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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > June > 05 > Entry
Is it the new, improved Homer?
Absolutely loved what I saw from Homer Bailey — on the mound and in the clubhouse.
OK, so he still had his cowboy buckle and his cowboy boots (but I didn’t see the Bowie knife), but if he can pitch the way he did Thursday and handle the post-game media the way he did, he can wear the Emperor’s clothes.
Heck, only Marty Brennaman gets on Jeff “Cowboy” Brantley for the color combinations he wears in suits, shirts and ties.
Bailey pitched good, man, very good. Had he not run up against a solid Cole Hamels (no runs, three hits in a 5-0 shutout), he might have won. Had he not had three unearned runs posted to his name on errors by shortstop Paul Janish, Ken Griffey Jr. and one himself, he might have won.
He gave up only four hits and two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings against a solid offensive team in a ballpark built for two — two homers a day, whether they need them or not.
Afterward, he faced the media and provided great insight and great quotes. After the way I’ve been hard and harsh on him since spring training, I approached with trepidation, but he twice looked me in the eye and answered the questions.
And with a smile. Good for him. Let’s hope he stays this way, stays strong on the mound, stays strong in the clubhouse and becomes another important piece to the starting rotation.
Think about it: Edinson Volquez, Aaron Harang, Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo (The Good Bronson, not the Charles Bronson) and Bailey.
Things could look up considerably.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Homer Bailey
Comments
By MAC
June 7, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this
No doubt, Hal seems to be a great guy and is really entertaining to read. And, most young athletes today making as much money as Homer is seem to have some “jerk” in them especially early in their careers. However, Hal’s “criticism” on Homer appears to be much more about his “Redneck ways” than about his performance, attitude towards him or the Reds? Frankly, I’m tired of White Men, Fat folks and Rednecks being the only class of people many feel you can still attack or discriminate against and still be given a pass on it. Likewise, I think it’s interesting to note that Homer is comfortable enough w/ himself that he doesn’t try to be something he’s not even though now he is a ML baseball player. I think that says a lot of positive things about his character self image and self worth! IMO, let Homer be Homer and help him learn to the pro the Reds and he needs to be. In other words, is Hal part of the problem or part of the solution w/ or for Homer? Lastly, there’s absoulutly nothing wrong w/ being a “country boy!” Maybe the real problem w/ Homer & Hal has a lot to do w/ what question Hal asked, when he asked and how it was asked, than Homer’s attitude?By pat Monahan
June 6, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I took you advice Mr. Redlegs (Original). I looked at the 1970 starting five. Nolan had a great career. 5 years of double digit wins with more wins than loses and a 3.08 lifetime ERA. But, otherwise Merritt, McGlothlin, Simpson and Cloninger had less than stellar careers. The 1940 staff had two great pitchers in Walters and Derringer. The others had ok careers. Of course, it’s had to look at stats alone and compare them between different eras. That’s why Hal’s opinion matters. I’m sure he’s spoken with people that actually saw these guys throw. I’m sure he has first hand knowledge about the 70 team. How did Nolan or Walters compare with Volquez, arm for arm? That’s what I want to know about. Did Simpson have the best arm, but injuries ended his career too soon? That type of thing.By Don
June 6, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Hope springs eternal.I sense the team is going through a personality change between the young guns and the old guard.I predict they will have a strong second half.By James Humphrey, Jr.
June 6, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Hal, it’s all right you voice your opinion about Bailey’s past attitude. You don’t need me or anyone else to tell you that, but for one, you’ve earned it for years of service covering hundreds of ball players, let alone challenging Hall of Famers in person and in your column. He must have been some jerk for him to tick you off with his behaviour, but based on his post-game response to you, maybe the kid realized he was being a butt to a class act journalist for no reason.By jim
June 6, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
On the bright side if we can keep developing pitchers in the minors it shouldn’t be to hard to atract a free agent position player in a hitter friendly park to ignite the offence next year. I also look for them to trade weathers,afeltd and possibly arroyo at the trade deadline this year. Especialy if homer continues to improve and bray keeps pitching well. They have some deapth at Louisville in the bullpen and starting rotation. Examples Herrea thompson and maloneyBy BnOPanther
June 6, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Hal, that’s why you’re in the Hall of Fame and we’re not. Way to be a man and write something positive about a player you have issues with. And to Homer, it’s not that hard is it? Come to the ballpark, talk to the press and throw strikes. One thing I like about this team is there professionalism. I think Homer sees J Bruce and the rest of the guys doing the right things in the clubhouse and I think it has rubbed off. If this team could get some timely hits, we could be in for one fun summer. Maybe I’m an optomist, but I see this thing turning around with veteren leadership and youthful exuberance.By Kyle
June 6, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Thought the same thing about the draft pick. Keep hearing how Votto is our 1st baseman for the next 15 years, and then this pick. Unless this is a case of pick the best athlete, and not what you need, with the hopes of trading him, this has to go down as one of the worst draft moves ever.By Doco
June 6, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
I gotta give props to Charlie Manuel for benching Jimmy Rollins yesterday for not hustling. And also to Rollins for accepting it like a man. To paraphrase Rollins he said coach has 2 rules, be on time and hustle. And he broke one and deserved to sit. That’s coming from an MVP! I wish more coaches would demand hustle and not play favorites(see Marvin and Dusty).By David B
June 6, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Mac I agree with you. That is the first thing I thought of when I heard about our first round pick. It seems like a waste of a first round pick. Votto is our future at first.By AP-FLORIDA
June 6, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
IT IS JUST RUSTY BAKER BEING RUSTY BAKER….2 1/2 MORE YEARS? PLEASE WAKE UP……By Jon Boy Walton
June 6, 2008 2:45 AM | Link to this
Seems to me that Homer did his job…rest of the team couldn’t figure out the Philly pitcher’s great stuff. Homer had a quality start (despite Junior’s help) and did a terrific job. No run support of course. Maybe Homer will be the next Harrang (spelled no run support, again). According to Hal, Homer’s attitude is improved and so is his pitching. Isn’t this what the team’s been looking for? And what’s with sending down this new lights-out reliever, Dusty? Why not keep him and send Lincoln down? Lincoln been stinkin’! What do they want from people? How discouraging to be called up, pitch PERFECTLY, and be sent right back? Now there’s a typical Red’s motivational technique for ya! And how’s that one been working for ya, Dusty? Keep the kid and 86 Corey Patterson and his pathetic .195 average.By MAC
June 6, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this
Time to “Cowboy Up” Hal and give the kid his do. Some guys play cards, others video games, some like music and others watch TV; Homer reads hunting Mags and dresses in western attire; who the h*ll cares as long as he bust his backside between the lines! On a Offensive and Draft note, someone tell me why the Reds spent their 1st rd pick today on Left-Handed Power hitting 1st baseman who has very little speed and even less chance of playing any other position than 1st base? This is a pick @ #7 you’d expect to see in Cincy in perhaps 3-4 yrs; where will he play? I guess they’re counting on Griffey, Dunn and Votto all being gone at that point?By Steve
June 5, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
I agree with Hal to be excited to see that Homer pitched so well today in a difficult environment. His low pitch count was especially encouraging compared to last year. Those are the factors that matter, not if he’s improved his access to the media or answers their questions by looking people in the eye. All in all, a great day for the Reds despite the loss.By rob
June 5, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
If the Reds can buckle down and win 3 out of 4 in Florida, then get over .500 on the homestand things will be looking a lot better. I look for all the rookies, throw Volquez and Encarnacion in there, to improve dramatically in the second half. The Central is still very winnable.By bigdoc1
June 5, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Good news about Homer! I have hope for an 82-80 season, a good step forward!By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
June 5, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Have the Reds ever had a better starting staff than 2008??? Seriously? Take a look at 1970 and 1940, and the common thread between those two teams. They went to the World Series. This is a sub-.500 team.By Y-City Jim
June 5, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Let’s get healthy with Keppinger back and in the lead off spot.By Mike-Cinci
June 5, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Bad teams don’t hit when they get good pitching and hit but not good enough when they get bad pitching. In between the defense stinks. The Phillies are better than the Reds. It is just that simple. The Reds need to win 3 of 4 in Miami to come home with a 4-4 road trip. After that it is the Cardinals, Red Sox, Dodgers at home, Yankees, Blue Jays, Indians on the road. It could get very ugly. We will find out what kind of team this is. So far leaving Philly they are 1-3.By pat Monahan
June 5, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Coach, I believe they have 29 times this year. Not, as many as we’d like. But, I do hear what you’re saying.By Coach
June 5, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Well done, Homer! Can these guys EVER put it all together, on the same day?By pat Monahan
June 5, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Sometimes you have to tip your cap to great pitching on the other team. Today is case in point. No team would have done better. Hal, have the reds ever had a better starting staff? This might be a better question at the end of 2008.By HubetTucky
June 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
What I fins most frustrating is how the Reds are just so hot/cold hot/cold when it comes to hitting, clutch hitting, and run production. They get wonderful pitching performances and then can’t buy a hit. Makes me wonder if teams have certain pitchers they play hard for and others they don’t like or care about. For example, teams don’t seem to hit well or score behind Randy Johnson. Are the Reds doing that to Aaron?By Mike
June 5, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
If you want evidence of negative offense..look at Harang..2-8..an average of about 2.5 runs a game next to lowest in the NL!..Reds have been outscored 293-270..lousy on the road at 10-22..91/2 out..tied for last at the moment. A talk show host in Cincinnati..his favorite saying is Reds ned pitching-pitching-pitching..etc.! Well..how about changing that to runs runs runs runs! Want concern? Ask Harang!By Kyle
June 5, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
But if that’s the best the offense can do, who cares how well he pitched? You can’t expect the starters to hold them to negative one runs just so the Reds have a chance.