By Tim

May 28, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

However, there are positions on the field in which you give up a little offense for stellar defense. Traditionally, center field and catcher are the two positions. And I just saw that he was sent to the minors anyway. Getting back to Hatteberg, this guy is great at getting on base. He will get on somewhere.

By Tim

May 28, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

In my Cubs fan opinion, Griffey is unwilling to waive his no-trade clause until after he hits No. 600. He wants to do it in his hometown and he knows that if he gets traded, it’s most likely to the American League. Makes sense to me. As far as Patterson, it baffles me as to how he is still a Major League ballplayer. Don’t get me wrong, he is a GREAT defensive center fielder, dude just can’t hit a lick. I can’t believe Dusty didn’t figure this out in Chitown.

By Real Fan

May 28, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

To all of you who think Freel is good, wake up. He is a 32 year old average hitter who does not know how to play the field!!!! He is always diving after balls because he is constantly out of position. Whoopy do the guy has 514 career hits. Get off of Griffey as well. Griff has 301 hits in the last 3 years, and if you watched the game last night, still comands respect at the plate with an intentional walk, and threw a guy out trying to stretch a single into a double.

By Matt

May 28, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Allright I am not from Cincinatti, but I kind of have a problem with some of the things said. People wanting to run Griffey out of town might want to think that last year he hit.277,30HR,93 RBI and 78 runs. As Chuck stated he wants to boot Edwin to the minors when this guy last year hit.289,16HR,76RBI,66R with an OBP of .356. How in the hell do you send a guy like that to the minors Chuck?You fans have a great,young starting lineup.Bruce,Votto,Phillips,Volquez,Cueto,Dunn.This team will be good.

By Jody

May 28, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Everyone is bashing Griffey because he’s not hitting homers but, he’s still hitting good base hits. Dunn is killing the ball right now! They need keppinger back bad because, he can’t be stopped when it comes to getting on base. Everyone is right about Patterson though. He is terrible for this team. He sucks!

By Chuck

May 28, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Get rid of Baker and Patterson. Bench Griffey,Send Edwin to minors. Put freel on third. Hopper in center. Bruce in right. Griffey does not hustle anymore. Just watch him. Maybe it will be a reality check for him.

By Jim

May 28, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

They shouldn’t of signed Corey Patterson for 3 million dollars; he should already have been sent packing. His performance is why you don’t sign someone to guaranteed money, you lace the contract with incentive money. Besides he would have signed for a plane ticket to camp and a chance to make the team.

By Eric

May 28, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

They should bring Andy Phillips up from Louisville. The guy can hit and play excellent defense @ first base.

By Sally

May 27, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Hatteberg should not have been the man to go; we ALL know that person should have been Corey Patterson. Hatteberg is a LEADER, something that the Reds NEED!!!! Now, I agree with the other person,where is your 1st base backup???

By Tom

May 27, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Barard you need to learn the hitters, Hatteberg is NOT a right handed hitter, he happens to be a LEFT HANDED hitter. Patterson should have been the guy to go,after all he was 0 for 8 in the 18 inning game and hasn’t been that great all year.

By Dean

May 27, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Encarnacion is the one who needs to go….below average defense coupled with sporadic offense is not a match.

By Kevin Barnard

May 27, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Hatteberg was a RIGHT-HANDED bat, something the Reds are woefully short on. Patterson is stinking up the joint and needs to be out. Dusty says all the right things, but looking at his past history in SF and Chicago on how he handled things leaves a lot of questions. Send Patterson to Louisville and let him get it sorted out. If he can’t cut him. Better to eat that stupid $3.5 million now than give him the idea that he’s part of the future in Cincinnati. NEED A RIGHT-HANDED BAT IN THE LINEUP!

By Heath G

May 27, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

I agree, Patterson should have gone. However, cutting a guy who makes $3 million probably wasn’t in the Reds’ best interest. Instead Hatteberg, who hasn’t played well so far, is nearing the end of his career, makes half as much as Patterson ($1.5 million), and is expendable because of Votto, was the guy to go. Hopefully Dusty and Jocketty realize that Jay needs to play everyday, because I would sure hate to see Patterson cut into ANY of Jay’s possible everyday playing time.

By John

May 27, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

If some of you think this team is going to be anywhere close to 1st place with Hopper and Freel getting the majority of the playing time, you’re nuts. All Freel is good for anymore is to make stupid baserunning mistakes, give a goofy look at the plate with his eyes, and give players bloody noses. Look out Jay Bruce! Stay far away from Ryan Freel before he attempts to break your collarbone! I’ll give credit to Hopper though…he’s a good baserunner, and is the best bunter in the league.

By Hoss

May 27, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Patterson should have been the one to go! He’s been worthless from day 1. A trade of Hattie would have made sense at the start of the season. His value now wouldn’t be that great. I also wasn’t impressed with Baker when he with the Cubs or Giants. He doesn’t handle rookies well & he wears down the relief crew. He was just a “name” & the Reds (Krinsky) bought into the hype.

By wizard

May 27, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Do we think Jay is ready? He was ready in February!!!Jockety must be brain dead.

Lofton is my all-time favorite leadoff man—and the Reds pick Patterson?

By Jimmy

May 27, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

I think Bruce will give the reds what they need some good offense

By Jimmy

May 27, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

i think it was an ok move but i think patterson hopefully will get it together if not get rid of him and get kenny lofton I think Lofton was a better lead off man then patterson was but we have who we have

By Jimmy

May 27, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

i think it was an ok move but i think patterson hopefully will get it together if not get ride of him and get kenny lofton I think Lofton was a better lead off man then patterson was but we have who we have

By Jo

May 27, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

THE ONLY REASON I CAN THINK OF THAT PATTERSON IS HERE, IS BAKER WANTED SOMEONE IN THE CLUB HOUSE TO KEEP HIM INFORMED ON WHAT IS GOING ON IN THERE. I DON’T THINK THE NEW OWNERS WANT TO WIN. THEY DON’T PLAY THEIR BEST PLAYERS LIKE FREEL,AND HOPPER BEFORE HE GOT HURT. WHEN HOPPER GETS BACK THEY SHOULD ROTATE ALL THE OUTFIELDERS. THE YOUNG PLAYERS BRING SO MUCH HUSSLE. MAYBE SETTING ON THE BENCH ON A ROTATION BASES WOULD MAKE GRIFFY AND DUNN APPRECIATE PLAYING MORE.

By Jake

May 27, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Jason, I don’t know how you can attribute Patterson’s struggles in any way to switching leagues. He played only 2 years in the AL and before that 6 with the cubs in our own division which last time I checked is in the NL. His signing and the fact that he continues to play is indefensible.

By BOB DUERSTOCK

May 27, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

STAND UP BOB AND LET GRIFFEY KNOW YOU OWN THE REDS!!!! IT IS HIGH TIME SOMEONE LETS HIM KNOW THAT!!!!

By BOB DUERSTOCK

May 27, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PATTERSON.THE SOLUTION IS TO TELL GRIFFEY YOU WILL BE SPENDING A LOT OF TIME ON THE BENCH!!!!!HE WILL THEN AGREE TO LEAVE!!!!BRUCE IN RIGHT,FREEL CENTER,DUNN LEFT!!!!

By preacher,franklin,ohio

May 27, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

who knows ,wait and see geter done for jesus god bless love in chirst preacher.

By preacher,franklin,ohio

May 27, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

who knowns wait and see geter done for jesus god bless love in chirst preacher.

By just me

May 27, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Hatteberg was re-signed this year as an insurance policy in case Votto wasn’t ready. Votto is ready so that makes him the odd man out.

The Cory Patterson signing was a mistake from the start. He added absolutely nothing to make this team better. A Hopper-Freel platoon (until Hopper was put on the DL) would have been the better move.

Dusty needs to wake up. I guess it’s easy to get three manager of the year awards when you have some talent.

By Tyler

May 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Patterson has to go. His batting is horrific! Griffey needs to be traded to Seattle. They are in dire need of offense and attendance and Griffey would at least get their attendance up. Big ups to Hatte. He’ll land on his feet somewhere. A bad as the Reds have been the last couple of years, Hatte was one of the few bright spots. Good luck and all of Reds country will miss you.

By Jeff

May 27, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Wow, You guys are acting like Hatteberg is this perenial all star. He has had 500+ ab’s twice, he has batted .300 ONCE, and has NEVER had 20 HR’s or 90 RBI’s. Don’t you think that Votto is capable of all of that and more. Let the vet go and look into the bright future. It is a huge waste to take away ab’s from Votto at this point. Trust me (as a cardinal fan), Walt will take care of you. Wish he was still with us. You don’t bring up promising stars to give them a part time duty. Wake up!

By Jason

May 27, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Patterson is the best defensive outfielder on the Reds roster and arguably the best base runner on their whole roster. Remember it takes hitters some time to adjust when they switch leagues. Patterson’s a very serviceable player and they got him dirt cheap. Remember he hit .269 & .275 the past two seasons with 83 stolen bases and plays gold glove caliber defense. What the Reds really need to do is move Dunn for pitching…

By Bob

May 27, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

It was the right move. Hatteberg was not good in the role they wanted him for. Everyone wants a youth movement and then clamors when they get rid of an older player.

Patterson is not going to be around much longer either but at least he can play defense and steal some bases. hatteberg cannot do either. He is not an improvement over Votto defensively(Votto’s error on Sunday notwithstanding).

As for trading him, I am sure they tried.

By Jake

May 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Have you watched Patterson play at all this year, Matt? He’s awful, and he has absolutely no upside. That comment is laughable, absolutely uneducated/informed, and moronic. Hatte is a consistent and serviceable major league veteran which are not as easy to come by as some think. When he gets enough at bats, the guy will get on base at .365 in his sleep. If you check their career numbers Hatte has much better BA and OBP and they slug the same. Getting rid of CP should be a no-brainer.

By Dan

May 27, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

They better have made trade attempts. I saw the headline on ESPN.com and was elated for two reasons: 1) Bruce was FINALLY given an opportunity to play and give me some reason to watch these bums & 2) I just figured Patterson was cut to make room.

What a crock. I get it - Hatt wasn’t getting any PT, but CP makes this team worse than it really is. What a joke I thought this Walt was supposed to be clever.

By tom

May 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Griffey is not capable of playing centerfield. wouldn’t even make a good DH. Nobody was more excited than I was when Jr. came home, but his time has passed. He seems to have his mind on other things than winning. Hatteberg, Freel, and Hopper all deserved starting roles based on thier 2007 seasons. The Patterson thing is a mystery to me,something is up between him and Baker. By the way, what was wrong with Pete McCarron? Dunn is nice to have around but trade him for some relief pitching, please.

By BDC

May 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Should have cut Patterson, he has had his chance to produce this year.I am tired of watching him try to bat, can’t even bunt the ball. Makes Dusty look like a poor manager.

By chris amis

May 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

right nor wrong move to let hatteburg go. he wasnt getting playing time because of votto. one thing i must say is how do u keep a guy in patterson that goes 0-8 in a game has no legit production EVER!

By Don Hoak

May 27, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Hate to see Hattie go. He’s been so awesome for the Reds the past few years. Guess there’s just no room for him at 1st. The only reason he’s not on top this year is he’s never used. He’s not a sporadic type player, Dusty, and if you give him some regular ABs so he can get his timing adjusted he’ll hit 300. But this is not the Reds way. Assign Hattie and keep Corey. Jeezus! What a gaffe! Patterson does NOT belong on a major league team…not even the Reds. Good luck, Hattie, you’ll be missed!

By Rick

May 27, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

With that said, you cannot say that things are not different with the team. In the past, they NEVER would have eaten $5.35 million in contracts, just because the players were not producing. Things are different, and they are trying to field the best team possible, regardless of money. Patterson will be gone within a month. And for the record, we dont have 7 outfielders, Freel plays all positions but first and catcher, and Hairston is our starting shortstop right now.

By Rick

May 27, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Yes, the move was made to save money, but remember that they are still paying Mike Stanton’s $3.5 million contract for cutting him. Hatteberg was only $1.85 million, and they still have a 10 day window to trade him, or for him to get picked up on waivers. So you cannot yell and scream that they got nothing, because they still could. If they did this with Patterson, there is a very slim chance that they could trade him, which would mean they would then be responsible for paying his $3 million.

By Oskar

May 27, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Folks, Hatteberg had no future with the team as he admitted that he was uncomfortable playing the role of the pinch hitter. Patterson himself probably will be gone when Keppinger and/or Hopper returns so turn down the volume on all the angst about keeping him today. This situation will play itself out and I suspect that Walt will be replacing a few faces on the squad (including some ineffective pitchers) in the upcoming weeks. This is just the start of it.

By Stone

May 27, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

You’ve got to be kidding that Hatte got released instead of Craperson. I can’t believe the media isn’t drilling Dusty and Walt about WHY CP is still on the team. Now who is the backup 1B? Valentine? Dunn? Now we have Dunn, Griff, Freel, Bruce, Hopper on DL, and CP. Why do we have 6 outfields again?! Or really 5 outfielders and 1 NEVERWAS baseball prospect. I’m guessing Dusty is getting a kickback from CP’s salary for keeping him around this long.

By David

May 27, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

I was totally elated as were most fans when Junior arrived from Seattle. Again, the Reds let the wrong man go in releasing Hatteburg. It is time to strike the hammer on Junior. He is not, has not, been a team player and now he cannot get the job done any longer. I realize that he is here until end of season most likely but the Reds can still put him on the bench, put Bruce in right, Freel/Hopper in center/third base etc. and should have cut Corey Patterson(Iliked his defense).

By Bruce

May 27, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Did someone say Patterson has more upside? LOL! When Hatte is 40 years old he will still have more upside than Patterson. Face it, Patterson was a hot shot prospect that never panned out. Also, there is no comparing 2008 season stats. If Hatte had the number of AB’s as Patterson, I ‘m sure he would be hitting at least .270.

By Steve Mitchell

May 27, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Ridiculous. Hatteberg would have trade value down the road, at the trade deadline, and is a tough out. Patterson is terrible. A flyball leadoff hitter w/ a .200 average, great decision making guys, no wonder they pull so few during the week.

By Doug In Mason

May 27, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

That stinks. Scott Hatteberg is a great guy and great hitter when given the chance to play. If they are committed to making Bruce the every day CF, what are they gonna do with Patterson? Pay him 3 million to ride the pine? Why’d they sign him in the first place?

By Fez

May 27, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Dusty Baker only has a say in who is cut or sent down. The ultimate decision stands with Walt Jocketty, so blame it on him.

By Mike O.

May 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

The Reds are losing my confidence as a fan in their decision-making ability to put the best possible product out on the field. I hope they rid the team of Patterson sooner than later! Go Freel & Hopper!

By Crh8693

May 27, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

A lot of people here seem to be clueless. ALL of the MLB contracts are guaranteed. That means even if the Reds cut a player, they still pay him the rest of his contract. The Reds did not save any money by doing this. They did this because Hatteberg has no spot to play with Votto and Valentin above him on the roster, and he hasn’t shown that he can be a good pinch-hitter.

By Mike O.

May 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Patterson is hurting the team, although he is not the only one. It never made GOOD sense to me from the moment the team was rumored to be interested in Patterson. What is it he was going to add to the team that they did not alrady have in Freel & Hopper. This is another bad decision by the Reds. I get a sick feeling every time Patterson comes to the plate. I am at the point where I fast forward my DVR through his at-bats no matter what the situation is.

By Brian

May 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Griffey CAN NOT be traded without his consent he is a 10/5 rule guy. He has stated this and Walt Jockety confirmed this that Griffey will refuse any trade at this time. Sad but true.

By John

May 27, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Looks like the reds are sacrificing winning for money once again. They can say that the culture has changed in the front office, but it is quite apparent that it has not. Patterson offers nothing to the team. Hatteberg can offer leadership and solid glove at first. But he is 2 million cheaper and thats all the reason they needed. Winning be damned…

By Matt

May 27, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

I only hope the Reds spent the last 3-4 weeks trying to trade Hatteberg. If so, and there were not takers, then fine; but just letting him go for nothing is silly.

By Matt

May 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Hatteberg is having a terrible year and has no place on a team which needs to rebuild. Patterson is a better ahtlete and possesses a ton more upside. Maybe not a popular move but the right one. Reds have plans of ridding themselves of salary sometime soon (Griffey,Dunn both are outfielders). Hatteberg is 9 of 52. Patterson has speed,power,glove. Hatteberg is 9 of 52. And finally, Hatteberg is 9 of 52. Good move Reds!

By Marcia Duning

May 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Corey Patterson should have been cut. What has he done for the Reds? Nothing!

By Mike O.

May 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Many nights my girlfriend & I wonder why Hatte doesnt get more playing time. We understand Votto’s development. But Hatte was a very tough at-bat when he played on a regular basis. It is a shame his approach to batting did not rub off on guys who swing early & often. Hatte would work a pitcher to a full count like so many American League hitters are taught. This philosophy would create a favorable hitting count and/or get the pitchers count up so he could make an early exit from the game.

By penny

May 27, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

they need to cut the coach and whiffy griffy and get some better players with the money the saved on those to losers!

By chandler

May 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Wake up Cincy fans…Dusty Baker is not the man to lead this team he made so many bad decisions on Sunday it was laughable. The Reds should make Spier the new skipper and salvage there already pitiful season. They’re horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Fred from Hamilton

May 27, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Okay, it is a quarter of the way into the season and same crap different year. Make the commitment and go young all the way. Trade Mr. Sprained Uvula, Cordero, Freel, Patterson, Ross, Weathers, Arroyo, Fogg. Give Burton a chance to close! I would like an outfield of Hopper, Bruce, and Dunn. Can Votto play left field? Trade them all for young prospects and build from there. The current expensive Reds are in last place! The young cheap Reds could do at least as well!

By Rob

May 27, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I think that bringing up Bruce into a crowded outfield is the wrong thing to do. The Reds should have cut Patterson and then try to trade Griffey for anybody, just get a young player in return.

By Chris Perkins

May 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Horrible decision. As mentioned the Reds have more outfielders than they need. I know that Scott Hattegerg has had a difficult time off the bench, but would you really prefer having Corey Patterson at the plate in a pinch? Horrible decision. Baker’s emphasis on keeping this guy around has absolutely NO basis in rational thought!

By Bruce

May 27, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Has anyone (media) confronted Dusty about his playing Patterson excessively? If so, I’m curious to see what he said. I am surprised that Marty Brenneman or Tracy Jones hasn’t already done so.

By KutKorey

May 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

I’m getting that sinking feeling that Bruce’s call up means nothing. By sparing Patterson it just means Dusty gets to keep him around and weasel him into the lineup somehow. Absolutely ridiculous.

By Moe

May 27, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe that Patterson wasn’t cut. Baker must have had some say in this. I don’t understand bringing up a left handed hitting outfielder and keeping a lousy left handed hitting outfielder. It seems to be crowded out there. I agree, Hatteberg was the cheapest move. But I don’t like it.

By Luke

May 27, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with Bruce and Brian. Dusty Baker’s crush should have been cut. That leaves the Reds with seven(Freel, Dunn, Hopper, Hairston, Griffey, Patterson and now Bruce) outfielders. A team doesn’t need seven outfielders. And on a side note, I think Freel is getting screwed!

By MU Alum

May 27, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Sure that makes a lot sense, cut a guy with solid, left hand bat and glove at first base. The Reds were in a luxurious position having Javy and Hatteberg as pitch hint left handers that can still play if needed. Why wouldn’t we cut one of our many outfielders that don’t amount too much, such as Corey Patterson. It looks like Jocketty is already starting his job making bad desisions. Trust me, playoff teams would have come calling for Hatteberg in a couple months too!

By Randy Plessinger

May 27, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

I think Hatteberg has a couple of good years left in him. It’s good for him to get out of Cincy. He’s a class act. I don’t think the front office wanted to slap Dusty in the face by ditching his boy Patterson. Hatteberg will land on his feet and get with a playoff contender. Everyone is trying to decide where Bruce will fit in. I’d move Junior back to centerfield for the rest of the season and put Bruce in right field.

By Jeff

May 27, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

It is really the best thing for Hatteberg. He wasn’t going to start and he cannot hit off the bench. It does no good to have two left handed hitters. Hatterberg in my opinion is a class act. I am sure that the Reds will try hard to find him a good team to go to. As far as Patterson and his 0-8 performance. I was disappointed that he could not even get on base, but his defensive skills in the outfield is the best on the team. Hands down! Patterson could be a defensive replacement.

By Michael

May 27, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Who will be the backup first baseman now? Dunn, Valentin?

By Bruce

May 27, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

What will it take for Patterson to get cut? What is he? Untouchable?

By Brian

May 27, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

It should have been Patterson, hands down, no question.

By Dan

May 27, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Cutting Hatteberg was the cheapest way to make room for Bruce. Cheap is not always best.