QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Q: With all the young players on the team and Todd Frazier gone, who do you think will take a leadership role? STEVE, Englewood.
A: Frazier, indeed, was going to be the man. Without him, it could have been Brayan Pena or Skip Schumaker. But they, too, are gone. It is not in Joey Votto’s DNA to be an in-your-face type of leader and Brandon Phillips isn’t serious enough or macho enough. Where is Scott Rolen when you need him? Of those left, catcher Devin Mesoraco is a leading candidate, but it is tough to lead from the training room, where he has spent a lot of time. He needs to stay healthy.
Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy knows a thing or two about our nation’s pastime. Tap into that knowledge by sending an email to halmccoy1@hotmail.com.
Q: Have you heard any of the presidential candidates promise to make Reds baseball great again? — DAVE, Miamisburg/Centerville/Beavercreek.
A: Donald Trump promised to build a big wall somewhere, maybe Great American Ball Park to keep opponents from hitting too many home runs. And if he really has a signed Pete Rose baseball (who doesn’t?) then maybe if he becomes president he’ll be a Reds fan and mandate that the Reds are spotted three runs before every game.
Q: Do you think Jake Cave, the Rule 5 player, will make this team? — MIKE, Fort Thomas, Ky.
A: Yes, I do. They paid the New York Yankees $50,000 for The Cave Man and if they don’t keep him on the 25-man roster all year they have to offer him back to the Yankees for $25,000. Cave looks as if he could be a fit for the bench. There are so many jobs available — the bench, the outfield, the bullpen, the starting rotation — that the Reds can form their own job corps.
Q: Why does it seem that you (and others) are upset that Brandon Phillips wants to be with the Reds when other players would beg to get away from that train wreck? — KYLE, Dayton.
A: I’m not upset. I just feel for the Reds because they wanted to trade him so Jose Peraza could play second base. If Phillips wants to stay with a losing team that doesn’t want him, that certainly is his prerogative. It just seems odd that somebody wants to stay where they aren’t wanted.
Q: How many wins do you expect from the Reds? — Nourm, Woodville.
A: Anywhere from 60 to 70. This team is so young their uniforms should include onesies and diapers. With all the games within their division against the Cubs, Cardinals and Pirates, acquiring many wins will be a vast challenge. But as former pitcher Joaquin Andujar once said, “I’ll say it in one word. Youneverknow.”
Q: What grade would you give on the Reds’ trades so far? SHIZ, West Chester.
A: My grade: Incomplete. A grade can’t be given right now because all their trades were for prospects and they can’t be judged until we see how they perform. Check back with me after the 2018 season.
Q: Who has been your favorite player to interview since you started your career? — JOE, Kettering.
A: For insight, honesty and humor, Bronson Arroyo wins easily. For humor alone, Dave Parker, Kevin Mitchell and Pete Harnisch were better than any stand-up comedian. On the current team, Homer Bailey is my favorite because he can talk intelligently about many things that don’t involve baseball.
Q: I am 86 years old so I am wondering what my chances are of seeing the Reds in the World Series? — CARL, Kettering.
A: I know you were a copy editor on the old Dayton Journal Herald for many, many years and had to actually read and edit some of my stories. So I know for sure you are going to heaven. And that is where it is most likely you’ll be the next time the Reds appear in a World Series. And I’m 75 and might have the seat right next to you.
Q: Do you think Jay Bruce will be traded? — Jodi, Germantown.
A: It is obvious the Reds want to move him. They almost did it with the New York Mets at last year’s trade deadline and almost did it with the Toronto Blue Jays over the winter. If they can find a team that wants him and can get a couple more prospects, color him gone as soon as the deal can be made.
Q: Attendance is down in the Cactus League despite the best weather in years. Is it the economy or a decreased interest in baseball? — MESA BILL, Mesa, Ariz.
A: That one is tough, but I do know that one of the reasons the Reds’ attendance in Goodyear every year is at the bottom is because it is too far for Ohio fans. When they were in Sarasota, Fla., fans took vacations and drove to spring training. And did you notice that since the Reds left and Sarasota County fixed up Ed Smith Stadium, it was voted one of the best spring training venues and the Orioles are drawing really well? As for baseball, attendance during the season keeps going up so I don’t think the sport is losing popularity.
Q: I know you’ve said that Eric Davis is your all-time favorite player, but which player during your tenure had the most talent? — FUDD, Cedarville.
A: Same answer. Eric Davis. There is nothing he could not do on a baseball field — hit for average, hit for power, steal bases, play defense. And playing defense recklessly ruined his career. He constantly hurt himself running into outfield walls. He also beat prostate cancer and returned to play. How inspirational was that?
Q: As the only veteran on the pitching staff, what kind of leadership role will Homer Bailey play with the young members of the starting rotation? — SAM, Zanesville.
A: He will play a major part and he is more than willing to share his experiences and his knowledge. All they’ll have to do is ask. Bailey has great insight to pitching and the fact he has many ups and downs to share should help any young pitcher willing to listen.
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