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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 > 2010 > July > 20 > Entry
Stubbs on Bunt Patrol every day
For those who have wondered why (or demanded that he do it) Drew Stubbs doesn’t use his world-class sprinter’s speed by laying down some bunts, well, he and the Cincinnati Reds are working on it. And working hard.
Every day on this homestand, in the gagging heat of the late afternoon, Stubbs and coach Billy Hatcher are on the field by themselves. Hatcher pitches, Stubbs bunts. Hatcher pitches, Stubbs bunts. Hatcher pitches, Stubbs bunts.
He drops down about 100 bunts every days and will continue to do it.
“We’ve done it the last four days and Hatcher and I are trying to make it an every day thing until I get comfortable doing it. Back in my college days (University of Texas) our whole offensive scheme was centered around bunting, so I’ve done my share. But in the last year or two, it has been a deal where I’ve lost my feel for it.
“Until you get a few down, well, there’s confidence involved,” Stubbs added. “It’s a feel, like a golf swing. Finding where it is. That’s what I’m working on - getting the feel for bunts. It is something that they are encouraging me to keep in the back of my mind, another weapon to use. In certain situations in games it is another tool to have.”
Hatcher says Stubbs is making rapid and remarkable progress.
“He is starting to get it now,” said Hatcher. “We’re working on mechanics. He has been getting it, but he has been afraid to get out there and do it, when to do it. We’re also working on when is the best time to do it, the best time for him to bunt. He is getting repetition and starting to feel it. He tried one the other day, but he bunted it a bit too hard and the guy made a good play. But just to see him try it was heartening.
“And bunting will force him to keep his eye on the ball,” Hatcher added. “If he keeps his eye on the ball, he’ll follow it a lot more and that will help him cut down on his strikeouts (93 in 307 at-bats).”
BRANDON PHILLIPS was not in Tuesday’s lineup and, in fact, manager Dusty Baker told him, “Sleep late, have a nice leisurely meal, come to the park late.”
“I can see him and Joey Votto are spent after the All-Star game,” said Baker. “If it was around the corner, no problem. But they went coast-to-coast and back. When you’re tired, the first thing you lose is your concentration. And I can see them getting frustrated. (Phillips is 1 for 13 and Votto is 2 for 14 since the All-Star break).
“I need to get Joey a day off, too, but I need them both tomorrow against Stephen Strasburg and I can’t give ‘em both the day off at the same time,” Baker added. “Joey is in the same boat.”
JAY BRUCE was in Tuesday’s lineup, dragging his 0 for 16 bat behind him and when Baker was asked what can be done about 0 for 16, he said, “Quit counting. When the player starts counting, it gets worse. We’ve all been there. We all know when we’re oh-for-something. All he needs is a little blooper, an infield hit, a chop-chop hit. That’s what usually gets you started.
“He has everybody in the world giving him advice and talking to him,” Baker added. “As Adam Dunn used to say, ‘You have to get it out of your own head.’ Everybody cares and everybody is trying to help him. On Hall of Fame Night four or five Hall of Famers had him corralled, but you can’t blame them. Guys are trying to help when they see things.”
THE NEXT HOME run for Jonny Gomes will be career No. 100 and when somebody said he might hit it Tuesday, he smiled and said, “I’d rather do it Wednesday when we’re on ESPN and I can hit one off the kid (much-publicized Steven Strasburg). If I do that, I’ll do cartwheels around the bases.”
Gomes is proud of his home run accomplishments and said after hitting No. 99 Monday, “I’m proud of my home run total and my accomplishments because at-bats were never given to me. I was always in a platoon situation or didn’t get to face right-handed pitchers.”
HOMER BAILEY pitches a simulated game in Great American Ball Park Wednesday afternoon, then returns to his professional baseball roots. He will make a rehab start next Monday for the Class A Dayton Dragons, where he pitched his first full professional season in 2005.
The No. 1 draft pick in 2004 was 8-4 with a 4.43 ERA in 21 starts and eight relief appearances for the Dragons.
“Haven’t been back to good ol’ Dayton since 2005,” he said. “Five years. Wow. I really enjoyed my time there.”
CATCHER RAMON HERNANDEZ was eligible to come off the DL today, but didn’t because he did a lot of heavy work testing his knee Monday, “And we have to see how he comes out of that,” said Baker. “Maybe tomorrow, maybe Thursday. We’ll try to ease him back into things.”
SCOTT ROLEN was out of the lineup again Tuesday with a sore hamstring and the Reds remain in a wait-and-see mode. He said Tuesday after arriving late to the park, “I don’t feel any better and I don’t feel any worse.”
“That’s status quo,” said Baker. “We’d like to see some progress.”
THE REDS face much-publicized and much-discussed pitcher Stephen Strasburg Wednesday in front of ESPN camera and on Tuesday the stadium garage was overloaded with equipment from three semi-trailers. Asked about Strasburg’s attention, Baker said, “That’s modern baseball when you are the No. 1 pick overall and get a lot of money. But I’ve been following him closely and he has handled it as well as any young man I’ve seen. He’s handled it to the point where he is seemingly sheepish and embarrassed by the notoriety he is receiving. I don’t know the young man, but from what I’ve seen on TV, it seems like somebody who you’d like your son to be like in the same situation. He gives good answers and he seems genuine in his answers.”
Baker on getting criticized when things go wrong but getting no credit when things go right: “I’m getting used to it. That’s how it is. It’s all right. It’s the times.”
The conversation came up when Baker was asked about Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella announcing his retirement after this season.
“There is a time for us all, but I’m surprised he would announce it now,” said Baker. “Everybody is going to step down sooner or later. Life is - you are born, you live, you reproduce if you are lucky enough, then die. It’s pretty simple.”
While managing the Reds to the 1990 World Series championship, Piniella was a fire-breathing, base-tossing, dirt-kicking one-man volcano. But he seems to have mellow in his later years.
“It is hard to keep that pace without having a heart attack,” said Baker. “Everybody mellows. If you don’t, you ain’t going to live long. I’d like to do it like my hero, Sandy Koufax. He just disappeared.”
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By Bud Wizer
July 29, 2010 9:42 AM | Link to this
In support of Worn Cleats assessment of bunting technique: He is correct about right handed bunting-a drag bunt for rh hitters goes down the third base line. And, a rh hitter is moving his right leg towards first base, as contact is made by ball to bat, on a drag, or on a push bunt. A push bunt is not the correct name for a ball which is bunted at the last second, down the third base line, by a RH hitter. Although a LH hitter does drag a bunt towards first; it is also called a “drag” bunt when a RH hitter does so “on the move”, as the ball is directed down the third base line.It is NOT “pushed” down the third base line!It is “pushed” down the first base line, only.
By cna training
July 23, 2010 10:42 AM | Link to this
Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!
By JLBX3
July 23, 2010 9:59 AM | Link to this
This is why open discussion is impossible. To many bloggers trying to show their baseball genious or prowess. I don’t have a problem with any of you and your opinions, becasue that’s just what they are. IF it makes you feel more manly to contridict/correct or crucify someone in a forum such as this, then you definately need to get over yourselves and grow up. And yes, I will quit reading your posts, just as I’m sure you will suggest, because that is what all the overachiever sports bloggers say. Can’t we just let people have their opinions, even if they are stupid? As someone once said; “You can’t fix stupid!”
By Worn Cleat
July 21, 2010 10:54 PM | Link to this
Whenever JimT gets flustered he puts into my mouth words unsaid by me. I guess that makes him look better to others. It appears to me that others have called you out JimT. Seems I’m not the only one who sees through your garbage.I’d like to take you at your word about ignoring posts; but you’ve suggested that too many times to be believable-which in turn makes anything else you say sorta not worth hearing, either. You couldn’t keep your mouth shut if you had to.
By jim t
July 21, 2010 4:31 PM | Link to this
Also it appears the reds and Izzy have agreed on a contract.It looks like Walt is tweaking the roster for a run at the division. Lots of big games comming to cincy. Go Reds!
By jimT
July 21, 2010 4:23 PM | Link to this
In some baseball related news. Owings was just sent to Louisville and Fisher was recalled to take his place.
By jim T
July 21, 2010 4:05 PM | Link to this
worn cleat you are kidding right. So in your world if I disagree with who you think should be in the starting line up thats means they are my favorites.I guess you think everytime Janish comes up to bat I hope he strikes out because I think Oc should be the starter.How old are you ten? All I want is for the reds to win.I don’t care who Dusty starts as long as they win. That is what I have said to you repeatedly.You on the other hand can’t be happy unless Dusty is subscribing to your ideas. Here is a thought, ignore my post and I’ll give you the same courtesy. The team is in a pennent race for the first time in 9 years.I’m having a great time following the team. I refuse to let your opinions tarnish my enjoyment.As far as calling me a phoney sit behind your keyboard and call me names from the tone of most of your post I would expect nothing less.Go reds!
By Bruce
July 21, 2010 1:48 PM | Link to this
JimT you are a hypocrite and a phoney.Your 12:56pm post is proof. When was the last time you ‘rooted’ for Janish and Heisey to be in the starting lineup? When was the last time you ‘rooted’ for Heisey, on the blog, to play center and get four hits? When, after Janish got four hits, did you ‘root’ for Janish to be in the lineup the next day? You sir, are a damn phoney! I would offer that Bruce and Stubbs not producing at the plate, allows for criticism of them and their manager, if they remain in the lineup; and no REAL effort is made, to replace them regularly with other players. I would also offer, that blaming a poster for criticizing the above named people, on a baseball blog, is simply blindly following incorrect performances and decisions by the manager.
By Bill
July 21, 2010 1:28 PM | Link to this
We all root for all of the players to do well; and for Mike-Cinci or JimT to suggest that Worn Cleat does not,because he is ‘depressed’, or ‘hoping they lose’is simply an attempt on their part to make themselves sound more like REAL Reds fans; and to ‘color’ another poster, because they disagree with them. That’s unfair and unjust. Those statements are a bunch of BS. I would suggest that Mike-‘not always correct’-Cinci reread Cleats essay on the bunting clip with Stubbs, and tell us exactly what was incorrect about Cleats statement. He said nothing incorrect. He was commenting on what the clip was showing{sacrificing technique}and then suggested what real attempts in bunting for a base hit would entail. And for Grumpy: if Hatcher knows so much about bunting for base hits, why was Stubbs using the same technique shown on the clip{sacrificing technique}, the other night, when trying to bunt for a base hit?
By Bud Wizer
July 21, 2010 1:08 PM | Link to this
Oh, but you do have favorite players,JimT.It is obvious in your posting. Who are you trying to kid? We all do. Your attacks on WC’s posts demonstrate often how you favor one player over another,Stubbs over Dickerson and Heisey,and,Cabrera over Janish. You and your opinions are laughable, when you suggest others have agenda’s and you don’t.
By jim T
July 21, 2010 12:56 PM | Link to this
Mike-cinci, I guess he told us.lol I wonder who he thinks my favorite players is. Old worn one I root Janish,Dickerson,Nix and all the reds.Dusty is a 3 time MOY, Walt is a exe.of the year.If they reach the playoffs they will both add to that hardware.I don’t care if you read my post or not.Certainly your option.The fact that I think the reds are more effective playing certain people is my opinion.I could careless if you agree.Enjoy the season.
By Tom
July 21, 2010 12:39 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why there is not more emphasis on bunting for everyone. A good bunt from a player they don’t expect it from can breakup a tight game about as well as anything.
By nyc59
July 21, 2010 12:22 PM | Link to this
worn cleat..apparently you’ve been around awhile so I’m surprised you to fell into the trap of answering these posters. They were just provoking you. We all want the team to do well and personally I agree with you that Stubb/Bruce should be alternated with Heisey/Nix. Seriously let some of the bench players get out there and show their talents. That’s great that OC wants to play everyday but Janish is too good to just sit. I’m enjoying every game I can via my TV and radio! GO REDS!
By Worn Cleat
July 21, 2010 11:42 AM | Link to this
Ditto to your brother in crime, Mike-‘always correct’-Cinci!
By Worn Cleat
July 21, 2010 11:34 AM | Link to this
JimT I have been a fan of Redlegs baseball longer than you have—which means absolutely NOTHING—so why even bring it up? I’m more interested in ‘promoting an agenda and favorite players’ and YOU ARE NOT??? That sure is disingenuous—the pot calling the kettle black! Give me a break. The problem with you Jim T, is you don’t like someone else having opinions, if they disagree with your perception of the baseball world. That’s too bad. Just because others disagree with who is playing, or whatever,does not indicate a non-supportive Reds fan. It simply demonstrates that there are other ways to play the game,not all agreeing with JimT—isms, or Dusty—isms! Of course the team is playing better…I don’t need YOU to point that out…nor do I need your ‘blog cop corrections’ on my, or anyone else’s posts about the current season,and our posted opinions. Your adamant verbage is most unappreciated. I’ll continue to post whatever I feel a need to post, thank you very much; and your opinion of my post, will matter not. My suggesting that Heisey/Nix should be playing, as much as Bruce and/or Stubbs has excellent statistical reasons behind it, most would conclude—so keep your nose out of my posts, as you have promised to do many times—unless you can post something that doesn’t demonstrate your own ‘prejudices and agenda’s’!
By Mike-Cinci
July 21, 2010 11:09 AM | Link to this
I agree with jim T on “Worn Cleat”. The guy must be depressed because he can never see a positive in anything. Seeing a 5 second clip on Stubbs bunting and then giving us a lecture on bunting is arrogant at best and stupid at worst. I suggest he sit back with a cold beverage and enjoy the season. Better yet buy a ticket and see the team in person. They are fun to watch. I have no idea if the Reds can win it but the team is playing good ball. They hustle and have become one of the surprise teams in baseball. It’s time to enjoy the ride rather than complain about every move the GM or manager makes or sulking because a favorite player is not getting enough playing time. He sounds like one of those obnoxious parents at a little league game complaing his kid isn’t playing short stop or pitching and batting cleanup. My guess is the only thing that will make this guy happy is if the Reds lose and he can blame someone. Second guessing is fun to do but after a while when it just stays on the same track it gets tiresome. We will see how good the Reds are over the next 67 games. Hopefully they can avoid injuries.
By wallyp
July 21, 2010 10:55 AM | Link to this
I have another question about bunting. A number of games ago, Jay Bruce came up in the late innings of a close game with a runner on first (Cairo, I think) and no outs. The infield shifted with the third baseman almost playing shortstop. Any kind of bunt toward third would be a hit, and virtually any bunt not toward third would be a sacrifice. Instead, Bruce flied out. Why does it make sense for a .260-.280 hitter like Bruce, even though he does have a fair amount of power, to swing away instead being a .750 hitter by bunting?
By grumpy
July 21, 2010 9:33 AM | Link to this
I’m a little grumpy today. Florida Buckeye that is a good question for Ask Hal in Sundays paper. I know the answer but since you ask Hal, I wont answer it.
By grumpy
July 21, 2010 9:25 AM | Link to this
Wow, I get so tired of all the moaning and groaning. Let me clue you in. If Billy Hatcher is working with him on his bunting, he is much safer hands that if you were. This team is now built around two or three old vet’s. The rest of the team is just youngsters. I watch every game that I can and I dont see anyone loafing. They all bust their butts on ever play. Every now and then, one will screw up, that’s baseball, hell, that’s life. How about Stubbs lifting his BA from below .200 to .251? Stubbs, Bruce, Janish,Heisey, Hanigan, Gomes, Votto, Leake, Wood. I like them all, wish they could all play every day. That wont happen this year. But, is a good look at the team in the near future.
By Florida Buckeye
July 21, 2010 9:07 AM | Link to this
Hey Hal, a question: What is the rule w/r to rain delayed games being called? Are there standards as far as how long the rain delay must be before it is called? I thought it was the visiting team had to have FIVE innings worth of batting…It just seems a little odd to me that they waited two and a half + hours and then we come back and the pitching seemed to be ‘disinterested’ or ‘detached’ from the flow of the game…Thoughts?!?
By jim T
July 21, 2010 8:32 AM | Link to this
Worn Cleat, There are 67 games left in the season. I have been a fan since 1960. I have seen the good and bad times. The last nine years have been painfull. From the Owner down to the players this team has met and exceded my expectations. We are in a pennant race with a young team and a developing farm system. It seems your more interested in promoting your own agenda and favorite players then sharing in the enjoyment of a very good year. In years past with the reds hopelessly out of the race I may have engaged in the, this guy should be playing or that guy should be traded conversation but not now. I am very much enjoying this pennant race. Considering the hole this team created for itself over the last nine years I give a tip of the hat to Bob C, Walt J and Dusty as well as the players giving their all every night.While I do on occasion question their moves from time to time as part of being a fan. I also recognize the hard work each has put in to get us in the position we are in today. 67 meaningful games are left in the season. I intend to watch or listen to them all pulling for EVERY player to do the best he can do and hopefully they will be a playoff team in the end.
By Worn Cleat
July 20, 2010 9:56 PM | Link to this
The clip they showed tonight of Stubbs bunting, was more like a sacrifice. A drag and push bunt requires that he be moving toward first base as he is bunting!If he is bunting for a base hit, he should not be “showing bunt”, as one does on a sacrifice. It can be said, that he actually shows bunt intentions at the last split second; thereby allowing himself, the element of surprise, in order to beat the throw to the bag. In addition, the drag bunt path should be closer to the third base foul line, than the pitcher!