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 > June > 24 > Entry
Cuban missile out of mission control
CINCINNATI — Succinctly said and true to the bone: “This is the end of a bad week.”
Bad? Bad to the bone. Bad day at Black Rock. As bad as it gets.
The speaker was Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker after his team snatched defeat from the teeth of victory — again. And again it was perpetrated by the once invisible Aroldis Chapman.
For the third time in six appearances, Chapman not only blew a save, he lost the game. After Joey Votto’s two-run homer in the eighth gave the Reds a 3-2 lead, Chapman gave up a two-run home run to Josh Willingham in the ninth for a 4-3 Minnesota Twins victory.
That left the Reds with five losses in their last six games, all interleague — three straight in Cleveland and two of three to thre Twins in Great American Ball Park.
After striking out the first batter in the ninth, Chapman battled Joe Mauer for 10 pitches, the last one crashed off the left field wall for a double. Then he fell behind Willingham 3-and-1 and the next pitch was hit so hard and so far it earned Willingham bonus frequent flyer miles.
MIKE LEAKE STARTED and needed only 86 pitches to travel eight innings, giving up two runs, five hits, no walks and striking out five. But Baker opted to go with his closer.
As somebody pointed out, the outcome was one of baseball’s easiest second-guess — seen after the fact. Shouldn’t have Baker left in his breezing right hander (Leake) and ignored his troubled left hander (Chapman)?
“Leake had just come off 112 pitches last time, the most he had ever thrown,” said Baker. “Everybody has a job to do. If I send Leake out and he gives it up, I have a real problem.
“Do people realize who the hitters coming up there were against Leake?” Baker asked. “Mauer, Willingham, Morneau — and that’s the fourth time he would have faced them. That’s enough. He did his job.”
And Baker was quick to defend Chapman and admit his closer’s confidence has to be wobbly.
“It (confidence) has to be down from being not hit at all to being hit,” he said. “He’s human, you know? A week ago we wouldn’t even be talking about this.
“It’s easy now to say, ‘Get somebody else to close,’ but where is somebody else who is better? This guy was the darling of baseball. Until this week. And how soon everybody forgets. What would people say if I left Leake out there and I had a fresh Chapman who hadn’t thrown for a couple of days? If we don’t win a ballgame, everything is always left up for discussion.”
ZACK COZART WAS given a spectator’s seat in the dugout Sunday afternoon, a day of rest.
And before anybody asks, “Why, why, why, the kid is only 26 years old,” consider first that he has played 67 of the first 70 games and listen to what he says about it.
“I don’t get to choose when I have days off, but (manager) Dusty Baker has been good at picking the days, not so much physically because I feel great, but mentally,” said Cozart. “Sometimes you need a mental break, just like in New York when he gave me one day off because I was struggling on the road.
“And there have been a couple of days at home where I haven’t swung the bat the way I want to and mental breaks help,” he added. “It also gets other guys playing time that they need to stay sharp and baseball is such a tough game you need a break mentally more than physically.”
Said Baker, “Zack has played a lot and there probably aren’t any rookie shortstops who have played as much as Zack. I have to keep him strong. I saw him dragging a little bit Saturday. You see that, you give them a day off. Plus we are only in game two of 17 in a row after we just played 20 in a row. We’re going to need everybody. We’re doing everything we can right now to keep our guys healthy and strong into the All-Star break.”
TODD FRAZIER WAS back at third base Sunday as Scott Rolen was given the day off. Since Rolen returned to the lineup, Frazier was the designated hitter in Cleveland and played left field and was out of the lineup for a game.
Baker was asked if it takes a special player to do what Frazier is doing and not have it affect his play, especially offense.
“When your No. 1 strength is your bat, like Frazier, moving around doesn’t affect you that much,” said Baker. “Marginal guys it might. When you are in your in your strong suit, nothing affects that. If your strong suit is picking it (defense) then if you strike out you are still going to go out there and pick it.
“So, no, I’m not surprised and Todd is still learning to hit,” Baker added. “He’s unorthodox in his style, but Stan Musial was, too, and they told him he’d never hit like that (.331 career average, 475 home runs).
IT SHOULD BE no surprise to anybody that Scott Rolen deked the Twins Saturday to score a run on a safety squeeze bunt. He wandered down the line just far enough, hesitated until Johnny Cueto put down the bunt, then broke for home when the throw went to first base.
Rolen is so good on the basepaths that Baker has him teach it during spring training.
“Sometimes when you hear a different voice than the manager and coaches and hear it from a peer it hits part of the ear that coaches and managers don’t find,” said Baker. “He gave a great dissertation on how it is their job to get to the next base, which is what baserunning is all about.
“You have to want to be a good baserunner, know where everybody is playing on the field, know which guys move in or move over on two strikes, know which guys charge the ball and which guys lay back on the ball, the arm strength and accuracy of arms,” said Baker. “You put all that into the equation and Scotty talks about that stuff.”
GOLD GLOVE second baseman Brandon Phillip’s newest thing is taking a lot of ground balls barehanded, shunning the use of his glove. So far he hasn’t messed up a single one. He barehanded a ball Sunday deflected by pitcher Mike Leake and threw a guy out at home.
Maybe Phillips will be named the first winner of the Gold Hand.
MANAGER/COMEDIAN Ron Gardenhire, now managing the Minnesota Twins, was not known for his hitting as a major-league player with the New York Mets.
As he tells the story, Mets General Manager Frank Cashen told hitting coach Frank Howard, “You teach Gardenhire how to be a hitter or die trying.”
Gardenhire said Howard later told him, “You had me on my deathbed.”
The Twins may be in last place in the American League Central, but one has to give him props for how he handles his team.
During the National Anthem and during the singing of God Bless America, Gardenhire’s entire team comes out of the dugout and lines up on the grass close to the foul line. That’s class, first class.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Former major-leaguer Sarge Matthews with some prophetic words to Dusty Baker, the first time he saw Sean Casey in the minors: “This kid can hit, he can really hit. He doesn’t know where it’s going, but he can really hit.”
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By DD
June 27, 2012 10:40 AM | Link to this
Suuuuuurrrrrreeeeee……….
By Worn Cleat
June 27, 2012 10:30 AM | Link to this
Try ‘professional’ bowling and baseball,not to mention All State in football. Did you just feel that whoosh as I went by you???
By DD
June 27, 2012 9:50 AM | Link to this
Actually, it’s called training for a marathon. I’m sure you’ve heard of it before - it’s called exercising. Something I’m sure you haven’t done in a few decades - if ever at all. Most marathoners - like myself - are far from what you’d call fat. But if thinking that makes you feel better about yourself then have at it! You need as much self-induced confidence as you can get to compete with me in anything really. Now that I think about it, I’m as bad of a bowler as you are when it comes to your baseball knowledge. That’s about all you could got on me - bowling. Way to go, sparky!
By Matt The Mental Midget
June 27, 2012 9:09 AM | Link to this
The Mental Midget must never sleep. I see he’s up bright and early. Must be checking the mirror to see if he’s still fat and ugly.
By DD
June 27, 2012 5:33 AM | Link to this
Worn Cleat really needs to stay on his meds.
By Matt The Mental Midget
June 26, 2012 10:35 PM | Link to this
You really must find a new life.
By DD
June 26, 2012 10:13 PM | Link to this
Good one, “Bill”. Interesting to see “Worn Cleat” posted on the most recent blog. What a coincidence the two of you are around at the same time. Oh…and you both call me “Matt”. All these coincidences…
By Bill
June 26, 2012 10:09 PM | Link to this
You are Naive, ignorant, and stupid, Matt The Mental Midget; Go bs somebody else. You don’t impress me, midget. OH, and use your real name—mine is Bill.
By DD
June 26, 2012 9:36 PM | Link to this
This Matt guy must have been borderline genius. I have provided you a specific site with a specific quote regarding Stubbs. You…as usual…have nothing except your imagination. You’re a dead giveaway, tired, worn-out Cleat. The only babbling moron I’ve ever seen on ANY blog or message board to use the term “blog cop” (a competely idiotic term - fitting from you) or “Double Dumb” (creativity of a 2nd grader). Yet, you continue to post manifestos under multiple handles to have one of your personalities agree with the other. It’s truely a sad sight.
By Bill
June 26, 2012 8:54 PM | Link to this
And to finish what I didn’t have time to finish at dinner. Heisey deserves to be on the bench tonight, after Dusty gave him fair opportunities to play recently. He may have blown his best opportunity to be a regular. His own fault.
By DD
June 26, 2012 8:50 PM | Link to this
Bill…errr….Cleat or whatever name your meds induce you to use today….you have no idea what you’re talking about. Quote from Stubbs on Fay’s blog: “I have no say in it, but I’m physically capable and ready to go. But, I WILL GO WHEREVER THEY WANT ME TO GO.” I had to bold that for you to hopefully get thru your thick skull. Show me where Stubbs said he won’t go play at Dayton. Oh, and by the way, Rolen didn’t go to Dayton - he went to Louisville. “I will go wherever they want me to go”…sure does sound selfish. Get a clue, dude. Lastly, you CLEARLY don’t know what good bunting is. Stubbs is terrible. Because he may get one down out of every 4 doesn’t mean he’s a good bunter. I swear…people like you make Reds fans (who some say are the most knowledgable) look clueless.
By Bill
June 26, 2012 5:34 PM | Link to this
Mike, I root for Stubbs each time he plays. I just happen to like Heisey better; and I enjoy pissing off people who don’t like me to have that opinion. Too bad you have no idea what my world is and was like. Jim T, I like both players but believe that Heisey is better than someone who balks at going to Dayton, when S. Rolen and others did not feel they were above doing so. I like both players but especially the one who is willing to bunt so his team can win—please do not suggest the nonsense that Stubbs cannot bunt well! I know what good bunting is—and I have seen him do it; so don’t join those idiots who suggest otherwise. Drew Stubbs is a selfish baseball player. If you and others like selfish, I don’t. I dislike Stubbs very much because of his selfish attitude. I also dislike his defense. It’s weak. He cannot do a lot of things like Heisey does. I suggest to you and Jim T. that he is afraid to do those things. He’s over rated.
By jim t
June 26, 2012 9:09 AM | Link to this
Bill, I like both players. I think they both have roles to fill on this team in order for it to be successful. I perfer Stubbs starting and Heisey off the bench. I have read and listened to all the different opinions and my guess is Stubbs is the better alternative.
By Mike in the Creek
June 26, 2012 9:06 AM | Link to this
Hey Bill - your immature, vulgar name calling attack aside - I was answering your ? ’ what has Stubbs done for the last 2 and a half years (btw - I failed to mention Stubbs was 2nd on the team in HR’s in 2010, the year the Reds won the division!). It’s fine if you want your favorites, but to ignore and demean the contributions of other teammates is ignorant. Personally, I want the team to win, regardless of who takes the field. Favorite or not so much, whomever it is, I want to see their best when the opportunity arises. Reds fans typically don’t see it as a Heisey versus Stubbs battle. Too bad that in your world the success and accomplishments of your non A listers creates such conflict.
By jim t
June 26, 2012 9:02 AM | Link to this
A.P. your asking for my take. I’m flattered. LOL!!! If I was making the decisions Chapman may get a little more rope but not much. He isn’t able to get his secondary pitches over and hitters are sitting on his fastball. If Price can quickly get him fixed fine if not he pitches when game isn’t on the line until he is.
By Bill
June 25, 2012 11:51 PM | Link to this
So, let me get this straight: If someone likes Heisey better than Stubbs he isn’t a ‘true fan’? What country are we living in? On the contrary,true fans of Cincinnati believe that having an opinion other than yours Creek, is perfectly OK, whether you like that, or not. And, that goes for all others who think they run this blog. Maybe you’ve been in the Creek too long. We will be the judge of what is nonsense, or not. Right now, your silly, assinine comments would very much qualify for nonsense. So stick your BS elsewhere, and feel free to shut up, or move on yourself, p**s ant.
By Mike in the Creek
June 25, 2012 11:08 PM | Link to this
For Stubb Bashers here - all the kid does is lead the team in stolen bases every year, be at the top for runs scored and play a real good CF (not just my opinion, but all baseball pundits and analysts). Does he K too much - u bet, him and a bunch of others. Does he bunt enough - NO, but he’s not very good at it and the IF generally plays in. Like him or not - he’s the REDS CF and his talents are needed to get this team to the next level - so pull for him or take your nonsense elsewhere. We true fans have heard enough.
By Bill
June 25, 2012 10:50 PM | Link to this
@dd: Don’t tell us what Stubbs did tonight! What has he done for 2 1/2 years? That would be more telling. Talk about lame arguments.
By Worn Cleat
June 25, 2012 10:27 PM | Link to this
@Kyle: We notice that you skip over the important stats like 200 K’s last year, and the fact that Heisey stats nearly bettered Stubbs with 1/2 the AB’s last year. When a player is hitting line drives for outs, instead of striking out—who generally plays? Think before you write, Kyle.
By AP-FLORIDA
June 25, 2012 10:13 PM | Link to this
Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t I hear recently that the 9th inning and close was AC’s job. Oh yeah, it was earlier today!!!! Wonder what happen???? jim t, your take please….
By jim t
June 25, 2012 9:51 PM | Link to this
Great start by Latos tonight. Still need to see some consistency from him. Like what Stubbs did tonight but really need him to get on a roll. Was it just me or was the umpire calling a unusually large strike zone this evening?
By DD
June 25, 2012 9:27 PM | Link to this
Well, look at that. Stubbs on base 3 times tonight. And, I was led to believe he should sit the bench since he went 1 for 10 on a rehab assignment. Hey jeff…what do you think about Latos tonight?
By DD
June 25, 2012 8:52 PM | Link to this
@johnbrisker…to continue I think the Cardinals have a lot of guys playing better than they are (Beltran, Lynn, Jay, Lohse, Craig, Westbrook) and also are going to have to rely on young guys (Adams, Carpenter) with Berkman out. Reds have under-performed. @Kyle…don’t waste your breath with that guy.
By DD
June 25, 2012 8:42 PM | Link to this
@johnbrisker: I never saw ss11’s post so will respond now since you asked for it. Micromanage? I was unaware I’m managing anything. Fact of the matter is that baseball is a game of numbers. More so than any other sport. The numbers I post are the same things managers are looking at only they have even more information available to them. I agree with a lot of ss11’s post. A lot of guys have underperformed this season. One thing I don’t agree with is that I don’t believe the Cardinals will win this division. Carlos Beltran isn’t this good. Plus, he’s injury prone and will more than likely be on the DL at some point. Nor do I think Lance Lynn is this good.
By Kyle
June 25, 2012 8:40 PM | Link to this
Always love the strong argument: “In addition, noone here mentions the line drive outs which were also part of Heisey’s MONTH. Contact? Heisey has been more impressive than Stubbs.” -Yes, Heisy makes stronger outs….great one Worn Cleat. Failing to mention that Heisy strikes out about 22.5% of all AB’s to Stubbs 26.5% of all AB’s. Neither is solid getting the ball in play. I will take the guy who when he does get on base, tends to score. Almost doubling Heisy’s Runs scored in 9 more AB’s. I will go with my actual stats argument verse, your better out theory.
By Worn Cleat
June 25, 2012 7:45 PM | Link to this
Let me see, whom shall I agree with on Heisey, Stubbs. How soon everyone forgets how many YEARS Stubbs was GIVEN the starting assignment in CF. This being the first month for Heisey to get regular playing time in his favorite position. Quite a differential, I’d say. Any judgements at this point, on Heisey’s present and future ability, is simply nonsensical and very misleading, not to mention calling your comparison’s a bit skewed. To suggest, as some have,that Stubbs has not had bad baserunning exploits, fielding deficiencies, especially anything hit in front of him is surely an inescapable oversight. In the short time Heisey has been afforded starting in CF, his defensive play clearly has challenged the claim that Stubbs is a better defender. I say not. I also say Heisey is only a half step slower, if that; I suggest you see tapes of him beating out basehits at first base. And, stolen bases—consider this: They ALLOW STUBBS TO STEAL. They do not allow Heisey to steal. He has been stereotyped by the powers that be. So if he’s a half step slower—WHY NOT? He has recently demonstrated some good baserunning instinct, when scoring at home. Lots of innuendo, and suggestive remarks about Heisey here on the blog—which I remind you is Heisey’s first solid month, as a starter in CF vs a couple of YEARS for Drew Stubbs. In addition, noone here mentions the line drive outs which were also part of Heisey’s MONTH. Contact? Heisey has been more impressive than Stubbs. And, he can bunt and WILL BUNT for the team! Stubbs CAN bunt well{ I saw him do it perfectly ONCE this year}. But, Stubbs refuses to bunt for the team’s betterment That tells me all I need to know about who should be starting in CF. Spout off all you want about whatever—I will remind you about the differences in playing time in CF—that difference would be in YEARS!
By jeff
June 25, 2012 5:40 PM | Link to this
Trust me I have never seen with Stubbs speed so my original thought is that he should play. He HAS to start making adjustments. I agree he will most likelty get the nod but if he keeps hitting .235 with strikeout city why shouldnt Heisey get the chance. People forget that Heisey has alot of power too and I will argue about the baserunning. The other night when Heisey scored that run at the plate was an incredible read and react play. I give the edge to Stubbs in the outfield but Heisey is no push over. My point is Stubbs whether he starts or not needs to earn his spot back. If we had a manager who actually stole bases then Stubbs is a not brainer but we have a manager who plays for big innings so the the key is getting guys on base in front of our Big guys. Its all about philosophy and who produces. Like I said I hope I am wrong about Stubbs but I have watched him since Dragons days and he simply has not adjusted.
By jim t
June 25, 2012 4:48 PM | Link to this
Kyle, both players have holes in their game. I perfer Stubbs because he has more upside,is a better fielder,base runner and better arm. Neither make enough contact but until a better alternative comes along I go with Stubbs. Heisey comes off the bench. A role he has done well in.
By jim t
June 25, 2012 4:37 PM | Link to this
JohnBrisker, John the only thing I’ll add to SS11 comment is I still think the reds are the favorite to win the division. While I wished they would have started off hitting better thy are coming around. I didn’t think the pen would stay on scored on all year but they have some good arms down there and I think they will get it figured out. The key is starting pitching. If Latos turns it around and Bailey keeps trending forward I think we win the Division. Don’t know where the micro everything reds comment came from. The Cardinals roster is dependent on quite a few players who are older and have injury history. Berkman,Furgal,Beltran, and carpenter. Still like are roster against theirs. The pirates are getting great pitching, Starters and Pen. If they pick up a hitter or improve from were they are they will be in it until the end.Should be a fun summer.
By DE
June 25, 2012 4:20 PM | Link to this
AC has lost the touch on his slider because they put him in the closers role and the emotions got to him. 100 mph is sexy in the ninth.
By Kyle
June 25, 2012 4:20 PM | Link to this
Heisy is and will always be a bench person. Nothing wrong with that, he produces off the bench. Just not a starter. Numbers prove this. Has started for just about all of June. Hit .227 with 1 HR, 4 RBI’s, and 1 walk. In 15 at bats in June (compared to 75 for Heisy), Stubbs has 1 HR, 4 RBI’s, and 2 walks. As always, someone explain the heisy love for me. It just does not make any sense.
By johnbrisker
June 25, 2012 3:11 PM | Link to this
@jim t, DD, and others who micro manage everything Red. ss11 summarized everything you need to know about the Baker and the Reds this year and not one of you comment. If Chapman (or someone else) can’t close, this year goes down the tubes. The Cards are getting healthier and will be better.
By jim t
June 25, 2012 1:33 PM | Link to this
Jeff, enjoyed yours and DD post.Have to agree with DD. While I am not pleased with Heisey or Stubbs as far as overall game I go with Stubbs. Hit him second and cozart first.He is a better fielder and better baserunner. His arm is stronger and right now his power is better. Which surprises me. heisey is a goodguy off the bench late inning against a hard throwing reliever. Also if Dusty has to flash a take sign in that situation to a guy who has been in the league two years and change he may not need to be in the league.
By jim t
June 25, 2012 1:16 PM | Link to this
@the Miz, that was a serious question???? LMAO!!!! You need help.
By jeff
June 25, 2012 1:09 PM | Link to this
DD, I hope you are right but I am just using the eye test and in a shorter amount of time I am seeing Chris Heisey adjust more to major league pitching in his short time than I have seen Stubbs ever, I like Stubbs but the word potential eventually fades away. Take yesterday for example, Heisey was 0-5 but he screamed a ball to second because he is starting to adjust to the low and away pitches. People forget that towards the end of last year Stubbs essentially got benched and Heisey and others played. Stubbs strikes out far too much. Stubbs is .290 in th two hole because of that one stretch he had. Don’t let streaks fool you. Stubbs is a .235 hitter who can’t make contact. Honestly, I have aruged all year Hannigan should be our two hole hitter but Dusty claims we need speed up top. Which is funny because he doesnt let them steal anyways nor does he ever hit and run. But the fact is IMO this team will be better served with Heisey playing more than Stubbs. Frazier needs to platoon with Rolen and Ludwick and Heisey and Stubbs can do the same and play right field when Bruce has to face lefties. Don’t even get me started on Bruce, who couldnt hit with guys on base if the ball was on a tee. But we’ll save that for another day.
By ss11
June 25, 2012 1:08 PM | Link to this
Dusty is a very good manager. He lost his closer, Massett, and Bray to sart the year. He has no LF, his CF is not very good, Rolen hitting .200. Votto and Phillips is all he can count on from his position players. The fact is the Reds are not very good and Dusty has them in 1st place. But be aware here comes the Cardinals. They will get healthy and win division by 6-7 games. You guys that blast Dusty eat another moon-pie and get a freaking clue
By Randyman1956
June 25, 2012 12:58 PM | Link to this
Hopefully, Chapman realizes that he needs to use some off speed pitches. Sounds like everyone is sitting on the heat. hal’s right. Lets put last week behind us. Baker is going to have his greatest challenge trying to soothe Chapman’s delicate psyche.
By DD
June 25, 2012 11:38 AM | Link to this
@jeff…disagree with you on Heisey. He goes back to the bench when Stubbs comes back. We have issues at the top of the order. Neither Heisey nor Stubbs have had any success at the leadoff position - not this year nor in their careers. However, Stubbs is hitting .280 batting 2nd this season and .290 for his carrer. Heisey? .231 this year and .233 for his career. Plus, Heisey adds much needed pop off the bench - which has been his strength for his career. Stubbs…terrible pinch hitter. Platoon Frazier/Rolen/Ludwick at 3B and LF with ocassional start for Heisey in all OF spots and Stubbs back in CF and batting 2nd behind Cozart. This is the best lineup for this ballclub.
By jeff
June 25, 2012 10:22 AM | Link to this
Wow lots to talk about!! What a bad week. Its baseball gang. things are going to happen like this. Its a season of ups and downs. This team as I have said all along is avergae to above average. I think I predicted + or minus 2 on 88 wins and you know what 90 wins might win you a division. The fact is this team has holes. Lets look at the teams. Chapman- Chapman isn’t hurt, he isnt tipping pitches and he sure as heck isn’t a starter. The problem is he is falling way behind hitters and he has no consistent second pitch. the problem with Chapman also is the fact that he has no time to learn the second pitch because he is learning by fire. I am amazed he hasn’t learned the slider yet but the fact is he hasnt. He is a one pitch closer and to do that you have to hit spots and get ahead of hitters so they chase your pitch instead of sitting on knowing whats coming. He will work out of this. Heisey- Heisey should still play when Stubbs gets back. Yes he was 0 for 5 and saw seven pitches. Heisey isn’t a great leadoff guy. Stubbs is a .230 hitter that can’t bunt. Heisey at least will hit about .260 and he can control the bat somewhat. My beef is that with a young player in that last inning Dusty needs to put the take sign when the pitcher walks a guy. Take the decision out of the young man’s hands. But Dusty is too worried about being friends than managing. This team will bounce back. its good they got ahead when they did being 11 games up but they hit this west cost trip and it could get ugly with 11 on the road.
By cuban missile is a dud
June 25, 2012 10:11 AM | Link to this
A last place team whipping the Reds says it all.
By jim t
June 25, 2012 9:12 AM | Link to this
@lance, if you read my post it starts by saying I found this on another site. In the future I’ll be happy to give you the credit.
By The Miz
June 25, 2012 9:11 AM | Link to this
It was a serious question and you’re a dbag. I’m out.
By jim t
June 25, 2012 9:06 AM | Link to this
@the miz you mean you didn’t appreciate my childish attempt at humor in response to yours. I’ll tell you what if you want to cut out your BS and talk baseball I’ll do the same. What say you????
By Lance
June 25, 2012 9:01 AM | Link to this
jimt: if you are going to copy my posts word for word, at least give me credit for it!
By TYGO
June 25, 2012 8:56 AM | Link to this
But wait; I thought Chris Heisey was the saviour. Everbody was clamoring for him to get the starting job in LF at the beginning of the season. Could it be the brain trust might have been correct about his role?
By DISTY BALER
June 25, 2012 8:49 AM | Link to this
“HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?” I DON’T EVEN LIKE MYSELF!!!!
By hahahahaha
June 25, 2012 8:46 AM | Link to this
That would be the school for the blind baseball bloggers.
By The Miz
June 25, 2012 8:38 AM | Link to this
@ jim t. Seriously? Good one. I think we’ll all be happy when your summer break is over and you have to go back to school.
By hahahaha
June 25, 2012 8:33 AM | Link to this
They tell me the grounds crew in Dayton is re-sodding the grassy area in front of Stubbs, where the fly balls were allowed to wear a worn spot in Centerfield.
By jim t
June 25, 2012 8:29 AM | Link to this
@TheMiz your mother.
By The Miz
June 25, 2012 7:51 AM | Link to this
Who’s more excited to get Drew Stubbs back in Cincinnati? The Dragons or Dusty?
By Jerry
June 25, 2012 6:02 AM | Link to this
As soon a Mauer hit the double off the wall, nearly OUT…and the next hitter had 2 balls…I was thinking..”get Champman out of there”…next pitch, Marty says, “it’s now a 4-3 game”…what is wrong with Baker???? I’d have yanked AC out in a heartbeat, put in a Ondrusek or SOMEBODY ELSE!!!! There is something WRONG with AChampman…and Heisey hits the FIRST pitch with 2 on…TAKE A PITCH, Heisey!!! this team is so frustrating to watch, it’s makes u want to THROWUP!!!!
By TYGO
June 25, 2012 5:37 AM | Link to this
Glad a couple posters mentioned what I’ve been thinking the last week; I seriously wonder if Chapmans sudden collapse has something to do with his living la vida loca off the field?
By N ick
June 25, 2012 2:54 AM | Link to this
If Baker had been managing the 1927 Yankees, they would have finished in fourth place.
By Mike in KY
June 25, 2012 12:58 AM | Link to this
Mike Leake gives up the two-run bomb and you’re all on here clamoring like idiots about why Chapman wasn’t in there. Hollow complaints ring hollow.
By crrobinson
June 25, 2012 12:11 AM | Link to this
how bout the reds got beat today by the guy they should have signed to play left field. ludwick? heisy? bench players not starters—-took the cheap way out and thats the results you get
By Dr Zap
June 24, 2012 11:03 PM | Link to this
Jay Bruce = Adam Dunn with a better arm and marginally better batting average. He will be a consistent .250 - .260 hitter for his career.Struck out 156 times last year and is on pace for just about that this year. 8 million a year - wow. I’m tired watching him leave guys on base. He is an awful hitter.
By Worn Cleat
June 24, 2012 10:33 PM | Link to this
Jim T is absolutely correct about Heisey’s stupidity; however, he shouldn’t be leading off today, or ever. Why Baker insists that Heisey is a leadoff hitter is baffling. The way Wilson is hitting, W. Valdes would have been my choice to lead off with Heisey hitting second, where he has been hitting. Why Baker changes things when they are working{four game hitting streak by Heisey}is baffling. Over managing is as bad as under managing. And, I did not post the 9:25pm worn cleat, but I do agree with the comment.
By Mutaman
June 24, 2012 10:08 PM | Link to this
“The Twins manager is a class act in many ways and wouldn’t it be a pleasure to see in a red uniform.” That class act has been there how many years? And has won exactly what? And consistently tanks every time he plays the Yankees. No thanks. As far as putting the winning run on base, aren’t second guessers the lowest form of humanity?
By steven ross
June 24, 2012 10:07 PM | Link to this
I’m in agreemen with Deuce: let Leake start the 9th. He’d only throw 86 pitches. Come-on. Never been a Baker fan and never will be but this loss falls on Chapman. Honorable mention to Joe Mauer for fouling off multiple pitches with 2-strikes before lining a double. That was a big league AB. Willingham was sitting on a hitters count at 3-1. He knew what was coming. I’m hoping our pre-All Star meltdown doesn’t repeat itself like last year. I’m already concerned about our 4-game series upcoming with the Giants in SF. I got a bad feelin’.
By jim t
June 24, 2012 9:42 PM | Link to this
Found this while on another sitr.Chris Heisey managed to bat 5 times from the leadoff spot. He saw a grand total of 7 pitches. *Heisey batted in the 9th inning with the Reds down one run. Jared Burton had walked 2 batters in the inning. Joey Votto was two batters away. Heisey swung at the first pitch and popped out. Poor baseball IQ. *I’m told Dusty should have given Heisey the take sign. A 12-year would not have needed a take sign. *Stop rewriting history for the 9th. Of course Dusty was going to pitch Chapman. He’d had four days of rest. It was a one run game. Leake had thrown 86 pitches on a hot day, after throwing 114 on Tuesday. Had Dusty not used Chapman he would have been ripped. *I just don’t understand why so many fans believe players never fail and that it is always Dusty’s fault. *Chapman made a bad pitch. He blew the game. Again. *Remember when Chapman used to get a head of hitters and strike them out on three pitches? *Chapman is falling behind, can’t throw offspeed/breaking balls for strikes, and is having to rely on his fastball. MLB hitters are sitting on it. Baseball 101
By jim t
June 24, 2012 9:27 PM | Link to this
Putting the winning run on base is not what 99% of ML managers would have done.
By redsfandownunder
June 24, 2012 9:25 PM | Link to this
Crappy week, but I see several silver linings: Rolen is hitting, Frazier is hitting & even Ludwick is starting to hit. The 2 biggest holes on this team (LF and 3rd base)suddenly do not seem like major weaknesses. This is another low point in the roller coaster ride that is the 2012 season….. but if Ludwick, Rolen and Frazier continue to hit well I don’t see anyone stopping this team. The bullpen is still strong and someone will step up and perform in the closer role.
By worn cleat
June 24, 2012 9:25 PM | Link to this
Glad to see Rolen back and hitting the ball well. Hope he continues we need him.
By BIRDIE
June 24, 2012 9:04 PM | Link to this
Tom you got it right!Dusty does not have a clue.Walking willingham with 1st base open is what 99% of other managers would have done in that situation.As most of us have been saying for 2 years THIS TEAM CAN NOT WIN WITH DISTY BAKER AS MANAGER. His BS after the games is very hard to listen to.
By Quiet Ain't It
June 24, 2012 8:33 PM | Link to this
Where are the know-it-alls?
By bobmc
June 24, 2012 8:20 PM | Link to this
Chapman has a lot going on other than baseball. Lots of money, speeding tickets, fast car and a go-go girl friend who’s filing false theft reports. No wonder his back hurts. The Twins manager is a class act in many ways and wouldn’t it be a pleasure to see in a red uniform.
By BoulderDave
June 24, 2012 8:19 PM | Link to this
Once again, bonehead Baker finds a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. So, Toothpick, how’s that Chapman-closer thingy workin’ for ya? Geezus, lose 2 of 3 to the hapless Twins? This team can’t possibly maintain 1st with such an idiot at the helm (or with tam Price/Jacoby). Chapman is a trainwreck with all his high living, spending like an immature kid, sluts & cops in his hotel room…no wonder his magic has vanished. Hmmm, maybe one of Hamilton’s handlers is available?
By Tom
June 24, 2012 7:40 PM | Link to this
Baker can now use another looser. Stubbs went 1 for 10 with the Dragon’s. I did like what Centerville 51 had to say. After hearing the speech from Sean Casey Saturday he is the only young person that has heart. Put him to replace MR. TOOTH PICK!!!
By wrc
June 24, 2012 7:30 PM | Link to this
What did you expect!Baker needs to SHUTUP when a player going good.Trouble his,his young players are listening to his raves.As seen by Chapman lost of control of his other pitches caused as Dusty repeatly said why throw anything but fastballs halfway through his streak and Chapman listen.Just like Stubbs knows he Dusty man in CF no matter what so why work on his hitting following the path of Dunn whom HR are up but his batting average is dropping rapidly.That and some of his stupid moves which even you Hal has question is why I’m not a Dusty fan.I mean you listen to other managers pre-or post game shows and you don’t see or hear all this BS.The BS is okay if this was a veteran club but this isn’t a veteran club.
By Centerville 51
June 24, 2012 7:18 PM | Link to this
Replacing Leake with Chapman turned a 90%win probablilty into a 50%win probablilty — this team has given away too many games for those kinds of managerial decisions — way too many one run losses for a contending team. Chapman is not a closer — one pitch is not enough. He was signed as a starter and that’s where he needs to be — he needs to go to Louisville to work on his other pitches. He’s certainly imploding professionally and maybe personally as well (is he out of control?). Even if the Reds think his ultimate future is as a closer he needs to go down to work on his secondary pitches — the last two appearances have shown that when a major league hitter knows what’s coming it doesn’t matter how hard it’s thrown — and when he’s behind in the count (which he almost always is)it’s no secret what’s coming. Send him to Louisville and bring back JJ Hoover — close with Ondrusek. This team can still win the division without him — and if he can become the stud starter they thought he could be when they signed him the future should be bright.
By deuce
June 24, 2012 7:16 PM | Link to this
Leake should have been out there in the ninth. If he puts a man on then think about Chapman. I saw Chapman lose the game in Cleveland and he did it again today. Time for Dusty to go!
By Cowboy is a phony
June 24, 2012 6:18 PM | Link to this
Good to see jim t & Mike are getting all the posts removed that they don’t agree with.
By Tom
June 24, 2012 6:04 PM | Link to this
Baker needs to GO!! Why he didn’t walk Willingham with the base open and pitch to the next two batters. I forgot Baker has no idea what is going on. But he can chew a tooth pick. I think he is playing for a wild card berth instead of trying to play to win the division.
By DUSTY BAKER
June 24, 2012 5:50 PM | Link to this
“HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?”
By Brad
June 24, 2012 5:13 PM | Link to this
This game was a roller-coaster. One where you throw up as soon as it’s over.