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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 > July > 02 > Entry
Lethargy permeates GABP
Several scouts from other teams over the past couple of weeks have said, as I related before, that Daryl Thompson is not quite ready for prime time.
On Wednesday, against the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates, that assessment might have struck home.
Thompson gave up hits to the first five Pirates in the top of the first. He lasted only 4 1/3 innings, giving up seven runs and eight hits, two of them home runs.
This isn’t to say I’m ready to throw him out with the dishwater — not yet, even tough he gave up four runs and eight hits in five innings in his previous start in Toronto.
If the Reds truly are building for the future (didn’t we hear this back in 1999?), then a 22-year-old pitcher certainly can learn on the job while working for a last-place team going nowhere — except to defeat when they hit the road, or play at home, or play a team below .500, or play a team wearing black, blue, red, green, rust, orange, teal, purple or fuschia.
Thompson said he couldn’t keep his fastball down. The Pirates kept it up — pounding it all over GABP.
The thing is, the Reds were able to come back in the second take the lead, 5-4. Jay Bruce led the first with a homer, Dunn hit a solo in the second and Bruce banged a three-run shot in the second.
That was it. From the third through the ninth the Reds had no runs and four hits and the Pirates piled on.
“We need to keep plugging along and it’ll all come together,” said Bruce. “Those two home runs don’t mean anything when you lose. We have the pieces here.”
Well, he’s young and knows not exactly of what he speaks. A few pieces? Yes, a few. But this puzzle has more holes and missing pieces than if the grandkid tipped the box over the toilet and flushed.
When somebody told Bruce to hang with ‘em, Bruce smiled and said, “Hang with us.”
This second straight defeat to the Pirates, dropping the Reds even deeper into the depths and dregs of the NL Central, earned manager Dusty Baker a post-game visit from CEO/owner Bob Castellini.
He wasn’t carrying cabbage or tomatoes from his warehouse, so we assumed there was no fruit and vegetable throwing.
“He comes down once in awhile, not often,” said Baker. “He came down to say, ‘Hey, man. We know what you can do. Keep your head up.’ I told him, ‘Our heads are down tonight but they’ll be back up tomorrow.’ “
Is B.C. frustrated? You bet.
“We’re all frustrated,” said Baker.
I know one thing, I’m sure Castellini is sorry he said in front of the world on the TV cameras the day after he fired GM Wayne Krivsky, “We will not keep losing.”
Since then the Reds are 30-35 and, yes, they’ve kept on losing and will continue to keep on losing. Book it, Dano.
As one Major League scout told me BEFORE Wednesday’s game, “This is not a high-energy team.” That’s for certain and it doesn’t lead to a high-energy press box, either. Pass the No-Doz.
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Comments
By vmsufbqgo kprldo
August 11, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
doxsaw neljsgk oynbizg rywagkzo jbonl lanfk ezmadxvsBy vmsufbqgo kprldo
August 11, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
doxsaw neljsgk oynbizg rywagkzo jbonl lanfk ezmadxvsBy vmsufbqgo kprldo
August 11, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
doxsaw neljsgk oynbizg rywagkzo jbonl lanfk ezmadxvsBy vmsufbqgo kprldo
August 11, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
doxsaw neljsgk oynbizg rywagkzo jbonl lanfk ezmadxvsBy Steven Ross
July 4, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Zzzzzzzzzzzz….what, oh sorry, I was watching the Reds and fell asleep. Did I miss anything like Griffey going 0 for 4 and looking hopelessly lost? Oh boy, we beat the Nationals! Print those Playoff ducats.By D8Nken
July 3, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
No energy is very accurate. It comes from the team leaders, Griffey and Dunn. They play slow, lazy, and relaxed without a hint of aggressivness. Yet our Hall of Fame beat writer continues to defend their play.By HuberTucky
July 3, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Hal, your headline in today’s Columbus Dispatch was PERFECT! “Weak spots for Reds becomming magnified.”By Trade Bait
July 3, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Reds Bait from ESPN’s Jason Stark: Dunn deal: We heard from three different teams this week that the Reds have “zero” takers on Adam Dunn. Hard to believe Dunn wouldn’t be a fit for an AL team with a lineup deep enough that he wouldn’t have to be a middle-of-the-order presence. Aaron Harang: Two clubs that have spoken with the Reds in recent days report that, surprisingly, Harang is not on their untouchables list. According to one team, the Reds’ latest stance is that they’ll discuss anybody on the roster except Jay Bruce, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Joey Votto and Edwin Encarnacion. So that means Harang is a guy for whom they’ll at least accept bids. But just understand they’ll have to be very, very large bids. “For them to make that move,” said an official of one club, “you’d really have to stagger them because to their fans, that’s waving the white flag. So you’d have to come at them with three strong, above-average-type prospects. And even then, I’m not sure they’d say yes. But if you could get him, you’ve got the best 3-10 pitcher in baseball.” True, Harang’s record might be an unsightly 3-10. But look beyond that, and you’ll see he’d still be a formidable addition to any rotation. He has made 11 quality starts (one more than Cole Hamels). His record reflects the third-worst run support in the big leagues (2.96 runs per nine innings). He has a sub-4.00 home ERA in his pitcher’s-nightmare park. And he’s third in the NL in innings pitched. So he won’t be priced like your average 3-10 commodity.By Mike-Cinci
July 3, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Nick W: Dusty made the double switch with Votto because he made the last out in the previous inning. He inserted Hairston in the pitchers spot who was coming up to bat 2nd in the next inning. That would allow the new ptcher to go at least more inning without having to pinch it for him.By Jack
July 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Difference in last night’s game, the manager. Pitt’s manager takes out there young struggling starter….Dusty, nope, says with young, strugglin pitcher and loses. I know you cant kill the bullpen every night, but Thompson did not have it. Did not like the Dusty hiring in first place (didnt seem to be a great fit for a young team) and still do not like it (based upon decisions).By Nick W
July 3, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
yea i agree with that mr.baseball that if they changed this all today i would put votto up there because before last night bruce has been struggling but i believe that he is our #3 hitter for the future.it makes me think how we can come up with a lineup on here and it is no where close to what dusty throws out there and that hasnt’ worked but he keeps putting out the same lineup..and i forgot to mention this early but y did dusty make a double switch at take out votto and put kepp at first i would have taken out griffey or dunn and moved bruce to right/left hairston in center and kepp at short not take out one of ur best hitters just makes u wonder sometimes…By Mike-Cinci
July 3, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
The Reds look lethargic because they are losing and they are losing because they do not have enough good players. Hairston and Keppinger must play. You have got to play Votto, Encarnacion, Phillips, and Bruce. They are young and potentially the future core of the team. What do we do with Griffey and Dunn? Junior has to go. He will be 39 this autumn. Trade him for something. Make him happy. We either keep Dunn, trade him this month, or let him go for 2 draft choices at season’s end. If we decide to make Hairston the regular in CF and Bruce the regular in RF we need to keep Dunn or find a good hitter to play LF. We desperately need a catcher. Harang, Volquez, Cueto look to be OK. There is no clear #4 or #5 starter. This is a big problem. I assume Weathers and Affeldt will be traded this month or they will be free agents at the end of the season. This team needs better talent and it won’t be coming from the minors anytime soon. We won’t be attracting any big time free agents. There won’t be enough money and the chances of winning in Cincinnati won’t look good vs. other opportunties for the better free agents. Jocketty is facing a daunting challenge.By Mr. Baseball
July 3, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Nick W, You and Mr. baseball are thinking along the same lines. Griffey and Dunn are a real bottleneck on this lethargic team. Mr. Baseball’s proposed lineup is based on who’s available on the roster right now. And it’s hard to keep both of them out of the lineup while they’re still here. Also, Mr. Baseball agrees that eventually, you would switch Votto and Bruce. But right now, Votto is more prepared to step into the pressure-filled #3 spot than Bruce. Next year might be a different story.By Nick W
July 3, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Mr. Baseball i like ur suggested lineup but theres no way there gonna have griffey and dunn spliting time at lf just because they make to much money and i know it should go by performence but it is all about money now whoever is making the most plays everyday i think it is wrong but thats how it is. so for ur lineup to happen one of them will have to go and i believe they will trade griffey before the end of the year..and u have votto batting before bruce i think bruce is good at the three spot and votto is nice to have at the bottom..i think if u switch those two it will be a great lineup and i think once freel gets back the reds are gonna to have to make a choice between him and hopper since they can both can fill in and give breaks for guys and it will be tough cus freel is older then hopper but freel can play more postions they have about the same ability so it might be a tough call on that and u know dusty has to have his best friend corey in the lineup.By Y-City Jim
July 3, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
How do you measure intensity? Is it always visible?By tom
July 3, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Lethargy has set in at GABP? Where is Jerry Narron when we need him?By tom
July 3, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Lethargy has set in at GABP? Where is Jerry Narron when we need him?By George
July 3, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Hal, Your reference to scouts’ pointing out the Reds’ lethargy is right on in my book. The question is, do YOU agree with that? If you do, it would seem to contradict your never-ending appreciation for the play of Griffey/Dunn. Winning baseball is, and always has been, about one thing: intensity. Griffey/Dunn constantly say they should focus on relaxation and fun when they play. That approach is incorrect.By Mr. Baseball
July 3, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Reds fans are getting pretty frustrated and they have a right to be. The tag “low energy” is an apt description of this team. It’s true there are a lot of missing pieces on this team. But there are a couple pieces that are there (literally, “a couple” — TWO). This is Hairston and Keppinger. Right now, batting Hairston-Keppinger 1-2 is a no-brainer. Hairston has consistently proven he can get on base and provide a spark as the leadoff hitter. Keppinger is the consummate #2 hitter. He is a contact hitter who hits for a high average. He’s a smart player and could set a good example for the younger players. Over his career Kepp has about 650 plate appearances — about a full season’s worth — and has struck out only 33 times. That’s about 1 strike out every 20 at bats, compared to Dunn’s 1 every 3.7 at bats. Mr. Baseball went back and looked at all the Reds starting lineups this year and was surprised to find that the Reds had started the 1-2 combo of Hairston-Keppinger only four times this year and they are 3-1 in those games. It’s time to have a little consistency at the top of the lineup. Bat Hairston-Keppinger 1-2 at least through the all-star break. After that, none of the Reds players are ideally suited for their customary slot in the line-up. Mr. Baseball is ready to shake it up a bit, but there are better options in some cases. How about this lineup: Hairston CF Keppinger SS Votto 1B Phillips 2B Bruce LF Encarnacion 3B Griffey/Dunn LF Ross C Mr. Baseball would also utilize Hopper a lot more either as a starter or pinch hitter. His push bunt is a much needed weapon for a “low energy” team.By Deaner
July 3, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
You’re right Hal… this team has NO energy, which makes them not very fun to watch. Brandon Phillips plays with energy (it’s just frustrasting to see him swinging for the fences every time he’s up at the plate). Ryan Freel plays with energy, but that doesn’t do any good on the bench.By NR
July 3, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Mac - Regardless of what division the reds play in the situation would be dire. The NL west is arguably the worse division in all of baseball and how many victories did the Reds get on the last west coast trip?By Y-City Jim
July 3, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
I would have a lot more respect for Joe Buck’s comments if he hadn’t told me that he watches Bachlorette. I cannot believe that people watch trash like that.By somethingbetter
July 3, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
what a team…how bad are the Reds when I start thinking about watching the Bengals. that’s bad. the blame has to be on ownership and management for assembling this cast of characters. Lifelong baseball experts….look at the Tampa Bay Rays. Their management are ex-investment bankers. And they just swept the Red Sox, lead the Yankees by 7.5 games. Maybe anyone can do better than Can’tellini and Jocke’didn’t. Maybe he will finally be finished evaluating the team next June. As the arm-chair GM, I could do better. And I would work for peanuts compared to what these jokers are making.By Nick W
July 3, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
i think ur right hal it might be to early to start thinking about sending thompson down but if he has a couple more starts like he did it will be time..i thought we should have brought up matt maloney before thompson and i think he should be next to come up i don’t trust fogg or belisle maloney is 8-4 with a 4.32 era in triple A this year which isn’t that bad and were not going anywhere this year so why not try out another 5th starter since fogg belisle bailey and so far thompson haven’t worked out or u can give affeldt a shot at starting he did come in this spring fighting for a spot in the rotation and i think he deserves it he has pitched alright in the pen this year..should be a fun second half of the year!!By Reds Fan
July 3, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Hal is absolutely right this team has no ENERGY!! Baker should have gotten thrown out Tues night when EE was thrown out. You think ole Lou would have taken that? Doubtful. How in the world Castilinelli got to be powerful in world is beyond me. Everyone on here is absolutely right. We might not be ‘27 Yanks but why tinker with lineup? WE have a day off Monday and All Star break. Play Hairston and Kepp 1-2 and keep lineup consistent. I hate that Wash comes to town. I hate Bowden so anything less than a sweep is disapointing. Any answers on this sad state of affairs is appreciated.By Rick
July 3, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Like some of the other writers I’ve been a Reds fan since at age 5 I got in trouble with my Mom for putting Ed Bailey’s #6 in red crayon on all my white undershirts— I’ll always be a Reds fan— but the frustration level is pretty high— I wasn’t happy when they hired Baker as manager and I still think that was a major mistake— the young players are learning bad habits and things won’t change as long as he is manager— too bad because they are four pieces away from being a contender.By JJ Dangerously
July 3, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Hey Hal, what do you think of Joe Buck’s comments on Colin Cowherd’s show? Here’s a link if you didn’t hear it: http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2008/07/joe-buck-admits-he-rarely-watches.htmlBy Mike
July 3, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Here’s the sad note…this Powerful inept Reds team has been outscored 429-367..they have lost the last 6 of 10..dead last in central cellar (sitting on the butts looking up ) 12 games out. Earlier this week they had a little 3 game win streak going. Hairston and Keppinger seem to energize the lethargy..So Baker ‘Odd Man Out’s” Keppinger so as not to let him over do it and to make some other people happy. He did it again last night..sitting Hairston.If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!. But…Castellini visited Bakers office last night..to encourage him etc. Also to tell him that keep the faith Dusty..Mr. J and me are still evaluating!By fan_from_afar
July 3, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
I was born a Reds fan in Dayton, Ohio in 1974. My dad dressed me in little Reds one-piece baby gear and sat me in front of the TV to watch baseball with him. My mom has the pictures. We moved around a lot, but I was always a loyal Reds fan. As a young Adult, I moved into Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lived there for the next 14 years. I grew to like the Brewers over time, but I my friends and I went to every Reds series and I was decked out in Reds garb and good-naturedly (sp?) heckled by my Brewers buddies. Now I live on the East Coast and have a flight back to Brew City and tickets to the Reds/Brewers games coming up mid July. I’m seriously considering rooting for the Brew Crew. I might even buy a Brewers hat at the stadium to wear OVER my old beloved Reds cap. I have been humbled and humiliated by this team. Each time I start in with “oh i think the Reds are going to be good in year ” my buddies just laugh. Someone has to take down the Cubbies. GO BREWERS!!!By MAC
July 3, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
I complain as much or more than most, but I think we’d all do well to check the MLB standings more closely for perhaps a different perspective? There are only 8 teams around the 50 win mark and 6 of those are in the American League. The Cubs and Cards represent the NL; take the Reds out of the central and away from the hot Cubs, and they’re right in the hunt w/ just about every other team. Sure they’re still in last place, but quite honestly they’re only a handful of games away from 2/3 of the other teams in MLB. Nevertheless, I understand the frustration and still feel moves have to be made before this team can go forward. In general, the team needs more high effort players (hustle) and players who work the count and consistently make contact at the plate.By nick
July 3, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Get this…I had reps from the Reds in my place of business selling half price tickets to me and my associates as well as some of my customers. They are so desperate to get somebody to buy tickets to watch this crap they sell for a pro team here, that they have to go to a minor league gimic to put asses in the seats. When you have to give it away instead of charging full price, well, it’s like being a part time hooker….they’re not prostitutes…they’re substitutes…they only work[or win] a couple of days a week! After the Red’s reps left my business, a disinterested customer came up to me and said the ultimate….”I would’nt go see the Reds if they lined up to play in that parking lot!” Chicken salad out of chicken crap…pretty sad.And for Castellini…”Hey Bob…as an ol produce peddler, you should know that one rotten potato will make the whole bag stink…like a dead body! Time to fine the rot and get rid of it!By AP-FLORIDA
July 3, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
LETHARGIC? HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE READ ‘IT STARTS WITH THE MANAGER” “A TEAM FOLLOWS IT’S MANAGER LEAD, HIS TEMPO, HIS ENERGY, HIS FIRE”? ONE TIME LAST NIGHT THE TV SHOWED THE REDS DUGOUT AND I THOUGHT I SAW EVERYONE WITH A TOOTHPICK! ANYONE ELSE SEE THAT? WANT HUSTLE? FIND SOMEONE THAT DOES !!!! WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENS THE NEXT FOUR GAMES…..By MAC
July 3, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this
Of course, I’d add Phillips to the untouchable list as well.By MAC
July 3, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this
zBro I have to agree w/ you and that’s exactly why changes/trades need to be made. I think the time is perfect to send Thompson back down so Fogg can come back up and hopefully he can pitch well enough to trade him along w/ a few more in an attempt to acquire another “positive piece” to the puzzle. IMO, Cincy will have to package some pitching and or youth in order to dump the payroll of Dunn or Arroyo. The only untouchables IMO are: the 3 young SPs, Votto, Bruce and perhaps Burton and Keppinger. I would add Affeldt to the mix as well and consider trying him in the starting rotation again. He needs to develop a few more pitches (where have we herd that before) in order to get through a lineup the 3rd or 4th time; he really needs a changeup and the ability to cut and or turn over his fastball; he could be a very effective LH SP.By ZBro
July 3, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this
Ryan Freel is a high energy player. I think he’ll be a nice contributor the next few years as a utility player. However, it seems like there is no solution in sight, at least the next few years. Hopefully, we’ll keep adding some pieces. In the meantime, we are going to keep losing. I really want to know if Dunn is here for the future or gone? If we can groom a few more starters, find an outfielder (replacement for Griffey) and new catcher, maybe we can go over .500 next year.By MAC
July 3, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
I didn’t see the game, but it sounds like more of the same? When the Reds win, it’s usually because of good pitching, a few long balls and doing most of the little things right. When they lose, it’s usually Ug-lee w/ a minor league effort and very poor execution of the little things.By HuberTucky
July 2, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
(Sorry, original posting in wrong box). Just finished disgustedly watching the Pirates kick the Red’s lame @sses again. The Deads are a last place team, have earned that distinction, and deserve it. Not much more needs to be said.