DaytonDailyNews.com

Hal McCoy took Saturday off to get mentally prepared for a 10-day road trip, which begins today. The Reds beat takes him to Houston (hot), Colorado (cold) and St. Louis (hot). It's doubtful if the Reds can go hot-cold-hot. Cold-cold-cold is possible, though.

Q> Is there a culture of losing in the Reds clubhouse? Put another way, are we missing a leader like Greg Vaughn in 1999 who didn't accept sloppy or lazy play? — James, Lebanon, Ky.

A Culture Club? Are you suggesting the Reds are like Boy George? There is no losing culture. Mike Stanton has two hands full of championship rings and brought them into the clubhouse once. Jeff Conine has championship rings and Bronson Arroyo has a World Series ring. Those guys are not losers. As for a leader, you are right. There is no person with a tough-guy image to strike fear like Vaughn or Kevin Mitchell. When Rich Aurilia left after last season (his own decision to go back to San Francisco), the Reds lost their only real outspoken player. Is that important? I say, "Yes."

Q Some players need to lose weight and get in shape. They are more overweight than they think. — Charlie, Portsmouth

A Do you manage a Jenny Craig salon, Charlie? I won't argue that, but it isn't just the Reds. Have you seen Ray "Burger" King of the Nationals? That's a big ol' man. Have you seen photos of Babe Ruth. That's a REAL big ol' man. Would we say that if the Reds had eight Babe Ruths in the field? I will offer this, whether it means anything or not: Ken Griffey Jr. was slowed in April of diverticulitis and pleurisy and lost a few pounds. He has been bashing baseballs merrily in May. Coincidence? Who believes in coincidences?

Q I'll never forgive Wayne Krivsky, who took credit for it, for trading Sean Casey, who is hitting .364 against left-handers, and for giving his No. 21 to Scott Hatteberg. — Jack, Dayton

A Jack, you aren't too nimble or too quick with this one. Krivsky didn't trade Casey and never took credit (or blame) for it. Former GM Dan O'Brien traded Casey for pitcher Dave Williams, a big-time bust. Casey is hitting .255 in Detroit and sometimes doesn't play against left-handers. Krivsky didn't give Casey's No. 21 to Hatteberg, the clubhouse people did that. While Casey was very popular and very good in Cincinnati, he wasn't here long enough and didn't perform with hall-of-fame credentials to have his number retired. Sometimes, though, it doesn't take much. Kent State retired my No. 31, but not for my playing ability. It was for making the Baseball Hall of Fame.