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Harang, Volquez head in opposite directions
Thursday, September 04, 2008
CINCINNATI — Who would dare think, at the end of spring training, that Edinson Volquez would be in position to win 20 games for the Cincinnati Reds?
Nobody.
Even more startling, who would dare think, at the end of spring training, that Aaron Harang would be in position to lose 20 games for the Reds?
Nobody.
With a 4-15 record, there is the possibility that Harang could make five more starts before season's end. What happens if he loses the next four? Will Reds manager Dusty Baker permit him to lose 20?
"I'd try not to let him do that," said Baker. "But I would leave it up to him. It would be his decision. It has been a really tough year for him, that's for sure.
"We're still pretty far away from that, but Steve Carlton lost 20 games once, and he is in the Hall of Fame," said Baker.
Carlton was 27-10 for the 1972 Philadelphia Phillies, a team that won only 59 games, and he won the Cy Young Award. The next year the Phillies won 71 games and Carlton went 13-20.
Outfield shortage
Jerry Hairston Jr. is dressing in uniform and taking batting practice and fielding practice, but Baker isn't certain if or when Hairston will come off the disabled list. He was eligible Tuesday, Sept. 2.
To Baker, it is no big deal, except his roster is thin on outfielders, and there are no outfielders on the 40-man roster in the minors.
"I don't know, but we need him because we're so short of outfielders," said Baker. "We went from an abundance of outfielders to losing Ryan Freel, Norris Hopper, Hairston, Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn. We went from a lot to a few."
Cueto on Saturday
It's official — Johnny Cueto pitches Saturday against the Chicago Cubs, when Cubs fans take over Great American Ball Park.
"Cueto is doing great and doesn't feel anything," said Baker. "We just skipped him a couple of turns like other teams have done with their pitchers. He's ready."
Quote of the day
"My best one yet. Since 1983, my best team photo yet." — Longtime clubhouse manager/equipment manager Rick Stowe after the Reds team photo was snapped Wednesday afternoon.
