubbs another crack at it this year but I doubt that’s in the cards unless Heisey and Dickerson stink it up. Personally I love Heisey as a player and I like him more than Stubbs but I do understand why scouts like Stubbs tools. Unfortunately Stubbs does not come close to making enough contact. Bruce is another disappointment but he is only 23. That said this is his 3rd major league season and you would think he would have a better idea of the strike zone by now. I think he is a “head” case at the moment and no one is sure whether it is temporary or permanent. I think calling Dusty Baker a bunch of nasty names is not fair to the man. He is intelligent, thoughtful, polite, cares for his players, respects the game, is open to the fans, never makes himself the center of attention at the expense of his players, and has been a productive player, coach, and successful manager over 43 years…19 years as a player in MLB and 18 years as a manager. The man has had an impressive career and it is just possible this Reds team may make it even more impressive. I hope so. As a final point this Reds team has over achieved beyond anyone’s expectations and Baker deserves his fair share of credit for this.

By jim t

August 7, 2010 7:09 AM | Link to this

Worn cleat, since you got me thinking here is something else for you to chew on.Look at the situations each of these players was brought up to the big leagues under. Stubbs, last year due to injuries in a season that was already over came up and put up good numbers. This year when inserted into th lead off spot and the team needing him to set the table faltered.Bruce brought up in the middle of a lost season performed well. The following year he was the right fielder and got off to a avg start. Votto went down and Bruce began to press and his season went to heck. After the season was decided he came back after injury and rebounded a little.Janish was given a opportunity to win the job in 256 at bats he hit 211.Heisey had a terrible spring and was off to a bad start at Louisville.Votto came up after he was horrible in the spring and many thought Dusty wouldn’t take him north but Dusty did and sat him behind Hatteberg until He was ready to take over.Now all that said, Janish has sat behind Agon and OC. He has been eased into the line up Pressure has been reduced,he was contributing in spots and now he is getting a bigger role and it looks like he is ready to contribute.Heisey came up after Dickerson went down not because his numbers indicated but because there was no one else. He has sat behind Gomes Stubbs and Bruce getting a a bat or a spot start. He is being eased into his role and now he is playing more and producing. My point, in the old days that is how it was done. You worked your way up through the minors, came up to the bigs and was eased into the line up.I like this approach. It works and it reduces the pressure which is a huge factor in the process.What dusty understands and sometimes to a fault is staying with these talented players until they are able to handle their role is a fine line.He has given that rope much to the chagrin of the fans. In some cases it pays off and sometimes it doesn’t. That is Dusty’s MO and that is why his players love to play for him.It is also why fans get upset with him. Tough to juggle. This year he is doing a great job juggling as evidenced by the standings. When teams are on 9 year losing streaks fans are restless and want change.What I’m saying is the light is at the end of the tunnel.Giving these talented young guys a chance to develope in the middle of a pennant race will have many benefits down the road. The best part is the team is in first place.

By jim t

August 7, 2010 6:26 AM | Link to this

worn cleat, whats proven is this teams offensive production. Currently they are ranked near or at the top team wise in every offensive catagory. I’ll also state the obvious for you. They are 14 games over 500 for the first time in 11 years and in first place. I’m also a little confused by Proven. Your ASSUMPTION is they would produce more, that my friend is not proven.Now what I find alarming is your insistance that your way as opposed to Dustys is better considering the facts, those being team record and offensie statistics. I would say Dusty has used his personell very well. Also your reaching for support from many on this board may be a little suspect. Its my opinion many post the same thing under different ID’s.Your comparision concerning vets or youngsters is curious as well. Stubbs and Bruce are both youngsters. This team has a nice blend of young and old. Part of the reason I think they are performing well.Bottom line is Dusty is getting it done, Look at the standings. I enjoy reading your post. Its obvious you are a reds fan. You may want to open your mind and go a little deeper into the issues. You may get a little more enjoyment out of a very good season.Here is something to consider. I’ll agree with you Stubbs and Bruce are having bad years. What Walt and Dusty realize is these two kids have a very high ceiling and their games has shown flashes of greatness.Trying to get them to turn the corner and realize that potential while competing for a championship is a difficult task.They both have contributed to this run. You have made some very good points. I, like you, think that Janish may develope enough as a hitter to warrant putting him in the line up everyday. What would make that transition easier is if Stubbs and Bruce man the outfield and turn the corner from prospect to competent player.My hope is that eventually this team will develope into Heisey,Bruce,Stubbs,Votto,BP,Janish/Cozart,Hannigan and Rolen.The farm system is recovering very nicely from yeasrs of neglect during the Marge years.Many prospects making their way up the ladder. Hope this sheds a little light on why I think the way I do.The thing I don’t think Dusty and Walt get enough credit for is inserting the youngsters while still competing for a division crown.I think the reds future is very bright.

By Worn Cleat

August 6, 2010 11:35 PM | Link to this

Perhaps, we will never agree on some things. My opinion is that Baker has played Bruce and Stubbs too long,considering their ineptitude. And, because of that,and their poor performance, the Reds don’t have the won-lost record they could have had! It makes no sense to me to support inefficiency,poor performance, or bad judgment, whether it be regarding players or the manager.My opinion against that has plenty of support on this blog. That is good enough for me. To deny that the three people mentioned have not been efficient, or helpful to the cause, is malarkey, and unsupportable from this viewpoint.I must point this out:There are many, many, others who dislike Baker’s moves and non-moves than just yours truly. Many. To ‘indicate that Dusty’s methods are often wrong’, is in fact PROVEN—all you have to do is look at the offensive failures{as in strike outs}of Bruce and Stubbs, and Gomes is closing in.Baker’s methods of utilization of these players is proven WRONG.I do not apologize for pointing out Baker’s failure here—not to mention previous failures in his utilization of Corey Patterson, Willy Taveras, and Gonzalez—and I don’t care what they are doing NOW—NOW didn’t help the Reds! Too bad if a non-producing ‘veteran’ doesn’t like being replaced—maybe we didn’t like watching him ‘suck’, and costing us ball games!I will say it forever more—play the people who get it done—and if others don’t like it, get rid of them.

By jim t

August 6, 2010 11:25 PM | Link to this

RC,its funny most blogs I visit are negative. People post some senseless comments. They continually change ID,s and sometimes even comment to themselves.There’s 1 guy over there who just comments to encite and disrupt the blog.Being a older man and having served in the military for 20 years its frustrating trying to explain to people how things that seem so simple may be quite complex.I’ve played and coached quite a bit over the years.The game has changed. Teams carry 12 pitchers now. That leaves 5 players as subs. Hitting a pitcher or defensive replacements have to be handled carefully so you don’t get in a bind in the late innings is one example.The money players make has affected the game.Dusty and Walt have missed on some players but overall they have done a good job. In under 3 years they have a winning team and contender,a developing minor league system and a owner that wants to win. Anyone who can’t see the progress this organization has made is not a knowledgeable baseball fan.Best summer we’ve had in some time. Anyone who can’t see the contributions made by Walt,Dusty and Bob are Blind.Enjoy the pennant race they don’t happen to small market teams every year.

By RC

August 6, 2010 10:16 PM | Link to this

I think I know who you are on Fay’s blog, jim. I read it occasionally, but I’ve never really had the urge to participate, as it seems to me such a cesspit of negativity. It’s kind of amusing, really, but I don’t want to play. As for the “hot hand” theory, I’ve been through why I think that’s a pipe dream most of the time - when your hot hand goes cold, you’re back to a cold, rust and angry veteran. You usually have to ride out the slumps with guys like that. (This does not apply to guys like Stubbs and Bruce, however. They are neither established nor veterans, and they need to go to Louisville and get their heads on straight.)

By jim t

August 6, 2010 6:00 PM | Link to this

Worn Cleat, I wasn’t just commenting about this blog. I visit others and I can tell you they have quite a few unreasonable and over the top posters.I also heard Mr. Cunninghams comment this afternoon.Its also my opinion that he couldn’t manage the reds nearly as well as Dusty. He was sensationalizing and if you noticed Seg was diong his best to ignore him.Cunningham should stick to talk radio that is what he does best.Your opinion of Dusty’s handling of the roster is your opinion. All I’m saying is, his way has got us enjoying the best season we have had in 9 years. That is a FACT. To indicate his methods are wrong is speculation and unproven. That speculation is every fans right and at times fun. But to indicate he is a buffon because his methods differ from yours is wrong.Walt certainly deserves credit for making sound personell moves. I agree with you. Walt also indicated he wants Dusty to return next year and hopes to work out a extension.Sounds like a sound plan to me. Trust in Walt.By the way this is Dustys third year as manager.He has improved every year. In my opinion last year would have been a much better season without all the injuries.I hope Dusty is back next year for another reason. That being if he is it means we probably made the playoffs.

By Worn Cleat

August 6, 2010 5:28 PM | Link to this

Last but not least: History is never considered, present tense!

By Worn Cleat

August 6, 2010 5:19 PM | Link to this

JimT and RC: Excellent posts on almost all counts…JimT’s last post on one count was a bit over the top, at least about most posters I have read on here…Not too many want the Reds to lose, only a few morons. You are both correct, opinions are OK—no matter who they favor. In fact, my opinion on Janish got stronger today then it was yesterday. I believe he could be a solid player for years. He is smooth in the field, and only needs to continue hitting. It should not have taken this long to play him-last year OR this year! I listened to pre-game comments today on WLW. One of the personalities on there opined that he would not offer Baker a multi-year contract yet, because as he suggested:”I could manage as well as he did”—he was referring to his playing Stubbs and Bruce so long without playing others;and a few other reasons were mentioned. I agree, as you may know.I also think Jocketty has to receive credit for elevating the play this season.They got the players they needed—now they need to play the “hot hands”! My biggest problem with Baker is his stubborness about “veterans”,or “favorites” having to play—it has been so obvious, for at least three years—and so wrong of him to do it!The team’s record could be better right now, had he managed differently, many will agree. The weakness of the Reds division has as much to do with our being in first place as playing, managing, hitting or pitching does. However, most of what you both offered today was well-written and agreeable. Thank you for your reasonableness.

By Jim t

August 6, 2010 1:15 PM | Link to this

RC,very well put. I think because its been so long since we were contenders we forget we are in first place. Losing breeds second guessing and disgrutled fans. Winning should be enjoyed and savored it doesn’t happen everyday. That doesn’t mean you can’t form and express your opinion as it relates to the team but shouldn’t it be fun and tempered. Its seems many want to use the blog as a forum to show how much they know or in some cases don’t know about baseball and don’t even consider the outcome of the game. Its the, see I was right mindset. Its almost as if they don’t want the reds to win unless Dusty plays exactly who they feel should be played even if you prove satistically that there opinion may have holes in it. I guesss that is what 9 years of losing does to a fan base. Hopefully this season is the start of a run of winning seasons and fun summers for the Home of Baseball.

By RC

August 6, 2010 11:57 AM | Link to this

Second guessing is fun. I do it myself. But when you’re second guessing, just keep this in mind - just because some Dusty move that drove you nuts didn’t work, that doesn’t mean that your genius-level alternative would have worked, either. Sometimes there’s no right answer. It’s cliched, I know, but still true that the best hitters in baseball make outs 6-7 times out of 10. Whatever disagreements I have with his decisions, Dusty has his team behind him and playing pretty darned well. That, at this moment, is what matters.

By jim t

August 6, 2010 10:16 AM | Link to this

Just for the record I hope Janish, Heisey and all the reds perform well.I want them to win every game. I also have no issue with someone debating whether or not Dusty should have done this or should have played this guy. That is part of the fun of being a fan. What kills me is the total lack of respect given to Dusty for getting them in contention for the first time in 9 years. If you disagree with his decisions fine.I too question some decisions but what comes out here and other blogs is a complete lack of respect. Name calling,lying,his family was brought up, he is accused of favoritism which to my knowledge no player has substanciated. All this for a guy who has gotten us to first place. Many have stated a desire for us to lose,so he will be fired. Thats amazing.Here is a fact,no one posting on this blog has the ability to manage a major league baseball team. Especially not one that is in first place. No one could accomplish what Dusty has as a manager or player under any circumstance. Debate and enjoy the season that is every fans right but don’t lose sight of the fact that the joy you are getting watching this team play even if it is to debate how you would do things different is partly due to the efforts of One Dusty Baker Magager of our Cincinnati Reds.

By Patrick

August 6, 2010 8:49 AM | Link to this

Just an observation from the back of the card. Orlando Cabrera: 2007 LAA 155g .301/.345 1st ALW 2008 CWS 161g .281 /.334 1st ALC 2009 Oak/Min 160 g .284/.316 1st ALC Paul Janish 2007 Chat/Lou 143g .235/.329 2nd Int.West 2008 Lou/Cin 130g .226/.306 5th NLC 2009 CIN 90g .211/.296 4th NLC Your boy Janish has a lot to prove. I’m hoping for the best. Go Reds

By Worn Cleat

August 6, 2010 1:04 AM | Link to this

Orlando Cabrera’s batting average right now is .260, and he is worse defensively than Janish. Does that make his play unacceptable? Only thing that had him starting was a higher salary—certainly not his recent hitting or fielding! Too much credit goes to Cabrera. He had some key hits early; but now they feed him “High, Higher, and Highest” fastballs that all he does is pop them up. Too many times do balls, hit by opponents, go up the middle, without OC ever entering the tv picture. Let’s see what Janish can do. Like Roy McMillan of yesteryear, Janish’s defense will add .100 points to his batting average! Janish will claim the position, by his better performance—then all the know-nothings will claim they said so.

By Hopalong

August 5, 2010 11:45 PM | Link to this

Janish will prove that he should have been the choice at SS in the beginning.He has :MORE RANGE/STRONGER ARM/BETTER POWER/BETTER SPEED/MORE HUSTLE, than cabrera.

By Jack

August 5, 2010 4:07 PM | Link to this

Janish is doing his job as a stand-in. I am with you in that he should have subbed more throughout the year, but Cabrera is our starting shortstop. Educated guess in the outfield, Gomes, Stubbs, Heisey in the outfield. Dusty will be too tempted by what Stubbs did in his last game in Chicago to put him on the bench. Dickerson is a Triple A player, nothing more. Can only hit with no one on base. Platoon Bruce with Heisey. Against a right hander, put Heisey in center.

By Will N

August 5, 2010 4:07 PM | Link to this

I agree with Jim M they need to send Stubbs and Bruce back to AAA and put Hiesey in the line up and that would help alot

By Wizard

August 5, 2010 2:24 PM | Link to this

Sure is amazing how many new Janish lovers there are after his three run homer and two singles! A whole lot of fair weather hypocrites on this blog! Where were you last year, and the beginning of this year?

By michael

August 5, 2010 11:48 AM | Link to this

Heisey gets a shot, but other than that don’t mess with a winning team. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Votto and Rolen have to be in that lineup everyday.

By bob

August 5, 2010 11:44 AM | Link to this

Those so called”Super Subs” need to be regulars. It’s ironic that Bruce batted against the pitcher who the previous hitters had been bombing and he did his usual; three quick wild swings,spit and went to the dugout. There is was no way they can win the pennant with 2 guys who have K’ed 120 times. That’s 120 chances the fielders did not have to make or runners didn’t move up a base or get a sac/fly.

By Jim M.

August 5, 2010 9:53 AM | Link to this

I think Stubbs and Bruce need to go to AAA to get fixed.. Its ridiculous that a player like Bruce , who came up and sprayed the ball all over, is now trying to pull everything over the right field wall.. He needs to review video of his swing when he first came up.. he stepped towards the picth, now he is trying to step out and pull with a long swing!! I would bring Dickerson up and heck, if Johnny Damon is on waivers, claim him.. he would be huge for the Reds.. just a gut feel.. GO REDS!!

By Jeff

August 5, 2010 9:44 AM | Link to this

I agree Bruce has been awful but remember he is only 22. He needs a solid offseason of the Votto workout. Bruce is 100% dead pull hitter. When he first came up he was spraying the ball everywhere and then he got suckered into the home run ball. team adjusted to him hitting the other way and now they have figured him out on the inside pitch too. He needs to shorten his stroke and change his plate approach. Right now he is guessing and you can see it. The reds will need him but some time down south maybe needed. Bring Dickerson up and let Jay have a week down there…

By chiefwino

August 5, 2010 8:56 AM | Link to this

Check out Harold’s Barbeque in Atlanta. Classic old style BBQ “joint” not a restaurant. CLose to the Braves Stadium (Turner Field).

By middle inf

August 5, 2010 8:55 AM | Link to this

Carpenter, Garcia, Wainwright spells sweep

By David

August 5, 2010 7:58 AM | Link to this

“So here is a wild, uneducated guess for Friday’s game in Chicago: Heisey in center field, Nix in right field.” Don’t know, Hal. The way Dustrag thinks, he just might reward Bruce’s strike out with the start. He didn’t pull Stubbs until the wine had long since turned to vinegar.

By sam simmermaker

August 4, 2010 10:03 PM | Link to this

Hal—-it’s not fair that you and Nadine are off to Atlanta with the Rhinelanders nursing a half-game lead, while Cardinal fans are up to their ankles in angst. Have a great time…maybe we’ll see you next week in Cincy.

By George

August 4, 2010 9:26 PM | Link to this

What’s up with this website sending us back to the homepage, after we send our post????Is anyone out there listening????Fix the damn thing!

By Worn Cleat

August 4, 2010 9:23 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Bruce needs his stroke back; he needs a brand new one. He needs to become a contact hitter. A homerun hitter, he is not. He seems to always swing under anything in the strike zone, and, of course, over anything low and away.

By John

August 4, 2010 8:19 PM | Link to this

hey Hal, thanks for this blog; if you want recommendations for places to go or things to do in the ATL, let me know; i’m a reds fan in atlanta and have lived here for about 12 years

By WillBill

August 4, 2010 8:14 PM | Link to this

Finally some hit and run production from the outfield.Bruce needs some time in the minors to get his stroke back. Dusty is not doing him any favors by putting him out there in a division championship race.

By RC

August 4, 2010 8:07 PM | Link to this

Bruce is certainly in a dreadful slump right now. But let’s not forget that after a slow start, he had the BA up over .270 a little while back. He needs some adjusting, maybe in Louisville, but the EE comparison is a little harsh. Don’t give up on him yet. And Hal, in this weather, your weekend getaway should be North, not South. Atlanta? Better you than me.

By Gary Maloy

August 4, 2010 6:09 PM | Link to this

Whoda thunk it? WHODA THUNK IT??? I thunk it!! I predicted this back in January. And I’m damned proud of it, too. (After 9 years of my predictions failing, finally, I hit paydirt) haha

By Cowboy

August 4, 2010 5:00 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Heisey and Nix getting a chance to play more often. And hopefully Gomes is coming around. I know Bruce is still young, but more and more he is starting to remind me of Edwin Encarnacion (with better defense).

By Worn Cleat

August 4, 2010 4:30 PM | Link to this

It can never be said often enough, how very important a solid bench is, to every team, aspiring to make it into the playoffs! That said, I will be rooting exhuberantly for our bench-improvement to solidarity, from Cabrera, Stubbs, and Bruce! Work hard boys; and notice how your replacements make contact with the little white thing with red seams!

By Rick Smith

August 4, 2010 4:13 PM | Link to this

Enjoy your trip, Hal and Nadine. See you when you return!

By cantbeatagoodfilet

August 4, 2010 4:06 PM | Link to this

Who’da thunk it is right! Have a great weekend, Hal - thanks for your articles.