A: Compete? Everybody competes. The Houston Astros and Kansas Royals compete. Just not very well. Do you mean contend? They spend six weeks in spring training to answer questions like that, not just to get suntans and sharpen their golf game. Contract situations mean nothing. Neither Phillips nor Votto talk about it, unless asked by nosy journalists. The other questions will be answered when the season unfolds. And that's why they play the season.
Q: What is the most pleasant surprise and most disappointing things about spring training camp this year? — Charlie, Dayton
A: Most surprising is that I've lost 19 pounds in four weeks and most disappointing is that I can't eat every night in the fabulous restaurants in the Valley of the Sun. The Reds? The best thing I've seen is the catching and throwing skills of catcher Devin Mesoraco. The most disappointing is the overweight body of Juan Francisco — and I've offered him my diet.
Q: Have you heard from Ken Griffey Jr., or has he fallen off the face of the earth? — Bill, Dayton
A: If living happily with his family near Orlando is not part of the earth, then he has indeed fallen to oblivion. Actually, he is spending some time in Peoria, Ariz., working with the Seattle Mariners. Why not the Reds? Well, guess which hat he'll wear on his Hall of Fame plaque.
Q: Do you think the start Didi Gregorius has gotten off to has changed the Reds mindset on signing Brandon Phillips long-term? — Stan, Glide, Ore.
A: They've known about Gregorius for at least three years, so he is no sudden gift from the baseball gods. And his best position is shortstop. Fret not. The Reds will sign Phillips, if he wants to sign without emptying Fifth Third Bank.
Q: Wouldn't an opposing manager rather use his left-handed bullpen specialist to get Jay Bruce and Joey Votto out rather than to save him to get out any left-handed pinch-hitter? So do the Reds really need left-handed bench help? — Frank, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
A: Are you saying the Reds don't need a left-handed bat to plug the dike? Couldn't resist. Every bench needs a left-right balance and the Reds are overloaded with right-handers. Yes, they could use another left-handed bat. Can Todd Frazier bat left-handed? He'd try if they asked.
Q: What gives with the low attendance at spring training games at Goodyear for the Reds and Indians? — Mike, Beavercreek
A: The Reds and Indians drew the least number of fans last year and are on pace to do it again. Both teams are from Ohio and it is more than 2,000 miles for snowbirds to make the trek. And with 15 teams training in the Phoenix area, fans have a wide choice and Goodyear is one of the farthest outposts. It is very disappointing to all involved. The Goodyear folks are cutting back as much as they can, including a scarcity of free soda pop in the press box.
Q: It seems as if spring training lasts forever (six weeks) and wouldn't the players be ready for the season a lot sooner, enabling baseball to start the season sooner and avoid playing the World Series in a snowstorm? — Bill, Mesa, Ariz.
A: Actually, it is the pitchers who need the six weeks to strengthen their arms for the long haul of the season. Players like Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips are ready after about a week and I'm sure halfway through the exhibition season they are bored to tears.
Q: You mentioned that Tommy Lasorda was one of your least favorite managers when it seems he was always cooperative with the press, so what were your issues? — Jay, Beavercreek
A: No issues. He is a great self-promoter, but sometimes a bit overbearing. On a personal note, he never remembered my name, always thought I was Bucky Albers, another Dayton Daily News writer. But that's being trivial and I thought it always funny when he saw me and said, "Hi, Buck." I often wanted to say, "Hi, Sparky," but I never did.
Q: Since it appears the Reds have decided to go all or nothing the next couple of seasons, do you think it is risky for manager Dusty Baker to convert Aroldis Chapman to a starter after spending the last couple of years in relief, especially since they have enough starters? — Andy, Fort Loramie
A: No Risky Business here. Chapman was a starter in Cuba and the Reds are starting him in exhibition games, stretching out his arm and piling up innings. Enough pitching? It is Baker's mantra (and all managers): "You never have enough pitching."
Q: Has Rick Sweet been coordinating the catchers in spring training and have you seen him? — BF Mary, Crestwood, Ky.
A: Rick Sweet, former manager of the Class AAA Louisville Bats, is one of my favorite baseball people. Yes, I've talked to him and he appears happy working with the catchers, mostly in the minors. But managing is in his blood and he told me, "I'll give this a try for one year and see how it goes." My guess? He'll be managing in another team's system next year. And I'd love to see him get a major-league job.
Q: How did the phrase "Boys of Summer" originate? — Centre, Dayton
A: First time I heard it was when it was the title of a book about the old Brooklyn Dodgers, written by Roger Kahn, one of the best baseball books ever written. It is old, old, old, but if you haven't read it, it is worth your time. I've read it at least six times.
Q: How long before we push the panic button on this year's bullpen with Bill Bray, Ryan Madson and Nick Masset all hobbled? — Jeff, Tulsa, Okla.
A: There are no panic buttons in spring training clubhouses. No need to fret about Madson and Masset. Both are close to taking the mound. There is a concern about Bray and his ouchy groin. But Aroldis Chapman is a very good backup plan for a left-hander in the bullpen. Just trying to read manager Dusty Baker's mind, it seems he might prefer Chapman in the bullpen, if it is his call. But it isn't totally his call. The front office sees that $30 million they invested and believe the money is better spent if Chapman is a starter.
Q: What is Trader Jack McKeon doing, how is his health, and isn't he 91 years old? — Bob, Belmont
A: McKeon remains a special consultant with the Miami Marlins and actively scouts. The former Reds manager and former Marlins manager who won a World Series at age 76 told me this winter, "I still want to manage." He is alert and in better health than most guys half his age. And he's 84.
Q: What will you do if the TL from St. Louis comes out of retirement and replaces Dusty Baker as manager of the Reds? No more blogs? — Gary, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
A: Won't happen. If the Reds do well this year, Baker's contract will be extended. You are referring to Tony La Russa, one of the TL's I mentioned last week as my least favorite managers. Close friends and confidants say LaRussa is finished with managing and some say he might be the next commissioner. My blog will continue until my head hits the laptop or the DDN tells me, "No mas, no mas."
Q: When it comes to baseball dice/board games, what is your favorite, APBA or Strat-O-Matic? — Craig, Fairborn
A: I don't deal with dice/board games when it comes to baseball because nearly every day I get to deal with the real thing, which is much more fun. When I was a kid, I loved All-Star baseball, a game in which each player had his own circular card with numbers on it signifying what he did on his at-bat. You spun an arrow and the play was determined by the number to which the arrow pointed. No. 1 was a home run. Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams had large "1s." Singles hitter Nellie Fox had a "1" only as large as the point of the arrow, but his "7" (7 was a single) was extremely wide. Now? No time for fake games.