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 > 22 > Entry
Reds serve up full platter of gopher balls
CINCINNATI — Manager Dusty Baker made a major mistake Friday night, a costly one, and the best thing about the entire situation was that he ‘manned up,’ admitted his mistake, explained his foul-up.
And after he did, after the media left his post-game office following a disturbing 6-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves, Baker sat forlornly in his chair, his head bowed and suspended low between his cupped hands.
It was the second inning and Fred Lewis was on third base. Baker thought the count on Miguel Cairo was 3-and-1, so he flashed the suicided squeeze sign. Lewis broke for home and Cairo bunted the ball foul.
Baker couldn’t believe it when Cairo was out, strike three on a fouled bunt. Baker thought the count was 3-and-1 when it was 2-and-2.
“I never saw the umpire’s arm go up to call strike two,” said Baker. “I thought it was ball three. I never trust the scoreboard. It is wrong too many times. So that one was one me.”
IT REALLY DIDN’T make much difference on this night.
Another in the mounting clear clues that this isn’t The Year of The Cincinnati Reds surfaced Friday night in Great American Ball Park.
The Reds and Atlanta Braves were tied, 4-4, heading into the ninth inning — a game that more often than not last year the Reds would have won. This year it is a game that they more often than not lose.
And they didn’t disappoint.
Relief pitcher Nick Masset gave up a two-out, 3-and-2 two-run home run to pinch-hitter Dan Uggla and the Reds lost, 6-4. It was Uggla’s 18th homer of the year and his first ever as a pinch-hitter. He didn’t start because of a mild calf strain he sustained Wednesday.
Cincinnati Reds starter Bronson Arroyo, the human Home Run Derby pitcher, gave up three more homers Friday and leads the world in serving up gopher balls, 29 of ‘em, the same amount he gave up all of last year and two shy of his career high.
THE REDS put themselves in perfect position to win in the sixth when they trailed, 3-1, to Jair Jurgens. When Fred Lewis came to the plate, there was a false report on Twitter that Lewis had been traded to the Boston Red Sox. Instead, he hit a two-run homer to tie it, 3-3.
The next hitter, Drew Stubbs, drove a home run into the left field seats to give the Reds a 4-3 lead. But manager Djusty Baker permitted Arroyo to go back out in the eighth and he gave up a home run to lead-off hitter Martin Prado to tie it, 4-4, setting up the fateful ninth.
Center fielder Stubbs made a long run on Prado’s home run and leaped above the fence. But the ball struck him below his glove, on his wrist, and fell over the fence for the home run. Stubbs slammed his glove in disgust after missing the catch.
“That wasn’t an easy play, it would have been a fantastic, tremendous, tremendous play if Stubby caught that ball,” said Baker. “All our hearts sank when we saw that ball drop into the bullpen. He had a bead on it and it was a heckuva effort. That would have been a super athletic play.”
Arroyo dealt in heavy self-criticism for Prato’s home run.
“That was one of the worst executions I’ve had in my whole career on Prado,” he said. “My one job is to keep Martin Prado in the ball park. I was supposed to throw it down-and-away sinking so the worst he could do was hit a double. But I got it up-and-in. I don’t deserve to win a ballgame making a pitch like that.”
The Reds went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth, including a strikeout of Stubbs. Other than his home run, Stubbs struck out three times and now has 130 of those nasty little fellows.
JAY BRUCE HALF-WALKED and half-staggered into Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker’s office Friday afternoon and said, “I’m sorry.”
Said Baker, “Sorry for what?”
“I can’t play tonight,” said Bruce. “I feel really lousy. I’m having dizzy spells.”
Baker already had his lineup filled out, with Bruce in it, because Bruce is one of the few Reds with a good record against Atlanta pitcher Jair Jurjens (12-3, 2.25).
“He apologized for something he didn’t need to apologize for — apologized for being sick — but that’s Jay,” said Baker.
Bruce said the oppressive heat had nothing to do with his dizziness, “Because I haven’t been outside today. I just woke up feeling really bad, feeling terrible. I don’t know what it is because I’m not good at self-diagnosis, but I’m going to see the trainers and I hope I’ll be OK enough that I can pinch-hit or play late in the game.”
ALSO ABSENT from the lineup was third baseman Scott Rolen, whose ouchy shoulder keeps acting up. Rolen missed games in Pittsburgh Monday and Tuesday, then played Wednesday. After that game, though, Rolen was stiff and sore.
Then just prior to Friday’s game, the Reds placed Rolen on the disabled list and recalled Todd Frazier from Class AAA Louisville. Frazier pinch-hit in the game and singled up the middle for his first major-league hit.
“With Jay and Scotty out, we’re a little bit short tonight,” said Baker. “We just have to deal with it. They have a couple of guys down, too, so it kind of makes it even.”
THERE WAS another minor roster adjustment Friday when relief pitcher Jose Arredondo was activated from the disabled list and Jeremy Horst was sent back to Louisivlle.
BAKER WAS ASKED before Friday’s game if he had any advice for his players about operating at peak proficiency when the thermometer is in the 90’s.
“What you hope is that your pitcher keeps our team in the dugout and that our hitters keeps their pitcher and team on the field,” said Baker. “That’s what it boils down to.
“You try to keep them on the field by taking your time during at-bats and let them wilt instead of our guys wilt,” he added. “We’ve cut down batting practice so it isn’t as long, we want them drinking a lot of water, get loose, but conserve and save as much energy as you can.”
In the days of AstroTurf at old Riverfront Stadium, where the thermometer sometimes read 130 on the artificial surface, equipment manager Bernie Stowe used to buy large cabbage leaves, soak them in water, and advise players to wear the leaves on top of their heads under their caps.
“And some guys stick their feet in buckets of water with their spikes on,” said Baker. “Personally, when I was hot I was always of the mind-set that it is hotter on the pitcher because he is moving every pitcher and he has to back up the bases. This is what baseball is all about — who is strongest mentally and in the best shape physically?”
Baker smiled weakly, knowing that Atlanta is accustomed to playing in this type of heat and humidity, and said, “The way I look at it, the heat is our friend the next few days”
Maybe Baker and his Reds should closely read the advisory the club’s media department issued to fans about fighting the blast-furnace heat:
• Courtesy cups of ice will be available at all concession stands. (And the Reds players get all the free liquid refreshments they want int the dugout Check out the crumpled cups on the floor when TV shows a shot of the dugout).
• During this heat emergency, fans are permitted to bring opened bottles of water into the ballpark. Unopened bottles of water and soft-sided coolers smaller than 16x16x8 are always permitted. (Maye the outfielders can take coolers out to their positions for quick drinks and for something to sit on between pitcher).
• Three air conditioned “cool rooms” are in operation with TVs so fans can watch the game. Please see a Reds staff member for escort. (The Reds have a cool room, too. It’s called the clubhouse and it is frigidly cold in there — and none need an escort to find it).
• Cool water vapor misting stations are set up near sections 106, 130, 517 and under the PNC Power Stacks in center field. (Don’t the Reds have one of those in the bullpen too?).
• Sun screen lotion will be available free at the TriHealth first aid stations. (I got in trouble back in 1977 when I wrote that the team was more interested in sun tans than winning games beause half the team spent the day during road games sunning themselves pool-side).
• Fans should keep hydrated and drink plenty of fluids before and during the game. Water is the best liquid to stay hydrated. (And water is much cheaper than sports drinks. Players get the sports drinks free).
• If fans feel weak or sick, please let a Reds staff member know and medical aid will be summoned. (Jay Bruce did that ahead of time and because of dizziness he wasn’t in Friday’s lineup).
• Wheelchair assistance is always available. Please see a Reds staff member. (Maybe they can wheel relief pitchers in from the bullpen and remove beat-up pitchers from the mound).
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By bob
July 23, 2011 1:26 PM | Link to this
I agree with Jim and Shawn of ATL re: Thom. His constant rant with a loud voice with all the superatives and Chris’s know it all blabber. George and Casey are so …..over the top they forget to call the game. I listen to the radio if Jeff is on or break down and watch the TV if he’s there. Thom is not nearly as over the top if Jeff is with him. I feel Jeff is an authority; Marty thinks he is due to longevity along with arrogant and rude.
By bob
July 23, 2011 1:11 PM | Link to this
Another game without any runs scored without the long ball. There are no 3 bats in the lineup that can hit 3 straight singles for a run. Forget pitching; no pitcher being mentioned is perfect. TWO questions:::What is the runs ratio for runs via the HR versus other ways? Why do I have to type in name and email address every time even though I check “remember me’? Please help!
By jeff
July 23, 2011 12:34 PM | Link to this
for what its worth Fred Lewis has probably been our most consistent outfielder. That should tell you all you need to know.
By BIRDIE
July 23, 2011 12:03 PM | Link to this
YIKES, Why would anyone want George Grande back in the TV booth???? Iget tired of turning the TV sound off each time that they bring him back this year(I thought he retired but they still use him???)
By Bill
July 23, 2011 11:45 AM | Link to this
I tried to tell you during last nights blog how dumb the 2 strike squeeze was, but you thought it was Dusty’s way of getting the Reds offense cranked up and accused me of calling you stupid. Well. Dusty admits he was Stupid so if you agreed with his move at the time, what does that make you?
By Bill
July 23, 2011 10:34 AM | Link to this
Heisey just started playing more regularly;Stubbs has been playing for two years! So has ‘whiff’ Bruce. Keep playing Heisey full time in Center and right, a no-brainer.
By sam
July 23, 2011 10:22 AM | Link to this
Some web master out there needs to create a ‘Get rid of Thom Brennaman’ web page. He never says that someone is good or someone is very good, but everyone is very, very, very good. Makes me sick at my stomach.
By w.Va. Fan
July 23, 2011 10:05 AM | Link to this
Bring up more of the young players from L’ville. Cozart is working out okay. I think Frazier will do well. We have a couple of first round picks wasting away down there. Then you have someone like Stubbs, who I could strike out. I like Gomes, but he doesn’t have it. Struck out on 3 straight pitches Friday night. Bruce is inconsistent and someone needs to work with Votto to get him out of the slump. Maybe Jacoby isn’t such a great hitting coach. We need to trade for Ubaldo Jimeniz from the Rockies. We definitely need another starter. CoCo is washed up. See if Chapman can become the closer. I don’t think Masset has it. I would use Ondrusek as a closer before him. They definitely need to trade some of these guys who have had their chance, and bring up some of the prospects from triple A. Hopefully they can still salvage the season. Dusty needs to make better decisions. He stays with guys way too long.
By jeff
July 23, 2011 9:40 AM | Link to this
As for moves this team needs to make here’s my ideas: 1- Obviously they don’t think enough of Francico at 3rd base since they are calling up Frasier. Rolen won’t be around forever so they need to start thinking of his replacment. Possibly a trade. 2-I would move CO-Co for whatever you can get. You may have to eat salary but the fact is that he will not be here next season so we need to see who the guy is next year. I would let Massett and ondrusek battle and maybe Chatman. 3- I myself have said to trade Ramon but the deal would have to be sweet. Many have said that if we don’t resign Ramon in the offseason and he signs somewhere else we will get a supplemental 1st pick. That could be more valuable than a trade although costly. 4- If you can pull a deal for a Shields or someone I still believe pitching pitching pitching wins. I would pull the trigger on deals for a top end guy with a favorable contract. 5- I move on Dusty Baker. I know you would have to eat contract but if this franchise is truly about “winning championships” then this manager has far underachieved this season
By jeff
July 23, 2011 9:16 AM | Link to this
Win, Lose, Win Lose. This is the story of the 2011 Reds. INCONSISTENCY to win. Whats the big difference from last year to this year. To me it is Focus and Effort. I don’t care if Dusty admitted his mistake. What is he a teenager? He gets paid alot of money and what message does that send to his players if he doesnt even know the count to do a suicide squeeze? FOCUS. How can you hold the players accountable if you dont focus yourself. The biggest differnce with RISP this year is focus. That doesnt just magically go away. Embrace the Pressure fellas. Feed off it. I agree with Votto and BP half heartedly jogging. Votto’s swing is so wild now and no one seems to be able help. Jacoby is a waste. He has done nothing to improve these young hitters. They all swing super wild on strike one and then try and pull everything. These good pitching teams throw everything away against our guys. Look at Heisey, the kid can’t hit a ball the other way. Give him so more AB’s and if he can’t figure it out then pull him out. Both he and Stubbs can not hit the ball to right field. bruce can’t hit it to left. Whats that tell you. As for Dusty, last nights gaffe is another in a long line of mistakes. First of all Arroyo should not have been in there and 2nd of all Massett should not have been allowed to throw a fastball on 3-2 to Uggla. Uggle kills fastballs and everyone knows it except for Dusty. This ownership needs to light a fire under this team and with Dusty Baker at the helm things will not change.
By steven ross
July 23, 2011 8:35 AM | Link to this
Baker did man up and admit he blew it. However, the mere fact our manager didn’t know the count speaks volumes. When you’re going well, that play probably works. When you’re going bad, like the Reds are now, that play makes a bad situation ever worse. I think Dusty’s on borrowed time. As for Tom saying bring back George “Great” Grande. Really! He’s awful.
By Shawn in the ATL
July 23, 2011 8:29 AM | Link to this
So, putting the endless ‘Should Baker be fired?’ argument aside, the current question is should the Reds be buyers or sellers in the next week? I say sellers. I think the team has way too many holes to patch to win the division, let alone contend in the playoffs. They were wiped in the first round last year, and this team isn’t even close to that one. We know that there are some teams looking for C help, and that allows us to recoup some good value from Hernandez while allowing a late-season opportunity for Mesoraco. Also, is anyone going to be upset if we find a taker for Gomes (Braves)? We can then give a number of the L’ville LFs a number of starts to see if we may want them on the big team next spring. And who knows, perhaps the infusion of youth could provide a spark that has been missing for the better part of this season. Thats my $0.02. Besides, ‘FIRE BAKER’, anyone else have thoughts on what we should do?
By softballslammer
July 23, 2011 7:16 AM | Link to this
the team has no “teeth”, no fire. dusty doesn’t appear to pay attention, and obviously he wasn’t- - - wow, i coached little league and never missed a count- - - he is probably a “players manager” which means he can’t motivate players and they like him because he’s easy on them. some of those swinging third strikes were embarrassing. sidebar-the braves appear to be taking some good supplements….they all look like powerlifters…and, finally, thom is a putz.
By Michael in Singapore
July 23, 2011 7:09 AM | Link to this
Any move for James Shields, especially one involving Mesoraco, is boneheaded. I hope the rumors are just that.
By DD
July 23, 2011 7:05 AM | Link to this
Gotta agree with all the bashing tonight. Of course, everyone forgets fan favorite Chris Heisey. Faces his 9th quality pitcher for the year and goes 0 for 3 with 2 K’s. Now 3 for 33 with 14 K’s against #1 or #2 pitchers for the year. He’s as bad (make that worse) as everyone else.
By old hillbilly
July 23, 2011 7:03 AM | Link to this
Wow ! You people need to realize this is just a game, and get back on your blood pressure meds. In life and in baseball we have victories and losses.
By GoREDS
July 23, 2011 6:11 AM | Link to this
Baker couldn’t believe it when Cairo was out, strike three on a fouled bunt. Baker thought the count was 3-and-1 when it was 2-and-2. “I never saw the umpire’s arm go up to call strike two,” said Baker. “I thought it was ball three. I never trust the scoreboard. It is wrong too many times. So that one was one me.” The thing about it is strike 2 was a foul ball. Does Dusty not realize that when the player fouls the ball off that it counts as a strike? Wouldn’t surprise me as clueless as he is. I can understand now why the Reds are in the position that they are in. Now he tries to cover up his mishap by putting blame on someone else. Link for game play by play. Hit the minus sign near Cairo to expand for the pitch by pitch. Strike 1 was a called strike, but strike 2 was in fact a foul ball. Very disapointing. I would hope someone would call Dusty out on this.
By rguy
July 23, 2011 5:58 AM | Link to this
“What you hope is that your pitcher keeps our team in the dugout and that our hitters keeps their pitcher and team on the field,” said Baker. “That’s what it boils down to.” I find it ironic that Baker made the above statement and then leaves his own pitcher “on the ropes” in the game. As opposed to bringing in a fresh arm in this sweltering heat.
By dale
July 23, 2011 5:45 AM | Link to this
Remember no matter how bad the season gets. Just remember the reds are not the Bungles. We do have good ownership and good players.
By Michael from Arlington
July 23, 2011 2:55 AM | Link to this
We older fans remember the 1971 season. The Big Red Machine had won in 1970 and things were looking good, but then they hit a wall and finished 11 games back of San Francisco in ‘71. You all know what happened then— the big trade that post season for Joe Morgan and company. The rest, as they say is history. All this is by way of arguing, I surely hope they don’t trade the farm (or the farm hands)for a quick fix. Maybe this isn’t our year, but the overall long-term vision has been solid, I think. And as much as many of you don’t want to hear it, so has our manager been solid. Let’s play out the year, without conceding anything, but let’s also be realistic— it is extremely difficult in National League history to repeat at anything. If Walt and company can just hold to their long-term vision, and see what they can do over the winter by trades and such, then perhaps we will all be pleasantly surprised come 2012. Also, tell the players to relax and have fun— let the chips fall where they may, as the old song goes. This team, General Manager, and Manager are moving in the right direction. I mean, for goodness sakes, think of hwere we were three years ago!
By Believe It
July 23, 2011 12:34 AM | Link to this
Does anyone realize what really lost this game tonight? High Pitches in the strike zone! Between chest and belt—every single pitch in this area was hit hard by a Brave batter!!! Yoyo has been pitching there for at least three years now—That is why he loses every other game that he pitches. Yes, he loses almost exactly as many games as he wins,in his entire career!!! Why is that impressive to anyone? Because he throws a lot of innings? That is the line of Bull they usually mention…Hell, the reason he throws a lot of innings is because Baker leaves him in the game too long—like tonight! Do you realize how many times he has done this with Arroyo in the last three years? It has been a joke. Sometime during EVERY game YoYo gets the ball ‘UP’, and teams cash in as soon as he does—tonight he was up most of the game!!!At 8:55 PM I said,”I cannot believe Arroyo is pitching in the seventh inning”; at 8:59 a homerun tied the game, the Reds had worked so hard to lead… And Masset was high in the Zone as well; that is why Uggla, hit the homerun!!! And yes, it was I, who previously said that Lewis should be playing everyday in LF{and Heisey in CF or RF}.If Lewis plays regularly, EVERY DAY,for as long as they played Gomes/Stubbs/and Bruce—And,IN THE LEADOFF POSITION{it’s NOT where Heisey belongs},he will be successful. But, ONLY if he plays EVERYDAY. Everyday will improve his consistency. He has good strike zone awareness and bat control, as well as, some pop, as demonstrated again tonight, ala, Ken Griffey,SR.—but needs the confidence that EVERYDAY can bring!!! Votto and Phillips jogging to first base tonight, was not very impressive, either. One last thing: Yes Dusty, the attempt by Stubbs to catch the homerun that hit his forearm and fell over the fence, would have been a nice catch—but HE DIDN’T CATCH IT!!! Do you remember how many balls hit in front of Stubbs which took one bounce and then landed in his glove tonight? It was at least three of them! Not One of them did he dive for; and it would be my experienced guess, that the ball which hit his forearm did so because he was more focused on not hurting himself on the CF fence, than he was on catching the damn ball. He ain’t that good on defense, as I have said before.In fact, I think he’s afraid to show some courage—I’ll also wager, that he never played football—doesn’t like contact with anyone, or anything!!!
By jim m.
July 22, 2011 11:12 PM | Link to this
Have to say this team frustrates me more and more each night. Baker calling a suicide squeeze on a 2-2 pitch and he admitted he thought the count was 3-1. hmm isnt he supposed to know whats going on?? PAYING ATTENTION>????? Geesh what a waste of 4 million if the Manager has no clue whats going on in a big time situation..!! How Walt can like this team knowing they havent won back to back games in almost a month and does nothing to fix things?? This is what will happen, Walt will wait for the Cardinals, the Brewers and the Pirates to get help in areas they need and THEN sit back and say “we tried but couldnt risk losing any talent” If Stubbs is Talented thats a joke! Watching him strike out 3 times (2 times with a runner on 2nd base) tells me the Hitting coach is clueless or Stubbs doesnt take any advise, which they better decided which has to go. Both should go in my opinion.. Plus watching Mr Gomes take a perfect pitch to swing at for strike 3 AGAIN!!! That probably cost him going to Atlanta. He Cant hit Righthanded pitching!!! Sadly as a Reds fan its looking more like 2010 was a fluke and this team isnt going to win anything for a very long time.. just hang around close, but never get better and since this team looks like it has no get up and go, maybe the best thing to happen is the ENTIRE coaching staff is FIRED.. they look more like a 75 win team which is preventable.. Sadly Walt wont do anything and I pray he isnt dumb to trade our best catching prospect that should be up here now from AAA!!!!!Mesarosco!!(sp)
By KNOW IT ALL
July 22, 2011 11:02 PM | Link to this
When will all of you believe what I tell you???? Baker finally admits he lost this game for them because he assumed Cairo had 1 strike on him. What about all the other games you lost this year because of not knowing who to play, where to play them, and where to bat them in the order??? BAKER NEEDS TO BE FIRED….. This game alone here is Baker’s mistakes: -He puts the squeeze play on not knowing what the count was cost them a run which would have possibly won the game. —Between innings he was asked about Arroyo withstanding the heat. he says, “Bronson is in geat shape”.. Excuse me Baker but MONO although he may be over it will continue to cause fatigue for awhile especially in 105 degree field heat. Baker should have taken him out when Reds gained the lead. NOPE BAKER leaves him in and what happend Braves tie it up.—-BAKER starts Stubbs once again, big deal Stubbs home run was a gift from their pitcher. Remember Stubbs then struck out 3 yes 3 again 3 times tonight. Baker starts him again tomorrow because it is strike out Stubbs bobble head night. Look for 3 more strike outs tomorrow from him. I am pretty sure Baker will not play Frazier or Lewis both tomorrow one of them will sit after hitting tonight. Votto needs to sit for a few games he is fried. REDS ARE DONE FOLKS and Baker should be fired, this late in the season he doesn’t know the count on a batter when a runner is in scoring position. He sits there with his toothpick and I assumed he is watching the game.. Walt the only move you need to make is Fire Baker and build a team for next year.
By Shawn in the ATL
July 22, 2011 8:47 PM | Link to this
Not a big Thom fan either. When he’s on the radio, he seems to carry himself with the same sense of authority and strong opinion as his dad without any of the cred to back it up. I’ll take the Cowboy all day long though.
By Jim
July 22, 2011 7:57 PM | Link to this
Agree with dumping Tom(Mr superlative everything. Can’t stand Chris (known in our household as Aunt Blabby). A nothing pitcher with super inflated sense of the value of his opinions.
By Tom
July 22, 2011 7:34 PM | Link to this
Glad to see Cris finally back. Bring back George. Get rid of Thom B. along with Baker.
By Doctor Who
July 22, 2011 7:27 PM | Link to this
Jay Bruce should see a doctor, not the trainers.