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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 > 2011 > June > 15 > Entry
West coast a pleasant journey for Reds
UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave while watching the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles/Brooklyn Dodgers wearing throwback uniforms (1944). Suggestion. If teams are going to wear old-time uniforms, they should make the players wear their pants just below the knees with socks showing and forbid necklaces and Oakley sun glasses.
As Phil Collins sings in Against All Odds, “Take a look at me now.”
That should be the theme song of the Cincinnati Reds as they came marching home from a west coast trip where many thought their pennant hopes would go to die. Instead, they won five of seven, including Wednesday afternoon’s 7-2 annihilation of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Defiance native Chad Billingsley, 5-2 with a 3.85 ERA for his career against the Reds when he took the mound Wednesday, was walked all over like an old throw rug — seven runs and nine hits over four innings.
MANAGER DUSTY BAKER, celebrating his 62nd birthday, chose Wednesday’s day game after a night game prior to an off day to give Drew Stubbs, Jay Bruce and Paul Janish days off.
Chris Heisey was in center and batted leadoff, Fred Lewis was in right field and Edgar Renteria was at shorstop, with Jonny Gomes in left.
Lewis had two doubles and walked with the bases loaded with two RBIs. Heisey? Not so good — 0 for 5 with three strikeouts.
Gomes? The man who is beat over the head with a two-by-four about his defense, made what may have been the best defensive play of the year by a Reds outfielder. With two on and two outs in the third, James Loney sliced one to left. Gomes made a long run, made a stretched-out dive and caught the ball while in mid-air, belly down, then slid on his stomach across the foul line and into a barrier, holding on to the ball and saving two runs.
Starter Travis Wood needed all the big batwork and superlative defense, because he was about as dull as a razor blade on its 100th day of use — lucky to give up just one run while yielding five hits, five walks and hitting a batter. He needed 114 pitches to stagger through six innings, ending the streak of starters pitching into the seventh inning at nine straight.
Wood wobbled in the first inning, needing 30 pitches to get through it, but only gave up one run. He walked three that inning (one intentionally), including a walk with the bases loaded for the only run off him.
Jose Arredondo, who struggled on most of the trip, gave up a run in the seventh during his one inning of work.
STUBBS’ DAY OFF came a day after he had three hits, two stolen bases, a sacrifice bunt, an RBI and a run scored. But Baker told Stubbs, who hadn’t missed a game this year, BEFORE his big game Tuesday that he was getting Wednesday off.
But it didn’t matter because the Reds can do little wrong these days as they climbed back to four games over .500 for the first time since May 31.
SCOTT ROLEN, who has struggled most of the season with his bat and his ouchy shoulder, is swinging the bat with astute authority. Even his outs are loud, but on Wednesday he had hits his first three times up, including two doubles, three RBIs and two runs scored.
After going 2-2 in San Francisco and sweeping three from the Dodgers, the Reds come home to interleague play, needing to guard against a letdown this weekend for a three-game series against Toronto and three pitchers who are household names only in their own households.
One wonders who many home runs Toronto’s Jose Bautista will launch during his three games in Great American Small Park. He is tied for the lead in the majors with 21 home runs, tied with Curtis Granderson of the Yankees.
Then it’s three against the New York Yankees, who won’t have Derek Jeter because he is on the disabled list. And now many homers with Granderson hit?
The Reds are off Thursday after playing in 33 of the last 34 games during which they went 17-16 and that included road series at Cleveland, Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
SPEAKING of the Dodgers, do you know why they are called the Dodgers? Well, when they played in Brooklyn, street car tracks passed Ebbets Field and fans had to dodge the trolleys as they crossed the street to the ball park, hence ‘Dodgers.”
And how difficult is it these days for the Dodgers to play when they wonder if their pay checks might bounce? Beleaguered owner Frank McCourt, involved in an ugly public divorce, may not be able to make his $30 million payroll at the end of the month, which would force MLB to step in.
Former Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey supposedly is trying to put a group together to purchase the team, if McCourt is forced to sell.
And it is so sad to see row after row of unoccupied seats in nearly empty Dodger Stadium, where 40,000 a game used to be automatic. It’s a hard fall for a great franchise.
STILL NEED a few Ask Hal questions for Sunday’s paper and send them to halmccoy1@hotmail.com
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By Wrong Lineup Again
June 19, 2011 5:59 PM | Link to this
Sorry, but the Reds continue to get wins in spite of the dumb lineups, which keep the run production down. He got ONE thing right about the lineup—Lewis was in left{but he should have been leading off}; and Heisey should have been in center hitting second. Baker just doesn’t get it—reminds me of ding-dong!It is best to fire Baker and euthanize ding-dong!
By DD
June 19, 2011 12:21 PM | Link to this
Keep up the good fight, Sparky! I LOVE all the handles you use. Hilarious. Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story!
By Re-read it Moron
June 19, 2011 12:05 AM | Link to this
dd,If you could read and retain,you’d be much more impressive. But, when you make stupid remarks, suggesting words in your own slanted way,it does nothing for your arguments but demonstrate how you like to stretch a debate to fit your philosophy, even if it’s a fabricated lie. In other words, you make stupid remarks. You only mention Heisey stats when they are not good, as a starter. You never mention his positive starts, NEVER! You are a misleading fraud. It remains clear to ANYONE who is paying attention, that Heisey is being screwed by unequal playing time—whether YOU want to acknowledge it, or not. THAT is the fact—not your irrelevant stats! So once again, play Heisey for a solid month, as Mike-Cinci agrees upon—then, and ONLY then, can anyone suggest that he is not the answer! And, they just might have to ask you to stick your stats where the sun don’t shine!
By Sparky This, Moron
June 18, 2011 11:59 PM | Link to this
dd, you are stupid. Don’t look now but Heisey had a good game tonight. And, as I pointed out you NEVER compliment his starting stats when good.Screw your irrelevant “off the bench” stats! They mean nothing more than he should be starting. You suck as a debater. You also must be a repug because all you do is re-write history. Twist the facts, to suit your lies!
By DD
June 18, 2011 7:11 AM | Link to this
Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story, Sparky! Do you also believe the twin towers were brought down by a controlled demolition and that the U.S. government was involed? Or that the Mayan calender is right? By the way…I did mention Heisey’s “positive” stats as you put it. I said he better than a .300 hitter coming off the bench. Also that I like Heisey. Just don’t have my nose up his butt like you seem to. Moving along now….
By Fire Dusty If He Doesn't act
June 18, 2011 12:32 AM | Link to this
dd,If you could read and retain,you’d be much more impressive. But, when you make stupid remarks, suggesting words in your own slanted way,it does nothing for your arguments but demonstrate how you like to stretch a debate to fit your philosophy, even if it’s a fabricated lie. In other words, you make stupid remarks. You only mention Heisey stats when they are not good, as a starter. You never mention his positive starts, NEVER! You are a misleading fraud. It remains clear to ANYONE who is paying attention, that Heisey is being screwed by unequal playing time—whether YOU want to acknowledge it, or not. THAT is the fact—not your irrelevant stats! So once again, play Heisey for a solid month, as Mike-Cinci agrees upon—then, and ONLY then, can anyone suggest that he is not the answer! And, they just might have to ask you to stick your stats where the sun don’t shine!
By Mike-Cinci
June 17, 2011 4:52 PM | Link to this
Everyone said Homer was a can’t miss ace. Maybe he is but we are still waiting. Same with Volquez. Most said Janish can’t hit but some said give him a chance. He has had a chance and he can’t hit. Most said we need a left fielder. They were right. The Reds are still looking. Some say the Reds should start Heisey full time for a month or more to find out if he is an everyday player. It’s probably a good idea. He deserves a shot. Then the Reds will know for sure if they need to find a left fielder in 2012. The odds are neither Gomes, Lewis, or Heisey are the answer but Heisey does deserve more time to make his case. All of that said Baker is trying to make the best of it since neither Gomes, Lewis, or Heisey have seized the job by outstanding play. My guess is if Jocketty and his baseball people thought any one of the 3 possibilities was clearly the right guy they would tell Baker to play him everyday.
By DD
June 17, 2011 2:50 PM | Link to this
So now Heisey is better than Gomes, Stubbs AND Bruce because “he hasn’t gotten regular and consistent playing time”. Got it. And there goes the last ounce (and that amount may be generous) of credibility you ever had. Good work. Maybe we should stick Volquez at first base. He could be one hell of a hitter if “given the chance”. An infield of Volquez, Cueto, Cordero, and Bailey may provide the pop this team sometimes lack. Activate Chapman and stick him in LF and the division is ours! Just give ‘em a chance….
By Fire Dusty
June 17, 2011 2:27 PM | Link to this
Hey deckfun and Double deck, glad I’m not like you two fools, in love with Jonny Gomes. I’ll take Heisey anyday over anyone else we have in left.. How much longer do we have to watch your dusty-lovin’ choices? You know the ones who go into a slump every other week; some of them, Gomes and Stubbs are in permanent slumps, because they cannot hit a curve in the dirt—well, neither can Bruce, for that matter!Whenever any of them face good pitching, they are toast. The difference between Heisey and them, is the fact that they have gotten regular and consistent playing time and Heisey hasn’t—so YOUR STATS prove NOTHING! Thanks for exhibiting your ignorance with all the posters. And, until Heisey gets that chance don’t waste my time with your drivel.
By Mike-Cinci
June 17, 2011 12:55 PM | Link to this
Going into tonight’s game Chris Carpenter is 1-6 with a 4.47 ERA. Can this last?
By DD
June 17, 2011 12:11 PM | Link to this
Those Pirates are shocking, aren’t they? I’d like to see them finish above .500 and above the Cardinals of course after 20 consecutive losing seasons. But, I’m not a believer. Take a look at their starting 8. Pedro Alvarez is hitting .208, Ronny Cedeno .221, and Overbay .229. They have 1 guy with double digit HRs. It’s been all about their pitching. Paul Maholm, Kevin Correia, Charlie Morton, and Jeff Karstens all have under 4.00 ERAs in their rotation. Who are those guys? I have no idea how tough/easy their schedule has been ytd, but I find it hard to believe those 4 can keep up what they’ve been doing. Wouldn’t mind being proven wrong as along as it doesn’t hurt the Reds!
By JB
June 17, 2011 11:29 AM | Link to this
Don’t look now but the Pirates may have a say in this division as the season goes on.
By DeckFan
June 17, 2011 10:23 AM | Link to this
So another fool on the Heisey Love Train! The facts are this - if he doesn’t pinch hit like he does - he’s down in Louisville! As a regular in the lineup - he will find his way back there. Then again - maybe he’s being showcased, so you all will get to watch him in another uniform.
By Fire Dusty
June 17, 2011 9:53 AM | Link to this
listen to Lance,Matt…er,uh Double D,Mcallister will set you and your girl friend straight. Play Heisey, Fire Dusty!
By DD
June 17, 2011 5:38 AM | Link to this
Too bad for Marelli he isn’t a Phillies fan…
By Nature Boy Mick Flare
June 17, 2011 3:09 AM | Link to this
You make fun of the Cardinals, when the Reds are no better? This DD guy needs to quit sniffing the glue. The Cards, Reds, Brewers, are all pretty much similar to one another, and the records indicate the same. One other thing they all 3 share in common, not one of them will be able to beat the Phillies come October. The Phillies have the pitching in their rotation now, barring injury. At trade deadline time, they will be able to bolster their offensive attack, which is somewhat lacking due to the loss of Werth. Productive bats are far easier to acquire, than good quality starters are. No one from the Central will beat the Phillies.
By KNOW IT ALL
June 17, 2011 12:14 AM | Link to this
DD great comments to Mike Marelli lets just say, “PRICELESS”
By DD
June 16, 2011 11:59 PM | Link to this
MIKE MARELLI…. come out, come out where ever you are!?!?! Is that limestone you’re hiding under? Granite? I guess I can’t blame you. Getting swept by the REDS earlier this year wasn’t bad enough. Your Whinebag Cardinals have since been swept by ANOTHER division rival in the Brew Crew, and then….no…..it can’t be…..really….the NATIONALS?!?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Jim Bowden’s finger prints are still all over that roster, and your Whiners got SWEPT by them???? Strasburg must have pitched 3 stellar games. What…he’s out for the year? Who the hell took care of Pujols and Rasmus and Molina and all the other “talent” on that roster? Livan Hernandez? How OLD is he? He isn’t dead yet? Wow, there isn’t much sunshine in St. Louis these days!!! I
By DD
June 16, 2011 11:51 PM | Link to this
Fire Baker or Wake Up KIA (not you, KIA!) or whatever you want to go by this hour…my opinion on Heisey isn’t right. The facts (also known as the stats) are what is right. By the way, Heisey is now hitting .200 as a starter (lower than even Gomes btw) for the year after his 0 for 5 with 3 K performance on Wednesday. In a game that every other starter - including Edgar Renteria - got a hit. Also, he’s hit more HRs as a pinch hitter than as a starter for his career. Personally, I like Chris Heisey. I like him in the roll he’s been in. A plus .300 pinch hitter/defensive replacement. He’s one of the best in the game - glad to have him on the 25 man roster. But, a starter? No thanks. He could never approach even what Gomes has done the last 2 years for the Reds (.265 average with roughly 20 HRs), and Gomes isn’t even a top 80 (out of 90) starting OF in MLB. Come at me with some facts, or don’t waste my time. Your opinion that “Heisey could do so well if given the opportunity” has been and will continue to be a weak argument - just as your multiple handles are.
By BF Mary
June 16, 2011 11:15 PM | Link to this
Another great blog, Hal! Thank you. Just returned from Slugger Field and, speaking of Homer Bailey, he started tonight’s game. Report from the Bats: Homer Bailey picked up the loss in his second game of his current rehab assignment. Bailey gave up three runs on 11 hits and recorded two strikeouts in 4.1 innings of work. 83 pitches, 55 strikes, 24 batters faced.
By Mike-Cinci
June 16, 2011 10:48 PM | Link to this
You can never have enough pitching. I believe Homer Bailey’s roll will work itself out. Homer may still have injury issues. He has not been the most durable pitcher on the staff. Wood has been up and down and his ERA is still in the 5+ range. It would be nice to keep a lefty as a starter. Volquez has looked much better but let’s see him do it for a month or two before declaring him cured of his wildness problems. Leake has been good on his return but he was not so good earlier. Let’s see how he does vs. the Jays and Yankees. Arroyo has lost something off his fast ball which was not that fast to begin with. He has been an innings eater but he may be finally feeling his age. Cueto has been an ace. Overall the pitching has been excellent over the past 10 days. If this keeps up the Reds are a lock in the Central.
By DeckFan
June 16, 2011 9:20 PM | Link to this
As far as pitching plans and Homer’s return, I believe Reds will creatively play the DL merry-go-round – starting with Bronson (if they can get him to agree to putting aside his many career streaks). For his career – June is Bronson’s worst month (11 -25) – so it would make sense. All of his numbers are off this year – due in part to his illness. Yes his last start was a good one, but hard stuff just not there. His ability to get a K at a key point is virtually zero. A 15 day stint just might help him for the dog days of July / Aug. Reds will definitely need him at his best. Six man rotation might not be out of the question either – which would protect young arms but might tax 6 remaining arms in BP. I do know that Homer seems to always kick the DL door down and would guess that his number will not be UNLISTED for the remainder of the year!
By Stubbs
June 16, 2011 8:50 PM | Link to this
For those of you who are enamored with Stubbs, he has struck out almost 100 times and we’re not even at the all star break. He has talent but he needs to get his eyes checked. Let Dusty run this team. When Bailey and Chapman come back we’ll be a tough team to beat.
By KNOW IT ALL
June 16, 2011 7:09 PM | Link to this
Mike in KY - Wow impressive…Althougha professional baseball player in the Major League because that is what we are talking about here is a job that is so very different then what you and I do. I don’t think it is fair to compare the two, so let it go. Hopefully we can start the home stand tomorrow night on a winning note, I feel the first game is important and sets the tone for the home stand. Thanks for info
By Fire Baker
June 16, 2011 5:55 PM | Link to this
Keep Heisey in the lineup, and prove the know it all’s wrong!Lance Mcallister is right and DD is wrong…
By Mike in KY
June 16, 2011 4:19 PM | Link to this
@KNOW IT ALL: If you actually think the extent of a baseball player’s effort in his work day begins with the first pitch and ends with the final out, then you really need to change your moniker. Video, scouting reports, conditioning, batting practice, game time. Ball players report at 3 p.m. (most earlier) for a 7:10 start and get out around, what, 10:30 to 11. Pretty comparable to your eight-hour day, and that doesn’t even count if they have any community engagement activities in the morning. You fail in your job, you get a talking to from your superiors. A ball player fails in his job, he gets a talking to from his superiors AND takes an 85% pay cut when he gets demoted to AAA (major league minimum is $430k, AAA minimum is about $65k). There are no cameras in the clubhouse, just as there are no camera in your boss’s office (or mine) when you (or I) get chewed up and down. And your final point misrepresents the situation entirely. No doubt that, if asked, Drew Stubbs would step up and play. He didn’t ask for the day off, but Dusty gave it to him because he needed it. You think Dusty could keep the respect of the clubhouse if he went back on his word on even little things like days off? Integrity and respect don’t just go away once your paycheck has enough zeros on it.
By DD
June 16, 2011 1:17 PM | Link to this
ohdave, you bring up an interesting topic in Homer. What is going to happen when he does come back? Although the organization like having a LH starter, I think Wood just pitched himself out of the rotation yesterday. Cueto, Bailey, Leake, Arroyo and Volquez.
By KNOW IT ALL
June 16, 2011 1:16 PM | Link to this
Mike in KY, knowing your IQ and how you look at things lets think about what you are saying. First of all granted baseball is a job for some that play the game and for others it is a game that pays them quite well to have fun. Since you may or may not work? My 2 full time jobs are hard working jobs that do not pay close to the pay scales, or offer travel, lengthy down time during a 8 month span, excellent meals and hotel accomodations, meeting great people, performing in front of crowds, etc. and opportunity to get into the best health fitness of ones life. Hard to compare their jobs to ours, don’t you think? My job requires me to perform to the best that I can everyday for 8 hrs. A baseball player trys to give 100 percent for the whole game of 2-3 hr period. Now take Stubbs he comes to bat 4 times or so during a game. These usually are 5 minute spans of time equaling 20 mins of batting time to try and hit the ball. If he fails no big deal as he can try tomorrow. If we fail at our job we hear about it by co-workers or supervisors. A baseball player that continues to fail usually the next season gets a raise from the same team or traded to another. We get fired. As I recall back in the day DD will probably know this one but which player asked the manager for a day off and it was granted, his replacement for that one game played excellent and started every game after that. The player that asked for a day off never played again…So Mike in Ky, bad comparison…
By ohdave
June 16, 2011 1:14 PM | Link to this
The recent run of good play is no mystery; look at the starters’ ERA over the last ten games. If we keep that pace we will win this division even if Elmer Fudd is playing in left and Bugs is managing. Let’s get Homer healthy and we can really turn it on.
By Mike in KY
June 16, 2011 12:35 PM | Link to this
@KNOW IT ALL: In Dusty’s shoes, you would have reneged on your word and started Stubbs Wednesday? Extend that to your work. After a long, tough stretch at work, your boss promises you a day off on Wednesday, but asked you to double-down and give a little bit more on Tuesday to help the office keep pace. You buckle down and have one of your best days at work in a while. Do you want your boss to look at that performance and say “on second thought, we need you back in tomorrow, so no day off for you”? Of course not! You’d be mad as hell at your boss, and you know it. Same goes for Stubbs-Baker there. You’re only as good as your word…
By KNOW IT ALL
June 16, 2011 10:57 AM | Link to this
DD I am so sorry I forgot someone used WAKE UP KIA as their stupid Name. Forget that last comment. Moving on how about this ESPN print In its annual rankings this week, ESPN The Magazine places the Cincinnati Bengals last among 122 franchises in the four major sports. Thank goodness for the Reds
By DD
June 16, 2011 10:49 AM | Link to this
KIA, where did I mention anything you said about Lewis, or about you using multiple handles? I was talking to the clown now going by the handle “Wake Up KIA”. Re-read my previous post. Back to baseball…good win yesterday. I didn’t expect a sweep of LA with Kershaw and Billingsley on the menu. 4 of 6 in this next homestand would be huge. Toronto scares me a bit. NY scares everyone. Another note…anyone see Scott Kazmir was released yesterday? Anyone remember…wasn’t he a Reds draft pick back in the day that we didn’t get signed? Could he be another Reds project ala Willis? You can never have enough good pitching! I think the guy led the league in K’s a few years ago while in Tampa. Maybe a lefty too (could be wrong there)? Thoughts?
By bob
June 16, 2011 10:42 AM | Link to this
I’ve never figured out how so many people know that Heisey is not capable of being a starter. His opportunities have been few and very short. All his physical tools are there to see. His few starts have not been special, but name me one player who has not looked terrible for extended periods. Some of the same look good a few days and then regress to the same areas that they are so poor in. Gomes swings at anything. Stubbs has too my flaws to mention. Bruce, I never know if he will swing at the dirt or the sky and his defense near the fence is deplorable. He jumps into the fence, never getting near his peak at a jump. Lewis doesn’t even need to be discussed. Why not give Heisey a period of uninterruption like the others. What’s to loose?
By bob
June 16, 2011 10:41 AM | Link to this
I’ve never figured out how so many people know that Heisey is not capable of being a starter. His opportunities have been few and very short. All his physical tools are there to see. His few starts have not been special, but name me one player who has not looked terrible for extended periods. Some of the same look good a few days and then regress to the same areas that they are so poor in. Gomes swings at anything. Stubbs has too my flaws to mention. Bruce, I never know if he will swing at the dirt or the sky and his defense near the fence is deplorable. He jumps into the fence, never getting near his peak at a jump. Lewis doesn’t even need to be discussed. Why not give Heisey a period of uninterruption like the others. What’s to loose?
By KNOW IT ALL
June 16, 2011 10:28 AM | Link to this
DD it is true what they say about you as to being a complete jerk. I never in my comments mentioned anything about Lewis so do your research and find out when I did. Nor do I use multiple handles. I try common sense and read what I thought is good baseball information from you and the others. Now I realize you know nothing of the kind. You try to belittle people which must be your strength knowing people can only use words to prove you wrong.
By DD
June 16, 2011 10:11 AM | Link to this
Well put, Kyle. Heisey is a STUD pinch hitter. He knows it, Dusty knows it, Reds fans…can’t figure it out. Wake Up KIA, you continue to be a babbling idiot who likes to post under multiple handles. If this Matt guy you continue to bring up was bashing you for your dumb statements (like Lewis should be starting and batting leadoff - classic!) then I applaud him. When you lack a lick of common sense it needs to be pointed out. Mike in KY understands that. Keep up the good fight, Mike! Baker haters will be back for sure - they go in hiding when the Reds win. Wake Up KIA, use something other than your personal preferences and add some facts to your arguments and you may actually win won. At least you’ll come off as having something resembling a brain. Maybe.
By Randy
June 16, 2011 10:03 AM | Link to this
You don’t just fire someone like Dusty who’s contributed so much to the game. I don’t want him in there either but you give the man a chance to move on gracefully. Heck, move him up to the announcer’s booth. He has a lot to contribute and he’s a class act.
By Kyle
June 16, 2011 9:26 AM | Link to this
If Heisy has accepted his role (pinch hit, defense, and spot sub) why cant everyone else? He does his role well. He is not a starter.
By KNOW IT ALL
June 16, 2011 8:17 AM | Link to this
OK I hear all of you as informing me as to whom DD really is. Lets try and stop the bashing and see how Baker and the Reds do during this home stand. Hopefully attendance will be better since Reds are winning. They need to play better at home so here we go. First Place is right in front of us once again, Cardinals are dropping like Dead Birds.. Today is be kind to Baker and Reds day……
By Wake Up KIA
June 16, 2011 7:49 AM | Link to this
Baker will do anything to keep Heisey from having a legitimate, continuous, opportunity to play everyday. He should have Lewis leading off and Heisey in CF and/or RF, EVERYDAY.KIA you know this is the truth. Quit kissing the a$$ of morons.
By Mike-Cinci
June 16, 2011 7:47 AM | Link to this
Through June 15 the most HR’s have been hit in 1)Cleveland(the most by wide margin)2)Texas 3) Cincinnati 4)Phoenix 5) Chicago(White Sox) 6)Toronto 7)Milwaukee. The toughest parks for HR’s are San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, and Anaheim. Almost 4x more HR’s are hit in Cleveland vs. San Francisco.
By Wake Up KIA
June 16, 2011 7:40 AM | Link to this
Know It All: DD is Matt the blog cop. He’s a fraud. Only Matt The Blog Cop ridicules and corrects all posters who disagree with his baseball”wisdom”. You are beginning to sound like his girlfriend,KIA! What happened to your manhood?
By KNOW IT ALL
June 16, 2011 7:28 AM | Link to this
OK DD if you looked at my comments I never said BAKER SUCKS, so please don’t say that I did. I disagree with some of his decisions and basically don’t like his style. As an example he did not start Stubbs yesterday after he had a banner day the game before. Even though Baker told Stubbs he was giving the day off prior to the game yesterdays game. Not knowing the outcome of yesterdays victory when Baker told Stubbs he was sitting. If I was the manager which I am not, but seeing that Stubbs who has been struggling have a great day at the plate game before I would have changed my mind and started him the next game instead of sitting him out. But water over the dam so the Reds are winning so lets focus on that. I won’t bash Baker unles warranted fair enough. Now has anyone heard from Mike in St Louis, losing another game this time 10 - ZERO. What has happened to his Red Birds? Reds moving up the standings each day…
By Paul in fairborn
June 16, 2011 12:42 AM | Link to this
Dusty makes a lot of moves that make me shake my head, like the lefty righty stuff to the nth degree, and the sticking with struggling player, his preference for vetrans, over or under use of pitchers, But you know what a lot of those decisions are coin tosses anyway and just when I am sure the latest change to the lineup is a mistake damn if it doesnt pay off. For all those games he is losing for us how many did he win by pushing the exact right button? how offten does he just know exactly which guy is right to come of the bench and pinch hit? What are the stats for Reds Pinch hitters? Second guessing managers is of course our job, and I hope most of you say FIRE DUSTY tongue in cheek as I do. We dont really want him fired do we? Who do you want? Tony Lassorda? I think it would be great to get Ozzie Guillén just for the entertainment value, But I believe for now those guys have jobs. You know this is just a thought out of left field wouldn’t Jim Tressel make a great baseball manager? I say no to any interim.
By Mike Mc in Ky
June 16, 2011 12:25 AM | Link to this
Man we could go 4 days on whats wrong with the Redlegs n LF n SS 0 homeruns, but who cares as long as were puttin W’s up?? Its scary to think how good we could be if those positions were producing? By the way has anyone noticed J Bruce is ice cold again? Heres to coming back home an no more POWER OUTAGES!! Give us Kemp or give us death!!!
By Harry Haddix
June 15, 2011 9:49 PM | Link to this
The Reds are looking good. Milwaukee will fold its tent and St. Louis will choke like last year. Reds will win the World Series
By Mike in KY
June 15, 2011 9:32 PM | Link to this
@Lew: Except the horse isn’t dead, only sleeping. Wait until the Reds next lose, or, worse, lose twice…
By Happy Birthday Dusty
June 15, 2011 8:41 PM | Link to this
He’s too old to manage. Fire Dusty.
By DBH
June 15, 2011 8:33 PM | Link to this
Baker should be fired! He is 62 and Rolen only had three hits and Votto struck out and Wood hit a man. I say fire the man.
By Lew
June 15, 2011 8:19 PM | Link to this
Mike in KY…you really know how to beat a dead horse, huh? Wow. Anyway…nice job on the coast, Boys!
By Mike in KY
June 15, 2011 7:26 PM | Link to this
So, what did Dusty do today to deserve to be fired?
By Gem&Heater
June 15, 2011 7:21 PM | Link to this
I went to Dodger stadium over 10 years ago and it was the best ballpark I have ever been in. Every seat was a good seat and it was simply spectacular with the green grass and the Dodger blue everywhere. Sorry to see the empty seats today even behind home plate. Not sure if Garvey would have the same impact in LA that Nolan Ryan had with Texas. And, yes, good to see the Reds roll.