Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2011 > July > 05 > Entry
It’s time for some broom-sweeping changes.
UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave, sweating like a roofer working at high noon in August in Houston, but still wishing I could have a hot sausage linguine lunch at Charlie Gitto’s in downtown St. Louis.
It is time, probably past time, for some sweeping changes involving the fast-fading Cincinnati Reds. The light bulb in my dense head suddenly flashed on as I watched the St. Louis Cardinals destroy the moribund Reds, 8-1.
Admittedly, I’ve been one to support the Reds’ slowness to make changes.
But after Cincinnati’s second straight loss on this trip to St. Louis, dropping them four games out of first place, some tweaks and twists are needed.
ONE: No more Drew Stubbs, please. Don’t bat him leadoff, don’t bat him sixth, seventh or eighth. Just don’t bat him at all. Don’t play him. He is on his way to setting an all-time strikeout record in the majors and he needs some time away from the majors to try to find out how to consistently put the bat on the ball.
With the Reds down, 2-1, in the third, there was a runner on second with two outs. Stubbs struck out. Again.
The Reds were down seven runs in the seventh and Stubbs came to bat with two on and two out. And he took a called strike three. Again, again, again, ad nauseum.
RESOLUTION: When a left-hander pitches, play Chris Heisey in center and bat him leadoff and keep Jonny Gomes in left (for now). When a right-hander pitches, play Freddie Lewis in left and bat him leadoff and play Heisey in center.
TWO: Enough of Edinson Volquez, who teases and teases and teases, but always finds a way to foul it up. On Tuesday, he gave up back-to-back home runs in the first inning to Matt Holliday to fall behind, 2-0. The Reds scored a run to pull within one, but in the fifth he gave up another home run to Holliday, a three-run blast to make it 5-1. Ball game.
RESOLUTION: Recall Travis Wood. Or bring up Dontrelle Willis. Maybe another jolt of Louisville will awaken Volquez, but it looks more and more like Volquez will never harness all that great stuff in his repertoire.
THREE: Paul Janish isn’t hitting, not even close to hitting. He plays because of his defense, but that defense has produced nine errors this year. He made only four all last year and might be taking his offensive woes out to the field with him.
His ninth error came Tuesday in the fifth inning and preceded Matt Holliday’s three-run homer.
RESOLUTION: Either play Edgar Renteria every day, even though he isn’t as good as Janish (when Janish plays defense up to his abilities), but he has begun to hit lately. If not, bring up Zack Cozart and let him play. I’ve resisted this one, knowing that putting pressure on a rookie to change things around is a big assignment. But can he be any worse than what the Reds are getting out of the position?
Maybe those adjustments won’t turn things around, but it is clear that this team doesn’t have enough, especially with three teams ahead of them in the standings.
A TRADE OF consequence probably is not feasible at this time. There are no trades being made right. A lot of teams need a lot of things, but teams are just not dealing at the moment.
And if the Reds go looking for a player of stature, the cost in prospects probably would be too high and too damaging for the future.
The Reds’ offense consisted of four hits. They scored one run in eight innings on a ground ball by Scott Rolen with a runner on third. St. Louis relief pitcher Mitchell Boggs walked three straight with one out in the ninth to load the bases, then Freddie Lewis struck out — all together now — Drew Stubbs stuck out for the fourth time, this time on three pitches.
Yikes and Yech.
What’s left to say, but…go Pirates.
SOME GREAT questions weren’t to Ask Hal last week and I’m looking for more for this week. Send them between now and Thursday at noon to halmccoy1@hotmail.com.
Permalink | Comments (81) | Post your comment |
Tweet
Comments
By reagun
July 7, 2011 8:31 AM | Link to this
Mike Marelli needs to learn how to spell people’s names correctly. Mike, you are not Chris Bergman. As for the Reds, I personally think Hal has it right execpt for Dickerson.
By Tom
July 6, 2011 11:29 PM | Link to this
Glad to see you finally came around Hal. But I don’t trust Walt to make a good trade to help us…correct me if I’m wrong but I think thats why St. Louis got rid of him. And talking about being sick Aroldis Chapman could not cut it as a STARTER in AAA thats Y they moved him to the bullpen. If he can’t post a descent ERA or throw strikes for one inning Y would anyone think he could do it for 7. Next move for Chapman will be shipped back to Cuba.
By jim m.
July 6, 2011 11:27 PM | Link to this
Blowing a 8-0 lead and if they loose there better be some heads rolling!!! A Firing or something because to read where Walt refuses to do a shake-up makes it seem losing is ok in his book. AND if Edinson pitches Sunday and Stubbs is back leading off and striking out 3 times.. I a refusing to buy any more dang tickets till this ownership proves to me 2010 wasnt a fluke and does something to fix this mess. It is embarrassing and sadly its not a problem on this dang coaching staff or Walts thinking at all..
By Believe It
July 6, 2011 11:19 PM | Link to this
You should pay closer attention to the game—as I recall,Heisey did not throw ONE pitch this entire baseball game! The pitchers do that. The manager is supposed to know when to change pitchers!as usual, you don’t know what you are talking about.
By DD
July 6, 2011 11:17 PM | Link to this
I don’t make lineups. That’s not my job. Nor is it yours. You think you know, but you have no idea. Dusty Baker has forgotten more about baseball than you ever will know. Yet, you come here running your mouth that “they still have the batting order wrong” as if you have the slightest idea what you’re talking about. Then you say Heisey and Dickerson are better defensive CF’s than Stubbs. What a gem there! Heisey sure proved that tonight, and Dickerson is such a good defensive CF that the Reds and Milwaukee gave up on. And, the Yankees had him in AAA most of the first half of the year. He’s a journeyman - always has been and always will be. Thousands of Chris Dickersons have played in the majors.
By Believe It
July 6, 2011 11:07 PM | Link to this
Both Heisey and Dickerson are better defenders AND hitters than Stubbs. My lineup is better than any YOU, our Baker lover, has EVER comeup with—and you are wrong the score should be 8-0 in the ninth. Arroyo stinks!And, so does Baker!
By DD
July 6, 2011 10:58 PM | Link to this
Chris Welsh: “Since his first pitch HR off Westbrook, Heisey hasn’t seen a fastball since. And, if I’m not mistaken, he’s swung at ever first pitch since.” Slider away (strike one), slider away (strike two), fastball away (take a seat). Way to make up for those 4 runs you cost us, Chris! Yeah, the book won’t be out on him soon. He won’t be seeing many fastballs the more he plays!
By DD
July 6, 2011 10:49 PM | Link to this
I’m not a “Stubbs supporter”. My posts are pointed directly at YOU and the fact that you think you know something about the Reds and baseball in general yet you have no clue. Heisey cost the Reds 4 runs tonight and got us 1. That’s the fact that you can’t deny. You ran your mouth at 9:54 think you’re the sh*t, then your boy (who will never be a starting CF in MLB just like your other mancrush Chris Dickerson) goes and gives up 4. You continue to prove to be a babbling idiot.
By Fire Baker Now
July 6, 2011 10:47 PM | Link to this
By FIRE BAKER NOW July 6, 2011 10:25 PM For leaving Arroyo and Bray in the game too long!
By Believe It
July 6, 2011 10:42 PM | Link to this
Stubbs has already missed those plays this year. Had he seen the wall, that Heisey challenged, Stubbs would have quit on the ball, so he wouldn’t hurt himself.He’s a p_ _ _ Y! Sure good for the Reds that Stubbs wasn’t leading off he never runs into anything—just strikes out four times. Excellent judges of talent are some posters! Great supporters of the Reds, when the best lineup doesn’t have their predicted hero’s in it! Even McCoy disagrees with Stubbs supporters.
By DD
July 6, 2011 10:32 PM | Link to this
Should be 8-4 after 7. Rasmus should have been thrown out at third if Heisey charges the base hit to center and throws out Rasmus. Even Brenamen said Heisey didn’t pick up on Rasmus going to 3B soon enough. Next batter would have been third out. THEN, he has a chance to make up for his earlier mistake, but lets Theriot hit one over his head which led to 2 more runs. Add in Rasmus scoring (who should have been out) and the 4 runs Heisey let in mean a hell of a lot more than the 1 he drove in. Great defensive CF.
By FIRE BAKER NOW
July 6, 2011 10:25 PM | Link to this
For leaving Arroyo and Bray in the game too long!
By DD
July 6, 2011 10:20 PM | Link to this
Nice catch by Heisey in the 7th. Stubbs would have made that play. Also, way to hold Rasmus at 2nd earlier in the inning. Another play a real CF would have made. Lastly, since everyone here suggested Janish would have made the play on the bleeder into left-center in the Tampa loss that Renteria couldn’t, I’ll suggest Stubbs would have brought back that homer that Heisey couldn’t. Yeah, great defensive CF. Glad he ran into a first pitch fastball to start the game. It’s the only pitch the kid can hit.
By Believe it
July 6, 2011 9:54 PM | Link to this
Hal’s article was a month late, after many of mine, which suggested Heisey be in center and Lewis in left. Baker and Mccoy still have the batting order incorrect, however; Lewis should be leading off and Heisey hitting elsewhere. Lewis hits to all fields{with some pop}and doesn’t try to pull everything, like Heisey is right now. Aside from Renteria the lineup tonight was correct. Now the true test will be Jocketty demanding that my lineup be followed. If continued consistently, like the Cardinals do, the Reds will win the division by five games. If not, Baker will be fired.
By correctofcourse
July 6, 2011 8:47 PM | Link to this
Hey KIA, Rolen never, never opens his mouth in the clubhouse and has never said a word to anyone on that team. You know nothing. Dusty must have read Hal’s column he’s almost copied it 100% tonight and we are up 5-0 in the 3rd.
By gom
July 6, 2011 7:51 PM | Link to this
to Mike Marelli - read your rant several times and all I can say is that TO almost single-handedly won a Super Bowl while playing with a broken leg. Phillips is an All Star and is arguably one of the best in baseball at his position. Dusty Baker has won a lot of games as a manager and should have won the pennant in 2003 with the Cubs. But Bartman decided that the Cubs shouldn’t win. Chad is a dunce, so I’ll give you that one. But, saying these four are losers simply isn’t accurate. I did notice these four have something else in common. That obviously being that they don’t look like Joey Votto. Perhaps that is the real issue for you. Yes, maybe? Just saying, you know.
By birdie
July 6, 2011 7:06 PM | Link to this
TO ALL OF YOU BRUCE BASHERS, did all of you sleep thru the month of May? Bruce alone carried the team thru May.what would their record be without him in May? He is having a hard time right now probably because his back is hurting because he carried the whole load for for the team in May. So who has stepped up in June and July(not even Votto).Are they waiting on Bruce to have another record breaking month???
By Y-City Jim
July 6, 2011 6:41 PM | Link to this
Can you imagine the buzz that the Reds could generate if they would free Chapman from the bullpen?
By Y-City Jim
July 6, 2011 6:36 PM | Link to this
Can you imagine the buzz that the Reds could generate if they would free Chapman from the bullpen?
By birdie
July 6, 2011 5:51 PM | Link to this
Hal, I agree except Renteria should be sent on his way out of Cincinnati. He does not help this team at all. And of course my other move would be to pay Dusty off and get rid of him ASAP. I know you like him but he just does not manage the game correctly any more! The money the have to pay him will be well worth it in the long run!! Also I believe Stubbs can still be a very good major league player in the future with some help in the minor leagues.
By Mike Marelli
July 6, 2011 5:21 PM | Link to this
Why are all you Yahoo’s so surprised that the Reds suck? I informed all you all of this fact months ago. If you don’t start paying better attention, I can’t help you. Duncey Baker isn’t the problem. While at the same time he isn’t the solution either. Baker has never won a World Championship, nor will he ever win one. Just as many of your players have not—short of your contingency of former worn out Cardinals. Look back at the train wreck your season has become. A huge catalyst for your failures was that huge pickoff play of big mouth Brenda Phillips, that occurred in the 20 inning loss in Philadelphia. It also cost you the loss the following day, and the injury to Homer Bailey’s shoulder. Yet, all you can do is worship and anoint Phillips as the best thing since sliced bread. Granted he’s a talented athlete, that’s not up for debate. But it’s his big mouth and cocky attitude that shows up your opponents, and in effect fires them up to the point, that they live to beat your behinds. It’s no different than other loser athletes that call Cincinnati home, such as Chad OchoBozoCinco, and Terell (I love to look in the Mirror at myself) Owens. Baker, Phillips, Ochobozo, and Owens all share the same thing in common. They’re not winners, they never have been, and they never will be. Watch Joey Votto go about his business in a professional manner, while keeping his mouth shut. Votto let’s his bat do the talking. Too bad Votto can teach Phillips how to show some class. One other thing—don’t forget to play the outfielder’s deep tonight with Goldilocks Gopher ball Arroyo on the mound.
By Dale
July 6, 2011 4:04 PM | Link to this
Very stern words Hal, but, I have you say, once again you’re right. If we have a run in 2011, this T-Ball approach must end now. I shall watch the game today but I still fear that 4 inning when we will fall apart like scared kids
By Tom
July 6, 2011 3:52 PM | Link to this
If there’s going to be change, it’s up to Walt and Bob. If not, it’ll be a .500 season finishing behind the Pirates, who are doing the right thing by playing their young guys. One thing I do know is that the Reds have no spirit, and this I put at the doorstep of the manager. Dusty is a nice guy, no doubt, but he is too laid back to motivate this team. Nothing is going to change in this area because Dusty is Castellini’s man. This reminds me of the funk the Reds were in during the Jerry Narron era when Pete Mckannin, baseball’s best interim manager,was brought in and the Reds performed for him, but then was let go because the owner wanted a big name in Dusty. So we’re stuck with Baker for the time being.
By gom
July 6, 2011 3:52 PM | Link to this
to KIA, what about Scott Rolen would indicate he would be a good manager? And, why would the players respect him more than DB? It would be better for the Reds if he could just play at the level he did last year. I don’t believe leadership at the manager level is the issue here. The quality of the product on the field is not good enough to contend. LF, SS, and the lack of a solid third and forth starters have killed the Reds this year. Cueto and Arroyo are solid, Leake is acceptable and Bailey could be if he’s healthy. But after that there isn’t much consistency.
By Steve F
July 6, 2011 3:40 PM | Link to this
A lot of the Reds problems can be corrected in house. No need to give up any young players.
By jeff
July 6, 2011 3:16 PM | Link to this
I have been very surprised that Hermida hasnt been given a chance. He has been striping the ball
By Jeff
July 6, 2011 2:50 PM | Link to this
It was painful to watch the Reds’ pathetic performance last night. They were lackluster, uninspired and just plain awful. I hate the Cardinals, and it hurt to see the Reds so clearly out-classed by their nemisis. Bottom line: I agree with Hal. Change is now past-due. I disagree with many on here who think Dusty Baker is the root of all Reds evil. He has gone too easy on this team. He has stuck with underperforming players too long. He has been overly enthralled with potential that has failed to materialize. But he hasn’t had lots of proven alternatives to go with so far. In fact, he still doesn’t, but it’s deep enough in the season to take some risks on the rookies and the resurrected. Send out Stubbs and Volquez. Bring up Cozart and Willis. Let Bruce know Alonso is ready to go if he can’t find a clue within a week after the All-Star break. Trade Hanigan for anybody and bring Mesoraco up. Swap Wood and Bailey. Homer’s never going to turn the corner. If this Reds team makes it to the post-season at this point, it will be with a very different, much younger line-up than the one that is currently sleep-walking through games with a divisional rival.
By KNOW IT ALL
July 6, 2011 2:27 PM | Link to this
You are all talking about trades, yes some make sense but buy out Baker’s contract and get him out of here. Wild idea but let Rolen be player manager for remainder of the year. He has the respect from all the players and is not afraid to get into someone’s face if needed. You can’t tell me that the players would not try harder if Rolen was their manager? Sounds stupid? Not really, take the chance. Get Stubbs out of there, bring some young bloods up as they too will respect Rolen more so than Baker. Baker’s overall record for his years here in Cinn is now below .500 and falling. There is no happiness, effort, affection, for the game from just about every ball player on the team. Even the announcers are bored as they have nothing to talk about as the team just goes through the motions. WAKE UP AMERICA! BAKER MUST GO BY ALL STAR BREAK PLZZZZZ
By Gem&Heater
July 6, 2011 1:47 PM | Link to this
wow, Hal, you are scaring me. Your observations are dead on but indicate to me that you believe the season can’t be salvaged. Wood isn’t a major league starter, so not an improvement over Volquez. Willis is worth a shot but he is definitely a long shot at this point. No consistent play at SS or LF is a problem that can’t be fixed with the current roster. So either trade or bring up the all the kids and see who can play. Especially since 3B will be a problem by next year as well. Also, if you want any chance of keeping Votto, you better put a contender together for the long term or he will walk. And for those talking about Sappelt, I ask if you have ever seen him play. He is not a major league talent and never will be. So get off his bandwagon.
By The Ghost of Bob Howsam
July 6, 2011 1:27 PM | Link to this
Someone will have to tell me…seriously…who has Walt Jocketty aquired (aside from Scott Rolen) that has made the Reds a better team. The Brewers and the Cards made improvements. The Reds chose to stand pat. Bad move. Very bad move. If anyone says Edgar Rentaria, I will haunt for the rest of the season.
By Reds Fan In Canton
July 6, 2011 1:00 PM | Link to this
Maybe we could trade Volquez for Josh Hamilton? Oh, wait…
By Reds Fan In Canton
July 6, 2011 12:55 PM | Link to this
Maybe we could trade Volquez for Josh Hamilton? Oh, wait…
By Retired Sgt
July 6, 2011 12:49 PM | Link to this
Damn iPhone..sorry for typos…(I know it is RENTERIA…geez)
By Retired Sgt
July 6, 2011 12:49 PM | Link to this
Damn iPhone..sorry for typos…(I know it is RENTERIA…geez)
By Retired Sgt
July 6, 2011 12:49 PM | Link to this
Damn iPhone..sorry for typos…(I know it is RENTERIA…geez)
By caroline
July 6, 2011 12:49 PM | Link to this
I can’t stand the Reds or that moron Dusty Baker. So I am ecstatic that they are in fourth place and 2 games behind the “lowly” Pirates.
By Retired Sgt
July 6, 2011 12:40 PM | Link to this
Ok, IMHO here is what they should do: Promote Alonzo, put him in left, Insert Heisey in CF. Bruce is a streaky player, should remain in RF. Rolen whould play 4 out of six games to keep him healthy, Cairo the other two. As for SS, janish gives all around better defense than REteria. What Hal, with all due respect, leaves out is that janish gets to more balls than reteria, while providing about the same offense. if you are not going to promote Cozart this year, play Janish. Pitchers: Volquez goes down to Minors. Wood returns. As for Stubbs, perhaps it is time to send him down so he can learn 2 things #1- how to hit and #2, how to BUNT. BUNT THE FREAKING BALL STUBBS! With is speed he would increase his OBP by 30 percent. BUNT THE FREAKING BALL!
By TYGO
July 6, 2011 12:23 PM | Link to this
I’m REALLY sorry, but the “trades” mentioned here are so ridiculous, it bears one more comment. Why in Gods name would the Dodgers want Bruce Stubbs and Volquez? Volquez is a head case free agent at the end of this year I believe, Stubbs is horrible and Bruce is not producing and just signed a fairly large contract. Are some of you people smoking crack? I really try to be polite and thoughtful but please show at least a modicum of knowledge before you post this kind of garbage. I repeat, it would take half the Louisville Bats to land a player like Kemp, not our throwaways. Jeez.
By Mike-Cinci
July 6, 2011 11:37 AM | Link to this
Good stuff from TYGO, Jeff, and DD. It’s the ability of the players that is the problem. Regarding trades, no team will take guys the Reds don’t want for their best players. They could trade prospects for some guy who will be a free agent but why trade your future for a 2 month rental? If I were the Reds I would keep Cozart as he is the SS of the future…maybe even this year. Same with Mesoraco at catcher. Keeping Alonso makes sense because the Reds have Votto for 2 years after this season and he may want to try the free agent market. If so he could be traded after next season. Who knows about Francisco? So far he looks like a left hand hitting Wily Mo Pena. After that there are not any hot prospects at Louisville unless Sappelt turns into something but he is not a power hitter. Phillips has an option year in 2012 but he is gone unless he gets a long term deal. The only pitcher the Reds have who would get a decent player in return is Cueto and why trade him. The rest of the pitchers would get a bag of chewing gum in return. I expect the Reds won’t pick up Cordero’s option next year so the Reds will be in the market for a closer. Do Matt Capps, Octavio Dotel, Kerry Wood, Brandon Lyon sound good to anyone? Masset’s a free agent too. They could roll the dice with Chapman.
By David
July 6, 2011 10:58 AM | Link to this
I propose the following trade: Edinson Volquez, Jay Bruce, and Drew Stubbs to the L.A. Dodgers for Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon.
By TYGO
July 6, 2011 10:52 AM | Link to this
Hunter Pence? Get real. Do you realize what this team would have to give up to land Hunter Pence? Half the Louisville roster and he will need to signed to Votto type numbers in 2012. Not to mention, Crane, who will take over the Astros on July 31st, is not at all likely to trade him. Would love to have him, but is one player worth a handful of future prospects? And is one player going to make the difference this season? No and No.
By TYGO
July 6, 2011 10:23 AM | Link to this
Kelly, I’m glad Drew Stubbs is “one of your favorite players.” The fact is, the guy has 8 RBI’s (other than solo home runs) in the last 2 months and is leading the league in strikeouts. Hip2Hops, he cannot steal a base if he is not able to get ON base. Please remember, Stubbs has been given 1/2 the season to prove himself and has failed miserably. Kelly, if you really like him, then you must agree, for his own good and the teams, he needs to be sent back to Louisville to learn how to hit. Sitting him on the bench at the major league level is not going to accomplish anything. And for whoever else called out Brook Jacoby, THANK YOU. Jacoby is not getting the job done as batting instructor. I repeat, this is not a division champion team, period.
By DD
July 6, 2011 10:15 AM | Link to this
Gotta agree with Mike-Cinci and TYGO. There is no easy fix here. Everyone is seeing this as a black and white situation. Rather, it’s gray. Blame Jocketty and Baker all you want - it was just last year where they were both up for executive and manager of the year awards. These guys don’t just forget how to do what they do overnight. The blame goes to the players. A GM would expect young players to improve and veterans to perform as usual. It hasn’t happened in either situation. Stubbs has struggled, Bruce is inconsistent, and Votto isn’t clutch like he was last year. Then, you have veterans Arroyo, Rolen, and Gomes not performing up to standards. The only guys to be consistently solid all year are Cueto and our bullpen for the most part. What do you do? While Cozart, Sappelt, Alonso, etc. are exciting prospects, you don’t count on multiple rookies to carry a team to the playoffs. For every Buster Posey, I can name 5 Brandon Larsen’s whos career never approached what was expected. Do you sub Gomes and Stubbs for Heisey and Lewis? I’m fine with giving both time off (or even sending Stubbs down), but Lewis and Heisey aren’t the answer either, especially for a contender. Lewis has a hot bat right now and I can understand riding it while you can. But, it won’t last all year. Heisey started 11 of 17 games from June 10th to the end of the month and hit .229 with 15 K’s. Replace Janish with Renteria? Makes sense since Janish blows offensively and isn’t proving to be an asset defensively either (terrible game in the field last night), but Renteria is aging and isn’t a difference maker at this point in his career. I think the organization is in a tough situation where a decision on which direction to go will be made. Are we playing for this year or not? If yes, then I expect help to come from outside the organization. If not, guys like Hernandez, Rolen, Arroyo, Cordero, Bray, and maybe even Phillips (as we may not have him in Cincy next year anyways) could get traded and some of those guys in AAA will come up and take their bumps and bruises in this lost season.
By jon
July 6, 2011 10:15 AM | Link to this
Hi Hal, You just took the words right out of my mouth. Could not agree with you more. What could the Red’s get for packaging Stubbs, Edinson and Gomes Starting SS, LF or centerfielder?
By bob
July 6, 2011 10:08 AM | Link to this
Hal, Coastman and many others have finally let it out. Cliques from Dusty has been going on FAR too long. “we’ve this close”, etc. Stubbs is going to break a MJ record that mayonever be broken. To think he’s batted leadoff almost every game. I suspect that he leads off an average of 2 innings a game. That ‘s basically 2 outs per game with no opponent’s defense needed. Renteria can’t make plays, go with Janish until you can do better. Bruce has no more clues than Stubbs. Another out each time he bats. Please don’t tell me how valuable Rolen is. Another popup near the dugout (5) that he can’t get to. The left side is like a sieve. Jocketty is as bad as Dusty for holding on FAR too long. Maybe Walt could “adopt” his favorite son. Dusty has invented a first; a three man platoon in LF. Boy, that’d motivate anyone. Give the job to Heisey; if he’d had Stubbs opportunities, he might be another Josh Hamilton. Remember him? 4 time all-star, MVP that most of the people didn’t like. Now we have Volquez. The announcers laugh at his inability to run the bases (or walk the bases is more accurate). I call it attitude. It’s at epidemic proportions on this team. Votto’s facial frowns, Philiips, that big grin when K’ing out or if he hits it good and somebody catches it. Is there a doctor in the house? The epidemic needs some specialists. Maybe , even a hitting coach. Jacoby should be ashamed to show is face. Somebody, do something please. Bobby Valentine would better than this.
By jeff
July 6, 2011 9:53 AM | Link to this
Good read Hal. I like that BP stood up but I am so tired of hearing “we have alot of talent” Sure sounds like the Bengals. Talent is nothing without production. What did Jocketty expect. He made no changes and he had to expect Rolen and Gomes to not perform as high. He put too much faith in the ideas that Stubbs and Bruce would reach potential and minus one Month Bruce hasnt done much at all. The Reds have to ask themselves to we just want to compete or “win championships” like Castellini said when he got here. Right now they are accpeting medicority. Dusty is being too nice to these guys. Stubbs and Janish need to be afraid to lose their spots but a “players manager” isn’t hard on guys so they feel relaxed and not presuured. The good news is that we are one game under and only4 out which speaks to the division but if you look at the Cardinals and Reds, hands down the Cardinals are the better team. Look at the averages in their lineup its night and day. Here are my suggestions: 1- I will eat crow as I said Stubbs will be fine. He needs to be sent down and Heisey needs to be the everyday centerfielder. Speed means nothing when you strike out. I fear Mr Stubbs is turning into a bust. Heisey should start. Its a crime he hasnt played in this series I have no idea what Dusty is thinking. 2- Janish is our next Juan Castro. But at least Juan hit 220 and didnt make errors. Paul is maming too many. He needs to be sent down. I would bring up Cozart if and only if he starts up here. If not bring up Valaika and platoon him with Renteria. 3- Send Volquez down. I would bring up the D train if not only to increase his trade value. Volquez is just too iffy. Once again Talent doesnt just make production. 4- I seriously entertain the idea of trading Ramon Hernandez. His trade value will never be higher and he is going to ask way too much money to be here next year, plus its time to give former #1 pick Mesoraco a chance. Hannigan can’t hit but he is a good defensive catcher that can spell Mesoraco. 5- I bring up Yonder Alonso. Infuse some youth on this team and give us another left handed bat. He can play left. He can’t tdo much worse than Gomes. Although Lewis has been okay. 6- At the all start break I relieve Brook Jacoby of hitting coach duties. Eric Davis or others could be a replacement. Jacoby simply hasnt shown improvement with guys like Bruce, Stubbs and others. This team can not hit the ball to opposite field and that is all about approach and practice. I never like to see a guy fired but its either him or Dusty. You don’t need to make trades but you can sure make some noise within your system. Jocketty needs to do something. I still believe Krivsky should get alot of credit for last years division champs and I am waiting to see waht Mr Jocketty can do as this underachieving team rolls through a bad season. Or Maybe Mr Castellini needs to do something, his franchise is taking a step backwards. Either way some changes need to be made because this team is not good enough to win.
By TYGO
July 6, 2011 9:50 AM | Link to this
Have to agree. This team, as it stands, isn’t going anywhere but down. There is nothing to be gained by continuing to play Stubbs,Gomes and Janish/Renteria. Bronson and Volquez look horrible. Bring up you you have to, trade for who you can and move on. As far as trading Gomes, Renteria, Hermida and Lewis, who would want them and what would you get? No-one is going to eat those salaries (albeit not huge) for has beens or never-was players. To get anyone who could help this team, you would have to give up some of the young guys you want to bring up from Louisville. Gotta agree with Mike-Cinci. There is no easy fix. Again, this is a .500 team that teased us by over-producing last year. It’s time to give some of the guys at AAA a shot, but don’t expect any one of them to turn this team around. My biggest fear is that two or three of these guys are brought up from AAA, have a hard time adjusting to the majors and within a month, the same people will be calling for changes again. Remember, as Hal has pointed out many times, There is a HUGE transition from AAA ball to the Majors. We’re seeing that this season with Bruce, Janish and Stubbs. A lot of AAA players will start off great in the majors but given a little time, whether it be a month or 2 seasons, reality sets in. Yes, there are a lot of games to go, but with all the weaknesses we have, to win the division it would take 3-4 position players catching on absolute fire, Wood & LeCure turning into Cy Young and Tom Seaver, and a total collapse by the Cards, Brewers and Pirates. With the possible exception of Pittsburgh, it ain’t gonna happen. Sorry gang, we’re still rebuilding.
By Hip2Hops
July 6, 2011 9:47 AM | Link to this
Here-here, Hal! If a big trade is not in the works (and why not, btw?), at least make some incremental moves. And while Stubbs’ K’s are frustrating, he is much less the problem than SS. Stubbs’ OPS is .700+ and his defense and base running are great. If you want to move him out of leadoff, fine, but meanwhile, our SS’s have an OPS of what, .580? Renteria is 35 YOA, and has 8000+ MLB PA’s; we don’t need to see what he can do. We already know.Cozart deserves a shot. No one is asking him to be a star, but he’s 25 years old; if not now, when? And obviously, Heisey should play more. This has a lot more to do w/bad decision-making by Dusty and Walt than it does w/Drew Stubbs’ strikeouts.
By Jim M.
July 6, 2011 9:46 AM | Link to this
It was reported the Coaches and Walt met after the game. If JaCoby wasnt fired and no moves were made that we are not aware of yet, then that was a waste of time!!
By Jim M.
July 6, 2011 9:46 AM | Link to this
It was reported the Coaches and Walt met after the game. If JaCoby wasnt fired and no moves were made that we are not aware of yet, then that was a waste of time!!
By Fast Eddie
July 6, 2011 9:12 AM | Link to this
Thanks Hal! My only real disagreement is that I don’t know why we need to see more of Renteria to see what he can do. We already know. He is 35 years old, has 8000+ PA’s in the Bigs, and really hasn’t done anything since ‘07. His OPS is .581 for the year and his defense is below average. Cozart may be an improvement on both sides. It is worth finding out, especially if they aren’t going to make a trade. Bat him 7th or 8th and make it clear he is here to help and nothing more. What have we lost if he struggles?
By econprof
July 6, 2011 9:09 AM | Link to this
Hal, I feel for you — I can just turn the game off and go to bed, but you have to watch to the end. The Reds are still within a winning streak of first place and I’m sure the ownership wants to continue the success of last year by competing this year. But when will the point come to “pack it in” and become a seller? Hernandez and Cordero would both have value to a legitimate contender, and neither figures in the Reds’ plans for next year. Renteria and Gomes are also probably gone for next year, though neither has much value. When do we pack it in and start building for next year?
By Mike-Cinci
July 6, 2011 9:00 AM | Link to this
Be honest Reds fans. Would you not want an outfield of Holliday, Rasmus, and Berkman over what the Reds have? How about Molina at catcher and Freese at 3B? Puljos is a nice first baseman. Theriot as SS is a leadoff man while the Reds have no SS. Phillips is the only position player clearly better than what the Cards have. The Cards pitching is better too. Dusty deserves some of the criticism he gets but I don’t think he is the problem with this team. It’s the talent on the field. A screaming Larry Bowa as manager would not make these players any better. Walt Jocketty has given Baker a 25 man roster that is short talent at key positions. Jocketty has to fix it. All managers get fired and as we know watching other teams it rarely works. If the Reds continue to lose Baker will be gone but if the same players are here the losing will go on. That said, an 8 game winning streak will fix everything for a while.
By Kelly
July 6, 2011 8:55 AM | Link to this
Stubbs is one of my favorite players, I think he lost right now and they need to bench him for a few games like they did Gomes. If for some reason they would send Stubbs to the minors then I think Janish needs to go to he’s not doing much better except on the strikeout aspect. Also I think Stubbs is a aggresive base stealer
By redsfandownunder
July 6, 2011 8:49 AM | Link to this
Glad you’re on board now Hal. This is a drum many of us have been beating for some time now. But can’t believe you still feel Fred Lewis is any kind of answer in LF. The guy can’t hit a HR, steal a base or hit for average. Sappelt deserves a shot. He’s the answer for the leadoff spot and could give this team the spark it needs. Fred Lewis will NOT take this team to the playoffs.
By Jason
July 6, 2011 8:47 AM | Link to this
Pack Stubbs for AAA, pack Gomes for release, shouldn’t take much to get Hunter Pence make it happen, everyday outfield of Pence Heisey and Bruce L to R, bring up and start Cozart for 20 consecutive games minimum.
By alex
July 6, 2011 8:37 AM | Link to this
I agree somewhat. CHanges need to be made.But what are you thinking leaving in Gomes Hal? Heisey in center. Yonder and Hermida in Left. Cozart at short and Fransisco and Frazier at 3rd. Playing rolen, gomes and lewis is dumb. TIme to play young guys.
By Tom
July 6, 2011 8:28 AM | Link to this
Changes are definitely needed…I agree with letting Lewis and Heisey play over Stubbs/Gomes right now. For now, let Renteria play SS and see what he can do. Volques just doesn’t have it right now. I don’t know much about what L’Ville has that we can use, but should start there anyways. On a lighter note, how did Holliday hit back to back homers in the 1st? Why does he get to hit twice in a row? LOL.
By Steven Ross
July 6, 2011 8:28 AM | Link to this
I’d say 90% agreement Hal. No breaking news on your suggestions because they’re LONG overdue. I like Drew Stubbs, I really do but Dusty is looking more ridiculous everyday by batting him leadoff. Painfully obvious he doesn’t belong there. Only Dusty doesn’t understand. Heisey deserves PT now. Lewis in LF, Heisey in CF. Move Rolen out of Cleanup. Come on Dusty, it’s not that tough.
By Greg
July 6, 2011 7:41 AM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be great to have Pete Rose as manager of this team? In my opinion, the younger players on this team would respect him more than Dusty and improve more with Pete’s guidance.
By Wayne Lackey
July 6, 2011 7:38 AM | Link to this
Great teams do begin at the top.The Reds have two real dummies,Jocketty who doesn’t do anything and Baker chews toothpicks.Needs right NOW are at SS-LF-CF-PICTHING & MORE PITCHING-get the players up from AAA or AA NOW, not later. Can the front office not see the Reds in last place.Why can they not make moves now,move the GM first,then on down!
By Dr Zap
July 6, 2011 7:28 AM | Link to this
as long as this team has 25 million sunk into Arroyo and Rolen, they will be able to do nothing as far as trading for talent goes. Ditch the two of them and the future gets brighter right away. Any one of us on this blog could hit Arroyo this year.
By joe
July 6, 2011 7:16 AM | Link to this
People! Why all the bruha? There is no talent on this team. They are a sub .500 team. The year 2010 was a FLUKE !!
By anon
July 6, 2011 7:08 AM | Link to this
Recall Travis Wood. Send down Stubbs. Start thinking about this team’s future.
By Randy
July 6, 2011 7:03 AM | Link to this
I will take the oft-injured Josh Hamilton over Edison “Low Wattage” Volquez any day of the week. This team needs OFFENSE!
By ohdave
July 6, 2011 6:48 AM | Link to this
Well Hal, you know I agree, but the problem is this needed to happen weeks ago. This idea that guys will play through slumps is just killing the team. What frustrates me most is that this was suppposed to be the year that we were building towards, and we are still doing nothing to adress the teams weaknesses. Even more frustrating, we knew coming into the year that SS and left were weaknesses, and we addressed those weaknesses with Lewis and Renteria? Seriously?
By v-v-v-vinnie
July 6, 2011 6:09 AM | Link to this
totally agree. Dusty doesn’t have the “true grit” to be a leader. To nice of a guy. Regardless of the sport or the level of competition, a “manager” has to be able to “set the tone” for his players.
By TheCoastMan
July 6, 2011 5:08 AM | Link to this
Right on, “Know it All.” I am so tired of everyone giving Dusty a free pass. I hear the same excuse for him and a lot of other managers and coaches over and over, “he can’t swing the bat for the hitter,” and “he can’t throw the pitch for the pitcher.” What a bunch of BS. Let me tell you, I manage a shop full of employees and I can’t get them up in the morning to make sure they are on time and I darn sure can’t look over their shoulder all day to make sure they are getting their work done right, but if one of my employees doesn’t perform I am the one that takes the fall. Trust me, I learned that one the hard way more than once. Call me a ballbuster, but if you work for me I take the LaRussa approach like he did with Franklin. Perform or you’re gone. I will never let an employee cost me my job again, and based on budget and productivity my shop kicks butt. Now instead of just blasting Dusty with baseless statements let me be very specific to my complaints about him in the interest of fairness because I really do like the guy as a person. First, I believe that he is way to slow to make adjustments. I could name a lot of names like Paterson, but let’s just say if Franklin was our closer he would still be blowing games for us. LaRussa allowed him to cost him several games and said you are going to work out your issues at times when you can’t cost me anymore games. Don’t bust my chops thinking I like LaRussa. I am not a big fan of him as a person. Second for Dusty, he seems to be better fit for established veterans. When a manger is called a “player’s manager” I see red flags. Davey Johnson, Sweet Lou, even Trader Jack are what a team full of young players need, IMHO. We need someone to really give these kids a kick in the pants and motivate. I really don’t think Dusty is doing a whole lot of motivating. The last thing about Dusty, are his lineups and “on the field moves.” Not sure where to even start here; maybe the obsession with BP batting cleanup, his undying commitment to Gomes, maybe his moves like running Harang out there for 6 innings in SD, maybe it was bringing Masset in game after game when he was getting shelled. Unfortunately, in Dusty’s case, nice guys really do finish last. Before we trade out a bunch of young players, or make tons of moves, I would really like to see if a more disciplinarian type manager might get these kids motivated.
By Michael in Singapore
July 6, 2011 3:20 AM | Link to this
Hal your changes still aren’t radical enough for me. Right on Jim M! Sappelt earned a spot on the team right out of spring training. Bring him up. Alonso is a player- bring him up. Give Willis a chance to start. Insert Cozart at SS. Make one huge trade to include Renteria, Gomes, Hermida and Lewis- get what ever you can. Stop babying the AAA players! Management put this team in this position because they refused to make the tough decisions they should have made weeks ago. WAKE UP!!
By Believe It
July 5, 2011 11:44 PM | Link to this
I almost agree with you Hal; but it’s nice that you are finally saying MOST of what I have said for sometime now.I have said, Heisey should be playing center, in place of Stubbs. My difference with you is Gomes. He doesn’t belong in the Major Leagues. The only reason he made contact tonight is because the pitcher threw him pitches UP that were not BREAKING—GOOD pitching doesn’t give him fast balls in the strike zone! You and others, like Baker and Walt, are not giving Lewis enough credit. He has done very well making contact and working the count as a leadoff hitter; and playing him more regularly just might be what his confidence and his team needs! Why fall for Baker’s righty/Lefty BS? Let Lewis hit against them both, until he proves he is incapable. AND, LEAVE HIM IN THE DAMN LINEUP!!!! Just like Heisey, the powers that be will not play them enough! Heisey had two hits{homerun} and a walk the other night, then was benched for two games—the same thing they did to Dickerson, after he told them he thought he had played well enough in ST to be considered for the center field position, which they “handed” to Drew Stubbs, for who knows why? How has that worked out? At least CD had some fire in his belly, which Stubbs doesn’t have… Look how long the Reds played Stubbs and their millionaires when they were not hitting—they didn’t take THEM in and out of the lineup. They played them everyday. Lewis and Heisey deserve no less! I was a supporter of Janish, thinking he would hit. I was wrong. He has failed. Bring up Cozart. And one more thing: GET A GREAT # 4 hitter.Whatever it takes. Rolen ain’t it.This team needs to protect Votto!
By KNOW IT ALL
July 5, 2011 11:17 PM | Link to this
Not of one you mentioned anything about BAKER. It starts from the top doesn’t it? He is a proven idiot. Continues to put Stubbs, Volquez, Bruce, Rolen, Janish, Gomes in the line up for what reason?? Baker should be replaced by the All Star break if they are even going to think about making a run at it. The players do not respect Baker and will not give 100% for him as seen tonight and the past month. Big changes needed, this year belongs to Pitts you will see.
By Randy
July 5, 2011 11:05 PM | Link to this
Send Stubbs down till he can grasp what a leadoff hitter should be.Also teach him to be a more aggressive base stealer.
By Paul in fairborn
July 5, 2011 11:05 PM | Link to this
Just heard that not only are the Reds 1 game under for the year but Dusty’s record as a Red is now one game under. Quite a coincidence. Now it should be personal for him, and maybe he will be quicker on the trigger.
By Mike-Cinci
July 5, 2011 11:02 PM | Link to this
I agree with Hal’s suggestions. There is nothing to lose. The poor performing players are playing themselves out of starting roles in some cases and out of the majors in others. Stubbs looks lost. Volquez is proving not to be an ace. Janish is a poor imitation of Juan Castro. Bruce needs to learn the strike zone. Rolen is a #6 or #7 hitter at this stage in his career. Rather than get frustrated with the owner or Walt Jocketty I prefer to focus on the players who are the cause of the problem. Some are producing and some clearly are not. There will be changes. I just hope Jocketty and his folks make the right ones. This team does not have as much talent as many of us and Jocketty thought they had. Potential is worth nothing until it produces. There may be some hitting help at Louisville but the only pitching help there is Travis Wood. What do you think are the odds of Arroyo pitching a great game on Wednesday? The Reds need a big game from him but I sadly fear he is not the pitcher he was. It’s a great time for an 8 game winning streak.
By jim m
July 5, 2011 10:57 PM | Link to this
I wish Bob could bring back Lou Pinella!! he wouldnt give excuses night after night, he would demand his players play hard and show fire.. he would not be their buddy buddy, but be their Manager!! Plus bring in his own coaches instead of this lack of focus coaching..
By Javi
July 5, 2011 10:44 PM | Link to this
Watching tonights game…i noticed the batting averages of our 4,5,6 hitters and that might be a reason we dont score enough runs, also the lead off hitter has 15,000 strikouts this season, not a lot of help there. Phillips and Votto are the only legit players the Reds have offensively, i know Bruce is an all star, but we need a little more than the month of May from him. His lack of consistency is frustrating.
By Len
July 5, 2011 10:40 PM | Link to this
Stubbs, gone Gomes, gone Reterea gone Voquez gone Rolen (signed for a long time I am afraid, stuck with him) Bruce , what a joke being on all star team The mess at short top: gone, both of them even Joey not looking good. great job Rusty Dusty
By greg
July 5, 2011 10:34 PM | Link to this
the reds are happy, look how full the stands are! The fools who buy the tickets feeds the monster of mediocrity. CF, LF, SS, and to a lesser extent 3rd base and LF are really killing us. Joke of it all is Bruce being named an All Star lol
By correctofcourse
July 5, 2011 10:27 PM | Link to this
Welcome to reality Hal, it’s been a long trip to get you here but maybe you can help. Concur 100% with ur suggestions.
By jim m
July 5, 2011 10:23 PM | Link to this
I am sick of Stubbs and want him gone.. Im tired of Edinson and want him gone.. they need to bring up Sapplet, Cozart and Willis Tonight!!! play Heisey and Sapplet in the outfield and let Sapplet lead off.. Heisey can protect Bruce in the lineup and also Cozart to replace either short stop. Sadly Walt and Bob will say how they still feel happy with this garbage and do nothing.. sounds like fans were sold a bill of goods on how bob wants to bring a Championship team here and not one many!! HAHA.. till they get the right coaches and players thats not happening.. how the heck JaCoby has a job still is beyond me! last year Edmonds helped Bruce more than he did!!! I am glad Hal i didnt read tonight how your “Promise this wont be long before they go on a run” quote!!
By Chip
July 5, 2011 10:13 PM | Link to this
Agree.