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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 > 17 > Entry
Let’s all play nice
So I took the day off, stayed away from the ol’ ballyard Tuesday.
Between chores and loafing, I monitored my blog and laughed and giggled at the way some of you snipe at and trash each other.
With no apologies to Rodney King, can’t we just all get along and have some fun and rationally discuss the plight of our free-falling and fast-plunging Cincinnati Reds?
A few of you sound like the Los Angeles Police Department.
I read ALL the comments, but do not participate other than to post my thoughts and let you respond. I don’t have time to comment because I’m busy doing my every day job of writing for the newspaper - a notebook before every game, a game story, a re-write of the game story for the web-site and columns, plus Ask Hal for Sunday.
As one of you said today, we have beaten Corey Patterson to a pulp.
But I must admit as I watched the game on TV, that I was downright perplexed when manager Dusty Baker permitted him to bat in the seventh inning with the game on the line.
The Reds were down a run with two outs and runners on second and third. Lefthander Joe Beimel was on the mound. A lefthander. Patterson is lefthanded and his career numbers against Jammin’ Joe was 1 for 13 with six strikeouts.
Baker had used Javier Valentin in the previous at-bat. He had David Ross, Paul Janish and Andy Phillips as right-handers on the bench.
Yes, he had no outfielders left. But Phillips has played outfield and could have played an inning or two out there.
I would have even preferred seeing Bronson Arroyo or Aaron Harang batting in place of Patterson. As expected, he grounded out and the Reds’ last chance died.
If I had been there, I would have asked Baker about it. I hope the scribes in attendance did.
Anyway, people, let’s play nice. We all are entitled to our opinions, whether we agree with each other or not. Let’s state them in a sane and humane way.
I love doing this blog and enjoy so much the many, many positive comments about it. There are some days, though, when I wonder, “Why bother? Why put in the extra effort to give some inside stuff and some personal experiences only to have a few goofs and foofs spoil it for the majority?
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Comments
By Георгий
February 9, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this
Оригинальная идея. Интересно сколько времени на это потрачено? :)By Роман
January 2, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this
Интересно было почитать :) Попробуем-с тоже ответить в ближайших постах.By Филин Ух
September 8, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Мне вот интересно, а комментарии которые не нравятся автору здесь удаляют? :)By Скетч
September 6, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this
Очень интересные мысли, хорошо рассказано, все разложено по полкам :)By Бруно
September 2, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Опять-таки побочная проблемка. Вряд ли она кому-нибудь мешает, мне вот лично как то пофигу :)By Ирина Буланова
September 1, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Видела что-то наподобие в англоязычном инете, в Рунете про такие вещи как-то не особо часто сообщения увидишь.By Dexter
August 26, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Автор, а у вас никто статьи не тырит c блога? А то у меня заколебали уже - копируют и копируют. И главное, что даже ссылку никто не удосужится поставить.By Nick
June 19, 2008 5:54 AM | Link to this
Well said. We all read your column because we love the Reds. Frustration spills out because it has been 1999 since we have sniffed the playoffs, 1996 since we were really there, and 1990 since we have won a championship. We want this team to do well, and that deludes us into believing that we can do better than the professionals who put this team together. The ugly truth is that this team will continue to plod along in mediocrity until we can start rebuilding it around these young kids. The future is bright, but our patience is unfortunately thin.By donb51
June 18, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Hal, Goofs and foofs? They are what adds spice to life. Don’t let them (us) get you down. You da man, keep it going, forever, if possible. You make up the fabric of Reds history.By HuberTucky
June 18, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
DDN Headline: Reds falter on Ken Griffey Jr. Night. Just perfect, and no one faltered more than Griffey himself. Again! First he begs off because he’s sick (Pete Rose would crap over that one). But not too sick to show up and pinch strike out (that REALLY helped the team, huh?). Griffey has shown no interest in leadership (Captain ala Barry Larkin?) and this team has been affected by his presence since he got here, mostly not in a productive way (however he did have a great stats last year). He doesn’t care enough about the team to voluntarily move himself down in the order, sacrifice himself at bat when needed, or to just sit out every other game — which appears to be very badly needed. So in conclusion, this man is not a team player, seems a poor attitude and influence on younger guys, and is simply no longer contributing. It took how long for him to hit #600? Is a home run from this over-the-hill dude gonna be what, a monthly occurrence from here on out, while his average slides and he is recognised as an easy out by other teams. Again, the sad comparison to Willie Mays playing long after his days were over. Where is the man’s grace on this issue? There is no G in team! He talks about his boyish joy and having fun and blah blah blah…but he always seems to look like he forgot to take his anti-depressants. He looks bored and listless and just flat out tired. Indifferent is the best single word that comes to mind. Time to step away, Junior. Thanks for the memories (in Seattle).By patbut
June 18, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Has there been any decision regarding Homerun Bailey pitching on Sat? Or any move with him?By NRA Proud
June 18, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Dusty played Patterson because he thought it was getting hot. Just remember the infamous comment —- “Personally, I like to play in the heat. It’s easier for me. It’s easier for most Latin guys and easier for most minority people. You don’t find too many brothers in New Hampshire and Maine and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, right? We were brought over here for the heat, right? Isn’t that history? Weren’t we brought over because we could take the heat? Your skin color is more conducive to the heat than it is to the light-skinned people, right? You don’t see brothers running around burnt and stuff, running around with white stuff on their ears and nose and stuff.” Also, Griffey, Jr. talking about Senior being “lucky” to win two championships was a stretch. His Dad won because he was on a TEAM, not because of luck.By Beard
June 18, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
I certainly don’t think last night’s loss can be pinned on Baker. That being said I do think the extra inning loss Saturday was Baker’s fault for leaving in Lincoln to pitch the 10th with much better options still left in the pen in Cordero, Burton, and Bray. I also think that a managers decision regarding the pen can impact future games as well. Case in point the 18 inning loss in San Diego. Now I’m not saying Dusty did anything way out of line there but is one game really worth potentially messing up your rotation the next couple of times through and impacting maybe 5 of the next 10 starts. Again with all this analysis it is totally hind sight and you don’t know what the outcome of the game would have been had an alternative move been made. For instance Saturday Cordero or Burton could have given up homers to Crisp and Youkilis as well, but to me they still were better options. Only my opinion and I’m not trying to be argumentative. To me the bottom line once again this year is let’s see what the GM does at deadline time and then let’s try to get as much experience for the players that you see as pieces for this team in the future. No sense waiting on guys like Thompson and Maloney, and Roenicke if guys like Terry Reynolds and Rick Sweet think they are ready. I see no reason to scratch tooth and nail with guys who won’t be in Cincinnati next year just to win 75 games. What does that prove? Just get the younger players some experience and get rid of the likes of Patterson, Fogg, Belisle, and others that are clogging the path for guys like Thompson and Maloney, and Roenicke. Again just my thoughts here in the middle of what is the better part of a decade of losing. It makes it difficult to find a new way of watching games each year vs watching them simply for wins and losses. I certainly don’t think they can win with the current parts as has been pointed out my many of the other posters. So let’s see what Mr. Jocketty comes up with as the trade deadline will be his first real chance to shine as Reds G.M.By Pat
June 18, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
TJ, Dunn has 6 more runs, 7 more RBI and has gotten on base 26 more times in the same amount of games as Votto. I think they’re both doing very well. Of course, Dunn can than Votto for some of those runs. Votto doesn’t really have anyone to drive him in. Neither man is the reason for the reds record. Injuries and pitching are the reason.By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
June 18, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Beard, Earl Weaver thought the manager impacted 162 games and Jim Palmer smirkly countered with 6-7. Obviously, Palmer is closer to being correct. Sparky Anderson figured no more than 10. The point: what the manager does is way too often subjective, done in hindsight, so that’s not impacting the game. That impact is a decision or non-decision that directly decided a win or defeat. Yes, it goes both ways. Sooooooooooo … how many of you think the reason the Reds lost last night is because of Baker?By TJ
June 18, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Votto’s 10 pitch hit last night should be looped in front of Adam Dunn’s locker. Red’s fans have patiently waited for Dunn to figure it out. Time to let other fans ooh…and..ahh over his HRs only to realize he hurts the team…By L-in Indy
June 18, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
I agree with the post about Phillips batting 4th. When he isn’t trying to hit a five run homer he is tough to strike out and a .300 plus hitter. Please don’t bat Bruce 3rd either, he is too young for all that added pressure. He was doing a nice job at the two spot. I think Votto, Dunn, Bruce (3,4,5) would work out just fine. Can’t wait for Hairston and Kepp to get back.By Beard
June 18, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Mr. Redlegs to stab at your question of how many games do we think a manager affects each year I’ll go with 15 (or roughly 10%). I would however say it is easier to screw games up as a manager than to say the manager won a game. Though I’m sure some manager moves have won games and I’m sure Dusty has made some somewhere that have won games for he has won far too many games in his career to be a horrible manager. Just that it seems like he doesn’t make great use of his bullpen at times. That would be my main criticism of him (along with the whole Patterson thing of course).By Reds fan from NY
June 18, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
I would like to hear Junior respond to a question if he is willing to bat somewhere else other than 3rd if Dusty approved. Seems to me that Casey got a more enthusiastic ovation Friday than Griffey did Tuesday. Now that Bruce is up, Homer’s up, Griffey got #600, and Griffey has had his day, what is the next trick from the bag to inspire fan attendance?By Randy
June 18, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Based on Dusty’s past comments, I’ll bet he did’nt realize that there were two outs. As for Patterson, give me $3 million and you all can call me what you want to. As long as he doesn’t put Harang back in for relief I’m cool I mean it’s groovy.By Nick W
June 18, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
man hal i had an idea for a long blog about corey patterson and then u come up with this blog on how we should all be nice so i will try and stay away from talking about corey..i went to the game for the griffey night HOPING to see griffey play on his night but no we play the above named player..i was actually very disappointed that he didn’t play on his night i don’t get it we had a day off yesterday and we have been at home for a week its not like we were traveling yesterday..what Dusty should have done in the seventh is have grif bat in the 9th spot and then have valentine bat for corey and then have the new pitcher batting 1st and put grif out the left and move over bruce then grif would have been back up in the bottom of the the ninth with some time to warm up and be ready instead of coming right off the bench and batting but what do i know im just 19 and never have coached baseball before but that seems like that would have worked..see i did it i didn’t say anything bad about pattersonBy Monroe
June 18, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Nick, you’re so right. Dusty would say, Well Dude, Patterson is a proven veteran and has leadoff experience in the past. You know we need his speed at the top of the lineup. Besides, there really isnt another prototypical leadoff hitter on our roster at the moment.” Of course, Hal - being the pro he is - would then ask the follow-up question that would point out that Corey’s speed is actually counterproductive (he’s been thrown out stealing approximately 35% of the time, which basically means he might as well not even try). And while he may have experience leading off, he has never done it well, failing to get on base at a .300 clip over his career. Bob’s right - let Dunn lead off. Bob Boone tried it and at least Dunn knows how to get on base. Corey, if he must play at all, should be batting ninth.By Monroe
June 18, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
I honestly don’t think Corey Patterson has taken a fraction of the abuse he deserves - and the same goes for his enabler Dusty Baker. Corey said after the game that he was happy with his at bats and “that you have to maintain your approach.” The first mystery is how Corey came to believe that he has a viable “approach.” Never have I seen a player who is so consistently clueless at the plate. He never makes adjustments, he never works the count. It is shocking that someone can stick in the majors for 8 years with a less than .300 OBA, but to lead off? It’s an incredible achievement. There simply is no excuse for him to be on this or any other team.By Bob in Rineyville
June 18, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Nick: Using the “proven veteran / previous lead-off hitter experience” justification, shouldn’t Adam Dunn be considered for that role? Just a thought, while we’re ruminating on the possibilities…By Nick
June 18, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Hal, you are a class act and everyone on here should respect the job that you do. I am sure that this blog is something that you don’t have to do. I love this blog because it doesn’t always have to be as politically correct as your print work. As for the getting along part, I believe that people got jealous when there name was not mentioned in your blog and someone else did. I do not feel that it was hatred of you or the blog but jealousy. By the way Hal, since you are a H.O.Fer, why don’t you be flat out blunt with Dusty and ask him why he keeps running Patterson out there every night? Ask him if there are no other options to play center field, then why does he have to bat leadoff? All of us want to know the answer to these questions. I would be willing to bet that Dusty’s answer sounds something like. “Well Dude, Patterson is a proven veteran and has leadoff experience in the past. You know we need his speed at the top of the lineup. Besides, there really isn’t another prototypical leadoff hitter on our roster at the moment”. I think that we all have to agree that this is what would be said so I have no bad feelings toward you Hal for not asking. We already know the answer.By Jack
June 18, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Hal, you have told us many times that it was not Krivisky fault that Patterson was signed, but you have not told us how much fault Baker should have. I can not imagine Castellini knew enough about Patterson that he “needed” him this year for whatever price.By HuberTucky
June 18, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Obviously, Patterson still has the photo of Dusty with a horse. There’s no other explanation of giving $3.5 mil and a leadoff spot for a failure batting .190. It’s just gotta be blackmail! Hey, did anybody see that rare momement in TV baseball film history last night? Yeah, Griffey smiled for a second.By Bob in Rineyville
June 18, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Just for clarification: wouldn’t Andy Phillips have been inserted into right field and Jay Bruce moved to center field? A previous poster indicated that he thought that anyone who had played the outfield should be able to cover center field for a couple of innings so that Patterson have been pinch hit for last night. Am I correct in my assumption?By CincyJesse
June 18, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Hal, You’re a real gem, keep up the good work on your blog. I wish more mlb writers had the passion and talent you possess. Please don’t shut it down on account of a few knuckleheads with too much time on their hands. Seriously, some of these guys must log 3 or more hours a day commenting on this blog.By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
June 18, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
So Baker has automatic outs in four slots in the order, a roster depleted by injuries, one of the youngest teams in baseball if you remove Griffey and Weathers from the equation, no No. 5 starting pitcher, and perhaps the hardest first-half schedule in the majors, but Dusty’s a bona fide bad manager? Guaranteed? A complete buffoon? You expect this team, as currently constructed, with all the intangibles, to be what? In contention? A composite of McGraw, Stengel, Weaver and LaRussa couldn’t make this team what’s it’s not. How many games a year do you say a manager’s decision impacts?By Votto 4 President
June 18, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
By the way, did anyone else find Griffey’s speech last night a little odd? I understand he was “sick” but I expected to hear something different.By Reds Fan
June 18, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
What a sorry excuse for a game last night. This team is fading fast and they plain out suck, pardon the language. How bad is bad? Kind of funny seeing Pete Mac in the stands last night. I see this AL road tour will put us about 20 games out and pretty much a lost season. Baker is a bad manager can’t deny that fact the brass wanted a big name manager they got what they paid for. This team does not care plain and simple. Even like Welsh said we have 4 automatic outs in this lineup. When 1 and 2 start the game out and then Bako and pitcher are out not hard for the opposing pitcher to get fired up. The bottom is here and the Reds are occupying the basement.By Votto 4 President
June 18, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
I am somewhat new to your blogs and articles Hal, but I really enjoy them. At my new job, I have restricted internet access, so this is the only website I can get sports information from. I wish you would post more! I look forward to the new post every morning more than I do for the Reds games in the evening these days… GO REDSBy RG
June 18, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Well, Hal, I’ve been a Reds fan since I saw my first game at ol’ Crosley field back in the 50s. Been through lots of ups and downs with the team, but I don’t remember a time any more frustrating than now. While I must admit that Dusty Baker has shown mostly good acumen (which is to be expected), as well as an incredible amount of patience with his players, I’m concerned that there seems to be a lack of fire on his part. Now I’m not saying we need Lou Pinella here, but don’t you think Dusty needs to dust things up a bit?By rudy
June 18, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Hal, you are great, we appreciate you. But extra effort? I am sorry, I, like many, would give my right leg to have your job. Please don’t lose sight of the fact that you get to travel the country writing about baseball, specifically my favorite team, the Reds. If this is becoming to much for you, I will gladly leave this windowless cubicle and head down to the park today. I would have the next blog done during the drive, no offense…. Oh well, back to my “in box” that will never go away. what is it, like 70 and sunny outside right now? Would be an excellent day to drive down for a game……By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
June 18, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Someone’s gonna have to go a lonnnng way to beat Steven Ross’s use of “fiefdom” for the state of Redlegs Nation these days. Classic.By Rich
June 18, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
I thought Griffey’s comment about this years team being the best assembled in his nine years in Cincinnati was a little silly. My son is a big fan - I tell him every year that good baseball teams have one thing in common - solid pitching. The Reds have been a sub par team since Griffey joined nine years ago but this years team certainly is not the best in the last nine years.By Tony Thomas
June 18, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Rodney King pleaded for everybody to be nice right after he got the living &^%$ beat out of him! My complaint isn’t with Corey Patterson but Dusty Baker. What can he be thinking?By Mike
June 18, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Somewhere in all this..lost was Cueto’s solid performance on the mound. Patterson leading off again (.195 and a .229 OB%) which is incredible.. and then Griffey gracing the fans with his ( Superman to the rescue theatrics) pinch hitting compliments of Baker in the 9th inning. Throughout the game..videos and audios, greetings manifested the love for #3.. upstaged Johnny Cueto’s performance. It was all about Griffey and an anemic offense that struggled. Of course the sickly one struck out meekly. Fact..Get used to him..he ain’t going anywhere! Evaluations are still going on accordinig to the GM and it is likely that most of the roster will be intact through the season including Griffey and Dunn and oh yes..Patterson who apparently has some clout!Jocketty came on board in January..Hasn’t be been evaluating for the last 6 months?By David
June 18, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Hal I wonder also about some of the responses in blogland. However you are one of my best sources for Red’s news. Please understand how valuable your insight is to out of state Red’s fans. We are suffering through hard times once again but as my Grandfather taught me - Once a Reds fan always a Reds fan. So please keep up your Hall of Fame work.By JL
June 18, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Glad you were able to take some time off and get away for a couple of days. Your fans need you to keep us informed and entertained. Today is a new day and hopefully a better day for the Reds and the their fans!By Steven Ross
June 18, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Dusty goes to the well with players he trusts when the obvious screams he shouldn’t. Nothing will ever change with the Dusty-Patterson Daily Double. I simply can’t watch this team anymore. Just awful with the on-fild product getting worse. Somebody in charge with an ounce of acumen needs make an intelligent decision. If that’s even remotely possible in Red-leg fiefdom.By ohdave
June 18, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
I’m more concerned with the curious decision to bat Brandon Phillips fourth in the lineup instead of Griffey or Dunn. Makes no sense to me. The left-right-left concept is a non issue because managers still bring in a leftie to face Griffey and Dunn—inserting Phillips between them hasn’t changed that. Dusty’s batting orders have left me scratching my head all year. With the woeful batting by the top of the Reds order, why not bat Phillips there until a true leadoff hitter emerges? The other thing that drives me crazy about this team is the woeful advance scouting. The Reds hitters seem to have no clue how to face any particular pitcher the first two times through the batting order. And the pitchers have no clue how to approach the other teams’ best hitters… I’ll bet the next time we play Milwaukee we STILL throw fastballs to Bill Hall. Don’t take it personally Hal, it’s the Reds’ play that makes everyone grumpy around here.By Mike-Cinci
June 18, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
I could not agree more. Dusty had to pinch hit for Patterson. Players who do not perform make managers look stupid. Continuing to use players who don’t perform also make managers look stupid. The current team has very average talent and does not measure up to the rest of the league. There is hope however…Volquez, Cueto, Phillips, Votto, Bruce, Encarnacion. After that things look bleak and weak. It is sad watching Junior. It is not his fault. He is just an aging ball player with diminished skills.By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
June 18, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
Yeah, but what do we make of Uncle Walt’s comment on Cincinnati radio yesterday that the only untouchables on the team are Bruce, Cueto, Voltron, Votto and … EE?” Ominously touchable: Harang and Phillips.By Jack
June 18, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Hal, You’re right as it gets with blogs… generally you have great readers who use it as an extra source of info and comment respectfully. Then you get a couple chuckleheads who sit in their mom’s basement and attack other people in the realm of no consequences… the internet. Keep up the good work. I’m depressed yet excited about this ballclub. This year ain’t pretty, but building around a core of Phillips, Bruce, Votto, Voltron, Cueto, Harang, Kepp, etc is going to be fun to watch.By Jack
June 18, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Hal, You’re right as it gets with blogs… generally you have great readers who use it as an extra source of info and comment respectfully. Then you get a couple chuckleheads who sit in their mom’s basement and attack other people in the realm of no consequences… the internet. Keep up the good work. I’m depressed yet excited about this ballclub. This year ain’t pretty, but building around a core of Phillips, Bruce, Votto, Voltron, Cueto, Harang, Kepp, etc is going to be fun to watch.By Elmer Riddle
June 18, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
It’s a rare game when a regular can go 1 for 5 and raise his batting average! Hal: Your blog is terrific!! Keep it up! Love it!By Pete
June 18, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
Hal, this column is absolutely right on! As far as all of the recent venom spewed by many of us (including myself), one word to describe it from those of us who are true Reds fans — FRUSTRATION! & for Ted…. U may just be giving Bob Boone a little too much credit in THAT situation.By AP-FLORIDA
June 18, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this
COME ON GUYS, THAT IS JUST “RUSTY BEING RUSTY”. IT IS NOT HIS FAULT HE IS IN OVER HIS HEAD, MGMT GAVE HIM MONEY. WOULDN’T YOU TAKE IT. I BELIEVE VOTTO PLAYED OUTFIELD LAST YEAR AND YES, ARROYO HAS HIT A HOME RUN SINCE CP HAS. I AM WATCHING NOW JUST FOR LAUGHS. THE RUSTY SHOW IS THE BEST NEW COMEDY OF THE SEASON. I HAD A BIG LAUGH LAST NIGHT WHEN WELSH CALLED A NON-MOVE BY RUSTY “STUPID” ALSO WHEN CP WAS SENT DOWN AND THE REDS WON, WASN’T RUSTY SUSPENDED? TUNE IN TONIGHT FOR “THE NEW ANTICS OF RUSTY BAKERBy don
June 18, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
Hal,love your blog. Keep up the good work.There’s alot of talent on this team but they aren’t playing like a team. In years past the pitching performance by Cueto would have been a win.With the lack of productivity from the lead off and #3 spot it’s tough to win consistently.By Ted
June 18, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this
I also wondered about Baker’s curious fascination with Corey Patterson. Even Bob Boone would have pinch hit in THAT situation. Votto HAS played the outfield before. With Valentin already in the game, why not just move Joey? I honestly think I’ve given Baker more than his share of rope. He hung himself last night. I say, ship him AND Corey Patterson out on the next available flight!By bruiser
June 18, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this
Hopper as DH this weekend—-no way. Should be Keppinger Hands down. Also, I believe Hairston was carrying his gloves when he fractured his thumb—-check with him. In the old days—50’s and 60’s how many times did you read of a player unable to play due to a hamstring injury? And we didn’t even stretch in those days!!By northern fan
June 18, 2008 4:52 AM | Link to this
If Dusty isn’t getting part of Patterson’s salary then what excuse does he have for him being on the roster and constantly sending him up to bat in critical situations.He is 0 for everything when anything is on the line..We beat up on Homer Patterson is the “Homerless” outfielder.The Dragons have better outfielders..By HuberTucky
June 18, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this
I agree that it was another boneheaded call by Dusty to have Patterson bat in the 7th. How much worse can this team get? And to have Griffey pinch hit for Bako? Griffey is not only sick but sucks when he’s healthy, is over the hill, and is totally lame at the plate anymore. He is an automatic out. How sad. His swoon seems complete. I bet my girlfriend $150,000 that he’d make an out and said I’d double the bet that he strikes out. If she had any money, I’d be $300k to the good. Griffey is a sure bet these days…to strike out, pop out, ground out (double play if a man on and less than two outs). And yes, the teams continues to occupy the toilet below the basement. I have loved the Reds all of my 60 years and this is just dreadful and painful to watch them barely go through the motions.By Max
June 18, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this
Hal, I rarely comment, but I most tell you — I love your blog! Please keep going with it. It’s such a valuable source of information for Reds fans like me who don’t live near Cincinnati and have few ways of hearing about the team. I love your insights about the Reds, and many other things as well. Sometimes your blog is the only reason I read about the Reds after a loss, just to hear what you had to say. And no, he didn’t give me any cigars, either. :DBy Jim M.
June 18, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
Hal, Ask Dusty why he didn’t think to move Bruce to CF and put Andy Phillips in RF?? Does Dusty even think at all?? Patterson could bat.111 and still bat lead off.. Dont tell me this team will turn it around with that crap at the leadoffspot.. thats almost a guarantee 4 easy outs per game.. and If dusty wants to win and hates losing, then get this player off the roster..and get a player that will hit!! Just about everybody around me at the game tonight said GAME OVER when Patterson batted in the ninth.. “Mr Automatic Out” Patterson is still allowed to hit.. heck Dusty should have let Bako hit and let Jr bat for the pitcher, then have Andy Phillips bat for Patterson. also the team looked so flat tonight and i say the reason is seeing Pattersons name in the lineup..it affects them mentally. Look what happened when he was sent down, the team played different..more hustle, more hitting, now he is back and still making MANY outs..GRRRRBy Beard
June 18, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Hal I’m sure you know most of us do appreciate the job you do. If you don’t then let me tell you it is so. The Reds and their fans are very lucky to have a couple of great beat writers covering the team on a daily basis, both of whom have blogs we enjoy participating in. It is just too bad for everyone that for the better part of a decade now the Reds have shown no ability to win. Obviously no one person is to blame, but it is frustrating and I think you see a lot of that come out in some of the posters here who are at times rather nasty.By Steve
June 18, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
While you’re asking Dusty about letting Patterson bat in the 7th, don’t forget to ask why he’s batting lead off at all? I loved your comment about Arroyo and Harang - and you aren’t too far from the truth there, Arroyo actually has a higher on base percentage than Patterson. One last thing…if Junior was too sick to play the OF for a couple of innings (allowing him or someone else to pinch hit for Patterson) why was Junior well enough to bat against Saito in the 9th? [This isn’t a question for Junior, it’s a question for Dusty.]By Y-City Jim
June 18, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Looking on the positive side of things, Joey Votto is really proving to be a tough hitter. I think we will see the same from Jay Bruce. He, like Votto, will learn from the struggles he is currently experiencing.By Crouton17
June 18, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
Well, Hal, for one, I very much appreciate your efforts and thoroughly enjoy reading your work. As for Dusty’s comments about playing center field, come on - are you serious. Andy Phillips hasn’t played Centerfield since spring training? Give me a break. I’m a 39 year old, slightly over-weight sales guy - I could play centerfield for two innings, much less Andy Phillips.