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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 > 20 > Entry
Was Wood intimidated by the Yankees?
(McCoy blog)
CINCINNATI — The plane ride from Los Angeles to Cincinnati last Wednesday night was a pain ride for Johnny Cueto.
He walked off the plane with his carry-on bag and a pain in the neck, a pain that has persisted.
And it cost him his start Monday against the New York Yankees. He came down with a stiff neck, but it was easy for manager Dusty Baker and the Cincinnati Reds to do a quick Ali Shuffle.
With Thursday off, Monday was the normal turn for Travis Wood so Baker erased Cueto’s name and scribbled in Wood’s name, with a plan for Cueto to pitch Tuesday night.
Wood pitched the first inning like a guy totally unprepared or totally scared or as if he talked to Edinson Volquez — four runs and five hits, enough to beat the Reds, 5-3.
“It is the Yankees coming in, but I tried to be as calm as I could, just like it was any other game,” said Wood. “But maybe I was amped too much and didn’t know it. I was able to settle down and string together a few good innings.
“There were two pitches in that first inning and I asked (catcher Ryan Hanigan) if they were good pitches where we wanted them and he said they were, that they just put good pitches on them,” Wood added. “Then there were a couple I mislocated and they hit them as well.
“I was on my normal rest and I’m always ready to take the ball, so I wouldn’t say that switching my day affected me at all, he said.
FROM THE SECOND through the seventh, Wood gave up no runs and three hits with one walk, but it was too late.
Why late? Because the Red’ offense has gone into June hibernation. If they went to a run factory with a pocket full of money they couldn’t buy a run.
Over their last four games, they’ve scored seven runs total — 3, 2, 0, 2 — and they’ve lost three.
The Reds were beaten by Ivan Nova, but he looked more like Super Nova — one run, four hits over eight innings. He is a 24-year-old right-hander who has made 20 major-league starts and he mesmerized the Reds on an Easter basket assortment of off-speed stuff — change-ups, sinkers and breaking balls
THE REDS DID force the Yankees to bring in closer Mariano Rivera after the ninth began because Brandon Phillips singled and Joey Votto was hit by a pitch by two different pitchers.
That’s when Rivera entered. Jay Bruce grounded to first, scoring Phillips. Scott Rolen singled to deep short and Chris Heisey forced Rolen at second as Votto scored to make it 5-3.
Pinch-hitter Edgar Renteria struck out on a 2-2 pitch to end it.
After Wood left, Jose Arredondo started the eighth and did what he seems to always do — walked the first batter, Curtis Granderson.
“We’ve talked about that, Arredondo walking the first batter,” said Baker. “After that, he pitches well. We just have to get him to throw strikes to that first batter.”
That’s when the Reds turned into a tee-ball team. Granderson stole second when shortstop Paul Janish dropped his glove too soon to tag Granderson and the ball skittered into center field, enabling Granderson to take third. He then scored on Arredondo’s wild pitch.
“Janish makes that play 99 percent of the time,” said manager Dusty Baker. “And that turned out to be a big run. But the only action we had was in the first and in the ninth. We’re not hitting. We’re not getting our first man of any inning on base to make the pitcher pitch out of the stretch so we can make some things happen.”
AFTER THE YANKEES scored four in the top of the first, Drew Stubbs and Phillips both singled to open the bottom of the first. But the Reds scored only one because Votto hit into a double play (that scored Stubbs) and Jay Bruce grounded to first.
One wonders, of course, what Cueto might have done on this night, with or without a stiff neck.
“Stiff neck. Bothered me for about five days,” Cueto said in his broken English before Monday’s game. “When I throw I feel a little pain. I’m going to throw tonight (Monday) and maybe I can pitch tomorrow.”
Said Baker, “A minor problem. Instead of waiting until the last minute and telling Woody (Travis Wood) to strap it on and let’s go, we made the decision Sunday night. It is Woody’s normal day and it gives Cueto another day to heal.
“He’ll see a chiropractor and get a massage and some heat on it and hopefully he’ll be ready tomorrow night,” Baker added.
AROLDIS CHAPMAN was seated on his dressing stool in the Reds clubhouse before Monday’s game, but he isn’t back. Not yet.
Chapman will drive his Lamborghini with the Ohio license plate ‘105 MPH’ (hopefully not at that speed) to Louisville Tuesday and pitch two innings for the Bats.
And Homer Bailey will start the game, two appearances Baker hopes will be the last on rehab for both.
“And Sam LeCure has been pitching well, three scoreless innings in his last appearance for Louisville,” said Baker. “We have some key decisions to make coming up, but that’s better than not having any decisions to make at all.
“We have some quality guys coming back and it will feel good to get whole and set things up the way we had them set up about three months ago,” Baker added. “Chapman will do some long-tossing and bullpen work today and get some hands-on from (trainer) Tomas Vera. Hopefully he’ll have another good outing and we can make a positive decision.”
BAKER WAS HAPPY to hear that former Reds manager Jack McKeon is returning to the manager’s office, taking over the Florida Marlins as interim manager.
McKeon is 80 and becomes the second oldest manager in major-league history, second only to Connie Mack, who managed the Philadelphia Athletics until he was 89 in 1950. Mack never wore a uniform, always sat in the dugout wearing a three-piece suit and a fedora.
“I happen to like Trader Jack, so I’m happy to see Jack back, but sorry to see one of my colleagues resign and lose his job,” said Baker. “Maybe they are looking for the same magic from Jack that he had before when Jack came back.”
Baker felt that first-hand. It was 2003 and McKeon took over the stumbling Marlins and led them to the playoffs, where they beat Baker’s Chicago Cubs in the National League Championship Series, then went on to beat the New York Yankees in the World Series.
Unfortunately (for me and all fans), the Marlins already have visited Great American and won’t be back and I’ll miss some nice clubhouse office visits with Jack and me smoking up the premises with Padron Anniversario cigars.
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By Believe It
June 22, 2011 10:16 PM | Link to this
lineup should be, as of 10:10PM,6/22/2011:Lewis,LF;Phillips,2nd base;Heisey,CF;Votto,1st base;Rolen,3rd base;Bruce or Gomes,RF;Cozart,SS;Hanigan,C;Leake,P
By pedroneedsbourbon
June 21, 2011 6:11 PM | Link to this
Brennaman is awful, so fire Dusty ASAP! TB will never get fired; his pops swings way too much weight with this franchise and fan base. So turn the sound down.
By Mike-Cinci
June 21, 2011 5:24 PM | Link to this
Gem&Heater, I agree with you on John Sterling. A “homer” beyond “homers”. Thom just isn’t very good. He goes positve and negative far to often. He uses stats but often does not use them correctly to make a valid point. All to often he asks questions like “why isn’t Phillips sacricing” in a negative tone and his partner has to point out because “if he did they would walk Votto”. Thom never thinks ahead. The Cowboy and Thom are a disaster together. Welsh at least brings Thom back to earth on occasion. As Thom would say, “WOW did YOU realize that A-ROD was an all-star in SEATTLE, TEXAS, and NEW YORK”. Each time making sure we surely understood what he said by over emphasizing his words. He does it all the time whether what he is saying is important(rarely) or not. My guess is we will be spared Thom tonight due to rain. Will the Reds/Yankees play a day/night doubleheader on Wednesday?
By Gem&Heater
June 21, 2011 3:46 PM | Link to this
Glad I could clear things up for you Stuttgart Tim, but your response totally confused me. My point was that a lot of people do like TB and they are fans as well. Not as savy as you perhaps, but still fans. He isn’t near as polished, or knowledgeable as Harwell and Michaels but he isn’t as big a clown (or homer) as John Sterling. And, if you don’t like hearing him, turn down the volume or change the dial. BTW, the “cowboy” drives me way more crazy than Thom, so I don’t listen to him. This is my opinion only, it’s not meant to be a guide for shaping the opinion of others.
By Randyman
June 21, 2011 3:39 PM | Link to this
There’s another Randy blogging here once in awhile. I’ll switch to my nickname. Hey Hal, what’s the difference between an Ace, Stopper & a Workhorse? I wouldn’t consider Bronson an Ace. Statistics prove that he is a Workhorse. An Ace has an occasional rough outing but Bronson can get into a long funk before he comes out of it. Still, I’m glad we have him as a solid #2. The problem is, we REALLY DO need to trade for a veteran ace and a veteran outfielder to calm these kids down. In the game of baseball, experienced veterans trump youthful talent.
By Mike-Cinci
June 21, 2011 2:28 PM | Link to this
The Reds look bad at the moment. Teams are never as good as they seem in a winning streak and never as bad as they look in a losing streak. This team is not the 75-76 Reds. Clearly they need help in LF and SS. Votto is a fine player who is going through a rare down period over just a few games. Votto is getting nothing to hit because those following him in the order are not protecting him. Every team wants to take their chances pitching to Bruce, Rolen, any Reds left fielder, any Reds catcher, and any Reds shortstop over Votto. Until some of these guys start hitting Votto won’t get much to hit. Votto is hitting .323 with a .446 on base percentage. We are nuts to complain about Votto when there are much worse things to worry about. I exoect we could see Cozart by the all-star break. He will be 26 in August. If he is not ready now he will never be. Sappelt could come up, lead off and play LF but he would have to be added to the 40 man roster. He is 24. The Reds might not think he has played enough at triple A. He looks ready to me.
By KNOW IT ALL
June 21, 2011 1:56 PM | Link to this
Folks do you actually think the Reds are so motivated that the Yankees are in town? NOPE To them it is just another ball game, they are not St Louis or maybe Mil for the Reds to even make a point. That is the trouble they are motionless and blah. Swinging at balls in the dirt or so far outside you need an extended bat. They run the bases as if they have cement in their shoes. Bottom Line we have no LEADER, Baker is not a leader and we have no player that will call out someone for lack of hustle. At one time the players looked up to Votto but that is gone because Votto never showed any emotions back. Bruce is asleep once again and now has something stuck you know where because he can’t walk correctly even to bat. Phillips is in his own world as are the rest of the team. So whom will get us out of this funk, maybe no one.
By Steve in Richmond
June 21, 2011 12:45 PM | Link to this
.500-.583 wins divisions check your history. We are 2.5 games out of first after 70 games. We have not even hit our stride yet. I was glad he held Bray out last night, he will be fresh tonight. Renteria has face Rivera in the past and if you check has a very respectable average against him. Hannigan has not faced Rivera and you have Hernandez in the on deck circle to bat with runners in scoring position. Remember opening day? Folks sometimes you have to tip your hat to the competition. That was the greatest closer in baseball on the hill, sometimes you get the bear, sometimes he gets you. See you at the game tonight, the outcome will be different.
By Kyle
June 21, 2011 12:31 PM | Link to this
Why’s everyone picking on Thom? “He’s the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet.” Oh, wait, no that’s just everyone that Thom talks about.
By StuttgartTim
June 21, 2011 12:01 PM | Link to this
Gem, thanks for clearing that up for us. Silly me, I thought these WERE fans posting that they DON’T like Thom. I didn’t think I liked his announcing either, but since I’m a fan and you say so, I guess I must like him. I have MLB.com and get all the other announcers. I have also heard Ernie Harwell, Al Michaels and Vin Scully, and there are exactly three of them not “so many”.
By jim m.
June 21, 2011 11:55 AM | Link to this
Well Dusty should be happy, this is the team he wants.. Not improvements!! Cozart and Sappelt would give this a team spark as they are HUNGRY to get here and they hit.. At least try before the deadline to see if a trade can help if these two dont help. Plus it gets “Mr K Stubbs” out of leadoff and gives the top of the order a better chance for soembody to get on base more often. I swear this team has more taking strike 3 calls than i ever saw last year or before.. JaCoby has to go.. there seems to also be a Country Club atmosphere!!. No urgency to play hard thru the entire game and it shows.. To me if the Reds want to make a staement that they want to win the division and go farther than the 1st round, they have to go after Matt Kemp!.. that would help this offense and even spark the clubhouse too. Thats if they rather keep rolling out the same lack of hitting in LF night after night and Dusty doesnt wnat to bring anybody up from AAA. Then outside they need to do something.. I want to see them hungry, not satisfied playing .500!!
By CJ
June 21, 2011 11:33 AM | Link to this
I loved trader Jack McKeon. Great manager, maybe the last great one for the Reds. Might have won a world series in 90’ if management hadn’t saddled him with Griffey Jr the albatross.
By Kyle
June 21, 2011 11:00 AM | Link to this
Went to the game last night. Must say that many of us in the stands were questioning Dusty on a few moves. 1st, why did Wood hit his last time up? Perfect spot for a pinch hitter. 2nd, Bray was warm in the pen with 3 of the next four coming up lefties, but Arredondo comes in. 3rd, why Renteria for the last out instead of Gomes or Cairo or Hernandez? Don’t like to call out Dusty, but this seems like a poorly managed game.
By hildy 8910
June 21, 2011 10:29 AM | Link to this
I feel the same way I scared everyone in the house when I screamed. votto you rally killing b@stard,mvp,my a$$.
By Gem&Heater
June 21, 2011 10:02 AM | Link to this
Brennaman is popular with fans and is no worse than the majority of MLB team announcers. Yes, he and the others talk to much for the super smart fan like KIA, but you can always turn the sound off or change the channel. BTW, listen to a Yankees broadcast and tell me that you prefer John Sterling and that crew to TB and team. It’s an A-bomb for A-Rod call gets old fast. And, lets face it, there are only so many Ernie Harwell’s, Al Michaels (best Reds PBP man ever) and Vin Sculley’s created and that’s why you appreciate them when they come around.
By gom
June 21, 2011 9:41 AM | Link to this
It’s Cozart time as Janish looked intimidated to me. Wood was awful in the 1st, so bad that I think I could have hit him. Once he gave up the runs, the pressure was off and he pitched OK. Reds are a .500 team with the current roster, so what happens in the next few weeks will set their future at least in the short time
By KNOW IT ALL
June 21, 2011 8:49 AM | Link to this
Thom Brennaman is really bad, so bad he needs to give it up. Boring, non informative, off wall conversations, stupid humor. Now for the Reds, terrible batting order so Baker needs to make adjustments. They have used this similar line-up for 4 games now and can’t score more than 4 runs. Need to move guys up, down or out. They are playing without any emotion, motivation, so non-professional. Owner should come down and put his foot down with being direct and to the point that they are playing lousy.
By jeff
June 21, 2011 8:20 AM | Link to this
INCONSISTENT That is the definition of this team. I have been screaming it all season. They don’t have enough professional at bats in the lineup. Votto and phillips and then Rolen. Baker HAS to move Bruce out of the 4 hole. when he is hot he is great there but when he slumps he is a 5-7 hitter. I like Stubbs but the strikeout thing is getting to be a bit much. I am amazed that a guy with his speed can not bunt. What do they teach in the minors? Janish and Renteria can not be that much better than to give Cozart a shot. What about Sappelt. Maybe he can lead off and get on base. Point is that this offense is way too inconsistent to win this division.
By RRF
June 21, 2011 8:18 AM | Link to this
Count me in as one who thinks TB stinks as an announcer. I got so tired of the crap out of his mouth I switched from Direct TV to ESPN where they clearly pointed out the Reds batters were swinging at curve balls being thrown way outside the paint and making the Yankee pitcher look a lot better than he can pitch. It was if the Reds wouldn’t take a pitch. Hopefully we will see a better performance tonight at the plate.
By AJ
June 21, 2011 7:55 AM | Link to this
Hal, finally got to see Wood pitch. Didn’t seem to be throwing the cutter. Is he? If not, why not? Thanks.
By Mike-Cinci
June 21, 2011 7:13 AM | Link to this
Thom Brennaman is clueless about baseball. Every other sentence he gives us his loud rise and fall voice on some minor point…”A-Rod might get SIX HUNDREDD HR’S and did you knoW HE STARTED AS A SHORTSTOP”. He is awful! Just awful!
By The Sleeve
June 21, 2011 6:45 AM | Link to this
Hey Hal, reach across the press box and tell Thom Brennaman to STFU please. That guy and his incessant nonsense hyberbole is annoying. The guy has no clue about baseball. If I hear “you gotta ask …” BS one more time I am going to reach through the TV and hammer him myself…
By Don Newcomb
June 20, 2011 11:41 PM | Link to this
A stiff neck? They don’t make ‘em like they used to! Man up!
By KNOW IT ALL
June 20, 2011 11:29 PM | Link to this
My previous comment when I heard Cueto had a stiff neck and was replaced by Wood I did not like that news and felt it would change the momentum which it did. I disagree what Hal is saying that Wood was intimated. He made couple bad pitches and that is all it took. I have had it with Stubbs leading off. 3 Strike Outs one of which was so low and outside that he actually swung at it one-handed it was so far outside. Why does Baker continue to lead him off anyone could do better right now. As for Votto I noticed on big games he chokes and can’t come through with the big hit. Double Play ground ball when we needed a hit from him. Has been doing this lately when we need him. So where is Bruce? Back in the slump again that seems like it will last longer then the other one. He is player of the week and now can’t even get a hit. Baker needs to shake the lineup and or bring some young blood up and see if they can hit. Our current line up has mono…
By Fire the dugout dummy
June 20, 2011 11:29 PM | Link to this
Who the hell is calling pitches from the dugout? In the first inning 7 straight batters saw nothing but fast balls! No Changeups. No other breaking pitches…and they wonder why they have first inning poor performances.
By Fire The Reds
June 20, 2011 11:22 PM | Link to this
Uh, Lewis at left field AND leadoff, if you want a leadoff hitter to get on base. And Dickerson didn’t look too busy in the Yankee dugout tonight, if you want a CFer, who usually doesn’t strikeout three times a game, and makes all the defensive plays that Stubbs doesn’t…Apparently Heisey has a lump in his throat; of course, he was out of the lineup yesterday, as per Baker—so playing everyday for a month isn’t going to happen for him. Does Bruce have hemorrhoids? He looks like Sean Casey getting in and out of the batters box!How long will this slump last? How does one become a pro hero, when one is always in slumps? Is Wally Post still alive? Frank Robinson? Well,they are veterans! Bench Erroria,Little erroria, Janish, and bring up Cozart. Does Phillips still play for the Reds?