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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > July > 06 > Entry
Volquez yes, Griffey no
It is unusual, but not unheard of, for teams to take batting practice on a day game after a night game — unless you are as bad as the Washington Nationals. Then it is pretty much mandatory.
The Reds also took batting practice Sunday and actually have taken it a lot.
When Ken Griffey Jr. saw that the Reds were taking batting practice Sunday morning in the draining heat and humidity, after a night game, he said, “We’re 10 back in the standings, but we’re 12 ahead of everybody in batting practice taken.”
Then he should be immensely happy right now. He DIDN’T — that’s DIDN’T — make the All-Star team, beaten out at the last moment by a flurry of votes for Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun.
No batting practice in Yankee Stadium for Griffey. He can now happily take his family to the Bahamas during the All-Star break — which he prefers. He knows he didn’t deserve it this year anyway, other than fans wanting to see a future Hall of Fame superstar.
He has been an All-Star 13 times.
Edinson Volquez has never been an All-Star. He is now. He was named to the team, despite a slowdown in his production over his last four starts, a slowdown that could have cost him the spot.
Amazingly, Kyle Lohse (10-2), did not make it.
Volquez and manager Dusty Baker discussed the possibility that he might not make the team.
With three mediocre starts before Sunday’s bad start-good finish appearance, Volquez could feel the All-Star game slipping through the fingers that throw that devastating change-up.
He was not good at all Sunday in the early going against the pathetic Washington Nationals and manager Dusty Baker has noticed slippage in his last three starts.
Volquez gave up three runs and five hits over six innings. but in the early going he put his team down, 3-0, with an awful third innings — three runs, two hits, three walks and a hit batter.
After Adam Dunn’s three-run homer tied it, Volquez retired the last nine Nationals — an All-Star performance after an All-Awful start. And the Reds scored a couple more before he left for a pinch-hitter and made Volquez the winner. He’s now 11-3.
“We have to watch Volquez,” said Baker. “He hasn’t thrown quite as good over his last four starts. This is new territory for him. What’s the most innings he has thrown in the big leagues?”
Volquez pitched 34 big-league innings at Texas last season, but 179 combined innings in the majors and minors.
“Yes, he threw more in the minors, but that’s not as much intensity, not as stressful inning as they are up here.”
So what if Volquez didn’t make the All-Star team after folks were saying a month ago that he was the possible All-Star starting pitcher?
“I talked to him about it and he told he isn’t worried about it,” said Baker. “He told me he is not worried about it because he just wants to win.”
Now he doesn’t have to worry about it. But how about Brandon Phillips?
“When you are a second-division team, which we are right now, your odds of having a bunch of guys on the All-Star team aren’t good. That’s just how it is. If we had a bunch of All-Stars, we wouldn’t be in second division,” Baker added.
Volquez, 25, is pitching in his first full year in the majors and was beaming after the game.
“This is great because I’ve got my mom here and I’m going to take her to the All-Star game. I’m excited because it is my first full season in the big leagues and I made the All-Star game.”
There is a question whether he could start the All-Star game, depending on what Baker does. He said they may push Volquez back a day, “And then he probably wouldn’t be able to start, but if we keep him on his regular schedule (Friday in Milwaukee), he could start (Tuesday in Yankee Stadium).”
Volquez, of course, would love to start, “If they give me the opportunity, I would. Everybody talks about me maybe facing Josh Hamilton (for whom Volquez was traded from Texas). I don’t know what can happen because he is a great hitter and a great player. I’ll throw my best stuff to him.”
Baker, though, believes it is important to save Volquez’s arm. But he knows the importance of an All-Star win for the NL, too.
No argument there whatsoever. But Phillips belong on that team — for his defense alone. He hasn’t made an error in 77 games and only one all season, making fabulous and head-turning plays nearly every game.
And his offense lately has been All-Star quality. If he played in New York, they’d be talking about him and Madonna instead of A-Rod and Madonna.
Phillips had two more hits and a walk Sunday and has hit safely in 13 of his last 15 games and is creeping back toward .300.
“It’s all good,” said Phillips. “I don’t worry about it. It is what is, man, it is what it is.”
It is a pile of horse pucky, is what it is.
And Griffey?
“If you can’t hit a lefthander, you bunt,” he said. “If you can’t hit a righthander, you bunt. If you can’t go to the All-Star game, you go to the Bahamas.”
Permit me to leave you with one other Griffey-ism Sunday morning.
“I tell my pitchers I’m good for two sprints a game in the outfield to chase down balls. That’s it, no more. Just two.”
He’s kidding, he’s kidding. But he isn’t kidding about being on a boat in the Bahamas when they play that game in Yankee Stadium a week from Tuesday. And I’ll be in Aruba myself. Happy All-Star-ring, y’all.
By the way, Washington’s Wily Mo Pena didn’t make it, either. I can remember so many fans ripping on me when he played for the Reds and I wrote he would never be a good player and should be traded.
Now I just broke my arm patting myself on the back.
Permalink | Comments (56) | Post your comment |
Comments
By Ryan
July 10, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci….I bet Holliday could be available for the right mix of average prospects!! I do agree that Mark T,. will end up in a bigger market club then the Reds.By Ryan
July 10, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci….I bet Holliday could be available for the right mix of average prospects!! I do agree that Mark T,. will end up in a bigger market club then the Reds.By Ryan
July 10, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci….I bet Holiday could be available for the right mix of average prospects!! I do agree that Mark T,. will end up in a bigger market club then the Reds.By Mike-Cinci
July 8, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Holliday is signed to a long term deal in Colorado. He is not a free agent. Texiera will be a free agent and a nice pickup for the Yankees or Mets if he does not stay with the Braves.By David Stockdale
July 8, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Hal, I too will be in Aruba on July 16th, I think that it would be great if I could meet you for lunch while we’re there and talk a little Reds Baseball, OSU Football, or just check out the Arubian sights! I’m a lifelong fan and I’ve always enjoyed your articles and I would love to meet the eyes and ears of the Dayton Daily News!By Matt
July 8, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Oh, I believe Junior has made a difference in Cincinnati. Our teams over the past several years would have been a lot worse if Griffey wasn’t playing here. One man does not make a team though. In order to win, it takes 25 guys with the willpower and talent to win, not just one superstar. And yes, of course Griffey wouldn’t make it to the HOF based solely on his career in Cincinnati. His best days were with the Mariners, obviously. But he has contributed here when he has been healthy and it is in no way his fault that that the Reds haven’t fielded a winner here since 2000.By michael
July 8, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
Matt, I do appreciate what KG jr has done in his career. He is a Hall of Famer, one of the best ever. Fact is, he would not make it to Cooperstown based on his stats as a Cincinnati Red. I am a Reds fan, and we have not been competetive since Griffey came to Cincinnati, and we have paid Griff a lot of Money over those years. Is it all his fault, No. Its a fact that he has not made a difference here.By Matt
July 7, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
If we lose BOTH Dunn or Griffey then I don’t see how we won’t be either making a pretty big free agent splash, or a trade for a right-handed outfielder with at least moderate power. You take both Dunn and Griff out of that lineup, and you think this team has problems scoring a lot of runs now? We ain’t seen nothin’ yet. I think one of them will stay on, and I think it will be Dunner.By Bob
July 7, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Who do you replace Dunn or Grif with? How about Matt Holliday or Mark Texiera. They will be free agents also.By DALE 78
July 7, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
If Griffey goes into the Reds hall of fame it will be on crutches . Instead of being sorry about missing the all star game he is more interested in an early vacation . Ifor one will be glad when he is gone.By Brad
July 7, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
“I believe in the last few years MLB now only invites players in the all-star game to particiapte in the HR derby.” That certainly appears to be the case this year(although MLB is inviting Vlad back to defend his “title”) It’s a shame that Dunn wasn’t in the derby back in ‘02, IIRC Adam’s shot to CF in the Milwaukee ASG nearly broke the infamous “tie”By Mike
July 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Dunn has the 5th best HR/AB ratio in baseball history. The Reds offense is going to be bad in 2009 if Dunn’s power is not replaced.By Nick W
July 7, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
i think this road trip is the most important one this year we have a good road trip we could be around .500 going into the all-star break and thats alot better then i thought..it goin to get real interesting in our divison in the second half with the brewers getting c.c. and having him and sheets at the top of there rotation don’t think the reds can win the divison but they could play spoiler and how great would that be if the cubs don’t make the playoffs..and its marty’s first time in chicago since he said the cubs fans were the worst fans in baseball..By Mike-Cinci
July 7, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
I may be wrong on this so please correct me if I am but I believe in the last few years MLB now only invites players in the all-star game to particiapte in the HR derby.By Brarhopper
July 7, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Nice article about Junior — http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=griffeybringsouttheposit&prov=tsn&type=lgnsBy Matt
July 7, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
I agree with you about Dunn, Brian. The Reds should keep him. The game yesterday is case in point. His home run was clutch and he is one of the most clutch hitters the Reds have. I think Griffey is still a decent player but I don’t know if he’s every-day or not anymore. He should not be batting third. But he still has gas left in the tank and I hope he retires as a Red.By Brad
July 7, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
A question for you re: Adam Dunn. Do you know if he’s ever been invited for the HR derby at the all-star game? I heard that players can RSVP, and since it’s hard to believe he’s never been invited even once…has he turned MLB down to go on vacation, instead?By Brian Briddell
July 7, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Griffey is done but the Reds should be very reluctant to let Dunn go. He is still young and where are they going to find a 40 homer, 100 walk guy. Some of the blame for his non development has to go to the Reds terrible coaching staff.By Matt
July 7, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
I am not “weird” at all in my respect and defense of Griffey. What is “weird” is for someone who claims to be a baseball fan not respecting and appreciating the Hall of Famer that Junior is. We now hav esomeone (Michael) saying that Griffey has done nothing significant since coming to the Reds. It gets more ridiculous with every post from the Griffey bashers. What’s next? Griffey isn’t a Hall of Famer? What would Griffey have to do to get some people’s support on here? Hit .450 and hit 3 home runs per game? Would you think Griffey had “passion” for the game if he put on a too-too and waved pom-poms on top of the Reds dugout with the Reds cheerleaders? Give me a break.By GRUSS
July 7, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
lets face it the reds suck, griffeysucks, dunn sucks, and the front offce sucks for leting this losing go on for so longBy GRUSS
July 7, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
lets face it the reds suck, griffeysucks, dunn sucks, and the front offce sucks for leting this losing go on for so longBy GRUSS
July 7, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
lets face it the reds suck, griffeysucks, dunn sucks, and the front offce sucks for leting this losing go on forso longBy Jack
July 7, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Cant wait until next year, no Griffey, no Dunn….sounds like a winning team. An outfield of Bruce…..and……..oh…Hopper, and……Dickerson…not sure. That team should score at least two runs a game. Cant wait. With THIS TEAM, who should be playing over Griffey. Whose spot is he taking? Who else is there to play? Take Griffey out and we are starting Corey Patterson, anyone really want that. Everyone can say Griffey should be out of the line-up (and Dunn), but who takes their place. You cant have it both ways, if those two are gone, who plays? And, while we are at it, what is the Reds record when either Dunn or Griffey does not start?By michael
July 7, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Matt, no offense, but I would have to agree with brarhopper that your defense of Griffey Jr. is a little weird. I disagree that Griffey has done anything significant as a Player since coming to Cincinnati. You don’t seem to like Dunn, but he has produced much more than Griffey over the years. Griffey is done, and you have get over it. I know what you are going through, I had to wrestle with my emotions when Pete Rose quit playing.By Mike-Cinci
July 7, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
I do not disagree with anything Matt says about the overall brilliance of Junior’s career or the fact that he is a nice guy and good father. The issue is how good a player is he today? Junior is hitting .240 with 38 RBI is the #3 spot in the batting order. Griffey is no longer an elite player. In fact he is at best an average player or worse. He clogs up the middle of the Reds lineup. Junior received justly earned universal praise and adulation when he was younger and produced. Junior has to feel badly about how he is performing vs. his storied early years. He is a proud man. I hope he recognizes his baseball time is nearing an end and he retires as a Red with dignity. In the meantime for the good of the team it would be nice if he asked Dusty to move him down in the order and not move him back until he earns it.By Florida Buckeye
July 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Hal, thanks again for your blog…its a daily insight into the inner workings, and character of the Reds. With that said: I wonder if you could clarify the Flag on the shoulder. I heard Well’s on-air explaintion of it; BUT, based on past knowledge - mine and vets - it has not always been the proper way to wear the flag on the right sleeve… On another note; When, if ever, is Phillips going to receive the respect he deserves? And, when will people discern what was, what is, and what could be w/r to Griffey, and the Current Reds vs the Big Red Machine?By Matt
July 7, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Griffey most certainly has done his part to help the Reds contend during his time here. He couldn’t help that he had the injuries he’s had. And it’s certainly not his fault that the Reds didn’t build a championship team around him for the past 9 years. When Griffey has not been on the DL, he absolutely has been productive. His skills have declined. He is not the player he once was. But he’s still Ken Griffey Jr. He still leads active MLB players in home runs. And he’s a lot better than most 38 year olds playing the game.By Matt
July 7, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Joe, if I am correct on this, Dunn is not in the All-Star Game because he is not an All-Star.By michael
July 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Not a Griffey Hater here, just a realist. Griffey is a class act, professional who has reach the end and is now holding up an important postion on my favorite team. He has never done anything to help the Reds contend. He was a great Seattle Mariner.By Joe
July 7, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Phillips got screwed with the All-Star snub but my question is why isn’t Dunn in the home run derby?By Matt
July 7, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Brarhopper, my support of Griffey has nothing to do with “man-love” or any other weird term. You and the rest of the Griffey haters have made him out to be some cold, soulless prick. Almost a monster, and that’s just simply not the case. I’m not going to sit here and watch another man’s character and credentials get tore down for no reason, and when they are untrue to boot. I saw a couple stories on the late-night news yesterday regarding Griffey. I forget the school name, but young students at a local school voted thousands of times over this past week or two for Griffey to be in the All-Star Game. Missed recess, or any break they had in order to do so. Also, for such an “I” ballplayer, he sure had plenty of nice and encouraging things to say about Edinson Volquez, his teammate that will be the Reds only representative in the All-Star Game. As I’ve stated before, the man is a first ballot Hal of Famer, a class act off the field, and seems like a good father to his kids. I think it is an absolute disgrace that people claiming to be Reds fans come on here and try to completely rip apart one of the greatest players to ever play MLB, and no doubt one of the top 10 best Reds players of all time. Oh yeah, I just found this out yesterday. Junior is one of only 4 players in the history of the game to hit 300 home runs with one team and over 200 home runs with another team. The disparaging comments made about Griffey on this blog are unfounded, and ludicrous.By Bob
July 7, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Is Jr. an “I” player? What a question. Stays in the 3 hole while he is clearly a 7 hole batter. Turns doubles into singles or outs at second. Brags about the Bahamas because he didn’t unjustly get voted All-Star. He was clearly far, far down the OF charts. George Grande would elect him to Cooperstown, but I can’t see the Reds HOF. I thought it was great when they got him, but in a couple of years it was obvious to me it was a serious mistate; one that just keeps on keeping on. Josh Hamilton would still be here if Jr. hadn’t. All writers & announcers never bought into Josh; Godspeak tends to do that.By Jack
July 7, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Evertyime they win a few games, somebody says watch out….no, they are a bad team. They have no chance, put away those thoughts. Rather then see the Reds get rid of Dunn and Griffey, I would rather see them get rid of Edwin. He is Pena without the power. he will have a good week once every six weeks and then goes back into the Tank. I can live with Dunn and his low average because he gets on base, hits HR’s, and drives in runs. Edwin…not enough. He has been given plently of time, lets move Kepp to third.By Mr. Baseball
July 7, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Don’t look now, Reds fans, but the Reds are making a little bit of a move. Over the last ten games, they are 7-3, tied for best in the league with the Dodgers. Yes, Mr. Baseball knows they just played the Nats, the doormat of the league, but they did what they had to do against them. A week ago Mr. Baseball blogged that the Reds were hitting a stretch in July where they could make a move. So far, so good. The Reds have played .714 ball in that stretch. A split over the next six games in Chicago and Milwaukee would not be all bad. The Reds will face three tough pitchers in Chicago — Dempster, Zambrano, and Lilly. But they will miss Ben Sheets in Milwaukee. Harang will pitch twice over the six-game stretch before the All-Star break. Phillips is heating up. Hairston is hotter than a firecracker. If we can get a couple more bats going (Griffey? Dunn?), things could happen. If the Reds play .500 in the two series in Chicago and Milwaukee and .700 for the rest of their games in July — mostly at home — they could be one game over .500 on August 1. Oh, and lest Mr. Baseball forgets, the Reds are 5-1 with Hairston and Keppinger batting 1-2 in the order.By nyc
July 7, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Matt I am in total agreement with you! Griff is not an ‘I’ player!By deuce
July 7, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Brandon Phillips deserves to be on this All-Star team. He has been a human highlight reel with defensive plays, and base running that is actually exciting to watch. Nobody has more fun on the field than this guy does. BP for MVPBy Mike-Cinci
July 7, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Mr.Redlegs(Original): Junior has had a good enough 9 year career with the Reds to be in the Reds Hall of Fame. I just hope his departure from the team is amicable and he accepts the honor when it comes with enthusiam. Reds management has been active in honoring his achievements so I hope the decision on his 2009 contract option or a 2008 trade won’t spoil things.By AP-FLORIDA
July 7, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
I TYPE IN CAPS BECAUSE I AM HARD OF HEARING……By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
July 7, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
But the question is: When Griffey leaves Cincinnati and retires from the game, will history show he performed well enough to be a member of the Reds’ Hall of Fame?By michael
July 7, 2008 6:03 AM | Link to this
Completely agree with Brarhopper. I realize that the All- Star game is a popularity contest, but only the best should play, and Griffey is no longer the best. He WAS, but even Pete Rose (ie superman)had to realize an end.By Mike
July 7, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
If Griffey/Dunn are gone in 2009, I guarantee that their critics will be whining about the Reds not hitting enough home runs. I remember Sean Casey receiving heavy criticism for having a high average and a lack of power. Dunn and Griffey have low averages but hit for power. People love to complain. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.By Max
July 7, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
Don’t bash the DDN. Hal McCoy is an amazing writer. Please keep it up, sir! While not nearly the player he once was, Griffey is still a model citizen. After seven years of losing, I’m sure that he’s just as frustrated as any of us are. It’s that simple. I’m sure that Jr. is just as miserable as we are about the Reds! It’s not his fault that the Reds have been so utterly inept when it comes to building a quality team. Griffey’s human, I give you that — he is more a 7 hitter than a 3 hitter — I agree; but don’t trash him personally. He deserves better. Typing in caps is exceedingly poor taste. It’s just rude. It’s basically screaming at people.By Brarhopper
July 6, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
Matt, what is with you being so incredibly defensive about Griffey? Yes, we all agree that he was an absolutely great player, perhaps the best…in his day. Sadly, however, that is NOT the man we see daily as a Red in 2008. For years he’s had an attitude many find just slightly less abrasive than Barry Bondsfor many years…same with his tude about the All Star Game, not running out ground balls, don’t give sh*t attiuted when grounding into a double play, strike out, pop up. Needs to move down in the order because he’s no longer a 3-hole guy. You need a chill pill regarding your blind, pro-Griffey blog-o-rage. We all see Griffey daily and many of us feel there is a lot wrong and have seen him as a cancer on this team for many years (again with the tude). If you can’t see it, then you are blinded by your hero worship and man love.By thepummeler
July 6, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
my comment is: Si Burick and Ritter Collett were the last of the REAL writers. The DDN can’t even post a column seven hours after the Reds sweep four from the Nat’s. But, Hal’s the first to stir some s*t. Your legacy has caught, passed, and seen your burial. The DDN SUCKS. Has, For twenty years. i read the Tribune to get the S>>T>>O>>R>>YBy Matt
July 6, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, did you read my comment? I addressed your outrageous comments about Junior in that. And yes, that’s what they are, outrageous. Griffey thinking he is too “cool” for the All-Star Game is asinine. If you think Griffey is stuck up or is all high on himself, you know nothing about him. Junior is a fine ballplayer, a fine man, and an unbelievable asset to the community. Myself, and other true Reds fans, should not stand for this daily Griffey bashing, and should stand up for one of the best Reds to ever put on the Cincinnati uniform.By Mike-Cinci
July 6, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
I think it would be great if Junior and every player said “I would love to be selected for the all-star game whether it be by the fans, the players, or the manager”. It would indicate they consider it an honor to be recognized as one of the best in their profession. Today some players like Griffey make enough to buy boats, airplanes, and 20,000 sq. ft houses. They forget what went into getting those riches. Junior will have plenty of time to be on his boat in future years. He did not earn a spot on the all-star team this year and since he really did not care to be there he will not be missed. It’s sad when a player thinks it is “cool” to make it look like he does not care. If he does not care why should we? Thank goodness Junior is in the minority. The good news for Junior is he will never have to worry about making an all-star game again. He is not good enough. Power up the boat Junior!By mUTAMAN
July 6, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
“From what I HEARD ON THE RADIO, I’M NOT SO SURE vOLQUEZ IS REALLY READY TO BE AN ALL-STAR.” Hey Charlie, turn down your radio and have annother beer. 11 wins, 116 Ks, 2.36 ERA. I think he’s ready to be an allstar.By Matt
July 6, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
It’s interesting though when I offer up my arguments and facts to support those arguments with, there seems to be silence on the other end.By AP-FLORIDA
July 6, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
WHAT A MAN CRUSH,,,,,By Matt
July 6, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Ask any player in that Reds clubhouse (or coach or anyone else for that matter) if Griff is a “cancer”. I’m sure you’ll find your answer.By AP-FLORIDA
July 6, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
MATT- YOU NEED TO WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE….YOU SOUND LIKE YOU MIGHT BE JR, WRITING UNDER AN ASSUMED NAMEBy Matt
July 6, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
I have read and continue to read untrue and nonsensical statements on this blog about Ken Griffey, Jr. Was Griffey an “I” person when he took less money than he would have received on the open market to come to the Reds? Was Griffey an “I” person when he offered to defer much of his salary so that the Reds could add more pieces and try to build a championship team? Was Griffey an “I” person when he went with Jerry Narron’s idea of moving to right field, wen he could have made a scene about it or fought to stay in CF, and turned the clubhouse and team upside down? Or how about Griffey’s off-the-field contributions to charity and less fortunate kids? And I don’t see him publicizing all of that either. You Griffey bashers really need to get your facts straight before you all come on here attempting to rip him apart.By Charlie
July 6, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
To Mike-Cinci, That was a very astute comment you made about Griffey’s present attitude about the game and the fans, and his comments show why he shouldn’t be an all-star. His comments show how little he really appreciates what baseball has done for him. He’s always seemed to be an “I” person rather than a “team” person and shows yet another reason why he has become a cancer on this team. Guys like Bruce idolize him and is prone top follow in Griff’s footsteps which will ruin him.By Charlie
July 6, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Hal, What went on with Volquez with the pitching coach and then the catcher, Ross??? From what I HEARD ON THE RADIO, I’M NOT SO SURE vOLQUEZ IS REALLY READY TO BE AN ALL-STAR. I’ve been watching him very closely, as I do aall the players, and the games, and I have seen Volquez laugh just after the pitching coach has turned to return to the dugout previously. What’s going on???I hope that Ross gave him a real dressing down for his unsportsman-like attitude.By Y-City Jim
July 6, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Maybe it is time for Mario Soto to visit Volquez for a tune-up.By Mike-Cinci
July 6, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Phillips is an excellent player. Jerry Hairston has made a big difference for the Reds. Votto will be a fine player but he must improve his defense. I bet he will. I guess I don’t blame Junior for wanting to be on his boat in the Bahamas with his family but it does show his many years of success have taken the wonder and joy of the game he had at one time out of him. I recall one of the great players was asked why he played everyday and why he loved all-star games he said “for a fan or a child it might be the only time they might see me play. I owe it to them for all the benefits baseball has given me”.