By Matt

July 11, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Thanks for your support, Marty 1. AND Ryan!!

By Marty I

July 10, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Sorry James - gotta agree with Matt- I’m guessing if you are employed it is as a professional name caller - calling a class act like Griffey (who is not in his prime but is still a good ball player & a great human being) names & then calling Matt an idiot shows your lack of intelligence. Are you sure your aren’t Dave from M-burg/Bc? Mars?

By James Dean

July 10, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

You’d be well advised to learn (and practice) the fine art of give and take or it’s gonna be a real long, angy and unemployed summer for you, Mr. Matt.

By John

July 10, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

If the Reds sign CC Sabathia, I will eat my hat.

By Matt

July 10, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

I do work. I’m kinda in between right now. I just got out of school and I’m working to find a job in my field. I’m working a little part-time, stopgap job right now. It’s just like I said, man. Certain things are black and white, and there’s no room for debate. The grass is green. You can sit here and tell me it’s your “opinion” that the grass is purple, but that doesn’t make the grass any less green. Telling outright lies and bull about Griffey or Baker or anyone else and saying that that stuff is your “opinion” is ignorance of the subject matter that your talking about and does not qualify as an informed, educated “opinion”.

By James Bradley

July 10, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Suit yourself. But you’re going to be one busy fella fending off folks differing opinions that you interpret as fact. It’s called discourse…pepole taling. Remember, this is a blog where people just chat and vent. Uh, don’t you work? You seem to be on here posting at all hours.

By Matt

July 10, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Saying that Griffey is an “albatross” or “cancer” is not an opinion. It is ignorance and simply false. If my “opinion” is that the sky is green, then my “opinion” is purely and simply untrue. I will not stand by as a true Reds fans and listen to such outrageous talk and say nothing about it. If you want to debate whether the Reds have talent, what should happen to fix the Reds, then that is a valid argument where “opinions” matter. But this foolish talk that Baker is a bad manager, and that Griffey is some piece of trash is ridiculous, and I’ll not stand by and say nothing when I hear it or read it.

By James Bradley

July 10, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Oaky Matt, I read your comments. It’s just tiring to constantly read your bashing of people on this blog who state their opinions, and just because they disagree with your OPINIONS, that makes them idiots in your mind. Based on the fact that most on this blog seem to disagree with your opinions, where does that leave you in the race for idiot?

By Matt

July 10, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

James, I have not even met Ryan, so your comment about him and I is pretty out there and quite frankly, very bizarre. To answer you, no, I don’t speak for Ryan, and he certainly doesn’t speak for me. I don’t try to come across as an “authority figure” or anything of the sort on here. But it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that some opinions on here (Hubertucky, brarhopper, Mike-Cinci) are so ignorant and asinine it’s not even funny. I am a passionate Reds fan, and I care about the team and its players, and I’ll speak my mind about issues relating to that firmly and clearly. If you don’t like that, tough luck.

By James Bradley

July 10, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Let me ask you Matt, is Ryan your hand puppet? You speak for him, do ya? Man, your posts border on grandiosity. You are simply expressing opinions and you know what they say about opinions. Stop pretending that you’re some sort of authority — you’re NOT. You’re just a little boy who likes baseball and has some very deep emotional and control issues than come out to play on this blog. You seem to think that yo can bully grown men with you know-it-all-ism, and sorry to tell you but that’s simply not true. How’s about you and Mr. Lonley just stay home together and knit doilies.

By Matt

July 10, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Yeah, well it’s not the baseball idiot chat room either. The ignorance on these blogs is downright staggering. Ryan and I, and whoever else that knows what they’re talking about, understand what is happening with the Reds and what the Reds need to do to win.

By James Bradley

July 10, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Ahhh, the love-in is in full bloom. Matt and Ryan are a couple of knob knockers. Reading their love letters is sickening. C’mon girls, this isn’t a dating service for Queen City dandies. You’ve confused this blog with one of your gay hotlines.

By Sad_Fan

July 10, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

The problem with Harang is not Dusty, it’s Kremcheck. Just like with Dempster, and with other Reds and Bengals (Anderson, R Johnson, A Brooks, etc.), he just doesn’t do a very good job of early diagnosis. So, guys end up playing longer when hurt and get hurt worse. I think that it’s time for both teams to get a new doc.

By Matt

July 10, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

Heck yeah, Ryan. It’s great to talk to a true Reds fan on here. We’re not just fair weather fans. We want to see a winner, but see it done the right way. If the Reds can keep their nucleus of young players and build around them, they can be great for years to come.

By Ryan

July 10, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

Matt….I realize that guys like Mike-Cinci wouldn’t know a golf ball from a football. I just like to ride them that is it. I did read where Baker made those comments about CC. That did bring a chuckle to my belly. I would love to see CC in a Reds uni, but I’m not going to hold my breath…though. I just think that the Reds could sign Dunn cheaper then most people think, because not two many teams are going to pay him what he will be asking for this offseason. I could be wrong about that, as well. They just need to add another outfielder to the mix, as well. Hey….what about moving Votto to the outfield and bring in a free agent first baseman. I do not mean Mark T. either. Maybe with a kid like Alonso coming down the road, if they can sign him. That could be an option. We can speculate all we want, but it is out of our hands! It is sure fun talking about it thought!!! I cannot wait for the day people will stop making fun of me for wearing my Reds hat everywhere. Go Reds!!

By Matt

July 10, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Ryan, guys like Mike-Cinci, Nubertucky, and brarhopper are best to be ignored. They know not of which they speak. I thought it was prety intriguing this past week when Dusty Baker mentioned he would love the Reds to acquire C.C Sabathia. I wonder if this offseason (esp. if Junior AND Dunn walk) if the Reds ould swing that deal, because we know Sabathia is not signing with Milwaukee long term. It would be another coup for the Reds, and would give them a formidable rotation, no question.

By max

July 10, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

I have unlimited confidence in the good doctor. Look at the miracle job he has done on Hopper and Gonzales. Not to mention the multiple times guys where out for a couple of days only to wind up down for a month or so. Of course maybe the fans don’t get the full story for good reason. If nothing else Doc talks a good game and he does do a lot of surgery for other teams. Maybe the Reds are just snakebit. But the Cards have something like 9 pictchers on the disabled list and Washington has some outrageous number like 30 different starting pitchers in the 2007 season so this is really a problem in all of baseball. Might be interesting to reread those books written by the 1960’s Red’s reliever. From memory I think he wrote a bit about injuries back then.

By Ryan

July 10, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Mike-Cinci…do you actually think with 500 or better then 500 road trip the Reds would be in the race? This team needs to make a few moves to get better. I would not say there is a lack of talent on this team, as well. For what ever reason this group of players are not working, but it is not a lack of talent. They were beat by a better team in the last two games. I’d be happy with just a 500 season at this point in time. I bet Steve Avery, Tom Glavane, and John Smoltz were all stars in thier first few years in the majors. It is time to let these young players play on a daily basis to see what they can do at the big league level. I just love how you throw around the term “Lack of Talent” in your posts.

By Matt

July 9, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Mike-Cinci, have you paid attention as to who the Reds faced these past two nights? Dempster and Zambrano? Lack of talent? Are you kidding me? Those two have been shutting teams down all year. The Reds ARE a few moves here and there from winning. Jocketty needs to add a leadoff hitter/center fielder, starting pitcher, an arm or two in the bullpen, and a guy off the bench with some power to put the fear in opposing teams. We knew this was going to be a tough road trip to begin with, and the only chance of success is pretty much to win out. What did you expect? To score 6 or 7 runs off Dempster and Zambrano? Hello…

By Mike-Cinci

July 9, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

The Reds proved again this evening the problem is a lack of talent. The Cubs have won 7-3 and 5-1 the last 2 nights when the Reds needed wins to stay in the race. Some fans think this group of players is good enough to compete with better teams but they are not. The Reds have some nice players but they are not nearly good enough to play with the best. The Reds are not a couple of players away fom success they are many players away from winning. Jocketty has his work cut out for him. Patience please.

By D8NKenny

July 9, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Mark in Sun Valley has it correct. It should have been Bray first and then Fogg pitches until the game is over. Dusty wasted his long man in Fogg. I doubt this one incident caused the injury though, guess we will never know.

By Pat Dolwick

July 9, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and there’s no way to prove Harang’s 4 IP here were the cause of his troubles, but I’m w/ Mark and null on this one … Fogg should have not pitched in the 11th. Two legitimate reasons IMO: 1) when you’re trying to close out a game you should go w/ your best available pitcher (all else equal). Bray > Fogg, 2) especially in an inning where there were 3 LHB in the first six to hit, 3) as others have said, why shoot your last arrow before you have to … let Bray pitch 11 … if the Padres get two … then tell Fogg he’s in for the duration. Dusty painted himself into a corner & ended up having to use two of the Reds top 5 players (Harang, Volquez) in situations that didn’t suit them. Not what you want to be doing in a game in May. It’s frustrating being a Reds fan. Pat D.

By Red

July 9, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Well, I hate to even bring this up but….one of the knocks on Dusty Baker in recent years was his alleged mishandling of Cubs pitchers Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. Those two guys ended up missing significant time with injuries and surgery. I realize that the pitching staff was really thin that day out in San Diego, but is it possible that Harang was overused, thus resulting in injury, if in fact it does exist???

By Mark in Sun Valley

July 9, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

But Fogg should have NEVER STARTED in the 11th. He came in with the 2 run lead. Bray, who has closer stuff, should have come in to get that save, and then if he failed, Fogg is available to go the distance.

By Mr. Baseball

July 9, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

In the bottom of the 11th inning with the Reds leading by two runs, Fogg allowed the first two batters to reach base with singles. Then a sac bunt moved the runners to 2nd and 3rd. Then a ground out scored one run, leaving the tying run at second. The Reds were winning by 1, there were two outs with a runner on second and two tough left-handed hitters — Giles and Gonzalez —coming up. The game was still very winnable if the Reds could get one more out. Dusty made the right move in bringing in Bray. (Can you imagine if he would have left Fogg in and allowed him to lose the lead in this situation?) Bray allowed a double to Giles to score the tying run, then he retired Gonzalez, and the game moved to the 12th inning.

By null

July 9, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Bottom line is that Fogg is a long reliever and instead of pitching 2/3 of an inning, Baker should not have gone to his last reliever, leading to having to use starters. You don’t do that over one game in May. Period.

By Y-City Jim

July 9, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

When will the results of the MRI be known?

By rob

July 9, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Hopefully the MRI comes back negative and with a stint on the DL Harang will be OK. I agree with Mr. Baseball. What was Baker supposed to do in that 18 inning game? Throw in the towel and use a position player as a pitcher? Bringing him back three days later raises some eyebrows, though.

By Chris

July 9, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Hal, I still call him Ryan Dumpster. But I waited until he was a Cub.

By rick

July 9, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

This is silly speculation. Harang was squeezed significantly last night. It’s not like he was missing badly when he walked guys. So Dempster had bad control once (actually still does) and now Harang gets squeezed on one night and he needs Tommy John surgery? His control has been fine all year. Ridiculous.

By rick

July 9, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

This is silly speculation. Harang was squeezed significantly last night. It’s not like he was missing badly when he walked guys. So Dempster had bad control once (actually still does) and now Harang gets squeezed on one night and he needs Tommy John surgery? His control has been fine all year. Ridiculous.

By Y-City Jim

July 9, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Some on another board speculate that perhaps it was not the May 25 relief stint that caused the issue but the May 29 start. Perhaps Harang should have been given a couple extra days to recuperate from throwing 160+ pitches over four days.

By John

July 9, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

This organization has shown time and again that it can’t handle pitchers — been going on for years. Lots of good pitchers came here only to stink and/or get hurt, then resurrect their careers elsewhere: Dempster, Lohse, etc. Other pitchers weren’t so lucky: Mario Soto, Tom Browning, Jose Rijo, Danny Jackson, Pete Harnisch, Tim Pugh, John Smiley, Danny Graves, and now Aaron Harang?

By Mr. Baseball

July 9, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

It now appears the 18-inning May 25 game in San Diego may have been the turning point of the Reds season. In that game, Harang threw 63 pitches in a four-inning relief stint. This came after throwing 103 pitches three days earlier. Up until May 25, Harang had been a very good pitcher who was pitching in hard luck. After May 25, his ERA skyrocketed. Now it appears he might be seriously injured. Some will jump to the erroneous conclusion that Dusty mis-used Harang in that game. But let’s consider the facts. The game went 18 innings. The Reds used 24 players including every position player and every pitcher on the roster except for Cueto who was to be the starting pitcher in the next game. The game was closely contested with six Reds pitchers being used by the ninth inning. The Reds entered the bottom of the ninth leading by one run with Cordero on the mound. Cordero blew the save and pitched the 10th as well. The Reds took a 2 run lead in the 11th, but Josh Fogg gave it up. Bray had to come in to bail Fogg out; in doing so, he earned the second blown save of the game by letting inherited runners score. Bray pitched another inning after that (the 12th). In the top of the 13th, Bray’s spot in the batting order came up with two outs and nobody on. You’re the manager. What do you do? This game has twice been in your grasp, but has slipped away both times. You still have a chance to win. Bray is the last reliever in the bullpen. He has already thrown 24 pitches. To send him back out in the bottom of the 13th might push him to 40+ pitches, well out of his comfort zone. You have no pinch hitters left except three pitchers. (Remember, this was the game where Arroyo, Harang and other starting pitchers returned to the clubhouse in the late innings to put on their spikes, a universal signal to their manager that they are avilable to pitch, if needed.) Mr. Baseball could go either way, but he can’t disagree with Dusty’s decision. Dusty used Arroyo (a decent hitter for a pitcher) to pinch hit for Bray, in hopes that Arroyo could get on base the hitters to follow (Freel, Encarnacion, Ross) might be able to squeek out a run. Arroyo did his part by getting a hit, but Freel made the third out. At this point, Dusty did what he had to do and what most managers would do in this situation. He “re-started” the game with the freshest starting pitcher he had available — Aaron Harang. Harang went 4 scoreless innings and threw 63 pitches. He even batted once trying to stretch out his innings to save the next pitcher in line — Edinson Volquez. But, ultimately, Volquez was brought in in the 17th. He pitched 1 2/3 innings and threw 39 pitches. Bringing in Volquez was much more controversial than using Harang because Volquez is a younger, less experienced pitcher, not as strong physically, and he had thrown 92 pitches just two days before — not to mention the damage it could do to his psyche if he blew the game. He ended up giving up a 3-run home run to Adrian Gonzalez in the bottom of the 18th to lose the game. Mr. Baseball distinctly remembers thinking that given the way the game played out, Dusty did about everything he could do under the circumstances. Mr. Baseball’s biggest qualm was bringing Harang back four days later; he should have been given a couple extra days after pitching so many pitches out of sequence. The four innings in San Diego was not so much the problem as was the lack of adequate rest for Harang after the San Diego stint. Harang had a 3.32 ERA after the May 25 game, one of the better ERAs in the league.In his next start against Pittsburch on May 29, Harang gave up 6 runs on 10 hits in 4 innings. That was the beginning of his downward slide. You may want to make the case that Dusty mis-used Harang in the may 25th game, but hindsight is 20-20. What would you have done differently?

By Nick

July 9, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait to see who we trade now. If this news becomes fact, what do you guys think we will do?

By fan_from_afar

July 9, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Another pitcher done in by Dusty? Many Cubs fans will tell you that Dusty over-used and therefore caused the injuries that derailed the careers of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior during his stay in Chicago. If Harang has to have surgery, that will only feed the perception that Dusty wrings out pitchers’ arms to the point of uselessness. I’m not saying the perception is right or wrong, but it does exist, and this will feed into it. What cannot be ignored, in my opinion, is that Dusty took a decent Cubs team and flushed them down the toilette over the course of four years finishing 1st in the division his first year, then 3rd, then 4th, and then finally LAST before Chicago got wise to him. Yes, he has a history of winning… with lots of talent on his Giants teams. Unfortunately, that good reputation has lasted far beyond any decent managerial skills. Ask Cubs fans. They know. ;-)

By Mike-Cinci

July 9, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Thank you Dr. McCoy. This is not good news. Aaron has not been quite as sharp this year and I fear he has been hurting for some time. He did pitch great against the Red Sox two weeks ago so maybe he just needs a good 2 week rest. Weathers sat out a couple of weeks and it seemed to help him. The MRI is a good idea.

By rockieredsfan

July 9, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

We need to nickname you Doom and Gloom McCoy! I would like to think you are wrong in your assessment, but as close as you are to the situation, I know your speculation will come out true! It is a sad or should I say terrible day for him, the Reds and his great fans. We all wish him a speedy recovery and great season when he returns. Trade winds now must be blowing real hard in Cincinnati.

By rockieredsfan

July 9, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

We need to nickname you Doom and Gloom McCoy! I would like to think you are wrong in your assessment, but as close as you are to the situation, I know your speculation will come out true! It is a sad or should I say terrible day for the him, the Reds and his great fans. We all wish him a speedy recovery and great season when he returns. Trade winds now must be blowing real hard in Cincinnati.

By Nick

July 9, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

If this turns out to be the case with Harang you can kiss the 2009 season goodbye for the Reds as well. If this does happen then but me on the side of trade both Dunn and Griffey, where as before I would have kept Dunn. I do not want to pay Dunn for 2009 if we still have no pitching to go with the offense. If Harang doesn’t need the surgery then I would like to keep Dunn becuase he would have a viable team at that point.

By CantonRedsFan

July 9, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

…and Dusty’s path of pitcher destruction continues.

By Y-City Jim

July 9, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Well, that stinks.