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By Hal McCoy, Staff Writer Updated 7:21 PM Saturday, July 25, 2009

CHICAGO — Sometimes a fresh perspective from a young first-year reporter can draw out a different slant on things.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Micah Owings is 6-10 with a 5.33 earned-run average and the reporter asked manager Dusty Baker if Owings’ start today was meaningful for his future in the rotation.

“Nothing at this point, he is not on a start-to-start schedule,” said Baker. “He is still learning how to pitch — only been in the big leagues less than two years.”

Owings’ coach at Gainesville (Ga.) High School is here this weekend. “And he told me Micah only walked three guys in his entire career,” said Baker.

“Actually, it was my senior year when I walked only three guys all year,” said Owings. “I had a great high school pitching coach named Cris Carpenter. He attended my high school, pitched in the majors for nine years (1988-96), then came to coach at Gainesville.”

Baker said the Reds still are trying to figure out how to get Owings to take what he has in the bullpen — “always great stuff and command” — to the mound for games.

“We’re all taught to give 110 percent,” said Baker. “But sometimes 80 to 85 percent is better. Slow it down. Greg Maddux always told me when he got in trouble he backed off a little, tried less hard, slowed it down. Sometimes trying harder, trying more, is counter-productive.”

First-hand knowledge

Baker had a chat with outfielder Willy Taveras recently because Taveras is a “been there, done that” kind of guy, played on two World Series teams (2005 Astros, 2007 Rockies).

“Taveras told me the Astros started 15-30 and were 17 games out of first place, but came back to win,” said Baker. “And the 2007 Rockies came from nowhere to win 20 of 21 down the stretch to make the playoffs.”

Said Baker, “He reminded me Friday he was on two World Series teams and both were way behind. That’s why you like guys like Willy, who have been through it, to convince the other guys that it is possible. Most of our guys have not been through it.”

Thinking out loud

Some philosophical thoughts from Baker in his office early Saturday morning:

• “This losing is frustrating. I can go to sleep, but I keep waking up trying to figure answer to the clues.”

A friend, former adidas representative Roger Vogel, called Baker this week and asked if he remembered what Baker signed on a photo for him 20 years ago: “Don’t quit until the end of the run.”

• “I read Proverbs every morning and today it said, and I’m paraphrasing, ‘How small is your faith if you waver in times of trouble?’

“My sister attends a bi-lingual church and she called to say to me, ‘God has bigger and better plans for you.’ I wish I knew what it was.”

• Asked about possibly shaking up his lineup, Baker said, “I’ve shaken about as much as I can shake. There are only so many ways you can mix a salad.”

• “You have to keep the spirit up. If the spirit is broken, you’re lost.”

Neck and neck

Maybe it was the long flight from L.A. to Chicago, but two Reds were unable to play Saturday due to stiff necks — outfielder Laynce Nix and catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Nix was originally in Friday’s lineup but scratched. Hanigan, who had three hits Friday, was in Saturday’s lineup and then scratched. Catcher Craig Tatum made his first career start.

Latest Volquez plan

Edinson Volquez is scheduled to throw 75 pitches Monday in Cincinnati, including breaking balls for the first time, during his fourth bullpen session to test his elbow.

If that goes well, the plan is for Volquez to pitch a simulated game in Great American Ball Park on Thursday or Friday before he tries a rehab assignment in the minors.

Quote of the day

“I’ll have a baby by myself before you ever drive in three runs in one game.” — Former Reds pitcher Kent Mercker to pitcher Aaron Harang two years ago. “And after my three-run homer (Friday) I plan to call him and remind him,” said Harang.

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Dusty- I too am a man of faith and if your sister feels like God told her that He has bigger and better things for you, maybe you better resign now and start exploring that notion. Help us all out and resign, please!

Jeff
9:15 AM, 7/26/2009

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Wow! Does that mean if Willy T. has already been 'through it', and he's not even our best center fielder; that if we played our best center fielder, in CF...?

Worn Cleat
10:27 PM, 7/25/2009

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