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REDS NOTES
Hatteberg is feeling restless on the bench
COMMENT: Who should be starting in centerfield for the Reds?
Monday, April 28, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO — Scott Hatteberg is a voracious reader, a scholar, and he knows this quotation doesn't fit him: "All good things come to those who sit and wait."
Hatteberg is mostly sitting while Joey Votto plays first base and Hatteberg doesn't like the wait. He isn't demanding a trade, but he hopes if the team has no plans for him other than to be a Geico Man (an insurance policy) that they'll trade him.
Extras
"It's tough for me, very tough," he said. "Not anywhere in my career have I been any good coming off the bench or being a pinch-hitter. I've avoided taking one of these jobs my entire career."
Hatteberg, 38, came back to the Cincinnati Reds this year believing he would share first base with Votto, but Votto is hitting .318 and playing, while Hatteberg is 0-for-7 as a pinch-hitter.
"I'm trying to get good at this role and I feel bad that I'm not doing it well," he said. "It's hard for a guy who has played every day in his career. I play baseball to play, first and foremost. I'd love it to be here, but if it isn't here I'd love it to be somewhere where I can play. I've never taken a job just to be a guy in the dugout. I know what is happening and I'm just an insurance policy."
Hatteberg knows what is happening and can't argue the fact.
"First base is in good hands," he added. "Joey is going to be a big-time player."
Griffey, Dunn rest
On Sunday, both Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn rested, a rare occurrence.
"Griffey needs it, physically," said Baker. "He has been playing a lot (appearing in all 25 games). I can see him committing early on his swing so that tells me he needs a physical day off. He probably hasn't played this much early in a few years. He wants to play.
"And Dunn needs a mental day," Baker added. "He is getting frustrated and hopefully one day will get him back in synch the way it did Brandon Phillips."
There is a large black-and-white photograph of Hank Aaron, Baker's friend and former teammate, hanging on the wall behind the manager's desk.
"Hank's theory was if you play 150 games a year you are off two days a month. Those two days you are just occupying ink on a piece of paper."
Bonds, Baker talk
Baker told Bay Area writers Sunday that he and Barry Bonds conversed via phone two weeks ago and when Baker was later asked if Bonds had mentioned playing for Baker in Cincinnati, Baker said, "No, not all. The subject didn't come up from him or me."
Will Bonds be back?
"We talked about a lot of things, not much about baseball," Baker said. "Hey, the longer he is out, the less likely he will come back. And the longer he is out, who knows, the less likely he may want to come back. I'm sure he has enough money and if you have enough money and your time is being occupied by what you like to do, maybe you enjoy that."
Brantley to MSU?
A question from broadcaster Jeff Brantley: "How does the Cowboy (Brantley's nickname) sound as baseball coach at Mississippi State University?"
Brantley pitched at MSU and said his old coach, Ron Polk, is retiring. Several people have called Brantley about replacing Polk.
"It is close enough that I've talked to my wife about it," he said. "It's close to home and my passion is teaching baseball."
Quote of the day
Manager Dusty Baker on his way to team chapel Sunday: "I'm praying for my team and praying for me."
Comments
By erik eman
May 3, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Jerry Hairston Jr. should be the reds starting center fielder hands down. Hes smoking the ball and has the speed to track down balls and steal a base. Dusty should really consider letting freel go and keep patterson as the reserve. Hairston should be the every day center fielder and dusty needs to recognize that.
By erik eman
May 3, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Jerry Hairston Jr. should be the reds starting center fielder hands down. Hes smoking the ball and has the speed to track down balls and steal a base. Dusty should really consider letting freel go and keep patterson as the reserve. Hairston should be the every day center fielder and dusty needs to recognize that.
By Dave
April 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
There are way too many Reds fans out there that think Ryan Freel is a superstar. You people need to look at the numbers and realize how much of a mental midgit he is. Let’s go back to the sac bunt that he screwed up on. He had no reason to round 2nd base after a bunt and then they throw behind him and gets out. This guy makes more mental mistakes than a high school player. As for his stats I wouldn’t consider a .292 avg, .327 OBP, .354 SLG%, 1 SB, and 2 CS a great ball player, avg at best.
By Steve s.
April 28, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Dunn and Jr. are out of the question. Patterson, Hopper, and Freel and expect the Reds to move one of them for a trade before July with Hatteburg and a pitching prospect. So bring Jay Bruce up and give him a couple starts for Dunn and Jr. on the days off and fit him in with Patterson. Let Harriston and Freel (if Ryan stays)fight for time in the infield. Every playoff team has depth and the Reds have it in OF, infield, and Pitching so we need a CATCHER with an arm and bat.
By Carolyn L.
April 28, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Based on Mark Faner’s post, April 28, 2008 “……lighten up on the guy and realize he could be one of the NL’s most exciting players this year.” Isn’t that what the minors is for? Prove yourself down there & let the guys who have proven themselves by their numbers & performances do the job. Don’t waist our money & time with all these “O-fers.” No one wanted Patterson so we inherited the problem? Send him to AAA to get his mierda together. What is mierda, pronounced, me-air-da? Ask Dusty.
By Beetle
April 28, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
I’d rather watch Patterson run, than watch Dunn and Griffey stumble!
Oh, and his bat does make contact more frequently than either of those players; and when he is on base he is a threat to steal,run and hit,hit and run—especially when last nights lineup is in the game.Bruce will make contact, as well.
How long did they say Votto wasn’t ready because of his defense? I’ve seen few players, in any era, make some of the plays he has made since being put in the lineup!
By Fred
April 28, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
And I have the tools to build a house…doesn’t mean I can do it though.
By ML
April 28, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
You win some you lose some. :)
By Scott O,Indiana
April 28, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Log on daily to read your column Hal,you are a hall of famer. People want Dunn traded,it just will not happen. Value is low right now,strike outs,iffy defense,BA around .200,production numbers low. My bigger concerns,Bronson and the five starter slot,Coffey,and the need for a right handed hitter with pop coming off the bench. Also Keppinger has to be an every day player,regardless. One has to believe the offense will click soon,and it better.
By mark faner
April 28, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Dusty sees something in Corey Patterson, that many do not. He has the tools to be one of the best additions in the NL this year, especially if the strikeout rate continues do drop…he can flat out fly, he can drive the ball to the gaps and knock out 25….lighten up on the guy and realize he could be one of the NL’s most exciting players this year.
By mark faner
April 28, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Dusty sees something in Corey Patterson, that many do not. He has the tools to be one of the best additions in the NL this year, especially if the strikeout rate continues do drop…he can flat out fly, he can drive the ball to the gaps and knock out 25….lighten up on the guy and realize he could be one of the NL’s most exciting players this year.
By Jeff
April 28, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
I realize this is one game but it was nice to see a glimpse in the future. I still love seeing Griff play but you know that both he and Dunn should be gone next year. Castellini wanted Dunn back and why I have no idea. Votto, Bruse, Philly and EE’s hitting are the future. To be honest I like watching that team more yesterday. Griff should play but it was nice. Bruce should not be here unless he is going to play everyday and with the price tags up here it will not happen.
By Mike
April 28, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
All that happened in the last 2 days versus the Giants..10 runs for 2 games..2 wins was nice..Griffey & Dunn had a nice vacation…got to watch wondering….” .wonder how those guys hit so well.”…but reality check time is here again..location is St. Louis..if the Reds win 2 of 3 here… win the Braves series… & .assault the Cardinal pitching staff..silence Puhols and Ankiel etc..become a team that is competitive in the Central and not the doormat…maybe..just maybe we can all get excited.
By Beetle Bailey
April 28, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
What do Dunn and Griffey do for their team when not hitting homeruns? They both play poorly in the field; and both strike out way too much—when replacements for them would be getting on base, somehow, or way.And, for much less cost to the ballclub and fans of the team. Play people with more all-around-abilities!
By Bubba
April 28, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
With the exception of the number two spot, everyone has a GREAT BA and did pretty well. I would say rehabilitate Dunn and let Griffey sit more often. He’s pressing to get #600. This is the teams problem. Most of all put Freel back at CF and let him lead off as he has alwways done, (good numbers prove it). Get rid of Patterson and let Hariston fill in at LF or RF and put Hopper back in LF or RF.
By Byron P.
April 28, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Hairston is hot, you can play him until he cools but don’t expect him to be something he hasn’t been in the past. Patterson isn’t much of a hitter and should be replaced. I would take Freel over both and I consider him a part time player. Hopper’s arm may not be the strongest but he’s the best lead-off guy when he comes off the DL. Bruce would be prefered to all but Hopper but he just isn’t a lead-off hitter.
By Billy B.
April 28, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Here is the boxscore:
Hitters Pos AB R H RBI BB K LOB Avg Jerry Hairston Jr. RF 4 1 1 0 1 0 1 .364 Corey Patterson CF 4 2 1 0 1 0 1 .224 Jeff Keppinger SS 3 1 1 1 2 0 0 .307 Brandon Phillips 2B 5 3 3 3 0 0 2 .280 Edwin Encarnacion 3B 5 0 2 0 0 0 5 .289 Joey Votto 1B 5 1 1 1 0 0 3 .310 Ryan Freel LF 5 2 2 2 0 1 2 .298 Paul Bako C 4 0 1 1 0 1 1 .328
By Cait
April 28, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
It’s easy to say Bruce - I’d love to see him up here, too. But one thing this team lacks in the daily lineup is speed. Patterson/Hairston/Hopper/Freel have speed. I’d like to see at least two of them in the lineup every day. See how well it worked yesterday? Also, I feel bad for Hatteberg. He’s a good guy, but Votto needs to play. Why not trade him and one of the extra OF’s (or two) for whatever we can get? Valentin can play 1B and Hairston or Dunn could, too.
By BoBart
April 28, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Did anyone ever do research on how many “key executives” of the Cincinnati Reds, who make decisions about who will play at the big league level—have ever actually played the game of baseball? It becomes more and more apparent that these people have NO clue about baseball talent—no more say, than most non-playing bloggers!
By Michael
April 28, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Hals article didn’t even mention Freel or I would not have asked. I see from this article that he finally got a start? Did he get any hits, score any runs, or have any RBI’s? In what order did he bat?
By Broadway
April 28, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Imagine if you will, a team put on the field, which is not stupidly overpaid; that would allow people with no money to waste, to purchase more than one ticket per season, to see the Reds play!
Trade Dunn, Griffey,! Play yesterday’s lineup: today, tomorrow, and FOREVER!
By Michael
April 28, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Who played in place of Dunn and Griffey? Did they perform and if so what did they do? Did they finally get rid of Freel and Hopper?
By BoBart
April 28, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
We should bring Jay Bruce up, so that we can have this lineup:
Hairston—rf,Patterson—cf,Bruce—left field {yes,that is correct} And trade: Done,er, Dunn,Griffey,—don’t need their stinking it up—also trade, or put to pasture: Fogg,Belisle,Coffey and all the other want-a-be’s.
It was a real joy to watch a game{yesterday}, where the team was hitting the ball where it was pitched; instead of trying to pull pitches that were three feet outside the strike zone!
By Harry the Horse
April 28, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Adam Dunn. The humor factor would make the hot Summer days be worth it. Can you see some of those ESPN highlights???
By rick
April 28, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
why would anyone want to rush jay up .he showed in the spring he is not ready leave where he is bring hopper back up
By rick
April 28, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
why would anyone want to rush jay up .he showed in the spring he is not ready leave where he is bring hopper back up
By Ted Lawson
April 28, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Jay Bruce. We haven’t won in 7 years. Give the kid a chance to see what he can do. Its for sure the team won’t do any worse. Votto is proving that daily.
By Fred
April 28, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Jay Bruce. He’s hitting .333. Bring him up now. Instead of Patterson/Harriston in the leadoff I would try Dunn who has always had a great on base percentage.