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 > 2012 > May > 06 > Entry
Frazier needs to stay right where he is
UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave, watching the magnificent view of downtown Pittsburgh when the camera aimed above the center field stands in my favorite ball park, PNC. Unfortunately, there are nearly always more empty blue seats than fans inside the place. The Primanti Brothers sandwiches are enough of a lure to get some fans into the park.
The Cincinnati Reds had a decision to make before Monday’s game in Milwaukee — and it should be no decision at all. It is as clear as an empty champagne glass.
Miguel Cairo is scheduled to come off the disabled list, so the Reds had to rid somebody off their roster. The easy decision, but wrong one, would be to send Todd Frazier back to Class AAA Louisville — because he has options.
IF THEY DO THAT, then somebody needs to come up with a solid reason — and there is no solid reason. The evidence as to why Frazier should stay was as solid as a smoking gun in an assassin’s hand Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Frazier started at third base and what did he do?
(A) Starting pitcher Mat Latos was in a first-inning mess when he hit leadoff batter Jose Tabata and walked two guys. With one out, Nate McLouth blasted one toward left field. It never got there. Frazier snagged it, saving at least two runs.
(B) Frazier homered on the first pitch he saw in the game, giving the Reds a 2-0 lead in the second inning.
(C) After lining hard to deep right in the fourth, Frazier doubled in the sixth.
And that’s just Sunday’s work. Frazier has been solid as a pinch-hitter and a top-shelf replacement at third base when Scott Rolen rests.
LET’S GO ONE step farther. Everybody loves Scott Rolen, especially his glove, but his bat right now is feeble. Doesn’t Frazier deserve more starts at third — and not just on day games after night games when Rolen rests his weary bones?
Who should go instead of Frazier? That’s easy. Willie Harris. And let’s not save him because he is the only left handed bat on the bench. He is 3 for 35 this year, so left, right or in the middle, he isn’t helping this team. And if they want to keep Harris for some inexplicable reason, Wilson Valdez is another non-contributer who can go.
Harris and Valdez don’ts have options. So what? Do the Reds really want to keep non-performers around?
AFTER A SHAKY first inning (hit by pitch, two walks), Mat Latos was not only lights out, he never permitted the the Pirates to tug on the light switch to turn it on.
For six innings, Latos gave up no runs, only two singles, the two walks in the first inning, the one hit batter in the first and he struck out a career-high 11. Rerds pitchers struck out 18.
The Reds were facing Charlie Morton, who was 4-0 against them last year and gave up only three total runs in those four games.
But this wasn’t the same Charlie Morton, who appears to have altered his delivery. The Reds scored five off him in six innings and won, 5-0.
DRES STUBBS, who had three hits, including a home run, and a stolen base, walked with one out in the first, only his sixth walk this year. Morton tried to pick him off and threw the ball away and Stubbs sprinted to third, scoring on a single by Joey Votto — the 18th straight game in which Votto has reached base at least once.
Frazier’s home run with two outs in the second made it 2-0.
It was Stubbs again in the third after Zack Cozart walked. Didn’t the situation call for a sacrifice bunt? Nope. Manager Dusty Baker permitted Stubbs to swing away and he cleared the right-center wall with a home run to make it 4-0.
And it was Stubbs in the forefront again in the fifth when the Reds made it 5-0. He opened the inning with an infield hit to shortstop — for him, it is hit slow rollers to the left side and it is a base hit.
Stubbs stole second on the first pitch, then took third on Joey Votto’s fly ball and scored on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Phillips — smallball at it’s finest.
LATOS, WHO NEEDED 26 pitches to travel that shaky first inning, left after six, but the bullpen of J.J. Hoover, Aroldis Chapman and Alfredo Simon finished the shutout, giving the Reds bullpen 21 straight scoreless innings. Chapman contributed 1 1/3 perfect innings — four hitters, two strikeouts.
Now it is off to injury-wrecked Milwaukee for a three-game series, beginning Monday night in Miller Park.
DON’T FORGET TO join me at noon Monday for an on-line chat, an hour of answering your questions and comments. Join me at noon by going to daytondailynews.com/sports and clicking on the chat. Talk to you then.
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By jim t
May 8, 2012 7:44 AM | Link to this
Mike in the Creek, I’m sure your right about not having a lefty on the bench. I certainly would want one. Unfortunately unless a trade is made it is not going to happen. As far as Rolen not catching up to fastballs if you watch his at bats many pitches are check swing strikes that tells me he is fooled on off speed and breaking pitches because he is trying to cheat to catch up to the fastball. Also most of his outs are weak fly balls to right field.hope Sotty can get it turned around. We need his bat and glove.
By Mike in the Creek
May 7, 2012 6:11 PM | Link to this
Mike in KY - Ouch! I will tell U that Dusty has to hate no lefty on the bench. Something has to give there - like possible trade. I’ve read rumor / suggestion about a Heisey & Relief P for a solid LH bat, which makes a ton of sense. Reds roster has to be last with fewest (2) LH hitters in baseball. Can’t wait to hear the squalkin about Frazier / Rolen - Rolen in tonight. My thoughts are that Frazier sealed his fate with his ability to PH AND come in for spot roles to fill in for Rolen and be productive. He will not replace Scot Rolen anytime soon, although may get 2 starts a week. Rolen is a professional hitter and will be given much more time. People suggest his bat speed is slow (how U measure that - I never know!). I see him hitting the ball hard in most AB’s, and working the pitch count in EVERY AB. Let’s get one tonight!
By Mike in KY
May 7, 2012 4:31 PM | Link to this
I thought Dusty was going to force Walt to keep Harris on the roster. That was the popular statement here, anyway. What happened, brain trust?
By jim t
May 7, 2012 2:28 PM | Link to this
Steven Ross, not picking on you just trying to help clarify the chain of command. As sad as it may be I agree Frazier should be given more opportunity. Scott Rolen has been a great talent but he just can’t catch up to the fastball right now. Dusty isn’t the only manager who would have trouble making this decision. As far as batting Votto 4th the reason your best player bats third is because it ensures him more at bats thoughout the course of the year. BP hitting in the 4 hole isn’t a bad thing statisticly. It actually has been his best spot in the order from a career stand point. He is slumping right now but you konw he will come out of it.If Cozart and Stubbs can get on base enough I like the line up Dusty is using. Since a 4-8 start we are 10-5 Don’t no when we made the switch but If I was a betting man I would say the improvement came about the time we moved BP to 4 hole.Don’t forget one of those 5 losses was the 3 run 9th inning home run game against the Giants or we would be 11-4 instead of 10-5 in last 15 games. Mix and match with Heisey and Ludwig use Frazier a little more often and hope Scotty finds it again and continue the Hannigan/mesoraco platoon. If at the trade deadline we get a chance to improve the middle of the order with a trade I hope Walt pulls the trigger.
By TYGO
May 7, 2012 1:57 PM | Link to this
Good Lord. Some of you people need to see a shrink pretty quick and take some meds. Calling people liars, screaming in caps and ranting really doesn’t enhance your opinions. Mellow out, dudes and dudettes. There are some adjustments that need to be made to the roster and I believe they will be addressed. Castellini has spent too much money in the offseason to allow things to continue the way they are. Just relax. Geez.
By jim t
May 7, 2012 1:57 PM | Link to this
Steven Ross, Walt signed Harris and Valdez.He has final say who is on the team and who is not on the team. For Walt to cut Harris and Valdez it would be a admitting he made a misstake, if Dusty buried them on the bench it would make Walt look ridiculous for signing them. Does Dusty have a imput as to who he wants on the team, sure but the final say is all Walt’s. As the boss if you allow yourself to be influenced by your subordinates into making management decisions not in the teams best interest you won’t be around long.You can apply that to any business.
By pedroneedsabourbon
May 7, 2012 1:32 PM | Link to this
Fire Dusty, hire Speier
By pedroneedsbourbon
May 7, 2012 1:30 PM | Link to this
Fire Dusty, hire Chris Speier
By bobmc
May 7, 2012 11:00 AM | Link to this
Pardon my comment. Brantley mentioned that Frazier’s backhanded stop looked so “Rolenesque”; in the past; yes, but far too many balls are getting by him to continue on this path if you want to win. Dusty and Walt won’t let it happen; however. Don’t be surprised to see him sent down and Harris stay. That’s the Baker way. After 60 yrs of watching baseball and forgetting how some of the HOF catchers played, my comment is not totally valid but Hanigan puts down the best target I’ve seen in a long time. If I was a pitcher it would be pure pleasure to have him behind the plate. He exudes confidence. I can only imagine how good the Reds would be playing if Joe M., Buck S. or Davey Johnson were the manager. They have young talent and Tampa Bay and Balt. do not have the payroll that the Reds have; but boy, are they exciting to watch and are winning. There are others that would fill the bill as well. Look for Bob C. to ink Dusty to another contract, however.
By steven ross
May 7, 2012 10:52 AM | Link to this
For those of who say Walt sets the roster and Dusty has no say, I simply disagree. Dusty has a say. If Walt really had 100% authority, Harris would be gone by now. Reds are winning so I won’t quibble too much but Dusty insistence of not slotting Votto & bruce back-to-back reeks of nonsense. Bat Bruce 3rd & Votto 4th. My gawd, it’s not that tough. Dusty is so weird sometimes. One last item: Frazier needs more PT. Rolen’s twilight career material now. Again, painfully obvious to all except Dusty.
By Steve
May 7, 2012 9:42 AM | Link to this
What’s the use of saying I need a left-hander on my bench if he can’t hit…..just another one of Dusty’s has-beens.
By jim m.
May 7, 2012 9:27 AM | Link to this
time for Valdez and Harris to be gone. Frazier can play multiple positions as well as 3rd. and can HIT!!! Now if they could claim Blake DeWitt thats a better option as a lefty off the bench than Harris. The best option is to activate Miguel Cairo and claim Dewitt and DFA Harris and Valdez. Cairo and Frazier can both play SS if needed.
By jeff
May 7, 2012 9:14 AM | Link to this
I will admit when I am wrong and this team with Stubbs in the 2 hole is the right lineup. I would still consider batting Bruce 3rd and Votto 4th because I think Votto hits so well it doesnt seem like 2 lefties in a row. But Stubbs needs to stay in the two hole. As for Frazier the Kid needs to play, he can play left field so utilize him in both spots/ Frankly he has outplayed Rolen and deserves the shot. Phillips needs to get going. I know he is battling a hammy but the man signs a big contract and how is hitting like .220. These next few games are big for the Reds
By 2012
May 7, 2012 7:29 AM | Link to this
I am trying to figure how Dickerson got “screwed”. That rant make’s absolutely no sense. the Red’s are gonna be just fine, still aren’t hitting like they can but, that will come. I think Frazier should stay, if for no other reason than to carry Rolen’s bat and glove for him..
By redsfandownunder
May 7, 2012 7:17 AM | Link to this
Correction: DeWitt was DFA’d. From what I understand about the DFA rule is the Cubs have 7 days to put him on waivers and up to 10 days to make a trade. If I’m Walt, I’d DFA Harris in a heartbeat and keep Frazier…Give Frazier 10 days to produce at 3rd and LF. If he doesn’t and DeWitt becomes available, then he should be claimed. I liked just one thing about Jim Bowden, he wasn’t afraid to switch things around if they weren’t working. If the Reds throw enough *$#! at third base and LF then something will eventually stick.
By DD
May 7, 2012 5:50 AM | Link to this
Not a bad option, redsfandownunder. DeWitt is definitely an upgrade over Harris. It’ll be interesting if they simply DFA Harris and go with no lefty on the bench by keeping Frazier in Cincy or make a move like you recommended. Which would you prefer?
By BW
May 7, 2012 3:19 AM | Link to this
Agree with Jim T’s comments. Also, why is it Baker’s philosophy is still even listened to? What has he done during his tenure with this team? Continue to play worn out old has beens (or never wases). He NEVER plays the hot hand. His way doesn’t work & he’s been here waaaaay too long and needs to go along with Willie.
By Worn Cleat
May 6, 2012 11:38 PM | Link to this
“Geezus, minor league stats in many cases do not dictate what someone will do in the majors.” Oh, I guess Daffy Duck has forgotten that Frazier out hit the entire roster this past ST and should have made the roster at seasons start! Too bad Daffy uses only statistics which ignore the truth. Daffy likes to ignore how Frazier, Heisey, and Dickerson have gotten screwed. Daffy Duck thinks playing three straight games, does a season make. Daffy’s stats are disingenuous.That would make Daffy an untruthful blogger. Daffy Duck having never been a REAL athlete cannot comprehend playing to one’s competition, when the pressure is on: like in ST, when Frazier had to produce{so lied, Dusty}—or what Frazier has done for the team defensively and offensively,when just beginning to get playing time.But Daffy discounts hitting the ball hard, as a good sign that Frazier deserves to be here. Oh, that’s right Daffy and friends like to poo-poo ST stats, unless those stats agree with their logic—they say ST doesn’t count, a convenient way to Bull Sh_ _ bloggers. Don’t let the fact that Frazier is forcing his way into the lineup, get into your judgments, moron. Don’t let the fact that great plays were made on some of his line drives get in the way of your stupid logic, Daffy. Your recognition of talent, leaves a lot to be desired. Just like before when you DID say Hanigan and Janish would never be big league material. Your saying you never said this,makes you a damn liar, Daffy!!! Cozart will be another one of your bad predictions. As long as Dusty Dimwit doesn’t screw him in order to leadoff Stubbs, Mr. 200 K’s, Cozart will be the leadoff for a long time. Book it.You call yourself objective? All you are is a misguided blog cop with nothing else to fill your life. One good thing, as much time as you spend on here, dominating the blog conversation with your arrogance, you could put it all in a book of humor.Carry on Daffy.
By redsfandownunder
May 6, 2012 11:34 PM | Link to this
Blake DeWitt has been put on waivers to make room for Travis Wood. If the Reds are hell bent on having a LH hitter off of the bench, DeWitt would be an upgrade over Willie.
By crrobinson
May 6, 2012 11:02 PM | Link to this
DD—-The point is would you rather have Frazier stay up or drop Harris, forget the stats who has more potential and who can fill different roles——answer is frazier——lets keep winning series
By redsfandownunder
May 6, 2012 10:58 PM | Link to this
Yes but his 1 HR after 13 at bats projects to a 42 HR season!!! Perhaps a bit early to draw a conclusion other than to say he’s a better option than Harris and belongs on the roster - end of story.
By DD
May 6, 2012 9:52 PM | Link to this
Yet another objective point of view from Old Cleat. Plays better in a major league atmosphere? Doozy there. After today’s 2 for 4, Frazier is 3 for 13 (1 for 9 entering the game) for a .231 AVG as a starter this year - AFTER batting .237 as a starter last year. So .237 (or .231 this year) is better than .261 in AAA. Good math there, and fantastic job by Frazier of “playing to your competition”. But - once again - don’t let the facts get in the way of your crazy points of view.
By Michael in Singapore
May 6, 2012 9:27 PM | Link to this
It should be no surprise because Cincinnati does it every year- signs questionable players. They don’t need Harris and they don’t need Ludwick. The Harris reason is obvious the Ludwick reason is he’s an Adam Dunn clone. Frazier should have made the team out of Spring training anyway. Of course he should be getting more at-bats- in left or third. Once again Baker shows he is clueless about when to pull a pitcher. Why was Arredono allowed to stay in yesterdays long enough to load the bases??? Is this bullpen gased already that nobody else could come in and get an out? Yeah, yeah. I know. Arredondo has a 1.03 era with the bases loaded and owns Barmes.
By Worn Cleat
May 6, 2012 9:03 PM | Link to this
Geezus, minor league stats in many cases do not dictate what someone will do in the majors. Has ANYONE noticed that Frazier plays and hits better in the major league atmosphere??? Ever heard of “playing to your competition”? Stick the minor league stats where the sun ain’t seen!
By Tom
May 6, 2012 8:52 PM | Link to this
Harris needs to go and Dusty should be right behind him. Dusty has a problem keeping a hot player in the lineup to get the last guy on the bench going, or loading the lineup with the B team instead of slipping a B player in the 8 hole for one game. Dusty’s time is up as is Harris’s!!!
By DD
May 6, 2012 8:52 PM | Link to this
Great win today. Props to Latos, Frazier and Stubbs. Not sure what you’re implying Gary. I couldn’t care less who plays 3B. Rolen hasn’t done the job, and Frazier’s #s here or in the minors don’t scream success. Sorry I’m not giddy like some school girl over him. He’s okay - can’t do much worse than Rolen has so far - but I’m not convinced he’s any more than a .250 hitter in the majors. Hit .237 last year in 27 starts in Cincinnati and .261 in over 200 games in AAA. Doesn’t sound like a future All-Star like some here seem to think he is.
By Bravo Billy
May 6, 2012 8:50 PM | Link to this
Frazier stays, but Rolen{who is just starting to make good contact}continues to be the starter. If he falters, play Frazier. Also, put Frazier’s bat in LF, unless someone starts to earn the right to play out there. Cozart is perfect for the leadoff position: He’s an athlete, can run, can bunt,can hit with Power to all fields, is capable of more walks, showing good awareness of the strike Zone. He has a good presence. Send Willie and Valdez to Daffy Duck’s house.
By jim t
May 6, 2012 8:30 PM | Link to this
wrc, first off why would Walt have to override Dusty.I’LL YELL THIS. DUSTY DOESN’T DECIDE WHO IS ON THE TEAM OR NOT. WALT IS THE BOSS AND HE SETS THE ROSTER. WilmingtonGary, I’m sure you think I’m going to disagree with you but again your wrong. It wouldn’t hurt my feelings to see Frazier get some more opportunities.Still not sold on his ability based on his minor league numbers but Rolen is nowhere near what he was in first half of 2010.Walt brought him here and extended him to the tune of 6.5 mil a year. Sitting him will be difficult for him to swallow.Still don’t like having no lefty off the bench but you need a back up SS. This will be a tough decision to make. I guess that is why Walt gets the big bucks.
By WilmingtonGary
May 6, 2012 8:15 PM | Link to this
Way to go Hal. It’s time for the changing of the guard at 3rd base. I love Scotty but it’s time to share time with Frazier. And don’t forget he can play 1B, LF, and RF also. I’ll bite my tongue and not say what I want to DD and Jim T other than to say Hal must be a dumb as me and not see the whole picture. Right guys.
By wrc
May 6, 2012 7:35 PM | Link to this
Hal I totally agreed with you,but unless Jocketty overrules Baker he’s going to get sent back down.Same as the Reds going far in the playoffs is a pipe dream as it won’t happened under Dusty as he never taken anyone passed the first round.Only trouble is they’re probably going to extent his contract in which next season will be a repeat of last season and knowning our luck they’ll replaced him with someone dumber if that possible.
By redsfandownunder
May 6, 2012 6:58 PM | Link to this
It just wouldn’t be a proper Jocketty Reds team without putting a never-has-been free agent Willie Harris on the roster and Dusty giving him playing time…..especially when there are much better options in AAA wasting away. Consider Willie, this year’s version of Fred Lewis/Tavaris/Patterson. And yes, Rolen should sit the bench until he can demonstrate that he can hit again. Sadly, he has not hit since the first half of 2010.
By Finally
May 6, 2012 6:29 PM | Link to this
Finally something I agree with. Rolen’s a great guy but his final days are here. Happens to the best. Use him late as a pinch hitter/defensive replacement because Frazier’s bat has to get in there to help the offense.
By Coop
May 6, 2012 5:55 PM | Link to this
Agree with you Hal, Frazier stays, Harris goes. It’s a NO Brainer. But, look who we have as a skipper, wouldn’t surprise me Frazier gets sent down though. If that happens, Dusty needs to go.
By Bill
May 6, 2012 5:46 PM | Link to this
Rid Harris and Valdez….and why not? Because you don’t want to get better?