United Way campaign celebration
Your youth sports photos
Fairfield honors service organizations
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 > August > 04 > Entry
Is it towel-tossing time yet?
What should the Cincinnati Reds do? Is it towel-tossing time? Should they keep trying to win games or should they experiment with lineups and positions?
Maybe they should try Brandon Phillips at shortstop? Maybe they should try Joey Votto in left field? Maybe they should transfer the franchise to Nashville or Spokane? You know, a fresh start?
I’m kidding, I’m kidding.
They are sputtering on three cylinders, spinning their wheels in the muck, their tongues hanging as they chase Pittsburgh and Houston in the National League Central.
Never mind Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Louis. Those three teams are distant cousins in faraway domains.
That doesn’t faze Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker, doesn’t make him want to give up the ghost of 2008 and think about 2009.
“Never quit. Never say die. Never,” he said before Monday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Despite losing eight of the previous nine that included three straight to the pathetic Washington Nationals, the Reds showed some spunk by stopping the Brewers, 6-3, behind Bronson Arroyo’s pitching and hitting.
Arroyo held the second-place Brewers to one run and four hits over six innings and drove in the game’s first runs with a two-run double in the fourth.
Asked if it isn’t about time to think about next year and tinker with things, Baker said, “Not for me. Most of the guys who are pretty close to being major-league players are here already and have been most of the year. It isn’t like we have 10 prospects at Triple-A who are ready to take a job up here.
“I always want to win, no matter who I put out there,” he added. “It has been only a few seasons that I went into September and it didn’t mean anything,” Baker added. “And it’s only August.
“In our division, a lot can turn around in a hurry,” he added. “If you get hot, man, I’ve seen it. People think I’m the eternal optimist, but I can be that because I’ve seen that and done that.
“You try to finish as high as you can finish,” he said. “These are primo times for somebody. When you are playing inside your division the last two months as much as we are, well, it might as well be us.”
That is talk from high in a steeple, an unlikely scenario, but for one night the Reds seemed interested and dedicated to winning a game.
“It has been a struggle,” he said. “But you keep fighting and you keep struggling. You don’t look back. You look forward. Keep the spirits high.”
Looking only one day back, the Reds are now 1-0.
Jeff Keppinger opened the bottom of the first with a walk, but the Reds didn’t have another base runner until Jolbert Cabrera broke up Manny Parra’s no-hit thoughts with a one-out single in the fifth.
Parra then walked Jay Bruce and David Ross to fill the bases and Arroyo banged a two-run double into the left field corner. Joey Votto pulled a two-run single to right and Parra’s no-hitter was now a 4-0 Reds’ lead.
Arroyo has four hits in his last six at-bats and said with a smile, “I came in on an off day with one of my buddies and I changed my stance a little bit hitting in the cage, messing around. I was joking around and I said I was going to try it and it has been working.
“It’s always luck when we (pitchers) get hits, but I’m feeling good at the plate,” he said. “I’m crouching a little more and widened my stance to see if I could stay back on breaking stuff.”
Spoken like a true Pete Rose.
Arroyo was nicked for a run in the sixth, but Bruce got two back in the bottom half.
Dropped to seventh in the order to protect him from the lefthanded Parra, Bruce drove his 10th homer the opposite way over the left field wall for a 6-1 lead.
“When you are lefthanded and hit a home run to left field off a lefthander, that means you’re staying on the pitch, not pulling off,” said Baker. “He hit a tough pitch.”
Bruce smiled when it was mentioned he was dropped from third to seventh on this night because Parra might have been too tough.
“Dusty has no evidence as to why he shouldn’t do that, but I know that I’ll have no problems with lefties soon enough,” he said. “You have to respect his decision. It’s logical for right now until I show him otherwise. I will. It’s just a matter of time.”
After Parra left the game in the seventh, he and his first baseman, Prince Fielder, engaged in a brief dugout shoving match when Parra was walking toward the tunnel to leave and Fielder didn’t like Parra leaving the scene.
“That’s our first win since Ken Griffey Jr. was traded and it is always a shock to a team when a guy who has been here a long time gets traded,” said Baker.
Comments
By うつ病
September 21, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
はい。By Matt
August 7, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Yes, this season has been a tough one. I had hopes for at least a winning season, if not a playoff berth. Especially when you factor in the signing if Cordero this offseason as the closer, after as bad as the bullpen was last year. Things appeared to be on the up and up. But this team never really was built for October. Patterson starting out as an everyday player? Not on a playoff team. The situation with Hatteberg and Votto at 1B. That was settled fairly quickly, but not fast enough. The Reds should have went with Votto right out of the gate, especially after what he did late last year after being called up from Triple A. Those are just a couple of things. But I am confident that next season, with the maturity of the young players (Votto, Bruce), and what will hopefully be a big offseason spent filling the team’s holes, the Reds will be winners in ‘09. The Reds, with the right decisions and direction, are not that far away.By Hilliard Dave
August 7, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
The benefit of taking in a game at GABP is you know you won’t have to hear Geo Grande. ha ha ha. Seriously though, I think your last sentence answers your initial question, Mike. Yes, there are die-hard fans and then those who just go for the experience or they had free tickets from a friend at work. How many of these are repeat offenders, I wonder? Looking around the stands lately, there are just tons of empty seats. The new park novelty has worn off for most of us and it’s down to a core of hardliners who show up to see baseball. Even marginal baseball, it seems. I’ll still go to a game if the tickets are free, but gas and parking and the absurd price of concessions encourage me to just stay home and watch them lose on the tube and listen to Marty’s growing tone of disgust.By Mike
August 7, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Question..yesterdays attendance was 26,000+,the day before 24,000 Why are people driving hours to see these guys? They pay $7 for a brownie or $8.75 for a hamburger, all while watching a last place hapless team. Some say, it for the “game experience”. Or it could be they are driving to see Encarnacion and Patterson play. Tonight’s attendance will probably top 30,000 because as I blog, there are 10,000 women out front to get thier free pink hat that will be embarrasing to wear!By HuberTucky
August 7, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I totally agree. I mean, how much more can we learn about Patterson and Bako? We need all we need to know about these two duds. Hopefully and most certainly they are not part of this team’s future. Plus, the Reds are 17 games out (stick a fork in this turkey, it’s done!). What possible reason is there NOT to bring up young talent for an audition? Yes, I too will always watch and follow the Reds — have all my life. But 2008 is an exercise in watching them invest new ways to lose. I’ve just never seen so many errors and base runnung gaffs! And TERRIBLE patience at the plate. It’s just a matter of how much I yell out loud or mumble during the games that varies. Right now, I’m so disgusted I spend the whole game channel surfing, checking back in to see how badly my team is behaving. God, what a dreary season so far. I’m just so greatful for a remote.By Steven Ross
August 7, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
There are some sardonic plus clever retorts today. Nice job all! I’ve noticed a common theme: fans have thrown in the towel. Getting swept by the Nats put the cap on everything I already knew—-this team is done. I’ll still tune in to see Bruce and Votto though. I’m with all of you who say bring up the kids and let them play. I’d rather watch Dickerson, Hannigan, Maloney, et al instead of Bako and Patterson. Sheesh.By jeff
August 7, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Things to do: Cut Bako-Call up Hannigan Send down Patterson call up dickerson When Harang comes back, trade fogg through waivers and let Bailey keep pitching. Septmeber= bring up Thompson, Maloney, Roenicke and Valakia to give them a taste. PS. Go to the reds website and look at the picture of Homer (His eyes are looking at his release and not the plate, then compare that to the other pitchers, paging useless Dick Pole, Paging Dick pole)By jeff
August 7, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
It is 100% time to throw in the towel. One thing before I get started, Go to the Reds site and look at homer’s picture and see how he is looking up in the air instead of towards the plate. All the other pictures of pitchers shows them focusing on the plate. I have seen little adjustments like this help tremendously. Ok so anyways Dusty is a moron and to be honest he hasnt proven one thing to this fan base. McKannin did a better job with less and for that matter I would like to see Jockety do more. There are two triple A players who deserve to be here and that is Hannigan and Dickerson. Both these players are on the 40 man. Wouldnt it make sense to cut Bako and send Patterson down. And whether he is 0-6 or 0-20 Bailey needs to pitch up here. If they send him down and let Fogg continue we really have to wonder what the heck they are thinking. And for that matter when Thompson/Maloney is better lets see him in Spetmeber. this is all about planning for 2009 and beyond If Dunn isnt going to be here then move someone there to get used to him not being in the lineup. This has been my argument from day one is that Dusty wasn’t the right man for this job. He is used to a veteran team and not young rebuilding teams. The good thing is that this team isnt that far off.By jeff
August 7, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
It is 100% time to throw in the towel. One thing before I get started, Go to the Reds site and look at homer’s picture and see how he is looking up in the air instead of towards the plate. All the other pictures of pitchers shows them focusing on the plate. I have seen little adjustments like this help tremendously. Ok so anyways Dusty is a moron and to be honest he hasnt proven one thing to this fan base. McKannin did a better job with less and for that matter I would like to see Jockety do more. There are two triple A players who deserve to be here and that is Hannigan and Dickerson. Both these players are on the 40 man. Wouldnt it make sense to cut Bako and send Patterson down. And whether he is 0-6 or 0-20 Bailey needs to pitch up here. If they send him down and let Fogg continue we really have to wonder what the heck they are thinking. And for that matter when Thompson/Maloney is better lets see him in Spetmeber. this is all about planning for 2009 and beyond If Dunn isnt going to be here then move someone there to get used to him not being in the lineup. This has been my argument from day one is that Dusty wasn’t the right man for this job. He is used to a veteran team and not young rebuilding teams. The good thing is that this team isnt that far off.By fan_from_afar
August 7, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Definitely time to throw in the towel. Let’s face it, if football season started the first week of August, most of us would’ve thrown in the towel weeks ago. As for me, I’m gonna stop watching Reds games for the rest of the season and keep an eye on the Brewers. In many ways, they remind me of what the Reds COULD be in the next year or two. They are a small-market team who has a relatively new stadium, a newer owner, good young players that they developed through their own system like Braun and Fielder, guys a few years older who are solid producers (Bill Hall) and they made some good moves to get some more experienced players even before they picked up Sabathia (like Suppan for one - who may not be great but is often good enough). Their whole process really started to show two years ago, and it wasn’t always pretty but anyone paying serious attention could tell what they were trying to do. Perhaps in another two years, our Reds will have a similar look? It certainly would be nice! =)By jsc139
August 7, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Hey Steve, c’mon now…they’re only 17 games out and it’s only August 7th. There’s plenty of time for the Reds pitchers to find magic through the mater tutelage of the awesome Dick Pole, and for attitudes to snap back and do a 180 under the brilliant leadership of world-renowned motivational speaker Dusty Baker, and for bats to mysteriously awaken under the guidance of .270 lifetime batter Brook Jacoby. Remember, miracles DO happen! Just not for this sad sack Cincy team, not in the past 10 years & not now.By Steven Ross
August 7, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
By jsc139: Hal sick? Yeah, he probably had a heart attack reading his blog. More likely sick of covering the sad-sack Reds. We’ll finish 25 games out of first. We’re all so proud. Get get ‘um Dusty. Where the hell is Bako and Patterson?By Brarhopper
August 7, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Buuuudddddy, now Wizards jes tryin ta be nice. What really happen was while ridin around in circles, I got all dizzy and the one of my trainin wheels snapped and I dumped that Harley right there in the Huber K-Mart parkin lot. I’m still trapped, but I got my WiFi laptop and my cell so I’m textin all the tweens and playin vid games. Bored in Huber parkin lot. Why don’t HuberTucky come and save me?By jsc139
August 7, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Hal sick? Yeah, he probably had a heart attack reading his blog.By wizard
August 7, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Well now, Cait, me and Brarhopper dunn got real tired a sittin’ out here n this parkin’ lot. We dunn what cha said, an come on out cheer—but Cait, these skeeters got real bad in the middle of the night, so’s Brar got this here idea ta ride around in circles in the lot and that worked fer awhile, till we runned outer gas—and, heretiz mornin’, wouldja believe it? Nobady ain’t showed up yet!By Florida Buckeye
August 7, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Hal, I hope all is well with your health, and it’s nothing more than a little nausea from reading the childish back and forth that’s been cluttering up your blog of late: Take care and we all hope to hear from you soon!By michael
August 7, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Bailey had decent stuff? He got rocked again, please call it like it is. I think Bailey still has a chance to develop into a good Pitcher, but only if we get a Pitching Coach and a Legit Catcher. I think those are areas that need to be addressed. I have to wonder what Cueto, Thompson, and Bailey could have done a little Coaching and mentorship.By AP-FLORIDA
August 7, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
I for one turned to the Brewers announcers after 2 innings. Charity is nice but for 9 innings? I will keep my Pete Rose rookie card. AS far as Rusty, just read my past posts. I believe that was Dunn’s first hit since JR was traded, and 2 fielders had to run into each other for him to get that! I don’t think he’s pouting, this is his normal cycle. And lastly, WHO’S MATT?By rockieredsfan
August 7, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Hal on waivers? MIA for two days. Rockies picked up Livan Hernandez off waivers. Hurdle believes he will help the team. I hope he is right but the jury is still out.By sick of it all
August 7, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this
given up yet??dummy baker gave up 6 weeks ago..his boy corey goes to bat again in the bottom of the 9th down by 3 runs and still corey and his 150 batting averag go to the plate for another laydown out..this team will never win with this excuse for a managerBy Matt
August 7, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
MAC it seemed like Bailey had decent stuff yesterday, but it wasn’t good enough. The Brewers were hitting little grounders, little “bleeders” all day long. Add a couple line drives where nobody was at defensively and it turned into another ‘L’ for ole Homer. It’s unfortunate. Plus, the Reds only scored 3 runs. 3 runs against Jeff Suppan, another middle-of-the-road SP. Another loss and another disappointing season continues.By Mark in Sun Valley
August 7, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this
The ‘55 ball is nice, but no trades. I’m keeping my ‘76 Reds autographed bat, ‘70 autographed ball, or even my ticket stubs from the last game at Crosley and from Seaver’s no hitter. You can have my Kirk Gibson bobblehead for the Uncle Orrie cap straight up. Living in Dodgertown sucks.By MAC
August 7, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this
I guess Hal must be sick; no new Blog for a couple of days now? Anyone watch Bailey pitch today? It sounds as though he pitched better, but the story didn’t provide many details. I’m sure his command was better w/ the FB, but what about his breaking ball and change-up? Was he ahead in the count and getting ground ball outs, or was he constantly pitching from behind and w/ men on base?By Brarhopper
August 6, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Well, Cait, me an Wizard are sittin here on our Harleys in the Huber K-Mart parking lot, drinkin’ jars of corn squeezins with our tootless gals, guns loaded… and nobody showed up. Oh wait, did you say WalMart? Shoulda knowed you fancy city guys woulda picked some rich guy’s store! Shucks! How do ya like me now, fellers?By Michael in Monterey, CA
August 6, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Awesome Dr Creep! I was p.o’d when that Joe guy replaced Malcom. I wonder if the robot Stan the Man built is still outwitting Duffy the Dog? Caitlin you are wise! Thanks. Farm hands get ready to show us your game in Sept.By wizard
August 6, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
How am I doin’ Cait?By Matt
August 6, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
I remember a couple weeks ago there was a gentleman on “Sports of All Sorts” on WCPO, who was taking calls from people asking how much their autographed items or things of that nature were worth. I thought that was pretty cool, and I’d like to see more of that type of topic on shows like that. Neat stuff.By HuberTucky
August 6, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Cool! And I still have the Uncle Orrie cap given me by Ferdie Fussbudget! AND my 1955 Reds autographed team ball (actually my son in California has it’s and it’s his prized possession). Bob Thurman, Smokey Burgess, Bob Purkey, Temple, MacMillan, Hoak, Klu, Post, Bell, Bailey, Haddix, Tebbets, etc. I checked ebay and they go for about $250!By Mark in Sun Valley
August 6, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Wow. Kudos to the Malcolm, Duffy the Dog and Dr. Creep reference! I still have a stuffed Duffy the Dog that 5th/3rd Bank gave out as a premium.By Calvin S.
August 6, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
I like the idea of trying Votto in left. Maybe they should try EE in left too, in case the Reds let Dunn walk it might not hurt to see if who could he could be replaced with. One thing I think they should stop doing is running Patterson out to center. This player shouldn’t even be on the team, but since he is for the this season, than I say use him as a late game defensive replacement or a pinch runner. He should can’t hit. I seem to remember Baker making a statement in the spring to the effect that all you have to do to know about a vetern player is look at the back of his playing card. Seems Baker lost his glasses when looking at Patterson’s. Surely he won’t be back next season. If he is I might just stop watching baseball. No I could never do that, it’s in the blood. I have to admit I am addicted to this team no matter what they do. Darn it!By Dr. Creep
August 6, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Or could it all secretly be Malcom and Duffy the Dog from Clubhouse 22?By Mike
August 6, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
After extensive investigation the man who is responsiible for 17% of this blog (21-125) is really Batman. He never sleeps and is an ever present blog watchdog. He is the cousin to McGruff the Crime Dog.By HuberMattTuckWiz
August 6, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
A STARTLING DISCOVERY YOU WON’T BELIEVE! Of the 124 posts, 21 are from Matt. But even more startling, Matt, HuberTucky, Brarhopper and Wizard (that’s all I’ve discovered so far) are ALL the same guy. This is just Matt arguing with himself and blaming others. Add it all up that way and he actually has 84 posts! It’s a conspiracy! It just COULD be that everybody on this blog including Matt is actually Hal and he’s doing all this just to get a raise from DDN!!!By Cait
August 6, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Matt, Wizard, Brarhopper and your childish brethren - shut up. This blog is for opinions about the Reds. If you have so little intellectual aptitude that you have to resort to personal attacks, then go meet in a Walmart parking lot and duke it out like men. Matt, you do have good points sometimes. I don’t alway agree with you, but sometimes I do. However, you must enjoy the personal attacks. If you truly want them to stop, then quit responding to them. If you and others don’t respond, then they won’t have any reason to keep writing. Don’t be so defensive about your military service either. Again, they are trying to pick a fight and that’s as good as they can come up with. It is cowardly for sure. On the other hand, while I respect your military service, it has nothing to do with your opinion on the Reds. Stick to the topic, don’t respond when they bait you and this whole blog will be a refreshing read once again.By Matt
August 6, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
As Thom Brennaman said, today was not about just a major league baseball game. It was about something a lot bigger than that. Watching and listening to the coverage today, it is awesome, at least in my opinion, what the Reds Community Fund is all about, and what they contribute to the city of Cincinnati, as well as” Reds Country” as a whole. I for one found the coverage to be very good, as far as what today was all about. As far as the game itself, well, same old story there.By Hubert Ucky
August 6, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
The TV coverage of today’s game was dreadful, marginal at best. Felt like I was watching a telethon or a fund raiser. Constantly showing whoever was in the booth talking to Chris and Thom. Boring. Almost as boring as watching the game. I have a question for the Dusty defenders. Why on earth, if you have any thought of winning the game, do you allow sure-out Corey Patterson to lead off the 9th? He was already 0-3 and showing absolutely no promise of getting better or getting a hit. The Reds were just going through the motions today as usual, with very few exceptions. Another ho-hum performance by a team that seems heartless and indifferent and laconic, and anxious to just get each game over with so they can go eat & drink beer.By Matt
August 6, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Nice post, copperhead. I’m the bad guy though, yeah?By jsc139
August 6, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Two questions for Reds observers: 1st, Has Dunn had a hit since his pal Griffey left? I mean, he was as good as player-of-the-month for July and seem to be in full pouting mode since the “trade.” 2nd: Does Corey Patterson have the worst swing in MLB? No wonder he’s hitting the highway average (I-75).By BrarHoppy
August 6, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
LOL !!!!!By Steve
August 6, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Wood ehvrywon pleeze git uhlong?By Copperhead
August 6, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
SHUT UP A-HOLE!By Matt
August 6, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
For every post like the last one, I will keep offering these same couple of questions. Hopefully someone will have the sense enough to recognize them eventually? Who are the ones who attack a person’s military service? Who are the ones who constantly use personal attacks and name-calling to get their point across? You have the nerve to call me delusional, Houston, but you are the one who can’t answer some simple questions. I’m the one with the problem? Read my posts. I deliver my opinion on all things Reds baseball, and I give statistics and facts to back my claims up with. Get your nose out of brarhopper and Huber’s behind long enough to see things for what they are.By HoustonWeHaveAProblem
August 6, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks rwc—you are correct, Matt does need to be constantly reminded, it seems. How can it be better explained to him, than what Police Chief has said. He just doesn’t get it. I am starting to believe that the only solution—is for everyone to COMPLETELY ignore ALL of his blogs—just don’t recognise him, whatsoever!He lives for the recognition of his drivel, as he polices every opinion. He is delusional; and in my opinion in need of, either, some medication—or a large dose of intelligence and maturity.Doubtful we will see this in our lifetime; since so many of us have told him the same thing—and he refuses to save Hal’s blog, by giving the suggestions a try. Sad.By mike cahill
August 6, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
This is a good forum for sharing ideas and opinions and for doing a little griping. I suggest that we agree and disagree with ideas and do so respectfully. My opinions are not necessarily better than anyone else’s. I just like them better because they’re my own. But some of you have caused me to change my mind about some things because I ended up likeing your opinion more.By Matt
August 6, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Does that “sniping” include degrading a person’s military service? Does the “sniping” include personal, insulting attacks? Please inform me, todd jackson, of the “sniping” that I have done that equals that. Please inform me of how I have insulted or attacked other people on this blog. Let’s hear it.By Roho Radio
August 6, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Suggestion 3: Mention another bloggers name only when you agree with them. The only names that should show up for any other reason should be Red’s players/coaches/mgmt, etc since this is a Red’s blog: not a blog for “You Got Served”. Can I get a witness?By Todd Jackson
August 6, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Roho Radio, that’s an excellent suggestion. I’ll follow your advice and suggest others do the same. Maybe all the sniping will stop. He certainly will not and proves it daily. Hourly. Thanks for the heads up, Roho Radio! :-) Ooops, time to go watch the Reds lose.By Matt
August 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Any blog that attacks a person’s service to their country is too long. Any blog that uses personal attacks to win a debate is too long. Read the damn posts and get a clue as to who is responsible for “ruining” this blog. I post about Reds baseball. If someone on here can’t see that, then that is their problem. Brarhopper clearly has his friends on here, who will defend him whether he is right or wrong. I get called the names I am constantly called by brarhopper, and his friends Wizard and Huber, and I am the one blamed for the problems on here? Get real.By Roho Radio
August 6, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Suggestion 1: Stop reading his blogs. Just skip over them. Don’t even mention his name in your blogs. Suggestion 2: Any blog that fills the whole page is too long. More than 10 sentences is pushing it.By Todd Jackson
August 6, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Suggestion — perhaps if Matt would stop spending more than half his time here defending his own behavior with too many posts we could actually have more baseball talk. Seems like Matt’s tirades are single-handedly ruining Hal’s blog. IMO. Just a thought.By Michael in Monterey, CA
August 6, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
I don’t know what Dusty is talking about when he says, “Anything can happen.” If the Lord were to lay his hands on the Reds bats it would produce nothing but ground-outs to short and pop-flys to right. Throw in the towel? The Reds took a 10 count weeks ago. I hope they give their farm system a chance to proove themselves this September. And next year get rid of the third catcher in exchange for an extra arm……..oh, and release Weathers now!By Matt
August 6, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
AP, did I “attack” brarhopper? No. He took a post I had written about the Reds’ inexperience and twisted that around into a personal attack against me. Now, he has crossed the line into insulting my military service. What kind of a low person does that? Someone who has served their country, and is continuing to serve their country, and somebody who doesn’t have a clue about that or what it means insulting them and denying their service? Shame on you brarhopper, for your unwarranted and personal attacks. If the facts and statistics that I have used to back up my arguments are wrong brarhopper, then please feel free to tell me what facts and statistics are wrong that I have brought up, and I will be happy to debate those with you. Provided of course that you refrain from attacking my military service and launching personal attacks against me. According the brarhopper, I am an egomaniac with no personality or sense of humor. It seems as though brarhopper knows as little about me as he does about Reds baseball. Are you done with your attacks yet, brarhopper? Are you ready to get back to objectively discussing the Reds?By jimbo
August 6, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
It was time to throw in the towel the day Dusty was hired.There’s a reason he was run out of Chicago and San Francisco< and your seeing it on the field in Cinncinati.By AP-FLORIDA
August 6, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Matt, while I agree BH was a little over zealous. He answered your attack. The difference is you attack everyone and all for any and everything. Do as you say so many times, post about the reds only….By Brarhopper
August 6, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Boy, I learned a long time ago that there is no point trying to have a serious discussion with a know-it-all and a young kid with major insecurity issues like you. Add to that an egomaniac with an inferiority complex and you have Matt. You deride everyone about their opinions and cite your BS “facts” which are quite often proven wrong and you never answer those challenges. You just rant on like the know-it-all always right and never correcting yourself. You are a true waste of everyone’s time. And I live in a trailer so no, I don’t look down my nose. As has been said before, you have no sense of humor and were obviously born without a personality. I’m quite certain you were never in the military…you’d have never lasted. Your fellow soldiers woulda shot you in the back after about two months of your childish guff.By Matt
August 6, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
AP, read brarhopper’s attack rant, and put the blame of the problems of this blog where they belong, please.By AP-FLORIDA
August 6, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Matt (once again) how much of your last post was about the reds? get a clue!By RWC
August 6, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Here ya go, Houston. Mayy needs to re-read this daily: Matt has continued his annoying ways; so I must remind him of what I said to him sometime agowhich btw is what others keep saying to him,as well. Matt you keep blaming three individuals but, there are many more individuals than those three, who are irritated by you and your assinine continuance of ruining Hals blog. Here it is again:You are becoming a public nuisance. We dont want or need you to police our blog. We dont need your childish corrections of all errorsstated here. Errors as judged by you.Give it a rest.You have been told by MANY, not just three, BUT MANYto back off, shut up,disappear, come back again another year. You have the most comments everyday on this blog. People dont want to hear from one person all the time, on every subject, and every opinion.It is what is annoying about your commentsno one else on this blog gets as many negative comments about them,as you do!You are like a small child that wont go away.You, Matt, are ruining this blogyou alone! You have ligitimately been criticized on here in various forms, because YOU have been the problem! You, your attacks on opinion, are the problema blog is about opinionnot one persons diatribe of repeated comments and attacks. You are not the policeman of this blogyou have not been appointed as such; and you will continue to get comments as long as you act like a bloghog and policeman of the blog.Your repeated childish gibberish is unwanted. It isnt always the truth, as others see itthe problem is: you think it IS always the truth. It is wrong for anyone to approach a blog thinking that and correcting others.Your opinion is forced on others as: you better believe this I am saying,or you are just simply wrong. You also, do what you say you dont, you attack others directly, and indirectlyall you have to do is read your blogs.There is more from the previous comments I madebut perhaps this will suffice, for you to give some thought to why it is that the majority of bloggers are against your actions. They arent complaining to Wizard, or Huber Tucky, or Brarhopperthey ARE complaing to you Mattshouldnt that tell you something? I think so; and so do most of the bloggers here. Get it right, and Im sure most, if not all, will leave you alone.By Matt
August 6, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Brarhopper, there is one thing I can’t figure out. I can’t figure out why I still give you the time of day, because frankly, you aren’t worth it. Rather than debating objectively about your views vs. my views on Reds baseball, you have chosen the same old tired road of personal attacks to attempt to get your point across. I’m afraid that you really are confused and out of touch, brarhopper. That’s unfortunate. For your information I never attended a “trailer park elementary school”. And if I did live in a trailer park, would you hold that against me? Do you look down on folks who live in trailer parks? It sure seems that way. Another arrogant, way off-the-mark post by the true bloghog, Brarhopper. If your finished being childish, brarhopper, let’s get back to discussing Reds baseball, shall we?By Brarhopper
August 6, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Matt, you wrote, “Most of the problems with this team is inexperience.” Since you found it so important to point out my spelling error, I thought I would point out your grade school grammatical error. “Problems is?” Should be “problems are.” What trailer park elementary school did you attend? And you don’t write serious posts about baseball, you write childish defensive retorts to any and all things that you disagree with or deem as slights. Truly, you are the frustrated BlogHog BlogCop. Enjoying your job at Burger King, are ya?By Matt
August 6, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Houston, your right about one thing. There are folks on here who don’t care about facts, statistics or proof of their opinions. They rejoice and take pride in being ignorant, in ignoring the facts and statistics. That is unfortunate for them. I, however, choose to be informed and knowledgeable in the things I talk about. I don’t let my personal feelings or emotions get in the way of the truth, no matter what subject I am talking about. I don’t just pull my opinions out of thin air; I check my sources and research what I say, so I don’t look foolish and ignorant when I post.By Cait
August 6, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, you are right. I get tired of Jr. and Dunn getting all the blame. Yea, they are (were in Jr’s case) below .250, and to be fair, HR hitters should be in the .260-.270 range at worst. But you can deal with a guy putting up Dunn’s #s if the rest of the team is doing its share. It’s not Dunn’s fault there often is no one on base when he comes to bat and smacks a solo HR. This team needs table setters, not first pitch swingers.By HoustonWeHaveAProblem
August 6, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Matt, reread “ugly as ugly can be”—Police Chief—you are still the annoying one on this blog! Your stats? No one cares about them, or your stupidly repeated comments.Any chance you could take the next shuttle out of here?By Matt
August 6, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Mike, your right, I am still me. Still providing facts and statistics to back up my arguments and positions. Still using tangible things to back up my positions. That is unlike certain folks on this blog, who let their personal feelings and emotions get in the way and let that cloud their judgment. How unfortunate. The last time I checked, this is supposed to be a blog where serious conversation about Reds baseball takes place, and I’ll continue to write serious, thoughtful posts regarding my positions on Reds baseball. Most of the problems with this team is inexperience. That is why it took Volquez almost 100 pitches to get through 5 innings. That’s why hitters like Bruce and Votto don’t give the most professional ABs. It’s not because they “suck”, it’s because they are young and inexperienced. Guys like Votto, Encarnacion and Phillips are the future of this team. They will continue to grow and mature, provided that they continue to get opportunities day in and day out to play. After all the years of players like Wily Mo Pena, Bill Selby, Brandon Larson and the like, fans finally have something to be excited about for the future of this team. I’m not talking about 5 or 6 years down the road, either. I’m talking about 2009 and beyond. Jocketty/Baker need to fill the following holes this offseason; CF, SS and C. If they can do that, and add a quality SP and a right-handed power bat off the bench, this team WILL be a winner at this time next year.By wizard
August 6, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
It is difficult to understand how one major league team can be so inept. They are so pathetic and amateurish and immature—reminds one of the boring bloghog.By michael
August 6, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
I mostly Agree with Mike- Cinci. The Reds do have a few good youngsters in Votto, Phillips, and Bruce, but we need much more. We need a Legit Centerfielder, Catcher, 3rd Baseman, and Shortstop if we want to compete. Keppinger would be a great utility player on a contending team. Ross would make a nice Backup Catcher too. But they are not the clutch stars we need to make us a contender. Without Griffey eating up so much cash, hopefully we can fill one or two of these slots soon. These are very important postions on a contending team.By Mike-Cinci
August 6, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Mediocre players do dumb things like swinging at the first pitch too much, not knowing the strike zone, never going to the opposite field, not remembering what out it is, and throwing too many pitches by failing to throw strikes. This is a sign the players are not very good. The question we all have to ask is..”is this collection of players about as good as they will ever be?” Last night Volquez threw 100 pitches in 5 innings again. The other starters do the same. This won’t get it done. The Reds have 9 hits in their last 2 games vs. the Brewers after losing 3 in a row to the Nats. This team has a bunch of holes. The starting pitchers ERA is over 5.00. Of the 8 starting position players 4 are under .250 and the other 4 are .277 or lower. Griffey would not change these numbers. He was under .250 too. This team does not have enough talent. The numbers and the won/loss record do not lie. Jocketty needs to find some players.By Bob
August 6, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Looking back, which is always easier, towels could have been thrown away eight years ago. Good pitching or bad doesn’t seem to matter. It all evolves around on how many homers they hit; very few runs otherwise. Look at EE, 20 hrs and 42 RBIs. Phillips is trying to be a power hitter and abandon everything he did right last year. I believe stars got in his eyes and he lost sight of what brought him to this point. The best use for GABP and PB Stadium would be the world’s largest flea market. Neither franchise seems to have a clue on building a winner. Florida and Minnesota just keep on downsizing and rebuilding in such a short time and put an exciting young team on the field.By AP-FLORIDA
August 6, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
couple observations; Torre batted A-Rod eighth for awhile…I think the brewers knew what was coming from Volquez. Every time he had 2 strikes he threw his change up and most of the time it was right over the heart of the plate. Bad location and bad choice of pitches! (Volquez, Bako, or Pole?) Phillips won’t let Dunn protect him, he swings at bad pitches so they can pitch him that way, and he will get himself out! Final observation: Matt is still Matt…By Mike
August 6, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Like I said..Griffey batting 3rd is academic..he could have went 0-4 or 0-5 with 3K’s and the Reds STILL won the game!By Steven Ross
August 6, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Matt wrote: Griffey had a lot to do with the Reds being 45-44 in my opinion when he batted 3rd. Lets give credit where credit is due. Not true Matt. Hariston leading off had more to do with those numbers than Griffey. Where’s Ozzie batting Junior now? 7th! Exactly where Dusty should have put him. By the way, your hero went 1 for 6 with three K’s last night.By MAC
August 6, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this
Bobby Livingston had another nice outing @ Louisville last night and for those who say we need EE @ 3rd, check out Adam Rosales for the Bats. No doubt, EE is further along than Rosales and fits the proto typical ML 3rd basemen image, but Kepp could fill in at 3rd w/ someone else @ SS until Rosales fully develops @ AAA. This would allow Cincy to possibly make a deal w/ EE which might bring the SS or CF/leadoff man the club desperately needs. I realize EE has a lot of upside and he is a pretty good player as it is right now, but a team has to trade something to get something IMO and it would appear the Reds have a number of other players who could do more than just handle 3rd base. Who’s to say Kepp couldn’t stay @ SS and Andy Phillips couldn’t play 3rd effectively?By buddy
August 6, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this
The Reds are the most underachiving team in BB this year.I’ve never seen a more impatient team at the plate.First pitch swingers,getting themselves out.Never saw so many one pitch,one out rally killers.With Bako and Patterson in the line-up we’re playing with 51\2 hitters.Edwin refuses to go to right field,tries to pull everything,opens up too soon and appears not to have figured out the strike zone yet.Team is way too aggressive when they’re behind.Looks like Brandon is trying to do too much, like he’s thinking 30-30 again and not letting it come to him,still it’s hard to complain about him.The young guys will be fine.Patterson is fine if you don’t give him a time at bat.Got to be the dumbest hitter ever.Swings at more first bad pitches than anyone in the game.He obviously doesn’t have a clue at the plate.Had bases loaded Tuesday night,just scored one run,pitcher in trouble and swings at first pitch and flies out without making Bush work.DUMB,plus the pitch was outside so he poped to left.We need a strong right handed hitter.I don’t think Edwin is the answer at 3rd,too many errors and not enough production, maybe it’s time to move him.We also need a catcher.Bako they say is great with pitchers….but how long can you carry a .210 hitter when your offense is not getting more than 5 or 6 hits a game.It will be interesting to see what kind of house cleaning will be done in the off-season.My vote would be saying goodbye to Patterson,Bako,Andy Phillips,Weathers,maybe Bailey unless he comes out of his coma, Edwin and Majewski, but that’s just my opinion.By buddy
August 6, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this
The Reds are the most underachiving team in BB this year.I’ve never seen a more impatient team at the plate.First pitch swingers,getting themselves out.Never saw so many one pitch,one out rally killers.With Bako and Patterson in the line-up we’re playing with 51\2 hitters.Edwin refuses to go to right field,tries to pull everything,opens up too soon and appears not to have figured out the strike zone yet.Team is way too aggressive when they’re behind.Looks like Brandon is trying to do too much, like he’s thinking 30-30 again and not letting it come to him,still it’s hard to complain about him.The young guys will be fine.Patterson is fine if you don’t give him a time at bat.Got to be the dumbest hitter ever.Swings at more first bad pitches than anyone in the game.He obviously doesn’t have a clue at the plate.Had bases loaded Tuesday night,just scored one run,pitcher in trouble and swings at first pitch and flies out without making Bush work.DUMB,plus the pitch was outside so he poped to left.We need a strong right handed hitter.I don’t think Edwin is the answer at 3rd,too many errors and not enough production, maybe it’s time to move him.We also need a catcher.Bako they say is great with pitchers….but how long can you carry a .210 hitter when your offense is not getting more than 5 or 6 hits a game.It will be interesting to see what kind of house cleaning will be done in the off-season.My vote would be saying goodbye to Patterson,Bako,Andy Phillips,Weathers,maybe Bailey unless he comes out of his coma, Edwin and Majewski, but that’s just my opinion.By MAC
August 6, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this
Great Quotes: “I didn’t really like my stuff today,” Volquez said. “They were pretty good at taking pitches and getting swings.” As the Milwaukee Brewers shelled the all-star, the Cincinnati Reds made Milwaukee Brewers starter Dave Bush look like one. Volquez (13-5) gave up five runs on nine hits in five innings in the 8-1 loss Tuesday, Aug. 5. Bush held the Reds to one run on two hits in seven innings, while striking out seven and throwing fewer pitches than Volquez.” What a concept; it sounds as though the Brewers played w/ an approach/or game plan while our guys seem to have none? IMO, our guys continue to show a lack of discipline @ the plate & on the mound. This is where Baker, Pole & Jacoby are letting down the team by not providing the leadership to emphasize plate and mound discipline and or correcting the negative behavior. The only way these young guys are going to get better (BECOME MORE CONSISTENT) game in and game out or from one AB to the next, is to improve their approach/game plan and have the discipline/coaching to stick w/ it. This is where the emphasis needs to be. Forget about wins or loses and start concentrating on 3 good Abs/situational hitting and better mound presence (mental toughness) and mechanical discipline which will better allow the young pitchers to make quality PITCHES and not just THROW the ball over the heart of the plate!By MAC
August 6, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this
Anyone notice Dunn’s great numbers for July: 310 Avg, 381 Obs, 762 slug w/ 12Hrs, 26RBIs & 16Rs. If I added correctly, the Reds Record for the month was 12Ws & 13Ls? Of course, Dunns not the only reason the Reds won or lost a game, but IMO the same question needs to be answered for the Reds: Is Dunn worth the money and even w/ a great month @ the plate, can he carry this team and make it a WINNER?By Tucky
August 6, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
gotta hand it to you matt, that was really some kind of brilliant original creative comeback there, snappy boy! wow! you are truly an amazing genius of intelligence and wit.By Matt
August 6, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
And if personal attacks and insults were an Olympic event, you’d be there now as well. At least we would both be on Team USA. Well, if we lived in your world at least.By BrarTucky
August 6, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
BlabberHog BlogMouth Matt is at it again…cracking on everybody at every turn, STILL waxing nostalgic for Griffey, bringing up things he agrees and commits to drop less than 24 hours ago, and still with the BlogCop Critic act. Matt, if jumping to conclusions was an olympic event you’d be in Beijing right now.By Matt
August 5, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Not much intellectual insight from me, pummeler? This coming from someone who made posts like the one below: “the Reds SUCK. They fail at fundamental baseball. Jacoby is a drag. fire his a**e. swing at the first pitch every f# time. not very predictable, huh???” That’s really intelligent, intellectual stuff there, huh pummeler?By rlg
August 5, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Well, another anemic hitting performance and pitching performance. Does Volquez have a tired arm now? If you look at him over the last ten starts, clearly not the same guy, location wise and selection of pitches. I agree with all the others that Jacoby must go. This continual night after night making mediocre pitchers look like Bob Gibson or Tom Seaver has to end. Again, they played with zero heart.By thepummeler
August 5, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
oh btw, the ddn sucks ten times as much as matty boyBy thepummeler
August 5, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
to matt, i wish the bear would get you every time, dork. but he keeps spitting you out and you keep landing on this board, along with much intellectual insight into the game of baseball…NOT!!By thepummeler
August 5, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
to matt, i wish the bear would get you every time, dork. but he keeps spitting you out and you keep landing on this board, along with much intellectual insight into the game of baseball…NOT!!By Matt
August 5, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Just a little factoid on Bush. He came into this game with a 1-6 record on the road, with a 5-9 record overall. And he retires 17 straight Reds? Pretty pathetic. The Reds should have eaten him alive in the first inning when they had the chance. But they blew it, and from there he was in control. A couple highlights from this one; Encarnacion’s head-first slide into first base in the first inning, which was an interesting play since the Reds never hustle or play hard according to some on here. Also, a fine play in the field from Encarnacion as well. And a fine catch by CP in CF. Other than that, not much to take away from this one. Just another game knocked off before what will hopefully be a very eventful offseason. Let’s put this tough ‘L’ aside, and come back and win the rubber game vs. Suppan tomorrow, and take two out of three from the Brew Crew. Go Reds!! One more thing real quick. Did anyone else who watched the game on TV notice the high-class way that family from North Carolina was treated tonight? I thought that was just great.By thepummeler
August 5, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
to matt, i wish the bear would get you every time, dorkBy thepummeler
August 5, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
to matt, i wish the bear would get you every time, dorkBy Mike-Cinci
August 5, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Some excellent comments by Mr. Baseball, Mr. Redlegs (Original), Mike, and Y-city Jim. The team is short of talent. Jocketty has his work cut out for him.By thepummeler
August 5, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
dave bush??? retires 17 straight and…the crowd wants brook jacoby’s a**eBy thepummeler
August 5, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
dave bush retures 17 straight………………………………………………………………and the crowd goes wild.By thepummeler
August 5, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
the Reds SUCK. They fail at fundamental baseball. Jacoby is a drag. fire his a**e. swing at the first pitch every f# time. not very predictable, huh???