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 > July > 03 > Entry
Reds awake to beat ‘Albuquerque’
UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave, counting the hours until Nadine and I leave Thursday for five days in Temicula, Calif., wine country not far from San Diego.
While most people can’t spell Albuquerque, the Cincinnati Reds showed they could beat the Albuquerque Isotopes on Monday night, 8-2. But it wasn’t easy for five innings.
Like a jar of olives, the Reds couldn’t get that first olive out of the jar for five innings, but once the first one rolled out a bunch came rolling out, eight runs in the last four innings against an LA team that has lost 12 of 15.
The schedule said the Reds were playing the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Dodgers lineup was filled with players who not long ago were playing for the Class AAA Isotopes.
But the starting pitcher, Chad Billingsley, a beefy right hander from Defiance is a big-leaguer and he showed it for five innings, shutting down the Reds completely and leading, 2-0.
But Billingsley’s breaking ball deserted him in the sixth and the Reds banged four hits and scored three runs to take a 3-2 lead.
HOMER BAILEY, after a wobbly start during which he gave up a home run in the first to Jerry Hairston Jr. and a run on a sacrifice fly in the second, took it from there. His fastball touched 97 miles an hour several times. For his eight innings he gave up two runs and five hits on a 115-pitch night.
At one point, Bailey retired 14 of 15, giving up a single to Billingsley and nothing else through the sixth.
The Reds added two runs in the eighth against former Cincinnatian Todd Coffey to make it 5-2.
The big men at bat this night were catcher Devin Mesoraco and Todd Frazier, each with three RBI. After Frazier’s single in the sixth cut LA’s lead to 2-1, Mesoraco pulled a two-out, two-run double down the third base line to give the Reds a 3-2 lead.
Frazier drove in his second run of the night with a triple in the eighth and Mesoraco struck again with a two-out single. It was his third RBI of the night after driving in only one run in all of June and that was on a solo home run.
Aroldis Chapman cleaned up in the ninth and gave up a hit, but he struck out Tony Gwynn on a 102 miles an hour fastball.
And remember the ball Jay Bruce misplayed Sunday that gave the Giants a walk-off win? Bruce made up for it Monday. When the score was still 3-2, the Dodgers had a runner on second with two outs in the seventh. Luis Cruz drove one deep to right. Tie game? Nope. Bruce chased it down with a sprinting backhand stab near the fence.
WHILE THE DODGERS were missing starts Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, Reds manager Dusty Baker was severely strapped, too.
Neither Joey Votto (knee) nor Scott Rolen (back) was available and there was a scare in the fifth when Billingsley hit Zack Cozart on the batting helmet with a pitch and Cozart left the game with what was diagnosed as a mild concussion.
That left Baker with two position players on the bench, Ryan Ludwick and Ryan Hanigan. Just in case, he had pitcher Mike Leake, an accomplished hitter, sitting in the dugout with his spikes on in case he was needed to pinch-hit.
Baker is missing one other player, too. Drew Stubbs doesn’t have a hit on the trip yet and is 0 for 20 and struck out three times in five at-bats Monday.
THE VICTORY WAS a necessity for the Reds to hang on to first place by themselves because the Pittsburgh Pirates won again, remaining one game behind the Reds. And the Cardinals won to remain 2 ½ behind.
AND HERE ARE some of the strangers populating the LA/Albuquerque lineup:
—Leadoff hitter Elian Herrera played nine years in the minors before his first big league chance this year.
—Jerry Hairston Jr. batted third for the Dodgers, a guy who a few years ago was a utility player for an average Reds team.
—Scott Van Slyke, son of former big-leaguer Andy Van Slyke, was a recent call-up and was playing left field for the first time Monday night.
—Luis Cruz was making his major-league debut Monday night.
AND WHEN MONDAY’S game began the Dodgers had lost seven of their last eight, seven straight before the won a game Sunday. In those seven losses they scored two runs and were shut out five times.
THE FIRST TIME I visited Los Angeles, a friend invited me to lunch at a place called The Pacific Dining Car. I thought, “Oh, sounds like a place for a burger and fries, a cheap lunch.”
I knew I was in trouble when I saw the ambience of the place and it was double trouble when I received the bill — $78 for lunch, just for me. That’s one I couldn’t hide on the expense account.
OF COURSE, those were the days when the Dodgers put this team on the field: Steve Yeager, catcher; Steve Garvey, 1B; Davey Lopes, 2B, Bill Russell, SS; Ron Cey, 3B; Dusty Baker, LF; Rick Monday, CF; Reggie Smith, RF — and they couldn’t beat The Big Red Machine.
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By EBENEZER
July 4, 2012 8:29 PM | Link to this
I am convinced now that D. Bakerman reads this blog and puts Stubbs in the lineup every day just to be obstinant; just to be a loser;just to be an a. hole. Has anyone figured out how many games Bakerman has lost for the Reds this year, as their manager? Just playing Stubbs qualifies him as a dunce. 3 K’s everygame,FOREVER, gets him a seat in my dugout…
By Cowboy is a phony
July 4, 2012 7:03 PM | Link to this
You are correct. He uses jim t, DD, Jimbo and some others I think. The writing and sentence structure are all the same. If he doesn’t write it on here it must be wrong. He still thinks Jeff Brantley had that fake southern accent when he was with ESPN. He also has a man crush on Votto & Baker. Notice how I said 2 weeks ago it was almost time for Votto to get “hurt” so he can take some days off and stay fresh. Old jim t fought me on that but now I can’t find a comment from him on that subject.
By EBENEZER
July 4, 2012 4:05 PM | Link to this
Apparently Cowboy, this Jim T must also be Blog Cop, and other names , as well. Seems as though he is all confused about who he speaks to; and then he gets all upset when you question who HE is. I know for a fact he is ‘The Blog Cop’, because he proves it on here everyday! Can’t stand different opinions from his. As long as you agree with him you are acceptable and allowed to speak…If not he claims you are more than one writer…can you imagine that?
By Cowboy is a phony
July 4, 2012 7:40 AM | Link to this
jim t is back! had to call him out but he is back. No baseball knowledge huh? Who wrote on here 2 weeks ago that Votto was going down. He does it when he gets tired. That way he sits, refreshes and comes back to remain a .300 hitter. He is a selfish non team player and yes folks you did and have heard it from me first weeks ago.
By jim t
July 3, 2012 7:39 PM | Link to this
Cowboy,Cleat,Bob or whatever name your posting under, Sounds like you may be in one of your attention seeking modes. I notice you get that way when the baseball conversation is a little over your ability to comprehend or respond intelligently. You know enciting,disruptive and insulting.Anything for attention.There I did my good deed for the day and responded to you. Hope the attention is sufficient to get you through the evening. I hear the Holidays can be very lonely for people such as youself. Have a nice 4th!!!!
By Cowboy is a phony
July 3, 2012 5:49 PM | Link to this
Everyone notice that jim t is NOW DD. Nice try jim, but it didn’t work.
By jeff
July 3, 2012 4:10 PM | Link to this
DD, LOL, Yes Gapper for Hamels. Done deal. DD and Mike from Beavercreek. No Hannigan is not there to just bunt for the love of God he is hitting like .290. But you guys make a very great point about the 60% playing time. I have thought of that and I would still try it. I agree the 8th spot is important in baseball but for this team the most important spots are 1 and 2 simply because they have Vottomatic at 3. Could you imaging what this guy could do with more chances? Lance McCalister posted something showing he was like 57th in run producing opportunities but he was hitting like .370 with guys on 2nd and 3rd. Point is of all this, whether its hannigan, Mike Leake or Whoever, They have to find ways to get guys on base in front of Votto or else his at bats means nothing. There is no arguing that. I do not like Tony Larussa but one thing he was great at was getting any person he could in thos spots. this is why he batted the pitcher 8 at times was to get guys on in front of Pujols. Any way any how they have to get people who get on base in those spots.
By DD
July 3, 2012 3:06 PM | Link to this
I agree….let’s go after Hammels. Offer up one of our mascots - it’s a deal they surely can’t refuse! The Philly Phanatic’s routine is old and out-dated. I’d start with offering Gapper…what value does he offer us? But, the resemblence to the Phanatic is too much, so what about Mr. Redlegs? I mean, Mr. Red just came out of retirement THIS season - we can’t give up on him yet! And, Rosie is off the table! The liberal media would be all over the organization if we got rid of our only female mascot. There you have it…Mr. Redlegs for Cole Hammels! What do you say Philadelphia???
By Mike n The Creek
July 3, 2012 2:12 PM | Link to this
hey - Hamels will be a free agent and command $150M+. So the only teams interested are the Yankees, Red Sox and maybe Dodgers (but they need hitting!). Reds not stepping up to that plate - and I can’t blame them. This market will not support a rent a player strategy. Reds just don’t have a surplus of minor league thoroughbreds to get that deal done.
By tc53
July 3, 2012 1:52 PM | Link to this
JEFF, I WOULDN’T SELL THE FARM EITHER, BYUT I WOULD GO VERY AGGRESSIVELY AFTER A LEFT-HANDED STARTER TO HELP US TRY TO WIN A WORLD SERIES NOW. IS THAT NOT THE GOAL? WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN FUTURE SEASONS BUT WE HAVE A VERY GOOD CHANCE AT WINNING THIS YEAR. HE IS AVALIABLE AND WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION. THEY SPENT BIG MONEY ON VOTTO AND PHILLIPS. LET’S GET HAMELS IN THE ROTATION NOW!!!!!!!!!
By jim t
July 3, 2012 1:51 PM | Link to this
Guys, enjoyed reading the blog today. Great discussion. Here is a couple of things to consider. Dusty and just about every other manager perfer vets with a track record. Rolen isn’t healthy and can’t be counted on. Frazier while he hasn’t started every game has been in the line up either in LF or 3rd base. Ludwick and Heisey are not everyday players. Stubbs isn’t the answer in CF but is the best option. Scoring runs is not going to be the problem with this team. The pitching needs to continue to step up. Once we get to the playoffs Latos and Cueto will be fine but one other needs to step up. I wish Bailey would consistently throw like he did lastnight. We aren’t going to face a better staff than San Fran and we should have beat them 5 of 7 this year. We gave 2 away. Can we improve opffensively, Sure!While many worry about playing small ball this team isn’t built to play it. It is playing home games in the homer friendly GABP. With the shrinking of the stadiums the game has changed quite a bit. No one bunts anymore. S/B’s numbers are way down. Mangers distain the Sac bunt they don’t like giving up the out.If the leadoff man gets on and 2 hole hitter bunts him over they walk Joey. While Stubbs is not getting it done in the 2 hole, he takes pitches and attempts to work the count. He doesn’t make enough contact. Hannigan’s time will decrease as the season rolls on and Mez will gain more time. Heisey can’t hit there as evidenced by his 5 at bats 7 pitch game. If he had to take pitches to work the count he would K as much as Stubbs. The puzzling thing about Heisey is his power is gone because pitchers refuse to let him beat them inner plate in. I’m all for playing Frazier at 3rd and mix and matching with Heisey,Ludwick and Stubbs.Situational hitting is not a strong suit of this team and hasn’t been for awhile. They are free swingers who K alot. That is there MO and it isn’t going to change with the guys on the roster now. What Dusty understands is to ask them to change their game at this point in their careers is foolish. Let them do what they do well and out pitch the oppostion. We scored plenty of runs last year and 2010 and lost because we got out pitched. This year the pen and starting staff are pitching much better and we are in first place. Would like tyo upgrade the bench with a LH hitting outfielder but I don’t think it gets done.My perdiction is if we continue to pitch we will be in the playoffs. Once there your top three starters need to dominate. Just like the cardinals did with Carpenter and company last year. We have played the Giants, Nats and Braves very well this year. We got a shot.
By Mike n The Creek
July 3, 2012 12:49 PM | Link to this
I’ll again add to the discussion of Hanigan in the 2 hole - no way! He’s a 3/4 game a week guy, so now you’re playing roulette with a very important hitting slot, not a good or successful strategy unless you have the right talent. DD is right, Hanigan will never score from 1st on a double by Votto. Yes, Hanigan has a better chance of moving a guy over than most others, but that implies number 1 gets on consistently! Stubbs has shown that he is the best of overall absymal options hitting in front of Votto (Joey out the past 2 games!). I actually was thinking that during his time off with his injury that Stubbs might have felt the ‘competitive threat’ and figured out a few things - instead it appears that he just caught lightening in a bottle. While I still think he has great potential, at some point you just have to move on - however the options this year just are not there.
By DD
July 3, 2012 12:42 PM | Link to this
So…your idea of putting Hanigan 2nd is solely to bunt? On those rare occasions Cozart gets on, we’re going to use an out to get him to second when a Votto double will score Cozart from first regardless. Like you said, Dusty doesn’t utilize the hit and run (who in the majors does these days on a regular basis?) so batting Hanigan 2nd isn’t going to change his philosophy. I don’t see the point in any of this. High OBP are needed ideally in 3 places in a NL lineup - 1st, 2nd, and 8th. With your pitcher up, having someone on to be bunted over is ideal since pitchers can’t hit (outside of Leake). Hanigan fits this nicely. And, you’re not taking in to account that Hanigan plays 3 out of every 5. You want Meso to take his place at 2nd in the order the other 2 games? Or, have absolutely zero consistency in the lineup because the catching duties are split 60/40?
By jeff
July 3, 2012 12:20 PM | Link to this
DD, This is the fundamental difference between you and I. I want to put pressure on the defense. I want to steal and hit and run and run all day. But you still don’t get it. DUSTY BAKER IS NOT A RUNNING Coach. Speed doesnt matter when you dont put guys in motion. Yes Hannigan is slow but he gets on base. .356 OBP. Yes Votto is a doubles machine which even further proves my point of the two hole. Leadoff gets one and your two hole has to be able to get the guy to second base. Bunt, Hit and Run. Can Stubbs do this- NO. Hannigan can or even better yet he can walk. Then your horse comes up with guy on second. Most likely Votto gets walked here and then its on BP our next best with RISP. Speed is useless if you can get on base. Stubbs is the fasted guy to run out to his spot in center when he goes 0-5. Speed means nothing if you cant get one. Your idea of speed all depends on OBP. Trust me I run teams to death when I played and coach today. But I think everyone with a brain knows by now Dusty doesn’t use speed well.
By jeff
July 3, 2012 12:13 PM | Link to this
DD, I love baseball reference and to be honest I really like talking baseball with you. Seems like you really know the game. Its okay to have different views. On base Percentage is on base percentage know matter which way you slice it. I would never say to cut Rolen but nothing says you have to play him. I was one of the folks who was not in favor of the Rolen trade. To this day I still think we gave up way too much to get him but he did bring something to this team in the clubhouse that can not be measured. But really other than the 1st half of 2010 Rolen has done nothing at the dish for this team. Great third baseman and great leader but his time is on the becnh now. Dusty doent have to play him but this is the love for vets I speak of. When Rolen gets back Dusty will keep rolling him out there. Just like he did with Corey Patterson.
By DD
July 3, 2012 12:11 PM | Link to this
@jeff….Hanigan has one ‘n’ in it - not two. I point that out because it’s a common error here. And, getting on base is half the battle. Crossing home plate is the other. I’m a big Hanigan fan, but let’s not make him into something he’s not. He is SLOW. A Votto double will leave Hanigan standing on 3rd, while Cozart, Stubbs, Heisey, etc. all would have scored. Need speed up ahead of a guy who is going to set the league doubles record.
By DD
July 3, 2012 12:00 PM | Link to this
@jeff…what you said (“Dusty’s love fest with Vets kills teams”) and what you might have meant are completely opposite. And, Dusty isn’t hanging onto anyone. Rolen is signed thru the year. If anyone is hanging onto him, it’s Castellini and/or Jocketty. But, who am I or you to tell Castellini to cough up the remainder of a $6.5 million salary to cut him? Rolen has a contract, and is probably (unless injuries force him to retire) here for the remainder of the year - like it or not. You are correct about Stubbs’ .339 OBP out of the 2 hole. I suggest going to www.baseball-reference.com. All the stats you could possibly want. ESPN’s totals are useless. For instance, Heisey’s .301 OBP is aided by the fact that he’s fantastic off the bench (.357 OBP) and when batting deep in the order (around .350 when hitting 6th or 7th). But, he struggles at the top of the order (.276 OBP out of 2 hole). Lastly, in 1997 the Marlins had Bobby Bonilla, Moises Alou, Devon White, Gary Sheffield, Al Leiter, Cliff Lloyd, Jim Eisenreich and Kevin Brown (8 key veterans - probably more I’m forgetting - from outside the organization) and in 2003 Ivan Rodriguez, Juan Pierre, Kevin Millar, Jeff Conine, Urbina the closer, Todd Hollandsworth, Juan Encarnacion, and Kevin Millar (8 more veterans that played key roles in winning a title).
By jeff
July 3, 2012 11:54 AM | Link to this
as i said before the OBP argument is all about getting guys on base for Votto. No other way to look at it. This is why I have pitched Hannigan in the two. Guys with OBP’s north of .320 should be batting ahead of Votto. OBP for the Reds: Votto .471, Hannigan .356, Frazier .344, Bruce .333, BP .327, Ludwick .315, Heisey .301, Stubbs 298, Cozart and Meso .296, Rolen .243 This is my argument for Hannigan hitting in the 2 hole. Yes its not ideal but when Votto is back the Key is getting guys on base for him to hit with. Our 1 and two in the lineup have an average of .297 OBP. Heck even look at Frazier in the two, You have to get creative to get your stud a chance to knock the ducks off the ponds. This team rides by Votto so you have to give him the most opportunities
By bobmc
July 3, 2012 11:42 AM | Link to this
Embarrassment is: Seeing Stubbs go to the plate; strike out 2-3 times a game and look like a poor deer caught in headlights. If you could superimpose all of his AB’s on top of each other there would be nothing different. Same old, same old. No changes, no clue how to drop down a bunt for a sac. or a hit.
By jeff
July 3, 2012 11:29 AM | Link to this
DD, i love you are talks but you are reaching buddy. I enver said the Vets. What I meant was that Dusty hangs on to Vets WAY TO LONG. IE: Rolen!!! Corey Patterson and many others. This team is better with Frazier in the lineup but mark my words when Rolen is healthy the the organizations will says he is back and we need to the defense. At .185 there is no way he should be playing. As for your boy Drew Stubbs. I have no idea where you are getting OBP of .339. Espn.com- Stubbs OBP is .298 and heisey is .301. Maybe your number is .339 solely in the 2 hole. but fact is his OBP has always hovered around .300. I ate some crow when Stubbs got hot, I think you need to eat some too. We are making the same argument and that is the Reds do not have an option at #2 right now. Ideally like they wanted in the beginning Phillips would lead off and Cozart 2 but things changed. PS your Marlins comparison is vastly different. The Marlins build young guys up correctly and then infused alot of cash to a*s players to win titles. Then they had mass sell offs with rebuilding. You do need Vets but not ones hitting .185 in the lineup everyday. I have said this for a long time. Stubbs and Heisey need to be platooning centerfield with Rolen and Frazier rotating 3B and Frazier rotating with Ludwick on the days Rolen plays. Dusty has to get creative here. Everyone forgets that Stubbs basically lost his spot last year but then we all magically just thought he would hit .275. He has not adjusted period.
By Kenny
July 3, 2012 11:16 AM | Link to this
How long is this team going to play Stubbs? The biggest myth about the guy is that he is a great fielder. He is an average major league outfielder. He is great at running down fly balls in the gaps, but gets very poor jumps on balls hit over his head and in fornt of him. Heisey is all around better in CF that Stubbs. And we all know how Stubbs hitting has been. Dusty is going to keep it up until playing guys like Stubbs and Rolen get him fired.
By Dave Barber is one of the biggest jerks I’ve ever met.
July 3, 2012 10:51 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I’d say City Folk has expired. The acts aren’t that great, the venue $uck$ (I mean, it’s Downtown!) and the people running it are A$$HOLES!! Dave Barber is one of the biggest jerks I’ve ever met. The new DOWNTOWN DAYTON REVIVAL MUSIC FEST sounds like a much more professional event, with name artists and higher ticket prices to keep out the riffraff.
By DD
July 3, 2012 10:49 AM | Link to this
jeff…I’m right here - just can’t watch these west coast games when I’m up at 5. Stubbs has definitely cooled off. It’s wasn’t that long ago (1 week?) that he was hitting .280 with a .370 OBP out of the 2 hole. Now, he’s down to .256 and .339. I guess an 0 for 20 streak will do that. However, the Reds are now 28-2 when he scores a run. Hard to suggest he isn’t an playing an important part in the outcome of games, isn’t it? Regardless of his current woes, Stubbs is still the best option in the 2 hole with Cozart leading off. Ideally, we find a leadoff hitter, move Cozart to 2 and Stubbs deep in order (or perhaps not in lineup at all if new leadoff hitter takes over CF). Heisey isn’t a better option at 2 with his .276 OBP - STILL lower than Stubbs’ .339 OBP even now. Heisey is and always will be a fantastic pinch hitter/fill in. He fills that role perfectly - something that most MLB players (even those with more talent than him) wouldn’t be able to do. Also Jeff, I’ll disagree with you on the “vets” killing this team. The Reds are one of the youngest teams in MLB. They lack leadership. The prolonged struggles of young guys (Cozart, Stubbs, Bruce, Meso, etc.) is why we aren’t up 5 games. Veterans are what successful organizations are made up of. They come thru with 2 outs and RISP - something this young team doesn’t do. Think the Yankees or Phillies or Rangers or Giants bank on young guys to consistently make the playoffs? Hardly. Hell, even the Marlins stack up on veterans to win a World Series every 7-8 years then dump them all for young guys and stuggle.
By DONJOO
July 3, 2012 10:46 AM | Link to this
STUBBS? IS THERE A RULE IN BASEBALL THAT YOU CAN CONCEDE AN OUT? BE NICE IF THERE WAS SUCH A RULE AND SAVE HIM THE EMBARRSEMENT OF GOING UP TO BAT AND THEN THE WALK BACK TO THE DUGOUT DRAGGING HIS BAT BEHIND HIM….
By Jimmy
July 3, 2012 10:32 AM | Link to this
City Folk is being relaced by the Downtown Dayton Revival. Much bigger names, and the higher admission will keep out the lowlifes. GOOD MOVE!!!!!
By CITYFOLK IS DEAD, DEAD, DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!!!!
July 3, 2012 10:27 AM | Link to this
CITYFOLK is DEAD!!!! No more money or sponsors for the hordes of skank-butt local scum wandering around dirty, dangerous, drug-infested downtown Dayton.
By jeff
July 3, 2012 9:55 AM | Link to this
call me crazy here but I just think teams are going to want too much for Hamels and Victorino. Jocketty has proven that he will make trades for the long term benfit of the club. Latos is here not only because of potential but because the Reds can control his contract for 3 + years. IMO the reds depleted their prospects pretty heavy to get Latos. Guys like Hamilton, Corcino, Surburnan, Soto, Stephenson, Cingrani, Lutz and others are the future of this team. I could see the Reds taking on a one year salary dump from a team in return on minimal player. I just wouldnt sell the farm.
By tc53
July 3, 2012 9:50 AM | Link to this
OK STEVE WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN MIND????? THE REDS COULD THROW IN BILLY HAMILTON.I DID SAY A PROSPECT OR 2. THE PHILLIES MIGHT WANT THAT BECAUSE THEY COULD USE SOME RELIEF PITCHERS, AN OUTFIELDER TO REPLACE SHANE VICTORINO AND A STARTING PITCHER TO REPLACE HAMELS AND A PROSPECT TO REPLACE ROLLINS IN A FEW SEASONS.
By jeff
July 3, 2012 9:47 AM | Link to this
Great Win Reds!!! Dodgers are down right now and we need to take it to them. The reds are going through their own injury bug stuff right now too. Great game by Bailey he adjusted and did a good job. Homer has been good this year. I like Scotty Rolen but he needs to stay hurt. It is the only way our moron manager will play Frazier. This lineup is better with Frazier in it but Dusty’s love fest with Vets kills teams. Rolen is hitting like .180. Frazier gives you good at bats with good pop. Where is my man DD. The Stubbs train has completely derailed. Hitting a sexy .222 now. That speed is awesome when you can’t get on base. I like Stubbs and I wish him the best but like I’ve said the eye test doesnt lie nor the back of the baseball card. He just has not adjusted at this level and its been over 3 years. Heisey may not be the best option but he is hitting .260ish, can actually bunt and control the bat some. Stubbs will have his spurts of 3-4 games but then he disappears. This team was better offensively when Stubbs and Rolen were hurt. Stubbs can field the heck out of it in center so the team has to weigh the idea of how many runs he controls by playing. I wish the kid the best but he simply isnt cutting it. note Why havent the reds started working Hamilton out in the outfield. They FORGOT to work Alonso at different postions (IE.. Third Base). If Cozart is the future and BP is here a while hamilton has to play the outfield. One major flaw in Jocketty has been his inability to forecast and prepare young talent to get them to a spot on the field.
By Steven Ross
July 3, 2012 9:27 AM | Link to this
Mike in Singapore: maybe we watched a different game but how can you be so hard on Heisey and Cairo but not rip into Stubbs? He was the worst batter on both teams last night.
By Ron
July 3, 2012 9:15 AM | Link to this
I agree with Steve, the Phillies would want what is left down on the farm and then some. This team is going to either sink or swim with what they got. At times the pitching staff can impress the heck out of you as is the case for the most part on this road trip. Also, if we can get Dusty to leave TF at third that will help. Go Reds.
By Steve
July 3, 2012 8:42 AM | Link to this
There should be a rule banning any fans from ever making trade suggestions on a message board. You just look ignorant and clueless. Why would the Phillies want Stubbs, Heisey, Masset, Ondrusek, etc. for one of the better left handers in baseball? There is no way the Phillies would make that trade. You’d probably have to give up something equal to or greater than what they gave up for Latos, and the Reds really don’t have that left in the system.
By ohdave
July 3, 2012 8:02 AM | Link to this
I like the Hamels idea, but that package won’t get him and I doubt if anything other than Hamilton would be enough for a pitcher like Hamels.
By tc53
July 3, 2012 7:36 AM | Link to this
PLEASE WALT, BOB, DUSTY GO GET COLE HAMELS. WE NEED A LEFT-HANDED STARTER IN THE ROTATION. HE WOULD BE A PERFECT FIT. WE COULD TRADE STUBBS OR HEISEY OR LUDWICK, MASSET OR ONDRUSEK OR BRAY AND BAILEY AND A PROSPECT TO THE PHILLIES FOR HAMELS. CUETO, HAMELS AND LATOS LOOKS PRETTY NICE FOR A PLAYOFF SERIES. LET’S GO REDLEGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Michael in Singapore
July 3, 2012 3:20 AM | Link to this
The 6th and 8th inning at-bats of Heisey and Cairo in yesterdays game were atrocious. They both should be embarrassed. Frazier = ballplayer. Way to hit behind the runner my man. Nice Catch by Bruce to preserve the lead. Nice job be the battery. I’m sure Frazier will be on the bench tomorrow.
By Brad
July 3, 2012 1:45 AM | Link to this
This game did have a junior varsity feel to it, but a win is a win. It was nice to see Mes get a clutch hit. What is it about Dayton that returns the players without the ability to hit the ball? Stubbs, Rolen, and Cairo all have been cursed. Hope Nadine is feeling better.