By BIRDIE41

August 10, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

To Hank, I am sorry to say it but it took you 2 long comments to show that you know nothing about the game of baseball.Your analytic comments make no sense at all but you do try to make Dusty look good for some reason!!I believe according to all the other comments you are severely out numbered.

By Brarhopper

August 10, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Right you are, Hank — my bad. I meant Thursday’s game against Oswalt. Patterson bats in 8th w/ man on and flies out. 9th, Reds rally, 2 on, 2 out w/ tying run at the plate (Patterson) and flies out to left. There are two stupid moves, not one. Last night, 8th inning, Bako on 2nd, two outs, lefty Byrdak pitching, and Dusty bats lefty do-nothing Patterson. Whiff! 3 righties on the bench. Not just me amazed, Welsh was apoplectic, as was any sane fan. Three rigthies on the bench. Move men around, it’s the end of the game…want a chance to win or not? not is my guess based on these repetitive dumb managerial moves. The announcers all seem to agree. But you and the minority are certainly entitled to your opinions of agreeing with Baker. To me, he blunders like this too often out of some bizarre sense of what, loyalty? How’s that workin’ for ya? 5 losses in a row — again! Not exactly shakin’ thinks up. Same old same old pitiful nonsense.

By Reds Authority

August 10, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

It is now clear that GM Walt Jocketty has started the rebuilding, retooling, reshuffling, restructuring, re_ing process. Good luck to David Ross, a stand-up guy in and out of the clubhouse. My sources say other moves are IMMINENT (think: Corey Patterson once Jerry Hairston returns…among others). I’m also told that there WILL be changes in the coaching ranks as well (think: Jacoby and Pohl et al). Remember, you heard it here FIRST! —Reds Authority

By Reds Authority

August 10, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

BREAKING…This morning the Cincinnati Reds DFA’d David Ross and are bringing up catcher Ryan Hannigan from Louisville. They also have optioned Homer Bailey back to Louisville so that Aaron Harang can come off the DL and pitch into today’s game. —Reds Authority

By MAC

August 10, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Take what rookie Jay Bruce did Friday night. Bruce had doubled to put himself in scoring position. But on a grounder to short, Bruce broke for third. Astros shortstop Miquel Tejada saw Bruce break and threw to third to cut Bruce down. It wasn’t a smart move; it was misguided hustle. “I’ve done that, too,” Baker said. “But not many times.” As he was growing up in the bigs, Baker said he had Henry Aaron to set him straight. Because of his stature, Aaron did just that — he taught the kind of lessons that a young ballplayer didn’t forget. Griffey carried similar stature. But he’s now gone, and the Reds don’t necessarily have a replacement for Griffey’s presence, which might be the reason for the mistakes. “Some of it is from being young,” Baker said. “Some of it is from trying to make things happen.” Baker can’t make his young, inexperienced ballplayers more experienced with a wave of his hand. Experience comes with time. What Baker can do, and is doing, is teach the game, preach the learned Aaron and keep insisting that a lack of effort isn’t what will bring his players success. Againl, it seems Baker wants someone else to do the teaching instead of him or his coaches taking the lead??

By MAC

August 10, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Good pt on Spier, but I think he’d do better on his own? From what I’ve read Baker seems to suggest what the guys should do to keep themselves game ready. That’s a far cry from how Pete Mac. seemed to handle things. He seemed to have a specific protocal in place he expected the guys to follow: tee work, soft toss, so many sprints or disctance to run between starts or how much to throw. 162 games makes for a long season so you can’t be in a guys face everytime he makes a mistake, but young players need more leadership than Baker seems to supply?

By Hank

August 10, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

After posting my previous comment, I went back and read some of the other postings and have a few things to say. 1) To Brarhopper: At no time during the Houston series has Patterson led off the 9th. Friday night he did bat 2nd, but if you look closely the only 2 players available to pinch-hit were Valentin and Bako and, since they would have been facing a RHP, you don’t really gain anything by replacing Patterson in this position. Oh, by the way, Patterson drew a walk, so he did manage to get on base. 2) To Monty. Last night there were only two right-handed hitters available [Ross and A. Phillips] (not three) as you state because Rosales and Cabrera had already been used. Andy Phillips is a .174 hitter, so it would be a real smart move to replace Patterson with him, wouldn’t it? 3) To Mac, I agree the Reds’ catching situation leaves a lot to be desired; however, because of his switch-hitting capability, Valentin is more valuable off the bench than as a starter. Plus, he seems to have become the backup 1st baseman. 4) To AP-Florida. I’m not sure I would rely on the analysis of broadcasters; true, Patterson looked overmatched in that one AB, but, if you look at my analysis earlier in this posting, you’ll realize Dusty didn’t have any palatable alternatives. And, one final comment: I don’t mean any of these comments as attacks on anyone. I’m as frustrated with this August meltdown as any other fan. I just think that, with the dearth of talent on this team, especially bench players in the outfield, it might be a little more difficult to make moves in the middle of a game than most people realize.

By Hank

August 10, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

So, for everyone complaining about Dusty batting Patterson in the 8th, I have a couple of questions: (1) what does the outfield look like the rest of the game? The Reds really don’t have any depth right now in the OF. (2) Which right-handed pinch hitter do you send up? (a) J. Cabrera, a lifetime .162 average as a pinch hitter? A hitter who has a total of 4 AB against lefties this year? [True, he is hitting .500 in those 4 ABs, but …] (b) Andy Phillips, a lifetime .210 hitter against lefties? A lifetime .220 average as a pinch hitter. (c) David Ross, who is a career .237 hitter as a pinch hitter. This might make sense, except that you burn 2 of your bench players if you make this substitution.

By Y-City Jim

August 10, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Mac - My question with Spier would be that he is the one helping with the game decisions. AP - Welch was fired up several times last night regarding both those things. George may have been in a corner hugging his blankie and sucking his thumb after seeing Chris flashing some anger like that.

By Post Office Dean

August 10, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

I think Ohdave may be on to something, I keep wondering why did we call up another infielder, when Votto went on BL, when we are short of outfielders, there has to be someome down there that can help.

By AP-FLORIDA

August 10, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Sorry, forgot one sidenote to Bob C. Let Rusty go now, and he could still do the Little League World Series!!!!

By AP-FLORIDA

August 10, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Sorry, forgot one sidenote to Bob C. Let Rusty go now, and he could still do the Little League World Series!!!!

By AP-FLORIDA

August 10, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Last night I watched the Houston annoncers again(as george/chris were my other option)Bill Brown says “I am confused about what the reds are doing in the Hairston situation. Why do they play short and make it tough on Rusty? About the time Corey steps in against the left hander, and Brown says,”why are they batting him-he is completely over matched,as he struck out. Brown says, this shows why the reds are where they are at. He is high on our fab five and says our pitching looks very promising in the near future. Maybe he could manage, his observations seem on track and we could save money on toothpicks. Brahopper, practice what you preach, write about the reds only..

By MAC

August 10, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Have to agree w/ a lot of the “non” Baker comments; a lot of what he does doesn’t make sense and when he tries to support it w/ numbers, he’s usually wrong. Case in pt is the catching position. Bako and Ross have made numerous errors this season and for the most part haven’t hit a lick, yet they continue to get the lions share of playing time. Valentine is no All-Star behind the plate, but he isn’t that bad either and he can and will hit or at least give U a good AB most of the time. I doubt Dusty is going anywhere, but if he did, I’d suggest his Bench Coach: Chris Spier? This guy played the game the right way (hustle and hardnosed) and I think he’d expect that out of his players. This is a young team and they need direction and someone who will hold them accountable when they error.

By Mike

August 10, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this

26,00 more last night. This team is nearly 19 games out.. DEAD last and still people drive hours and hundreds of miles, spend $100 on concessions,parking fees,and souvenirs to watch a very bad team led by a very bad manager. Since last Monday over 150,000 fans have migrated to GASP as if this team was a contender only 2 games out orin 1st place. But,Thursday 10,00 women got a pink hat, last night our loyal fans got a T shirt and the previlege t watch them lose again. Mr. C and Mr. J with help from Mr. B are evaluating as we blog this day. Two thngs they want you to do..keep the faith, and to bring money.

By Monty

August 10, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this

Hal, I have to agree with Calvin. Dusty leaves Patterson in the game last night in a crucial situation against a lefthander, with 3 right-handed hitters on the bench, but chooses to leave him in there! How come we all can see that this is insane, but Baker cant? Was he afraid to take him out because of his defense? And to still bat him 2nd? Cmon Dusty! You cant be serious!

By sick of it all

August 10, 2008 5:57 AM | Link to this

Calvin, you are 100% correct..Dummy Baker has to be getting part of his son Corey’s pay or somebody is paying him by the loss..2 total wastes of big bucks..bring Pete mac back and pay dummy his big bucks to be bench coach..at least Pete made them hustle and clowns like corey were sent home..dusty looks so far out of touch during the games that he has to be at home or at least in the clubhouse and what we see is another dummy

By Reds Idiot JB5

August 10, 2008 4:37 AM | Link to this

Gotta say, I agree with Matt. Brarhopper was out of line.

By old fan

August 10, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this

Bob Castellini coddles Dusty for one reason and one reason only. They are lovers. And Dusty loves Corey. End of mystery.

By wizard

August 9, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

OK,OK,OK—I was wrong!Corey is awful. I was trying to dream an impossible dream, it seems. He is godawful.No hope for him, I fear—even with his speed. I was thinking tonight—maybe he should take up golf—but you are supposed to hit THAT ball into the holes,as well. I promise never to mention his sorry name again.

By Y-City Jim

August 9, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

How bad is Patterson? If DFAed, no one would pick him up. The same might be true for Bako unless a contender desperately needs a back-up. Yet both start for the Reds.

By Calvin S.

August 9, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Hal, your mother-in-law, you and me and the rest of Reds nation are asking that same question. Just when is the fun going to start? Riddle me this, why is a player who can’t hit a lick batting second for a team that says it want to win? How can a manager send that player up to bat against a lhp with two out late in the game with the game on the line, and three right handed bats still on bench, and still say he’s trying to win? If you have a player that can’t play, and you have a team that is going nowhere, why isn’t that player on D.L. and a younger player up getting a look before September? How much longer are the Reds going to keep Patterson and Bako on this team???? Has the manager had a stroke or something? I’m wondering? I just don’t get it, someone explain to me please!

By Matt

August 9, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Brarhopper, once again your representation of me is wrong. If you want to criticize Baker, you are free to do so. And if I want to support Dusty, it is my right to do so as well. I have a right to comment on any post on this blog if I choose to. The fact is that Dusty has done what he can with this bunch. The Reds have clearly hit rock bottom in the past couple weeks, but they hovered around the .500 mark most of the season before this swoon over the past 2, 3 weeks. Also, if Dusty shouldn’t be the manager or is unfit to be the manager, Brarhopper, who do you propose? Who is more qualified than Baker to manage this team? Maybe we can get Miley or some other guy that will work for peanuts to come and manage. Someone who hasn’t accomplished or done anything in his managerial career.

By Brarhopper

August 9, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Two nights ago Baker allowed Patterson to lead off the ninth rather that hitting for the do-nothing CP (again, talk about throwing in the towel)! And to me, that seemd like another boneheaded call in a long season of boneheaded calls. To address each of Matt’s points is folly because we alll know that Baker doesn’t catch or bat, etc. He is, however, in a position or responsibility, decision making, and authority, and, as Harry Truman said, the buck stops there. If I want to critiicize Baker in this forum, I am free to do so. Furthermore, I’m not talking to you, but you seem to think that every single opinion or comment made on this blog is directed at you for your consideration and comment, and that just isn’t the case.

By Y-City Jim

August 9, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

I’ll cut Baker some slack due to the injuries and the lack of any kind of a bench but I hold him and his coaching staff responsible for making out the line-up card and for preparing his team fundamentally. In those respects, he has failed. I suggest that Jocketty and the front office put their mark on the team and Baker worry about how he is going to improve his game decisions and his coaching staff.

By Matt

August 9, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Blaming Dusty Baker for this team’s losing is simply off the mark and untrue, in my opinion. Yes, Dusty has made some questionable moves, no doubt, such as the one with Patterson tonight. But is Dusty not playing the catcher position properly, allowing balls to get by him? Is it Dusty who doesn’t hit the cutoff man? Is it Dusty who can’t run the bases properly? I’m afraid not. Dusty is not the culprit of this team’s disappointing season. Guys who are batting in the .200s are the culprit of the losing. The # 1 pitcher of this rotation being 3-11 is a reason for the losing. Fogg throwing batting practice instead of pitching is a reason for this team’s losing. Not being able to find an adequate # 5 starter is a reason for this team’s losing. Typically, a team managed by Dusty Baker makes the opposing pitcher work, runs the bases smartly and aggressively, and knows how to play small ball, which this team clearly does not. Again, Dusty and Jocketty will put their mark on this club this offseason, and then we’ll see what we have in ‘09 and beyond.

By Y-City Jim

August 9, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

While Chris Dickerson may not be MLB-ready but he could probably bat 30 or 40 points higher than Patterson.

By Brarhopper

August 9, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

I’ll bet Mrs. Tomczak is p!ssed & baffled…I sure am. Baker bats Corey Patterson against a lefty in the bottom of the 8th, a critical point in the ballgame. Pattersons sucks, we all know that. Worse, he has ONE RBI against left-handed pitching and Dusty had three righties on the bench. This man invents new ways to lose ballgames seemingly in an effort to help his team when they may not be able to lose on on their own. Disgusting! This manager’s moves are retarded.

By ohdave

August 9, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Does Corey Patterson own some compromising photos of Dusty Baker?

By BIRDIE41

August 9, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Ok Hal, when is the manager of the Reds ever going to start managing like a major league manager should? This team makes more mistakes than any little league team I ever coached and they think nothing of it when they do.I agree with jimindayton the mistakes they make needs to be addressed by the manager and I do not consider Dusty Baker a manager!!!

By Dan

August 9, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Hey Hal, love the blog. So I recall you saying several months back you would run around the field in your underwear if this team finished in last. Is that still the case?

By JimInDayton

August 9, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Bruce may have all the right words but the words are not backed up by his lackadaisical defense. He certainly has the athleticism to be a top notch defender but letting a ball go through his legs and then laughing about it on the field or trying to make a stylish basket catch and dropping the ball need to be addressed by the manager. Hal, do you know if it was?

By rob

August 9, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Rosales get a shot. Talked tohim a little at the Arizona Fall League last year and he came across as down to earth and unassuming. Has an outstanding throwing arm.