The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Ask Hal: Trains were great for covering baseball

High school sports results for May 26
5/26/12
Reds' six-game winning streak broken
5/26/12
Annual Warrior Soccer Classic kicks off today
5/26/12
Dragons' rally falls short against Lansing
5/26/12
WSU baseball ousted from tournament
5/26/12
> More sports headlines

By Hal McCoy, Contributing Writer 9:27 PM Saturday, March 13, 2010

Hall-of-fame baseball writer Hal McCoy knows a thing or two about America’s pastime. If you want to tap into that knowledge, send an e-mail to halmccoy@hotmail.com. For more Ask Hal, log on to DaytonDailyNews.com/reds.

Q Does top pitching prospect Travis Wood know that Dusty Baker ruined a pitcher with the same last name? — Dave, Miamisburg/Centerville/Beavercreek

A If Baker ruined Kerry Wood, why is Wood still the closer for the Cleveland Indians at age 32? Yeah, I know, even you could close for the Tribe, but one of the great fallacies is that Baker ruined Wood and Mark Prior when they pitched for the Cubs. Both pitchers remain great friends of Baker’s and deny that he hindered their careers in any way.

Q Did you experience baseball in the days of train travel and how was it? — Michael, Arlington, Va.

A Some folks think I covered baseball when teams traveled by stagecoach or wagon train. Yeah, and I always rode shotgun. I love trains and used Amtrak from Los Angeles to San Diego or Philadelphia to New York. No security checkpoints, carry your own luggage and it never gets lost, no seat belts, large La-Z-boy chair in the club cars. Heaven on wheels.

Q If you were manager and could choose between any Reds pitcher, past or present, to get the last out with the bases loaded and a one-run lead in the ninth, who would it be? — John, Fort Wayne, Ind.

A Some obvious answers: Rob Dibble, Norm Charlton, Randy Myers, Danny Graves, Doug Bair, Jeff Shaw, Pedro Borbon, Clay Carroll, Will McEnaney, Rawlins Jackson Eastwick III. Notice that most of them were closers. But for one out, give me Mario Soto, who would rather drink Drano from a contaminated cup that give up a hit or a walk, even with the bases empty and a 10-run lead.

Q Do you think Marty Brennaman stays with the Reds because he doesn’t want to work in October? — Rick, Vandalia

A If that were the case, he’d sign on with Pittsburgh or Kansas City. He stays with the Reds because he is a Cincinnati icon. He signs more autographs around spring training than any of the players and actually talks to the fans and looks them in the eye.

Q What are the ramifications of the Reds moving from Sarasota in the Florida State League to Lynchburg in the Carolina League? Despite the lack of fans, I loved FSL ball, far more than Dayton and the Midwest League. — Lee, Orlando, Fla.

A You can’t compare Dayton to Sarasota because Dayton is Low-A and Sarasota was High-A. But because Dayton draws 8,000 a game and Sarasota draws 400, players felt as if they were demoted when they were promoted to Sarasota. Paul Janish said it was so quiet in Ed Smith Stadium that he once heard a cell phone ringing and ringing and ringing in the stands that he finally yelled, “Answer it, will you?” Lynchburg certainly will draw better than Sarasota, which finished last every year for attendance of all minor-league teams.

Q Why are the Reds using the designated hitter in spring games when I thought they played the same rules for exhibition games? — Bill, Villa Hills, Ky.

A If both teams agree, the DH can be used in spring games. It gives managers a chance to see another hitter in the lineup to evaluate him. Amazingly, the Reds used the DH last week against Milwaukee and the Brewers didn’t use it. Personally, I’d still like to see them put the DH in a boot locker and leave it there.

Q Be honest, you were pulling for Texas in the national championship game because of quarterback Colt McCoy because he is probably a distant relative, right? — Bryan, Cincinnati

A Of course I was. And when he signs that fat pro contract, ol’ Uncle Hal will be there with his hand out. I may be The Real McCoy, but he is The Rich McCoy.

Q Alex Gonzalez missed a lot of the season two years ago because his infant son was hospitalized. How did that turn out? — Laurie, Bellbrook

A His son was born with a birth defect and nearly died a couple of times. I admired Gonzalez so much because he tried to play through it. His son has survived, but needs to be closely monitored.

Q Who has been the most impressive new face in camp so far? — Neil, East Granby, Conn.

A Well, pitcher Mike Leake probably has the prettiest face and Chris Burke is a good-looking guy. Writer Gary Schatz has lost 110 pounds and his face is half the size it once was. But if you mean who has been the most impressive player, well, it starts and ends with Aroldis Chapman.

Q What are the chances Aroldis Chapman might start the season with the Dayton Dragons and wouldn’t that be a good way for him to adjust to pro ball? — George, Kettering

A Slim and None and both left town holding hands. Chapman is far too advanced for ‘A’ ball and would totally dominate. He probably will start at ‘AA’ Carolina or ‘AAA’ Louisville. The hope is that the Reds don’t get greedy and start him in the majors, where ruination might await.

Q Have you found any good eateries around Goodyear yet? — Matthew, Urbana

A Working on it. Donovan’s Steakhouse (five stars), Raul & Theresa Mexican (outstanding), Bella Luna Italian (outstanding), McGrath’s Seafood (very good), my waist-line — bad.

Q Shouldn’t the Reds go with all the young guys like Juan Francisco, Todd Frazier, Chris Valaika, Aroldis Chapman, Matt Maloney, Enerio Del Rosario, Chris Heisey and Drew Stubbs? It might take a couple of years, but wouldn’t it pay off in the long run? — John Trotwood

1 | 2 next page »

Share this article