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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > June > 10 > Entry
Volquez shares his knowledge
It’s a good thing Edinson Volques is 9-2, and even better that he won Monday night on Ken Griffey Jr. 600 Night.
This little vignette might make his teammates angry, although when it happened who knew that it would come back to haunt the Reds?
Did you see the 21-year-old Florida Marlins rookie, Ryan Tucker, befuddle the Reds Sunday after a call-up from Class AA for his major-league debut?
Did you see that change-up he was using to befuddle them? Did it look familiar?
It should. Volquez taught it to him.
About four years ago, Tucker was a California high school prospect and Volquez pitched for the Texas Rangers’ Class A team.
“When I was in high school, my adviser was Volquez’s agent,” said Tucker.
“One day I went out to dinner with him at a Denny’s after one of his games. He was showing me how he throws his change-up. Since then I’ve been throwing it the same way he throws it.”
And as the Reds will attest, pretty doggone good — just like Volquez’s
Volquez learned his change-up from Pedro Martinez and he called Tucker after Sunday’s game. “He was pretty proud of me,” Tucker said before Monday’s game. “It’s sweet. He got to watch me pitch yesterday. Now, I’m going get to watch him pitch.”
And Volquez used that change-up to win his ninth game.
Baseball has the coolest “inside” stories.
AND HOW about a couple of comments from the Florida Marlins on Griffey’s No. 600, witnessed by 16,003 (I’ve seen bigger crowds in a bar fight)?
Chipper Jones hit his 400th home run against Florida last week in Atlanta.
“We saw 400 the other day with Chipper and 600 today,” said veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez. “It’s not the side you want to be on when you see those. Nonetheless, 20 or 30 years down the road you can say you were out there and you saw it.’’
Left-handed pitcher Mark Hendrickson gave it up and said, “He hit it a long way. It is what it is. I’m sure I’ll get a lot of attention for it.
“He’s a great player. I grew up in the Seattle area so I watched him. I know what he did for baseball in Seattle,’’ said Hendrickson. ”You’re going to give up home runs. You just hate for it to be in a game where I give up a couple of others. It kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”
Only you, pal. Only you. The fans gave Griffey a standing ovation and demanded a curtain call.
Notice I’m avoiding what happened down the the riverfront Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals. Ugliness to the nth degree.
Homer Bailey? Just like last year, the Cardinals beat up on him again. I still need to be convinced he is a major-league pitcher. Right now, he isn’t. Yes, he’s young. Yes, he’s inexperienced. But there is just something missing — something Johnny Cueto and Volquez have that he doesn’t.
Anybody know what it might be? I’m mystified.
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Comments
By Jeff
June 13, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
It’s called HUMILITY! Until he learned it, he would never play for me if I was running this team! Oh, and if I was running this team, Patterson would never see the top half of a lineup either! Just thought I would throw that in there. Is Patterson Bakers freakin love child or what? What is it with his love for Patterson?By donb51
June 11, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Anybody check Volquez’s stats his first two years in the bigs? Not too impressive. Give the Kid a break, get him a mentor, and let him get some experience up here.By Coach
June 11, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Excellent comment by Doco! It is not only very true; but, also points out how many bloggers never played ANY game!By Gregg
June 11, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Tuesday night, down 5 to 2, bottom of the fourth, man on second , two outs,relief pitcher coming to the plate and Dusty doesn’t pinch hit! Are you kidding me? Am I missing something?By Max D
June 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I was at last night’s game too and I knew Cpat would be the last out. It was too painful to watch. Any chance we could throw Dick Pole and Brooks Jacoby in with a trade? Heck, get Leo or see if Walt can pry Duncan away from the old Cards.By Rick
June 11, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Bailey’s fastball has never had movement— fastballs that come in at 91 go back out a lot faster— his curveball isn’t consistent and his change up isn’t major league pitch. Bring up Thompson.By Beard
June 11, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
I have the same question Dave at 11:15 had, that being what is up with Bailey’s fastball. When he was up last year it was 93-94 mph (not the 95-96 we heard about but still well above average). This year from what I’ve seen on MLB.com on the pitch by pitch stuff it looks like Bailey’s fastball tops out at 91. That is getting into the average catagory and w/o another “out” pitch of some sort basically makes him a batting practice pitcher. Is there something going on that the general fan is missing and that an insider might be about to let us know about?By Nick
June 11, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hal i just want to say that i love reading ur blogs everyday u do a great job..i went to the game last night and i loved the standing O that the fans gave griffey before the start of the first inning and his first at bat i went to the game after he hit 599 and the fans didn’t even stand during his at-bat which made me very mad..i feel the same u do about griffey i don’t think he gets the respect that he deservse from the reds fans and all of baseball but last night showed that they do respect what he has done for the reds and the game..now about the game the reds were awful bailey did horrible i think it is time to bring up thompson cus bailey is still not ready and we need to stop bringing him up and then back down that is going to ruin his self-eestem and confidence..and what is up with the reds and pitchers making the major league debut i think we had 1 hit until votto homer and the kid from flordia shut us down so if the other teams were smart they would bring up a new pitcher everytime they face us..keep doing what ur doing hal ur the best!!By Nick
June 11, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hal i just want to say that i love reading ur blogs everyday u do a great job..i went to the game last night and i loved the standing O that the fans gave griffey before the start of the first inning and his first at bat i went to the game after he hit 599 and the fans didn’t even stand during his at-bat which made me very mad..i feel the same u do about griffey i don’t think he gets the respect that he deservse from the reds fans and all of baseball but last night showed that they do respect what he has done for the reds and the game..now about the game the reds were awful bailey did horrible i think it is time to bring up thompson cus bailey is still not ready and we need to stop bringing him up and then back down that is going to ruin his self-eestem and confidence..and what is up with the reds and pitchers making the major league debut i think we had 1 hit until votto homer and the kid from flordia shut us down so if the other teams were smart they would bring up a new pitcher everytime they face us..keep doing what ur doing hal ur the best!!By Nick
June 11, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hal i just want to say that i love reading ur blogs everyday u do a great job..i went to the game last night and i loved the standing O that the fans gave griffey before the start of the first inning and his first at bat i went to the game after he hit 599 and the fans didn’t even stand during his at-bat which made me very mad..i feel the same u do about griffey i don’t think he gets the respect that he deservse from the reds fans and all of baseball but last night showed that they do respect what he has done for the reds and the game..now about the game the reds were awful bailey did horrible i think it is time to bring up thompson cus bailey is still not ready and we need to stop bringing him up and then back down that is going to ruin his self-eestem and confidence..and what is up with the reds and pitchers making the major league debut i think we had 1 hit until votto homer and the kid from flordia shut us down so if the other teams were smart they would bring up a new pitcher everytime they face us..keep doing what ur doing hal ur the best!!By Roho Radio
June 11, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Maybe Volquez should “share his knowledge” with Bailey, Hal.By dwr
June 11, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Have you seen him throw even one pitch where you’ve said. “Oh, wow. That’s just filthy stuff”? That’s the difference.By John
June 11, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Provided that start isn’t against St. Louis, you might be right, Pat.By pat Monahan
June 11, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Two years ago Volquez was 1-6 with a plus 7 ERA in Texas. I wonder how many people gave up on him that year? Bruce won’t hit 400 for the rest of his life. He might even hit 200 for an extended period of time. I wonder how many people will jump ship on him? Next start, Homer may just look awesome.By John
June 11, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
This team needs more than Homer Bailey figuring stuff out in order to consistently beat the Cardinals. Year after year the Reds just seem outclassed against St. Louis. What’s especially frustrating is the Cards’ roster is chock full of no-names and retreads, yet they’re killing the ball and winning all the time. If only there were some way the Reds could get that insider information, so they, too, could have the foresight to convert a headcase pitcher like Rick Ankiel into an outfielder, or pick up an almost-washout like Ryan Ludwick who could come up and suddenly figure out how to kill the ball. If only they had someone in the front office who could get things done like the way the Cardinals get things done. Oh, wait.By Dave
June 11, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
What is wrong with Homer’s fastball? He used to sit at 94 and reach 96 when he wanted it. But if mlb.com’s gun is correct, his fastball rarely goes higher than 91, and often was 89-90. Hal, have you heard any comments from him or any of his coaches on this issue?By Dave
June 11, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
What is wrong with Homer’s fastball? He used to sit at 94 and reach 96 when he wanted it. But if mlb.com’s gun is correct, his fastball rarely goes higher than 91, and often was 89-90. Hal, have you heard any comments from him or any of his coaches on this issue?By MRW
June 11, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
“But there is just something missing - something Johnny Cueto and Volquez have that he doesn’t.” 95+fastball control(of the baseball and himself) The good sense to pitch around Prince Albert with 1st base open.By Illya Harrell
June 11, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
I’ve preached this all season: The Reds should have traded him while he was still in the minors, when there probably would have been more than a few teams interested in the bum. It’s not like they don’t have other arms down on the farm … and very close to being major league ready. Darryl Thompson and Matt Maloney are the first two that come to mind.By Doco
June 11, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
A lot of good comments here, but I have to disagree with Homer J. A lack of outward emotion does not signify lack of passion or effort. How about Aaron Harang, Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, etc. The list could go on forever and most that come to mind are pitchers and golfers. Both types of athletes that require intense focus and repeatable execution. Depending on the individual a calm focus may be more useful than excess emotion. I just don’t think he’s good enough, yet. I don’t see any reason not to stick with him the rest of the year though.By MAC
June 11, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Homer is a lot more like Tomko who was a lot like Jack Armstrong who was a lot like ect…. Think of the good Reds’ pitchers in the past, and you’ll quickly realize it takes more than one quality pitch to pitch in the ML. I don’t care how much passion you have, if you don’t have the arm, the pitches and the ability to locate them, you’re more than likely not going to be successful. This is the year to let all our pitchers try and work things out and for us fans to be patient while they do it. Hopefully, the experience they gain will payoff next year. Hopefully, Jocketty can acquire a catcher, leadoff CF and or a stud SS along the way.By Homer J
June 11, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Hal, Its quite simple, he lacks passion. Look at a Cueto after (or during) a bad outing. He looks like someone just punched him in the gut. Homer was shows no emotion (good or bad) and just does not seem to care. That will get him crucified in a town like Cincinnati.By Florida Buckeye
June 11, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Hal, I’m thinking the boy has the jitters. The mental strain of pitching in the Bigs is trying enough; but, to live up to overly elevated expectations, and knowing that IF you don’t pitch a perfect game, you’ll be harangued adds even more stress. Add to it, that the Red’s offense seems to take games off, and last time he pitched the D- was horrible behind him…his mind, and pitching psyche must be an emotinal pressure cooker…so, give him time; give him offensive support, and I think we’ll all find that his confidence will come. . sure, it’ll be one step forward two steps back for a while; but, each time he’ll gain more confidence until he realizes he doesn’t have to throw a no-hitter to get a win, and that he can trust himself and his teamates…and the fans, ha!By Mike-Cinci
June 11, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
Homer looks to have a major problem with location. He walks too many and appears unable to hit his spots. His fastball is OK but not great. He rarely gets his “flat” curve over when he needs it. He may learn how to pitch and master his control over time but he will not succeed on his stuff alone. That worked in high school and Class A ball but it won’t work in MLB.By Jim Porter
June 11, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this
Hal, Homer does not have an out pitch that any good major league hitter cannot hit. His fast ball is straight, maxes out at 91 and has poor location, his curve ball or slider do not have a sharp break, and his changeup is not in the strike zone consistently. He might win with this stuff if he were throwing 96 but not at 91. Bring up Daryl Thompson and let him get some experience. ThanksBy Stuttgart Tim
June 11, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this
Hal, Great question. IMO he is just like Claussen and Belisle. They had the stuff, they just couldn’t get that focus or killer instinct. I remember the spring when all of a sudden Harang found it. You could see it in his eyes. Hey it took Volky a couple years, Cueto is still learning it, and Homer MAY still get it. He may not. My dad once told me about a young left-hander, who finally got it together after being sent down again. He also got married and seemed to realize that while it was a game, it took work and dedication to support his family. That was the Old left-hander himself. Many of these guys can’t relate to it as a job that they HAVE to do well to survive.By MAC
June 11, 2008 4:23 AM | Link to this
I think we’ve all seen enough of this team now to know, it’s highly unlikely they’re going to make a run and get back in the race. IMO, bring back Belise and let him & Affeldt pitch in long relief on nights like tonight. Thompson and Maloney may be better options later on. Realize Griffey is all but done, and that Dunn is too expensive to keep; move him along w/ Weathers and perhaps a few others in order to build this club up the middle…a quality SS, C and CF are sorely needed for this team to progress!By MAC
June 11, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this
Homer is exactly like so many other Red’s pitchers thru the years…he only has one pitch. When his fastball isn’t above the hittable speed (upper 90’s) he’s a very avg. ML pitcher. Hitters know they can sit on the fastball; there is no other pitch to worry about. Then again, that’s the type of pitcher the Reds have always tried to sign and develop. Unfortuantly, they don’t have a great track record developing young starting pitchers. I totally agree w/ the Mazzoni comment; they should have offered him the HC job IMO.By Coach
June 11, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
You sure can’t say that Homer isn’t living up to his Name! It doesn’t look like his change is nearly as good as Volquez or Cueto’s. He needs a better change; and perhaps a third pitch—to become effective! Perhaps Edinson will teach him? Perhaps, not using his first name would help! I think this team has too many failures on it’s roster. Teams ahead of them, in their division, aren’t running away from them—which shows how bad they really are!By Coach Leo
June 11, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
Maybe the Reds need a really good pitching coach in the organization, a teacher. Why not sign Leo Mazzoni? He’s available! He was so awesome for so many years with the Braves and their incrdible pitching staffs. Heck, why not replace Poole with Leo? Or at least get Leo in the organization as a mentor and teaching instructor for guys like Homey? As I said, look at his history…Leo IS a winner, something this team seems to be sorely lacking. Just a thought.By HuberTucky
June 11, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
I had a friend from Pittsburgh who was a pro golfer. Man, I’m telling you, this guy was flat out awesome. Seemed like every shot he hit was long and accurate and his short game was terrific and he could put like crazy. But he never made the rour because he had the yips. He would get so nervous inside that he he couldn’t keep his hands still and just could never overcome that. Perhaps Homer has the baseball equivalent yips. Perhaps he isn’t as good as they thought everybody though he was. Perhaps he is shot in the @ss with himself. Perhaps all the early hype messed with his head. Who knows. He’s sorta good and sorta lousy. Whe he’s on, he’s excellent. When he’s off, well…the guy is like a light switch. Maybe he got too much money too early and just doesn’t have the inetstinal fortitude and the heart required to move to the big stage. I sure hope he can get it together…seen this sad story many many times in my years.By Jimmy1Time
June 11, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
I’ll tell you what he is missing, a heart! He reminds me of that kid in little league that can do know wrong. Get him in high school and he just stinks. Homer is still very young. Will he give up on himself? I don’t know. I think he still needs time. But Homer is missing something at Johnny and Edinson have. STUFF! Besides his changeup which looked good, Homer still hasn’t shown me this “FASTBALL” I heard about for 3 years. His pitches are up at G.A. and that can get you hurt. He might need some tinkering with his motion. He looks slow to the plate. His back leg doesn’t follow through. But he didn’t act like a child like last season. I’m just tired of the losing. This team can win. I just can’t understand why they can’t put it together before its to late. And we pitch these young guys arms out. I don’t have answers.By Jim M.
June 11, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Well Hal, Yuo sure could tell Homer didnt learn anything in AAA. His fastball was flat and like a batting teee being served up.. also not to mention the non-walk to Puhols, but why wouldn’t Dusty walk Ludwick in the ninth with 1st base open?? didnt dusty remember Puhols wasnt batting behind him??but a rookie?? and when i saw both Edwin and Bako take strike 3 and THEN watch Patterson walk up, i knew the 3 million dollar automatic out would keep to his consistency!! GAME OVER Also to bad Pete cant teach hitting instead of Jacoby, as watching a fastball right down the middle for strike 3 doesn’t get you on base!!!By Jim M.
June 11, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Well Hal, Yuo sure could tell Homer didnt learn anything in AAA. His fastball was flat and like a batting teee being served up.. also not to mention the non-walk to Puhols, but why wouldn’t Dusty walk Ludwick in the ninth with 1st base open?? didnt dusty remember Puhols wasnt batting behind him??but a rookie?? and when i saw both Edwin and Bako take strike 3 and THEN watch Patterson walk up, i knew the 3 million dollar automatic out would keep to his consistency!! GAME OVER Also to bad Pete cant teach hitting instead of Jacoby, as watching a fastball right down the middle for strike 3 doesn’t get you on base!!!By Steve
June 10, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
I was at GABP tonight. I was surprised they pitched to Pujols with first base open, although it hardly mattered since Ankiel hit a homer anyhow. Homer Bailey is definitely “pitching to contact” more this year so far compared to last year when he seemed to nibble and run his pitch count way up. Tonight he looked pretty good the first time through the line up. After that, it seemed like the Cardinals knew what was coming. A small point: why, oh why, have Corey Patterson pinch hit in the 9th instead of Jolbert Cabrera? Patterson swung at a pitch that was in the dirt and two feet off the plate. Frustrating night, although good to see Pete in the ballpark. Hal, did you get to talk to him?