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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 > 2009 > January > 12 > Entry
From gynecologist to the Hall to the Reds
Am I the only male who accompanies his wife to the gynecologist and the grocery store? Seems that way to me, but I’m glad to do it. Gotta keep the franchise happy.
Lost six pounds last week on something called the Flat Belly Diet. My belly still isn’t flat. How long does this take?
RICKEY HENDERSON and Jim Rice were voted into the Hall of Fame. Good choices. I voted for Henderson, Rice and the next three top vote-getters (Andre Dawson, Bert Blyleven, Lee Smith).
Couple of questions.
How can more than 5% of my voting brethren not have Henderson on their ballots? This isn’t Flo Henderson, it’s Rickey Henderson and if his numbers aren’t Hall of Fame numbers then they should board up the venerable ol’ museum.
While Henderson made it on the first ballot, Rice made it on his 15th try - which would have been his last try. I voted for Rice all 15 years, but I’m perplexed. First, this isn’t Condoleezza Rice. It’s Jim Rice.
In those 15 years, Rice didn’t have a single at-bat, didn’t play a single game. Nothing improved. If he is a Hall of Famer now, why wasn’t he on the first ballot? That’s my contention. If a guy isn’t a Hall of Famer on the first ballot, is he EVER a Hall of Famer?
As I said, I voted for Rice all 15 years, but my belief is that if a guy isn’t a Hall of Famer on the first ballot, then he should never be a Hall of Famer.
I was glad to see that Mark McGwire received fewer votes this year than last year, his first year of eligibility. Having said that, I can’t wait for that McGwire fan to make his post telling him I’m an old fart who shouldn’t have a vote because what does a guy in Dayton know about baseball and that I should retire.
Before you post, my friend, I AM an old fart, but I’m not retiring yet. I’m on the beat for at least another year.
IT IS EXACTLY a month until the first day of spring training. I know Cincinnati Reds general manager Walt Jocketty has tried - and is still trying - to find a power-hitting left fielder, preferably righthanded.
Matt Holliday? Gone.
Pat Burrell? Gone.
Rocco Baldelli? Gone.
Milton Bradley? Gone.
Raul Ibanez? Gone.
There are some left fielders remaining on the free agent market — and don’t even mention Manny Ramirez.
There is Moises Alou, Garret Anderson, Eric Hinske, Emil Brown, Jacques Jones, Jay Payton. Any of those interest you?
Here’s the thing about free agents. A team has to outbid other teams and even then the free agent has to want to come to the team. Not many are interested in coming to a team with eight straight losing seasons, making Jocketty’s job doubly hard.
A significant free agent most likely is out of the question now. Jocketty said recently a trade might be more realistic. Again, that’s difficult. There has to be a team willing to trade and you have to have somebody to offer that the other team wants. That, too, is difficult for the Reds - unless they want to risk wrecking the future by trading top-level prospects.
The Yankees might want to trade Xavier Nady, a guy who blisters the Reds. And he might be a snug fit in Great American Small Park. But what would the Yankees want? Probably more than the Reds can pay.
Happy hunting, Walt.
Permalink | Comments (68) | Post your comment |
Comments
By David
January 22, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
OK we have seen this before,but instead of folding trade Encaracion,Harang and Arroyo for more youth make hay not give up.By Mike-Dayton
January 19, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this
But Abreu is not worth $10 million a year for what he will deliver … in 2005 Yes, in 2009 No … which is why I guess no other team wants him at the price … and he is not a name that will sell more tickets either like a Manny.By michael
January 19, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
but with Abreu, and a solid year from the pitching staff of course, they become a team that is close to winning.By Mike_Dayton
January 19, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
The case against Abreu - Why doesn’t any other team want him for a discounted rate of $10 million? There has to be teams closer to winning than the Reds where Abreu could be the difference, yet no team wants him (it seems) for $10 million. Signing Abreu for $10 million is not a smart move that a small market team - not that close to winning - should do.By bobs
January 19, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this
The case for Abreu: His options are becoming limited. He can sign for one or two years with Reds for 9-10 million….or not play. Not really a hard choice. If Manny goes to LA, means Dunn goes to Washington, which means Abreu is left in cold. If he wants 10-12 million for one year….may not be a bad gamble. If he has a good year and team does not, you can always trade him for prospects. In any case, it (in this scenario) would only be one year. Again, Abreu does not have that many options. So if he wants decent money, he could sign here.By Mike-Cinci
January 17, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this
The latest word on Swisher and Nady is the Yankees would prefer to trade Nady but will move the player that gets them the most value. Swisher(28) has 3 years left on his deal at $7 million per year. This is wonderful for a guy who hit .219 in 2008. Nady(30) will be a free agent after this year. He is arbitation eligible and made $3.3 million in 2008. Unfortunately he is represented by Scott Boras who rarely allows a player to sign a multi-year deal before testing the free agent market. This makes a trade for Nady very risky and probably require players that Reds would rather keep. Abreu(35) looks to be a nice choice but as Mike-Dayton said it is unlikely he would want to play for a non-contender and his salary demands are probably $10 million+ per year. He is older so he would not be a long term solution. The Reds have said they are looking for a right handed hitter. Abreu does not fit the criteria if the Reds really mean it.By Mike-Dayton
January 17, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
Abreu will not sign for a Reds’ version of a reasonable price - players discount themselves to get a full time job so they can gather stats again for their next contract (not Abreu at age 35), get on a winning team to finally get to the playoffs (not the Reds), or get close to home (not Abreu) - so for Abrea to even consider the Reds, the Reds would need to offer more $ to Abreu to get him to think Cincy (like we had to with Milton when we gave him three years when all of the other teams were talking two years) … Abreu made $16 million last year and Milton Bradley signed for $10 million this year and Abreu’s track record is better than Bradley’s so you have to think Abreu is more money than Bradley (or the Cubs would have signed Abreu) which is far more than the Reds should or would pay for him.By Wizard
January 16, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
If Abreu can be signed for one or two years at reasonable cost—do it; otherwise play Dickerson in left. How many homeruns did each of these players hit in the majors last year? How many games? We might just be better off playing the young guys!By Y-City Jim
January 16, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this
That sounds like a U2 song - With or Without AbreuBy Pujols
January 16, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
With or without Abreu that sorry franchise finishes at best 5th…Go RedbirdsBy Michael
January 16, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this
by the way, didn’t Abreu win a Gold Glove in 05? I don’t know how one can say he is not a good outfielder.By Michael
January 16, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this
I think you to play to win every year, and the Reds can compete with BA in the lineup if the pitching staff keeps them in the game. I think our only hope depends on Pitching in 09 and if they all pitch the way they are capable of, who knows? But, without another run producer, no chance. I agree, we go get Abreu for 1-2 years and put a decent team on the field.By Mike-Cinci
January 16, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this
The Reds will have $58 million tied up in 11 players in 2009(Harang, Arroyo, Cordero, Lincoln, Rhodes, Weathers, Phillips, Hairston, Taveras, Encarnacion, Hernandez). I assume the payroll will be $70-$75 million which means they have $12-$17 million left to pay the remaining 14 players. It should be noted the Reds will be paying Ken Griffey jr. $4.5 million a year until 2024. Sad to say given the economy and the likelihood Reds revenues will not increase in 2009 it would be hard to pay one of the remaining 14 players $9 million. It could be done but it would be tight. I just wish I thought the Reds were only one good hitter away from contention. If they were I would sign Abreu.By Y-City Jim
January 16, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this
It is true that Abreu’s range is limited but you got Willie Mays Hayes Taveras playing CF to help out. BA had 39 doubles and 4 triples to go with those 20 homers as well as 180 hits and 73 walks. He isn’t going to get $16 million from anybody, which he is beginning to realize. Give him a one or two year deal for $9 million per year. He bridges the gap and the Reds can maybe be competitive.By Mike-Cinci
January 16, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Beane traded Swisher to the White Sox for 3 bodies. Billy Beane is a smart man. Swisher hit .219 for the Sox in 2008 who realizing their mistake traded him to the Yankees. NY wants to trade Swisher and he has not played an inning for them yet. I’d pass on Swisher who made $3.6 million in 2008. He could easily be washed up. Abreu may be worth a gamble but he made $16 million in 2008 and is probably looking for more $ than the Reds and most other teams want to pay. Abreu is lousy defensively (no range) but has a .300 lifetime BA. He has average power…about 20 HR’s a year in recent seasons and only 2 years over 25 HR’s in his 13 big league seasons. He is 35. At this point he is too old to be part of the Reds future. I would only sign Abreu if you thought the Reds could contend for a playoff spot. Since I don’t think this will happen in 2009 I’d pass on Abreu, save the money for a better option down the road, and play the young guys. The Reds need to stick to the “get younger, faster, better defense, better pitching plan” and not wander off and sign expensive castoffs from other teams.By Michael
January 16, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this
Swisher is a gamble that may be worth it, but I would nab Bobby Abreu because you know what you get…consistancy. BA is a professional hitter with speed, experience, and dependability. He would fit right in and I could care less about wether he hits R or L. That whole % thing is overated. Just play baseball!By CEDRED
January 16, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
I think the Reds should go after former Buckeye N.Swisher.He could play LF, switch-hit between Jay and Joey and spell Votto at 1B.If Swisher and Hernandez approach their 2006 stats and EE has that breakout year,the Reds have the balance to be in contention.Hal,you are 2nd to none.By joanne murphy
January 15, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr McCoy, Enjoyed the Portsmouth baseball banquet . all the players,announcers and writers were so gracious . Thanks agin JoanneBy Rob
January 15, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this
I appreciate Mark’s compare of Rice vs. Doggie, but you’d really have to be in a generous “glass is half full” mode to leave it there. Perez was much better at his position defensively. Rice was also not very good at not making outs. He led the AL in outs twice, led the AL in GIDP four seasons in a row, and was never outside the top 10 in strikeouts any given season. Doggie was third and fourth in intentional walks two seasons, and Rice (for being so feared) was only in the AL top ten one season. While it’s true some stats compare between the two, there was a whole bunch more downside with Rice.By a fan
January 15, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
Pujols That’s a well-crafted post - are you retarded?By Pujols
January 15, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this
The Reds..what a joke..that of of Bruce, Tavaras, and whatever clown they play in left is a minor league OF..go Redbirds..maybe your Reds can finish above the PiratesBy Y-City Jim
January 15, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this
On another blog, it was reported that USA Today’s Paul White report on Columbus’ ESPN radio 1460 that the Reds are in the running for Bobby Abreu.By Michael
January 15, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
good point MarkBy Mark
January 15, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
I never thought of Jim Rice as a HOFer either until I compared his career stats with those of Tony Perez, whom I assume we all believe in a bona fide HOFer. Perez’s stats: 379 HR, 1,652 RBI, .279 BA, .341 OBP, .463 SLG, 12 seasons of 90+ RBI, 7 NL All-Star teams. Rice’s stats: 382 HR, 1,451 RBI, .298 BA, .352 OBP, .502 SLG, 9 seasons of 90+ RBI, 8 AL All-Star teams, 1978 AL MVP. Pretty close, huh? The deciding factor could be that Doggie played in 5 World Series and won two rings; Rice played in one losing WS.By Michael
January 15, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
Cecil- are you lost? This is a Reds blog, not for the Tigers. Blylevin was better because he had more K’s and Wins and pitched for some terrible teams…not that Morris didn’t. And, Dave Concepcion is not in the Hall of Fame either. So, We can feel your pain about Trammel, who I must say was pretty darn good as well. I think the issue is that when you select players for the HOF, you place them in the same class as the greatest, and there is a difference between the Great and the Greatest. Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Pete Rose, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron are the some of the Greatest, but I would not place Jim Rice in that catagory. Ricky Henderson…Yes…but not Jim Rice.By cecil good
January 15, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
How can Blyleven be ahead of Jack Moris who won more games in the 80s than any other pitcher and world series for 3 teams? Also how about alan trammel who was the equal of ozzie smith but didn’t doflips?By Ty
January 14, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this
Glad to have you back for another year Hal, Reds baseball just wouldn’t be the same without you!By donb51
January 14, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
RMH - Why so bitter? Great sportswriters differ in a lot of ways. I happen to love Hal McCoy’s literary style - personable, accurate, reliable, straightforward, colorful, meaningful, on-point, entertaining, enlightening, and, at times confrontational to management and players - all attributes that have served most of his loyal audience for most of our lives. If you like some one else’s style better, so be it, do your reading there. There is no need to really belittle anyone - especially a proven, great sports writer like Hal McCoy. I, for one, am grateful for every article coming from Mr. McCoy and will continue to read the Dayton Daily News specifically for his writing. Viva Mr. McCoy!By Steve F
January 14, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this
Are we making to much out of trying to get a left fielder? Nady would be a nice fit but I would hate to give up a young player. What about platooning Hopper and Dickerson. Hopper hit over .320 with over 300 at bats in 2007 and doesn’t strikeout much. With no Griffey or Dunn Dusty has so many more options. It took a while to get in this mess and will take a while to get out. It really all comes down to EE and IF he has a great year we’ll forget about that power left fielder.By Mike-Cinci
January 14, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this
The latest rumor I saw on Adam Dunn is he is asking for $14 million per year for 4 years or $56 million. Apparently this is to steep for Washington and Atlanta who had some interest. My understanding is Dunn wanted out of Cincinnati and turned down all offers from the Reds last season. Hence, the trade. My guess is he ends up in Washington working for “leather pants” at the Nationals price or somewhere in the AL. Dunn would be a big draw in Japan if things don’t work out here.By Mike-Dayton
January 14, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
Sure he has lost weight - most players do a lot more when they need to show a bigger effort than usual to get a four year contract - then they go right back their old ways. Teams sign players all the time on the production of the walk year and usually never get that production again. Dunn might regret not signing with the Reds in mid 2008 for 3 years at $15 million per … Manny completely overplayed his hand thinking he was going to get a 4 or 5 year deal at $20-$25 per year. We shall see where they land but if Bradley and Burrell are indicators, neither Manny or Dunn will get what they think.By bobs
January 14, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this
Y-City, the reports say that Dunn has lost 20 pounds this off-season.By B-rad
January 14, 2009 4:52 AM | Link to this
Dunn is going to hit 40 HR’s for some team this year-why not the Reds?? If he is the best bat left then I don’t mind bringing him back. Who cares if balls hit him in the face. Manny Ramirez can’t play defense worth a crap either, but look what he did for the Dodgers last year. Your main strong points on defense should SS,2B,and CF. You can sacrifice a little defense in the corner OF positions for a little power and RBI’s.By Glen Hellen
January 13, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
Okay Paul,you mentioned Adam Dunn and balls hitting him in the face. Reminds me of an old joke. ho is baseballs all time home run leader w/o steroids? Hank Aaron. Who had most hits? Pete Rose. Who was hit in the face with balls most often? Liberace!By RMH is an A-Hole
January 13, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this
RMH, why are you so angry and petty? Did mother pinch yer peepee? What an a-hole you are for your nasty comments to our host. Just go away and don’t come back, you are not wanted or welcome here little boy.By PaulyOH
January 13, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
Wow, the level of discourse on this blog is….amazing. First of all, the Reds do NOT have to keep Yonder Alonso (and yes, that is the correct way to spell his name) on the 25-man roster. But to send him down, it does cost them options. Basically, Yonder is on the fast track to Cincy, and, if everything goes well, could be playing there in 2010. As for the HOF voting, my only real disagreement with Hal is his leaving Raines off. Also, I’m not a big fan of Lee Smith. I do think Walt is being patient hoping for a bargain. Let someone like Abreu realize he isn’t going to get $16M per year and then sign him at a discount. There are some low-cost solutions to LF if Jocketty is creative. One idea is to sign Jim Edmond for LF. Edmonds can’t hit lefties anymore, so then get a low-cost right-handed platoon-mate for him. Reds could still pull off a trade. The Nady deal is a real possibility, or they could revisit the Jermaine Dye talks. Either way, the Reds need to another productive hitter, because this offense as currently constructed is sub-standard.By Wizard
January 13, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this
Now you’re talking Y-City!By Y-City Jim
January 13, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
The Reds don’t need to have a RH bat, and likely won’t get one. Abreu and Dunn seem the best bets left. If Dunn then move him to 1B and Votto to LF. Votto would be going to LF in the next year or two anyhow. I would draw a line on Dunn though if he has not followed through on his talk of hiring a trainer this offseason.By Paul
January 13, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this
I know this is far-fetched, and I know the reds need a right-handed hitter in the lineup in left field… but why can’t we splurge some to get Adam Dunn back? So what if fly balls hit him in the face? I feel good about spending money when he hits bombs in the last row of the stadium to end the game. Get him back! They won’t regret it.By michael
January 13, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this
good point Rob. I am not convinced that Rice should be there either. Blylevin won 287 games and struck out 3700 for some less than great teams, and I wonder why he didn’t get in over Rice. It seems that the HOF is not for only the greats of the game anymore, but for very good players as well. I don’t understand why, but it seems that someone must get inducted every year….even if there are only questionable players on the ballot.By Haha
January 13, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
ha ha this is a blog not an article just in case you all missed that… and there is a difference. And hal’s doing a great job writing both. Is it possible Jockety is being too patient? I’m glad he is not throwing money around like crazy but still I wouldn’t mind seeing him sign at least one more major league quality guy.By B-rad
January 13, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this
Wow RMH-Who peed in your Wheaties this morning??? If you love the sports reporting in the Denver Post so much then move there-YOU won’t be missed!By Rob
January 13, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
I fully agree with being relatively perplexed on Jim Rice. However, I don’t think he should have gotten in - and I don’t buy the argument maybe he looked better in comparison as time went by. I’d argue the opposite - he looks worse compared to other guys who now crop up on the ballot. Look at Dale Murphy - more homers, a WAAAY better outfielder, two MVPs (which are a stupid basis of measurement, I know) vs. one for Rice. I read Celzic today - going on about Jim Rice being “the most feared hitter in the Sox lineup”. He’s among baseball’s all time leaders in strike outs and grounded into double plays and has a career slugging percentage on par with Ryan Klesko. Don’t get me wrong - he’s good and had some even great seasons, but if he’s a HOF’er, then welcome Steve Finley and Luis Gonzalez when it’s their turn! I can remember watching Red Sox games where he wasn’t even the most feared outfielder in the Red Sox batting order! Somebody needs to explain this one to me.By bobs
January 13, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
Alonso just got drafted. He will not be of any help this year, next, or maybe the year after that. Not sure when it became the norm for a first year minor leaguer to be ever mentioned with the parent major league club (a pitcher every once in while). Funny thing for RMH to mention Denver Post, the last time I was out there (few years), wake up Sunday morning to find Hal’s normal Sunday insider column in the Denver Post with less Reds stories and more MLB stuff. Very welcome treat. Hal, where else does your column run?By michael
January 13, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this
all except the trade Votto part! Votto has the potential and work ethic to be not good…but great. I do agree that he could play the outfield…we seen him do it.By jim t
January 13, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
Mike-cinci, excellent post. Keep developing our pitching deapth and scouting departments and hold the line. Hopefully help is on the way.By cincyfan07
January 13, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
Since when do you have to be a “guest commentator” on a major sports radio or TV show to be a great sportswriter? A great sportswiter to me is just that, one who writes great articles is their respective sport. With that said, keep up the great work “Hall of Fame Hal”!By Pete
January 13, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this
I’ve a real hard time believing that the Reds were stupid enough to sign Alonzo to a contract that has him on the big league roster right out of college & only playing 1B. Yeah, he came @ them w/ a minimum $$ demand & threats to go back to college if he didn’t get it & personally, the Reds should’ve let him go back to school w/ his arrogance. I’d really like to get a peak @ that contract. & while I’m @ it…I’ll re-echo some comments about him here…. Those who think he’s gonna be the next savior @ 1B, the plate, etc… No way, ain’t gonna happen! Here’s a kid coming out of college, hasn’t done a thing in the minors yet, & a band wagon’s already been made for him. Yet, it’s funny how many folks want to run Homer Bailey out of town. Does his attitude need a bit of adjustment? Maybe. But @ least he’s got some time under his belt, a small resume of accomplishments, even if he has taken his lumps @ the big league level. Bottom line – don’t plug Alonzo into the lineup anytime soon!By Mike-Cinci
January 13, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this
The Reds are trying to get better by improving pitching, defense, and speed. The Reds have looked like a slow pitch beer league soft ball team the last few years. I’d leave Votto at 1B until Yonder Alfonso arrives. If Yonder,our multi-million $ man, is any good the Reds can move Votto to LF or trade him. This assumes Bruce plays well and Votto does not have to replace Jay in RF. I’d leave EE at 3B and hope he breaks out this year and lives up to his potential. EE had 26 HR’s in 2008 and that is the most hit by any Red on the current roster. Phillips should keep his gold glove at 2B and work on learning to be more selective at the plate. The Reds need one or two of the following to develop into an everyday player…Dickerson, Stubbs, Frazier, Francisco…or make a miracle trade or miracle waiver pick-up and acquire an under estimated talent from another team. Last year the White Sox did that by picking up Quentin from Arizona. Hopefully Taveras and Bruce turn out to be good players or the outfield could be a disaster. Keppinger and Hairston provide good depth and both can play regularly on occasion but they are not the long term answer in the OF or IF. They are nice players to have however and can serve a purpose until a better player becomes available. The Reds need good amateur drafts to stock their farm system. All hope the pitching is as good as we think it could be. If not…ouch!By michael
January 13, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
I would like to see Alonzo work out this year, and I maintain that Votto would be fine in LF, but I don’t think Alonzo is ready to play at the MLB level yet. It would be a nice surprise, and if Alonzo tears the cover off in spring training…then keep him in the lineup.By RMH
January 13, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this
No great sportswriter writes an article like you do. Who gives a rats a** that you go to the gynecologist and the grocery store with your wife. Stick to what you claim you are the best at — a legend in your own mind by the way — baseball. Tracey Ringlesby of the Denver Post (you can go on line and read his outstanding baseball articles without the garbage of trying to be funny as you try and do) is by far a great sports writer and is often on major sports radio and TV as guest commentator. When have you ever had that distinction? Go ahead and retire you won’t be missed.By shadowoman
January 13, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
It’s funny that everyone seems to have forgotten our first-round draft pick, Yolander Alonso. According to his contract, the Reds must keep him on the major league roster all year, and he only plays first base. Yes, he’ll just be a rookie, but who knows how good he’ll be?By Beaverton
January 13, 2009 8:06 AM | Link to this
Hal, Please explain why you didn’t vote for Tim Raines so we can all get a good laugh.By Wizard
January 13, 2009 7:39 AM | Link to this
Very interesting ideas here MAC—I was calling for the Votto move early last year, as well; because of the badly out-of-position Dunn.Your thoughts demonstrate how badly out of position many of our starters are now playing. Question is: who the heck created this menagerie?I also believe Dickerson can play some CF, if Taveras slips.By michael
January 13, 2009 5:38 AM | Link to this
michael in monterey…I agree. Concepcion was as good as Ozzie on the D, and better than Ozzie at the plate. And what about all of those years as a shortstop on one of the best Baseball teams to ever play the game? Don’t that count?By B-rad
January 13, 2009 4:39 AM | Link to this
DON’T RETIRE YET HAL!! At least not until you can train a replacement to write about and cover the Reds as well as you!! I’m thinking that would take more than just a year.By B-rad
January 13, 2009 4:36 AM | Link to this
Good voting on the HOF ballot Hal. I would have voted for the exact same players if I had the ability to vote. As far as players wanting to come to play for the Reds, some of those players you listed should be happy ANY team even wants them! Alou, J.Jones, Jay Payton..the reason they are still available is because they old and not that good anymore. No team wants to waste a roster spot on them. Any of them should be pleased the Reds would want them to come to Cincinnati, but my feeling is if a player doesn’t want to come play for the Reds (a team with one of the richest histories in baseball), then they can go pound sand an enjoy unemployment.By MAC
January 12, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this
Hal, what’s wrong w/ Nix, Hopper or Dickerson in LF? If not one of them, why not Votto and find someone else for 1st base; wouldn’t that be easier than finding a quality LF? Simplest solution IMO is to move Joey V to LF (he gives them a solid & powerful bat they’re looking for) EE to 1st (he doesn’t have to throw much from there) and Kepp to 3rd where his lack of range isn’t a problem)! And of course, Wiz wants to move BP to SS and Jr to 2nd; now everyone should be happy right? What’s that about improving our Def?By ryan-madison, IN
January 12, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
I could care less about who gets in the hall and who doesn’t. The only thing i care about is the Reds getting to the post season. Why write negative articles about “good luck” Walt and all this? Spring training hasent even started and already negative talk about the Redlegs. Yeah…maybe you should go ahead and retire. Or go write for the Yankees or Redsox GO REDS!!By Dennis
January 12, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this
Hi Hal…I am writing from beautiful, sunny, and warm Arizona. I am a transplant from Dayton Ohio. While I don’t miss the winter I do miss your writing,although I catch most of it online. I look forward to seeing you when you come to spring training 2010. How about something different in the winter…I would love to here your take on Gran Torino. Thanks for the many memories and columns over the years…By Michael Jenkins
January 12, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
Forget about the Big Donkey!! He’s not coming back and couldn’t help the Reds anyway.By Michael Jenkins
January 12, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
Forget about the Big Donkey!! He’s not coming back and couldn’t help the Reds anyway.By Michael In Monterey, CA
January 12, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this
If a guy isn’t a Hall of Famer on the first ballot is he ever a Hall of Famer? Yes, Dave Concepcion. I don’t know how 89% of your brethren didn’t vote for Concepcion. What didn’t they get? Oh wait, he couldn’t do a backflip. Nevermind.By ian
January 12, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this
You forgot to mention one very large left fielder that is still on the marketBy Ted Lawson
January 12, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this
Someone in a previous comment said the best Baseball writer ever and some few years ago I may have said that with the exception of Jerome Holtzman, but now I agree with you being the best ever Hal. Hands down. The only problem Old Fart as you call yourself is that you aren’t writing enough of those great baseball stories only you can tell.By Mark in Sun Valley
January 12, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
I think some writers carry grudges for years and then take it out during balloting. And others feel there should never be a unanimous vote getter. I still want to know who would have voted against Bench, Gwynn and Seaver, but they were left off several ballots. I do think some players look more attractive as seasons pass and you see more mediocrity from the current players. The same can be true in reverse. I think there is little doubt Concepcion would be in the hall if he were only compared to his peers and not to the asked to stack up against Jeter, ARod, Nomar, Tejada and other contemporary short stops.By Y-City Jim
January 12, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this
Jay Payton would get some fans coming from the Y-City. Very good defender but never was much of an OBP guy, which is a shame with the speed.By TAS
January 12, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this
Great post on not getting in on the first ballot. I so agree. I wonder if anyone has ever gone back and looked at all the members that fall into that catagory. Are there many that would really surprise? I doubt it. Thanks, best baseball writer ever (and my grandfather who died in 1984 is who first told me that…)