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 > 25 > Entry
Reds return to bad old ways: stranding runners
CINCINNATI — Dusty Baker leaned forward in his office swivel chair early Monday afernoon, scribbled some very small notes on a piece of paper, and said, “This is a very big game for us.”
It was before Monday’s game against the New York Mets and he added, “A big day because we can get back to 500, know what I mean. We can get back over the first 102 games to where we started - even.”
And it wasn’t to be. After winning two straight for the first time in 29 games, the Reds coiuldn’t make it three in a row, losing to the Mets, 4-2.
Mike Leake pitched sixth scoreless innings, guarding a 1-0 lead, but when he encountered difficulties in the seventh the bullpen had a breakdown, giving up two of Leake’s runs and added two of their own during a four-run Mets uprising.
Over his last two starts, Leake has given up three runs in 12 1/3 innings and his record is 0-2.
Instead of pulling into .500, the Reds fell back two games under .500 and dropped back to four games out of first place as they continued their Tennessee Two-Step — one step forward, one step back, one step forward, one step back.
Other than Leake’s six scoreless innings, one bright spot was the return of Paul Janish to shortstop and he contributed three of the Reds eight hits.
Drew Stubbs poke a run-scoring single, but when the Reds had runners on second and third with two outs in the fifth he took a called third strike - just for old time’s sake. And for emphasis, with a runner on first and one out in the ninth, Stubbs went down swinging against Mets’ closer Jason Isringhausen.
After the Reds fell behind, 4-1, in the seventh, the Reds scored a run in the bottom of the seventh and had two on with two outs. Jay Bruce faced left-handed Tim Burdyk and struck out on three straight low-and-away breaking pitches.
Bruce arrived in the ninth, again with two on and two outs (he was the winning run), and walked on five pitches to load the bases for Brandon Phillips.
Phillips fell behind 0-and-2, took ball one, then went down swinging to end another night of teases.
The Reds left 11 men standing helplessly on the basepaths, nine over the last four innings and they were 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.
“We had our chances two or three times,” said Baker. “They got the hits when they needed them, we didn’t. We didn’t put the ball in play in crucial times. When you put the ball in play something has a chance to happen.”
But Stubbs, Bruce and Phillips all struck out instead of putting bat on ball.
“These guys (the New York Mets) pose some interesting problems because they have a lot of speed and quite a bit of contact in their lineup,” said Baker. “They have some guys supposedly on the trade block (Carlos Beltran, for sure) so they are going to be at their best, at the top of their game, because they know everybody is watching them.”
INTERESTINGLY, DURING the three-game weekend series with the Atlanta Braves, not a single scout was in attendance. On Monday there were at least eight teams represented by scouts.
“If the Mets were in another division, they’d be in the thick of the race,” said Baker, referring to New York’s third-place standing in the NL East, one game under .500 (like the Reds before the game), but 14 ½ games out of first place (while the Reds were only three games out of first place).
“Just because they are X number of games (14 ½) behind doesn’t mean they don’t have a good team,” he added. “It just means they are in the same division as the Phillies and the Braves.”
TO ANYBODY WHO has even casually watched, Joey Votto is not himself these days and his production has plummeted like factory workers about to go on strike.
In his last six games, he has only two hits in 17 at-bats and both hits came in one game. And he has only two RBIs.
His defense, which he works so hard to maintain and improve, has been slip-shod, especially his throws.
Perhaps it is no surprise. As much as he sometimes looks as if the game comes easily to him, his body is made of the same stuff as every other player and it wears down.
BEFORE MONDAY NIGHT, Votto started every game at first base but one — 100 of 101.
On Monday, manager Dusty Baker finally resisted the always-pressing temptation to put Votto’s name on the lineup card. He gave him the night off.
“We’ve all seen Joey lately, haven’t we?” said Baker. “He has been struggling, so today was a good day to give him off. You have to give him off sometime, as much as you hate it. You can tell by his concentration and his quickness and his legs look heavy when he runs.”
Baker told Votto not to come to the park until 5:30 Monday and said, “This is a day where he has to force himself to eat, eat, eat and get his strength back.”
Votto did pinch-hit in the eighth inning with one on and one out, the Reds down, 4-2. He flied to left field.
IT WASN’T NECESSARILY because of his aches and pains, but Chris Heisey was not in the lineup Monday night.
Heisey and Drew Stubbs collided on a fly ball in the ninth inning Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. Stubbs made the catch, the two crashed together, and Heisey hit the grass.
“He’s sore, but he’s OK,” said Baker. “He went for an MRI and things are OK. I’d rather have that (a collision) than both of them pull up and have the ball fall in. That’s two guys who want to catch the ball.”
IT WAS MENTIONED that Monday probably was a good day to give Votto and Heisey off because New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey features the fluttering and frustrating knuckleball. When the St. Louis Cardinals faced him last week, Albert Pujols asked out of the lineup because he didn’t want to mess up his swing against knuckleballs.
“He is not your prototypical knuckleball pitcher,” said Baker. “He throws a high percentage of fastballs, too, and some sliders and some changeups. If I’m facing him, I look for the fastball because there is a good chance you might not get to the knuckleball. But it is a good one (knuckleball).
“I’ve only seen him on TV, but Dickey had a lot more success last year than this year,” Baker added. “He is a good athaete. He can hit, field his position, he is quick to the plate. You can tell the way he handles the bat — he can slug bunt — that he was probably a pretty good position player at some point, a guy who just happens to throw a knuckleball.”
Knuckleballs are not only death to hitters, but equally homicidal to catchers. Catcher/broadcaster/humorist Bob Uecker was once asked how he caught Phil Niekro’s knuckleball.
“It was easy,” said Uecker. “I waited until it stopped rolling and then I picked it up.”
Dickey, 4-8 when the night began, was the winner with 6 2/3 innings, two runs, eight hits, one walk and seven strikeouts.
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By Tyyson
July 29, 2011 11:46 PM | Link to this
I love this forum, will back here everyday! This is what i was looking for
By Ballsak TeeBagh
July 27, 2011 3:35 AM | Link to this
Breaking News: Dusty Baker has resigned, and taken a position as the Vice President of the All American Toothpick company. Baker was offered 3 dollars per hour in salary and lifetime supply of free toothpicks. Financial experts value his deal at approximately 22 Million dollars. Congrats Dusty!
By Jack
July 26, 2011 6:39 PM | Link to this
Who is the genius that screwed around with Jay Bruce’s stance/swing? Look at film of him last year and even earlier this year and compare to what he is doing now. He has opened up and as a consequence has lost all of his opposite field pop. He is set up to pull everything instead of making good contact. Also, can someone tell him the cameras are not always going to be running for highlights so lose the “stylish” one arm follow through on his swing. Get him back to his old swing and he might not K with runners on as frequently. Fire the hitting coach because these simple mechanics are killing him. Dusty needs to manage more agressively and quit managing not to lose, but manage to win.
By KNOW IT ALL
July 26, 2011 4:32 PM | Link to this
gom I now respect you and apologize for any insults. I am impressed that you heard of Yeager and that of Meadowdale grad. Back then it was a great high school. I agree with your comments, although Gomes along with others are just not doing it this year. The main reason I really feel that Baker should go is because the motivation and at times questionable decisions are not being receptive by the players. Time will tell, again Peace Brother
By gom
July 26, 2011 4:18 PM | Link to this
@KIA, glad you achieved all your life goals. Your family must be so proud. Gomes played because the Reds needed a productive bat in LF and last year he was productive. The kids were unknowns and the Reds didn’t want to rush them. Did Baker play him too much, yes, but what other proven choice did he have especially with the fall off of Rolen and Janish. Steve Yeager, wow, definitely a plus playing with him. Meadowdale grad, huh. No wonder your life has been so successful.
By Mike Mc In Ky
July 26, 2011 2:53 PM | Link to this
After reading everyones comments, I want everybody to know Im not the Mike In Ky that you all are arguing with. Secondly, while there is alot of great reads in todays article by the man, Hal… we all can agree on one thing, this team is lacking more than anything the ability to be motivated on a everyday basis. Thats on both the players, and the coaches! You cant deny that. By the way, last yr wasnt a fluke, we were playing enjoyable, fan friendly baseball then, and everyone loved the reds for it! I hope that comes back real soon, but not with our management right now… peace
By Jim Shoes
July 26, 2011 2:19 PM | Link to this
Mike in Ky you opened a well buddy, you have no idea what you are saying when it comes to manangers. birdie and Know it All have set you straight so don’t bother and post another comment to embarass yourself again… BAKER MUST GO
By birdie
July 26, 2011 1:31 PM | Link to this
Mike in Ky, if the previous 6 managers had the talent on their teams that Dusty has on this one they sure would not have a losing record like Dusty!! and to db,I guess I do not speak your language whatever it is!!
By StuttgartTim
July 26, 2011 11:57 AM | Link to this
Hal, yes the Reds have too many LOBs. Every team has LOBs, and that is something that is difficult to control. You CAN control who is pitching. Leake was left in too long. I agree that you should be able to get more than 6 innings out of a starter, but forcing it is just stubborn. Ondrusek gives up an immediate single. He’s in there to get batters out. No he’s not perfect. Everyone has good days and bad days. Do you really have to wait to verify that he doesn’t have it tonight? Then he gives up a double. You still don’t pull him and he gives up another double. We have a well stocked and healthy BP. Use it!
By KNOW IT ALL
July 26, 2011 11:51 AM | Link to this
@GOM first of all Janish had a good game last night. Best line up? What about last couple months when Baker started Gomes every game while other better hitters and outfielders were sitting on the bench you going to tell me that was his best lineup back then? Baker doesn’t know what a best line up is right now. Like I said you will see what I mean when Baker gets fired…Oh and I am sure you do not remember Steve Yeager but I graduated and played high school baseball with him as we were a powerhouse back in the year. I played outfield and did pretty well. Not even close to his skills as he went on to the Dodgers but I have achieved my goals in life, have you? Didn’t think so
By Willy
July 26, 2011 11:10 AM | Link to this
If Baker doesn’t read this blog,why is he always commenting to reporters that he hears that fans want this and that, but that he played behind Hank Aaron, so he knows what is best???? Naive much????
By Mike Marelli
July 26, 2011 10:56 AM | Link to this
The Fourth Place Reds are garbage. Know It All & Mike in KY, are regular crack smokers, who suffer from delusions. Time to eat a big serving of crow, as they said the Reds would be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Gomes is a major failure. Stubbs strikes out more than Know It all does, when asking a girl for a date. Arroyo serves up more meat balls than Chef Boyardee. I told you the Reds would be no good, 3 months ago in the early spring-but none of you would listen. Time to start paying attention to what I tell you, and quit being a bunch of bozo’s. It’s time to start facing the reality of things: You’re not that good, & last year was a fluke. So long chumps.
By gom
July 26, 2011 10:29 AM | Link to this
@KIA - Janish got his three hits for July and played SS like Dr. Strange Glove. You are missing Cozart, Votto, and Rolen from the line up, so how are you going to win unless Stubbs, Phillips, and Bruce step up. They didn’t - Reds lose. Baker can’t play (when he could, he was pretty clutch) so he puts out the best lineup he can. With so many players missing last night, sitting Votto was definitely a stretch. BTW, 9 year olds play pitch ball and not T-ball which was probably your last baseball experience. Again, read what you post as you tend to look rather childish with you simplistic approach to baseball. If it was that simple, even you could probably play. And, it’s Mikey and Kentucky and not what your lame spelling joke indicated.
By DONNJO
July 26, 2011 9:47 AM | Link to this
ENJOY THE KNUCKLE BALL THROWERS. WHY AREN’T THERE MORE? SUCH AND EASY PITCH TO THROW AND LITTLE DAMAGE TO ARM. LET THE “BIG BOYS” SWING AWAY AND WHIFF. WHO WAS THE CATCHER THAT HAD A SPECIAL MADE GLOVE THE SIZE A PILLOW TO TRY AND CONTROL THE BALL.. THAT GUYS WAS FUN TO WATCH…..
By Mike in KY
July 26, 2011 9:46 AM | Link to this
@Know It All: Maybe you’re right. Then again, if Laz Diaz doesn’t blow a call in the Reds’ favor, none of it matters how long Leake was left in, eh? And yeah, I watched while Dusty Baker stood behind all three of those men like he was on a date and swung the bat for all of them, making it all Dusty’s fault, right? Nah, he should have pinch hit Gomes, Renteria and Cueto in that situation, eh? I’m sure Sunday you were screaming to the hills to send Chapman to the plate with the potential winning run on first base just so he could pitch the ninth, too, because you know so much about baseball. You rail on Dusty for being a “players’ manager,” yet you comment on here like the quintessential players’ manager — don’t shoulder players with any responsibility, don’t force them to have any accountability, just blame every bad break, every missed play, every lost game on the manager. Then again, you wouldn’t dare put the same microscope on any of the last six managers of this ball club, who managed far worse results than the current one has, would you?
By Steve in Richmond
July 26, 2011 9:19 AM | Link to this
It is a fourth place team playing like a fourth place team. Very little excitement it watching or listening except when Cordero pitches or Brandon makes a terrific play. I am not jumping off the bandwagon, if is just what I see from this team. NO fault to anyone in the organization, they are pressing and that is not good. I think they would play better if they just forgot about repeating and just turned their hats backward and had fun. It still will be a good race at the end, but this year we will be spoilers.
By Tony
July 26, 2011 9:16 AM | Link to this
2 questions: 1. Why have Leake bunt in the fifth when he is arguably, just as good of a hitter as Stubbs? At least give him a shot to get the guy in from second. 2. Why does BRay only ever get to face on batter? Seems that everytime I see him, he comes him, pitches good, gets the guy out, and then Ondrusek comes on and gives up runs.
By jIMMY SHOES
July 26, 2011 9:08 AM | Link to this
Know It All you are correct as to what you are saying… Mike in Ky you do not know what you are talking about, Baker must be fired now…….We all are saying this
By KNOW IT ALL
July 26, 2011 9:03 AM | Link to this
Mikeie in kentuckie Wow! How blind you are as to worshiping Dusty Baker’s management decisions. Funny how you blame Leake for the loss. I guess your power went out with Reds were still in the game at 4-2 when Votto, Bruce and Phillips choked? Baker could have easily batted someone else for Votto and Bruce but chose to stay with these 2 players whom are in a very big slump….I know Baker doesn’t read the blogs or maybe he does? I know more about baseball then you ever will. Oh don’t worry Reds won’t win 30 games either, and please meet me here during the late fall when BAKER is fired….
By db
July 26, 2011 8:50 AM | Link to this
uh oh, birdie go duh, birdie go duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh
By jeff
July 26, 2011 8:27 AM | Link to this
Folks this team is what it is. A under managed, under performing, inconsistent team. Jockety did nothing to improve this team while some of the parts got older and failed to produce. Part of that is because they are a small market team that has to depend on their young guys to improve. Bruce and Stubbs inconsistency and Votto having a down year compared to last have led to this team struggling. The fact is The Brewers went out and made moves. This team hoped for good fortune. When you sit back and dont do anything you have to hope your manager has the magic touch which I think most of us can agree Dusty is not a good “strategy” manager. I would not have let Leake go out in the 7th but thats the card you play. They will hover around .500 all year. Heck even ESPN doesnt show the Reds when they show the standings. Until you are over .500 you shouldnt be considered in a pennant race
By Mike in KY
July 26, 2011 8:19 AM | Link to this
@Know it All: News Flash, hot shot, Baker doesn’t read this blog and if you knew half as much about baseball as you claim to Bob C would be paying you for your opinions. After Ondrusek’s performance, it officially didn’t matter how long Mike Leake was left in the game. But you ignorant know-nothings continue to blame Baker. Three straight doubles == lost game. But it’s all Dusty Baker’s fault. One ball loops just a little bit and either BP or Bruce makes a play, seventh is harmless. I don’t even know why I read the comments section here, this team could win its next 30 straight and you’d still find reasons why you’re all better managers than Dusty, yet you haven’t MANAGED to get yourselves out of Dayton and get a job in baseball.
By KNOW IT ALL
July 26, 2011 7:22 AM | Link to this
Every post comment up to mine blames Baker except for GOM who knows nothing about Reds let alone baseball. I said for Baker to bench Votto and Bruce for a couple of games. Well he listened to me sorta as he did not start Votto as saying he needed a rest and to not come to the ball park until last minute basically don’t think about baseball today. So what does stupid Baker do, he pitch hits Votto during a crucial part of the game and Votto flys out. Why bench him and tell him to forget baseball for a day and then put him in to hit when game is on line? Makes no sense, you leave him out of the game totally Baker. As for Bruce he failed to listen to me by benching him also but sure enough left him in there and he did NOTHING. Struck out when Reds needed him. Then would have struck out again had it not been for the non intentional walk he got in his last at bat as he got nothing to swing out. Why not pitch hit Renteria he has been hot he could have batted instead of Votto or sit Bruce down and have him bat for him. Baker has no clue how to manage. Stubbs 3 K’s again, that didn’t last long. GOM pleeze stay off blogs, Janish had 3 hits what did your 9 year old do yesterday in T-BALL?
By Gibby
July 26, 2011 1:11 AM | Link to this
When Jockety finally gets his head out of his a$$ and fires Baker, how about giving Ted Power a shot. I firmly believe the players would respond to his approach.
By Mike Mc In Ky
July 26, 2011 12:56 AM | Link to this
Well lets just see how bad against the mets. Mismanaged, Misplayed, Clutch-less! If we thought we had a chance at Beltran, we blew that for sure! Why would he want to play for a team that has so many holes in it… its obvious that with the line up we had tonight, Dusty didn’t want to win, oh by the way TAKE THE PITCHER OUT BEFORE HE IS WORE OUT DUSTY!! Two many times this year it has cost us! Tired of dustys excuses and our lack of being able to play the game to win, we are giving up because we cant get 9 guys who want to win everytime we play!! Pete would have showed them the art of hustle…
By Waldo
July 25, 2011 11:43 PM | Link to this
The problem seems to be that Management has decided who they think are great talents for the organization; but, they are in error-and won’t admit it. Bruce is highly overated; Hernandez is a waste of time{I had two naps before he reached first base tonight};Cairo and Phillips are the only people worth their salaries. So much for last nights hero! Stubbs was annointed the second coming of Willy Mays a couple years ago{he doesn’t have a prayer to even better Geronimo}.
By Bill
July 25, 2011 11:18 PM | Link to this
BTW, Paul janish had three hits tonight—1/3 of the Reds output.In addition, the Reds poorly prepared infield, created bad hops for each team, all night! D. Stubbs had three more strikouts! J. Bruce stinks! So does Baker’s management of pitchers—two straight nights he has left a starter in too long! Ondrusek choked, again.Leake was great, again!
By birdie
July 25, 2011 10:05 PM | Link to this
gom, you are right.Dusty’s logic on Votto is as usual stupid logic. Another loss tonight due to his mismanagement of the pitchers again.Leake should never have been back out for the 7th after throwing 100 pitches and being in trouble almost every inning which caused him to labor. WILL MANAGEMENT EVER REALIZE THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH THIS TEAM IS DUSTY BAKER AND A COUPLE OF HIS COACHES???????
By Jim M
July 25, 2011 8:43 PM | Link to this
I saw your article on why Stubbs was drafted #1, and after the last two games of Stubbs doing well, he is back to taking perfect pitches to hit for strike 3!!! Two times tonight with men in scoring position.. GRRRR thats what frustrates me about him. He isnt 100% focused at the plate like many #1 picks would be..He should sit with Pete Rose so Pete can drive into his talented brain on his approach at the plate. He wastes so many opportunities that could help his game and the team..
By gom
July 25, 2011 7:15 PM | Link to this
sorry Hal, but the logic for benching Votto is very suspect. Rolen can’t play and Cozart is on the DL after being impressive since his call up. Joey baby needs to suck it up and start getting his crap together and be the player he should be. Joey seems to always get a free pass from the fans but I’m beginning to wonder why. BTW, Janish just proved why he was sent to the minors. My 9 year could make a better play than he just did.