Taveras given another rest

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By Hal McCoy, Staff Writer Updated 1:04 AM Saturday, June 20, 2009

CINCINNATI — Willy Taveras (1 for 45 and 8 for 94) was not in the Cincinnati Reds lineup and manager Dusty Baker responded quickly and tersely when asked how long Willy Taveras would be out of the lineup.

Apparently, not long.

“Can’t give him too long because we have two left-handed pitchers the next two days,” he said. “Today was a good work day for him and we know he is better than what he has shown because his record shows that. I know he’s been struggling, but. . .”

Baker paused and said, “Everybody jumps from one guy to the next guy on who is playing and who isn’t. First they wanted Laynce Nix to play over Chris Dickerson and now they want Dickerson to play over Taveras. It’s a long season and you have to go on a guy’s track record as well as how he is doing right now.”

Then came the rebuff.

“Quite honestly, I’m getting a little tired of justifying who I play and why and how long and when,” he said. “We’re doing as well as we can do right now.”

Splitter for Bailey

Reports out of Louisville are that Homer Bailey has come up with a new pitch, a split-fingered fastball. And he has given up only one run in his last 31 innings.

“That’s good,” said Baker. “You can add new pitches as long as you control the ones you already have first. He has the hands and fingers for it, but to really refine his skills he has to locate his fastball. That will make the split and slider and everything else something to tease them with. My reports are that he is throwing good.”

Don’t expect to see him soon, though.

“I’m pulling for him big-time and he’ll be fine,” Baker added. “They’ve already kind of rushed him in the past. Quite frankly, it would be better if nobody knows he is throwing the splitter instead of telling the whole world.”

Eric the Red

Eric Davis, the former star outfielder for the Reds and now a roving hitting instructor, is in Cincinnati hoping to help unknot some batting slumps.

“We’re trying,” he said. “Most of them are thinking too much,” said Davis. “They are trying to think with the pitcher. You can’t think with the pitcher. The pitcher is the dumbest guy out there. Half the time he doesn’t know what he is going to do so how are you going to think with him?

“Our hitters are up there without a plan, just up there swinging, trying to do too many thinks at once.” he added. “Their heads are filled with too many things. Have a plan, stick with it, trust yourself.”

Brothers Nix

Brothers Laynce Nix and Jayson Nix have never played against each other in the majors — Laynce for the Reds and Jayson for the White Sox. And it might not happen in this three-game series.

Laynce started in left Friday, but isn’t likely to start tonight or Sunday against two lefthanders. With the Reds starting three right-handers, Jayson isn’t likely to play.

“I don’t get to see him all summer long and at least I get to see him,” said Laynce Nix. “We’ve only played against each other twice and that was in Triple-A.”

Earlier this season, both Nixes hit home runs, “But Jayson one upped me by hitting two in the game,” said Laynce. “I don’t get excited about too much, but getting to play opposite him and seeing him in a major-league uniform is special.”

Quote of the day

Eric Davis is 47 but looks as if he could still chase down fly balls in the gap and steal a few bases. When told he looked as if he could still play, David quickly said, “Not nine innings.”

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Taveras needs to sit on another team's bench. Juan Pierre is only playing because of the precious Manny got caught cheating. Juan will be back on the bench soon and he's playing at an All-Star level. Try to get him, or better yet, put Chris D. on the lineup card in permanent ink in CF and leave it alone.

bob
9:15 AM, 6/22/2009

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Don't want to be too harsh on Dusty because without much to work with, we're winning but typical response on playing Tavaras: he always goes with the cold hand, hoping it gets hot, instead of playing the hotter/better player (Dickerson) until he maybe cools off. Tavaras needs to sit! Hello?

Steven Ross
10:46 AM, 6/20/2009

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