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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 > 08 > Entry
Harang says he’s fine, but we wonder
So what’s the matter with Aaron Harang?
Something, obviously. Something bad, obviously.
Harang usually has the Chicago Cubs nibbling Cracker Jack out of his palm in Wrigley Field, where he was 4-1 for his career when he walked to the mound Tuesday.
What followed was painful to watch, unless you are a Bleacher Bum from Wrigleyville, almost as painful as what Harang MUST be feeling in his arm.
In only 4 1/3 innings, Harang walked a career-worst seven batters. He gave up two home runs. He strained his way through 108 pitches - only 58 for strikes.
Something is wrong. Something is obviously wrong.
Harang missed his scheduled start Saturday with tightness in his forearm. He pitched Tuesday as if Dr. Tim Kremchek was standing over his shoulder, scalpel in hand.
Something is wrong. Something is obviously wrong physically, something that might have to be fixed medically.
If that’s the case, they might as well roll the tarp onto Great American Ball Park and leave it there. Game over.
If it’s not the case, if there is nothing physically wrong, then Harang has deteriorated faster than a Cremesicle in the sun.
Manager Dusty Baker was asked if something is wrong with Harang and he said, “He hasn’t said anything to us.”
Pitching Coach Dick Pole said, “I asked him if he is OK and he said nothing is bothering him. I hate it when a pitcher warms up great in the bullpen and that’s what Harang did.”
And Harang himself?
“I’m fine. I have no problems physically,” he said. “Some days you wake up feeling good and some days you wake up feeling like trash. Sometimes when you wake up feeling like trash is a day you pitch. But it isn’t anything physical.”
Harang was stunned when told he walked seven.
“I walked seven? (Expletive). That’s terrible,” he said.
Asked if the All-Star break will be welcomed by him, he said, “Yeah, it will. A couple of more extra days of rest will do everybody some good. A lot of it is mental. It’s a long season and people talk about the physical strain, but it’s a mental strain, too.”
Especially when your record is 3-11 and you seem to get worse each time out.
It might be over anyway - one game into the most important trip of the year. The beating in Game One of the six games in Chicago and Milwaukee dropped the Reds 11 1/2 games out of first and five games under .500.
Put that champagne back for more aging, as you’ve done the last seven years. This team is NOT only NOT going to contend, it is NOT going to finish .500.
Ah, such hopes. Dashed on the banks of Lake Michigan, where the beer flows down Clark, Addison, Sheffield and Waveland.
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Comments
By timb
July 10, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the Reds sure stunk last night when they faced that terrible pitcher…what was that guy’s name? Carlos something? I’ve never heard of him or the fact that he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. All i know is Ken Griffey and Adam Dunn stink because we need more Ryan Freel. More scrappy morons who dive all over the place and can’t get on base!!!By Ryan
July 10, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci…..I bet Jay Bruce was just an average prospect in your eyes. Did you actually hear of Johnny Cueto before this year? Average propects…please! I believe Wayne K. actully did realign the Reds scouting department a few years ago, because it was in shambles. What about a player like J. Burton in the rule 5 draft? Hey the Reds scouts took a day off for that one…didn’t they! Look at the job the Reds have done in thier Latin America Scouting Branch. Signing a kid like Juan Duran and were in the hunt for Michael Inma. I also heard today that Reds are rumored to be in the hunt for another young player in that part of the world, according to Homer 1530. I realize that it is a stretch that these are 16 year old kids, but you never know what you could get down the road. Maybe the next Pujols.By Ryan
July 9, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Matt…I agree the Reds just need a little tweaking here and there to be a contending team. That could involve moving Griffey or Dunn! I would hate to lose Dunn, but if that is what it takes to get this team to a higher level. I also agree that Mike-Cinci’s arguments do not hold any merit! This team will go through highs and lows for a few years, but it will be worth it in the end. I’m just not completely sold on Baker yet. I hope for Reds fans sake that he can lead this team to the next level. Most people would agree that this team should not be this bad. Some guys are are having horrible years, which is how it goes sometimes.By Ryan
July 9, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci……Note top notch prospects? What the heck are you smoking? I would say Votto is one of the better young first baseman in the league. I bet once the Reds start to win again…you’d still complain about something. Hey there is always room on the Red Sox bandwagon for you. These are not top prospects? That statement just blows my mind. Do you even look at the Reds minor league websites to check out the stats on some of these players?By Dave
July 9, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
I can’t watch anymore. Marty described the Red’s play in last night’s game as listless. Baker agreed and said “I just don’t understand it.” Tonight, Cuetor pitches his heart out and Dunn oafs out again in left field, misses a fly, and cost a pile of runs. Griffey (the worst bargain on the team) is his usual listless self swinging at a third strike in the dirt, meekly tapping out to the SAME spot as every other night - between 2nd & 1st — he’s just awful. The Reds have scored one lousy run tonight. They gave up before the game started — as usual. I guess they want to hurry up and lose since none of them has to bother going to the All Star Game…hurry up for that well-deserved break! This team is horrid. Somebody called them the Deads. Amen to that! The Listless Deads. They can get rid of Mr. Red. Their mascot ought to be a giant glazed-eyed zombie lurching through the stands.By Matt
July 9, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
I’m not “blindly” defending anyone. Junior doesn’t need to be defended. His numbers and career speak for themselves. I am passionate about the Reds and baseball and I don’t appreciate seeing the Reds, or one of my favorite players of all time being torn down, especially without cause. You and other Griffey bashers’ accusations and claims on here are preposterous and ludicrous and I’m simply standing up for one of my favorite players, as any true fan would do. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.By HuberTucky
July 9, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
And Matt, to continue to rabidly and blindly defend Griffey as you do not only daily but hourly shows your man-love obsession with your superstar hero. Matt the Stalker!By Matt
July 9, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Hubertucky, Ken Griffey Jr. is a Hall of Famer, a great ambassador to the game, and still is a respectable ballplayer. Is he what he once was? But to dismiss him as an albatross, a polyanna, or a PR stunt is ridiculous, and isn’t worthy to be included in any conversation. When the Reds acquired him in 2000, he was arguably the best player in MLB. Clearly, that is not the case today. Junior has had an average season and will hit, in my opinion, between 20 and 30 home runs this year, and drive in between 70 to 85 runs. He will walk at the end of the year unless he will agree to a much lower contract than the $16 million option the Reds have on him, and he may well walk right into retirement for all we know. But for right now, especially with the money he is making, he belongs in the lineup. Your not paying a guy like the Reds are paying Griffey to sit on the bench. It just ain’t gonna happen, and really, I don’t think Junior deserves to sit on the bench. His numbers haven’t been THAT bad. Griffey is not what he once was, but to sit here and trash him like you and your fellow Griffey bashers do on a daily basis is simply ridiculous and out of order, period. He will be in the MLB Hall of Fame for sure, and hopefully the Reds Hall of Fame eventually. God bless Ken Griffey Jr., and shame on these so-called Reds fans who sit here daily and bash a guy who is one of the best players in the history of MLB, and of the Reds franchise.By HuberTucky
July 9, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Matt, you’ll need to guard Griffey’s home run last Friday for a few more weeks…until he manages to hit another one. Until then, he will be mediocre in every ascept of the game, as he has been all year. You are blinded by your fawning adoration and absurd defensiveness of this has-been and it’s not very pretty. Matt, you always refer to some fluke hit he had in the past as though he’s a regular contributor and a team player. WRONG! He’s an albratross, a sacred cow, a polyanna…and a massively overpaid PR stunt.By Matt
July 9, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, was Junior unable to ht when he hit a 2 run home run in the first inning of Friday’s game vs. the Nationals? Was Griffey unable to hit when he hit a walk-off home run last Monday to lift the Reds over the Pirates? How about when Griffey hit #600 a few weeks ago? It’s like unless Griffey hits 2 or 3 home runs a game, or goes 4-4 every night, he’s terrible. Junior can still hit and does still hit, but it comes more sparingly now that he is 38 years old. He’s not the player he once was. Does that mean he’s awful and he should retire right now at this very minute? No. He still has gas left in the tank. As far as Volquez and Cueto, they should and hopefully will be mainstays in that rotation for years to come. As far as Harang and Arroyo, Arroyo has improved big time from where he was at the start of the season. I believe there is something physically wrong with Harang. If not, then Harang does not belong in a major league rotation.By Mike-Cinci
July 9, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Matt. When citing the 4 pitchers with the high ERA’s I was pointing out the Reds have had lousy pitching from the #5 spot by all who have been used in that spot. They’ve had lousy pitching from the #1 & #2 spots too(Harang and Arroyo). Cueto shows promise and Volquez has been very good. Have you noticed that Junior can not run and can not hit anymore? This is a problem for a baseball player whether he be young or old.By timb
July 9, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
By Pete Hey Randy… good points w/ one exception. Larkin is by no means the answer. He was as big, if not bigger problem than Griffey. I wonder what Larkin, Griffey, and Eric Davis all had in common for Reds fans to call them lazy cancers, etc? Hmmmm Pete, Griffey is loved by his teammates, all you have to do is watch any interview at the yard. Lark, your alleged cancer, was the last person named “captain” of the team. You have a strange definition of “cancer” if you think any of those players are cancers. While the hiring of Dusty was a mistake, he is not been that bad. this team needs a small make-over involving realizing Brandon Phillips is not a clean-up hitter and its best RBI producer are Votto, Edwin, and Dunn. This team cannot score unless it homers and it is two major league starters away (one CF and one SP) from being damn good.By Ross
July 9, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Dunn is a franchise type player…with him and Griffey gone the Reds will be terrible as they are today but I still think you keep dunn..I would like to see Javy get more ABs..screw Bako he is terrible may hit 220By James/Chicago
July 9, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out for you Red fans.Whatever good pitchers you have/had will have their arms dragging on the ground by the end of the year.Dusty will not help your team,AT ALL!Plus the lack of upper tier talent sure isn’t going to help.Griffy is there to sell tickets,period.Dunn is done,Trade any decent players you have to contenders.Get some young guys who might develop into something.Dusty Baker will kill putchers careers,Prior and almost done Wood in.He pitches these guys to insane pitch counts,and doesn’t take them out soon enough when they struggle.Pete Rose might not win citizen of the year,but was one hell of a player.That’s why you pay the ticket prices,to see guys earn their money,not posture and pose when they hit what they think will be a home run.By James/Chicago
July 9, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out for you Red fans.Whatever good pitchers you have/had will have their arms dragging on the ground by the end of the year.Dusty will not help your team,AT ALL!Plus the lack of upper tier talent sure isn’t going to help.Griffy is there to sell tickets,period.Dunn is done,Trade any decent players you have to contenders.Get some young guys who might develop into something.Dusty Baker will kill putchers careers,Prior and almost done Wood in.He pitches these guys to insane pitch counts,and doesn’t take them out soon enough when they struggle.Pete Rose might not win citizen of the year,but was one hell of a player.that’s why you pay the ticket prices,to see guys earn their money,not posture and pose when they hit what they think will be a home run.By Matt
July 9, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, you can ignore me if you want to, but that doesn’t change the fact that your arguments have no merit and that you don’t understand this Reds team. Your talking about ERAs of pitchers who aren’t even on the team!! Belisle, Bailey and Thompson aren’t even on the major league ballclub. Bruce hasn’t been here hardly over a month. Jay Bruce, at 21, 22 years old isn’t going to be the savior of this franchise. The offense has struggled this year, but they are capable of scoring many more runs than they have. This ballclub has talent. It needs a little tweaking, which hopefully will be done before Opening Day ‘09, to have a chance at the postseason. But certainly a winning record this year is not out of the question. They have a terrific manager in Dusty Baker, who has a track record of winning, and they have a better ballclub than they’ve had in recent years. This team is closer to winning than you make it seem, Mike-Cinci. When you have a young team like we have, your going to have to take your lumps. Look at the Tigers for example. They lost 100 some games a few years ago with the young team they had on the field. A couple years later, they’re in the World Series. With a young team, it takes time for the nucleus of players to develop. Keeping some of the veterans we have and adding a few more this offseason in key positions will provide a good balance. With Walt Jocketty and Dusty Baker at the helm, this team is not far away.By Y-City Jim
July 9, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Changing the subject - What is needed for Jay Bruce to get back on track hitting-wise?By Y-City Jim
July 9, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
So Jeff, no one fears Dunn. So what is with the 110+ walks a year? Dunn’s small strike zone?By Jack
July 9, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Lots of comments. Travis -Cincy is not considered blue collar, just the opposite. Terrence -Edwin is not coming around. I would trade him ina heartbeat for any player with a heartbeat. Jim-not bad line-up. I think I would go Hairston, Keep, Dunn, Phillips, Griffey, Votto,Ross, Bruce. With regards to the All-Star game, I know some you think it is every players requirement that they should want to go to the All Star game, but I think if you polled any veteran with at least 5-6 all star games, I would 90% would choose to not attend. You really think Jeter (not this year) would rather spend three days at the All Star game or be having fun in South Beach. A-Rod? Manny? Are you kidding me, none of those guys want to be there. Lastly, since someone below compared the players to employees. Lets compare the All-Star game to the yearly corporate retreat. When you were younget it was great fun, went out got drunk, played golf. After the first few years, priorities change, it becomes a burden now, to go, get drunk…etc. If given the option, how many would skip this event?By jeff
July 9, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Please don’t make this a black thing. For god’s sake cant people move on from this. Folks here love Griffey but when you don’t live up to your billing no matter if you are yellow, green, or black people will resent you. Dusty makes 3.5 million and this team is possibly less fundamental and unmotivated than when McKannin was here. yes he is “non black” but when dusty was hired we were promised a tough rugged team. Look at Phillips people cheer him through thick and thin because the man hustles and has fun. This is a tough working city both dayton and cincy and all we want is people who play hard ie: freel, Kepp, Phiilips, Cueto, Volquez. “A team that loses with a dirty uniform is better than a clean team”By Mike-Cinci
July 9, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Rearranging the lineup with the current group of Reds players is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Great wine does not come from lousy grapes. The batting averages-Griffey .238, EE .247, Dunn .225, Bruce .265, Bako .224. You can’t win with 5 everyday starters hitting like this. The ERA’s of the pitchers-Arroyo 5.62, Harang 4.76, Cueto 4.63, and our combo #5 starter-Fogg 8.62, Belisle 7.28, Thompson 6.91, Bailey 8.76. you can’t win with starting pitching like this either. This is simply a team with not enough talent.By tony
July 9, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
All you have to do is read the post on this blog about Griffey and Dusty Baker to realize why many blacks hate the game of baseball. Dusty Baker has 3 manager of the year awards and he’s an idiot. People praise Pete Rose all the time but bash Griffey Jr (a family man unlike Pete) who hasnt not been to jail and who’s son hasnt been arrested for selling drugs. Leave now Dusty while you have a chance. Cincinnati is not the place for a black man to manage a baseball. DUHBy Jimmy1Time
July 9, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Aaron needs to just lose that gut and get in shape along with Ken Jr. !!!By mike cahill
July 9, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
You can say that again, Jeff. I am going out on a limb here and suggest that long about July 20 there will be a trade. Housecleaning. I just hope we can have a contender in time for the new ball park and that my grandchildren will enjoy it. Bring back the days of Frank and Vada. We didn’t often contend but we seemed to have more fun.By jeff
July 9, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
This is all about money folks. Dunn is due to get 15 million per, i see the numbers 40,100,100, but when I watch him I don’t see a 15mill per player. No one fears this man. I have seen teams walk Phillips to get to Dunn and then bring in a lefty. You can’t make 15 mil and get pitched to. We are a small market team and money has to be spent wisely. You can get three solid players for the same price or even two better players for 7 each.By jeff
July 9, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
This is all about money folks. Dunn is due to get 15 million per, i see the numbers 40,100,100, but when I watch him I don’t see a 15mill per player. No one fears this man. I have seen teams walk Phillips to get to Dunn and then bring in a lefty. You can’t make 15 mil and get pitched to. We are a small market team and money has to be spent wisely. You can get three solid players for the same price or even two better players for 7 each.By jeff
July 9, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
This is all about money folks. Dunn is due to get 15 million per, i see the numbers 40,100,100, but when I watch him I don’t see a 15mill per player. No one fears this man. I have seen teams walk Phillips to get to Dunn and then bring in a lefty. You can’t make 15 mil and get pitched to. We are a small market team and money has to be spent wisely. You can get three solid players for the same price or even two better players for 7 each.By Nick W
July 9, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
i like ur lineup jim..but ur lineup vs righties would be hairston,phillips,kepp,dunn,edwin,griff,votto,and ross and lefties same top 4 then edwin ross bruce votto u think there gonna sit bruce everytime a righty pitches and then sit griff everytime a lefty pitches that would be great but its not gonna happen cus bruce needs all the at bats he can get and there not gonna sit griff every time the other team throws out a lefty. but if we trade griff that would be a great lineup except for only phillips and hairston are actually hitting the ball right now but again dusty would never bat griffey at the bottom cus he has to much respect for him and thinks thats how u should put a lineup together…By Matt
July 9, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
The “lazy, elitist” attitude of Griffey huh? So we should throw our support to Pete Rose, a man who bet on the game of baseball and then lied about it for years, vs. Ken Griffey Jr., a first ballot Hall of Famer who has played the game right for 20 years. In an era of steroids and cheating, Junior hit his home runs and played the game the right way. It sounds like a no-brainer to me. Now don’t get me wrong, I think Pete Rose was a great ballplayer and a great athlete. But I don’t have a lot of respect for him at all past that. Junior on the other hand, I can appreciate what he has done on and off the field. His contributions both on and off the field make him a great ambassador to the game and a first ballot Hall of Famer. As far as this flap about Griffey saying he would rather be on his yacht in the Bahamas than pla yin the All-Star Game, you Griffey bashers are like the liberal media. You get ahold of a little snippet of a sound bite, and use it over and over and over and over again, regardless of its merit. Ken Griffey Jr. is a 14 or 15 time All Star. He has had his turn as an All Star. He is not worried about going to the All Star Game one way or another, due to that fact. He would prefer someone younger (Volquez for instance) who hasn’t had a turn in the All Star Game (Volquez again) to play in the game than himself. It has NOTHING to do with him being an “elitist”. Junior had plenty of nice things to say about Edinson Volquez making it to his first All Star Game, and praised him. I would liken it to someone who gets “Employee of the Year” year after year after year. While it is an honor to keep getting that award, a person who thinks about more than himself, a team player, would like just as much to see someone else get the honor, or someone more deserving, such as Volquez is to go to the All-Star Game. So, Griffey bashers, feel free to think up some other reason to put Griffey down.By Josh
July 9, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Jim not bad but you still have dunn, griffey, ross, and bako still getting alot of playing time and those guys are just flat out bad hitters, they are absolutley killing this team not dusty baker.By Jim in Georgia
July 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
OK. 1. You hit Hairston, Phillips and Keppinger 1,2,3 every day. You put Dunn in the four slot. leave him there! He is a power hitter. If someone is one base, he doesn’t hit so many solo shots from the two hole. Ross or Edwin in the 5 spot. If you wan’t to break up the leftys. put one of these two there. Griffey/Votto 6/7 take your pick. Then Ross/Edwin in 8 hole. If you have a lefty pitching. Use as many righty bats as you can get. 1,2,3 stay the same Hairston, Phillips, Keppinger. Still hit Dunn 4. Edwin 5, Ross 6, Then Bruce/Votto Don’t play Bako against lefties. Don’t play Patterson against lefties. Tell me why this wouldn’t work everyday?By Nick W
July 9, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
wow that was a horrible game, there goes all that talk about us gaining ground and getting closer to .500 ha yea right.. poor hairston was the only hitting the ball but they made three great plays bruce wasn’t even close to hitting the ball the whole game first he got hit in the jersey and then he didn’t even come close to the ball kepp got two hits snaped like a 0-20something stretch so hopefully he start hitting phillips looked awful batting and harang was scary bad walked 7 had like 60 something pitches after the thrid was all over the place had a 3-2 or 3-1 count on almost ever batter yea he feels fine yea really looks like it harang. people are saying he could get traded yea right who the hell are we goin to get for a guy who is 3-11 and im sick of everyone say he is not getting any run support thats why his record is bad that was a good excuse during his first like 5 starts but when he is 3-11 thats not because there is no run support..im not even gonna talk about griffey and dunn because we have been hearing these so called trade rumors for 4 years so im done talking about them..i heard a really good analogy about the reds they are like an abusive husband no matter what they do to us we still come back then they start doing good and we think there getting better and then they just beat us down with these long losing streaks but we just keep coming back to them thought that was funny and trueBy Josh
July 9, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Jim in Georgia you say Dusty cant even make a decent lineup, well since your so dang smart and dusty is an idiot, please tell us what the lineup should be with all that “TALENT” you seem to think we have.By Jim in Georgia
July 9, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Terrence: BULLSPIT! This team is not playing well because it is young. AHEM!! Look at the team with the best record in baseball. Thats right. The Tampa Rays. 3rd baseman Evan Longoria - Rookie. SS - Ben Zobrist, first year as a starter. Dioner Navarro - Catcher first year as a starter. BJ Upton, CF, 3rd year in majors. Pitching staff, Kazmir 24, Matt Garza 24, James Shields 26, Andy Sonnastine 25. AND!!! They have one player on their team hitting above .300. How is this the best team in baseball. AHH!! Good management! A steady lineup! Good defense! Their pitching has been much better than the Reds for sure. But can you tell me that that team has much more talent than the Reds?By Travis
July 9, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
If you want to know what is wrong with Griffey JUNIOR and why people are bashing him, all you need to do is remember the comment he made about the All-Star game. He said he would rather go vacationing in the Bahamas (with the rest of the rich elite) than play in the All-Star game-a game where players are HONORED by being selected by the FANS that support them and pay for the $50 tickets and $7 hot dogs so they can make $15million a year. That lazy elitist mind set pretty much sums up why the hard-working blue collar people of Cincinnati don’t support JUNIOR and still support Pete Rose.By Jim in Georgia
July 9, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Mike in Cinci you are definitely a glass half full guy. I agree on the nucleus, but this team is far from contending. Dusty Baker is not a good manager. He can’t even make a decent lineup, nor have the intestinal fortitude to drop Griffey in the lineup. Also, wasn’t it Dusty who wanted Patterson? Greg Maddux didn’t need a pitching coach, he knew how to pitch! You would probably be hard pressed to find a major league pitcher who bad mouthed his pitching coach. Answer this: How is this team, with its’ talent, as bad as the teams from the 80’s? Why are they losing? Did they forget how to play? Poor management of the team and coaching in my opinion!By Terrence
July 9, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Okay everyone, it’s time to calm down the negativity and realize the following: we are talking about a Reds team full of really young players. Jay Bruce, and Joey Votto are still getting used to their every day roles in the lineup, Keppinger has never been an every day guy in his career, Brandon Phillips is amazing but needs the guys around him to gain more experience. Edwin Encarnacion is coming around this year and will only improve. Hairston Jr. is an up and comer who might just fill in the lead off spot. Our pitching staff has rookies and second year guys. Harang and Arroyo are struggling this year…and on and on Truth be told, we should trade Dunn and Griffey for prospects and continue to build our minor league system. We as Reds fans should be hopeful for our team, we’re flawed, but we’ve got hope in the future with Cueto, Volquez, Bruce and Votto, it’s time to just calm down and wait it out.By Monroe
July 9, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
It’s difficult to have a discussion about Harang’s problems without talking about Dusty’s misuse of him in San Diego on May 25. On two days rest, Harang pitched four innings (63 pitches) in an 18 inning game. Since then he has a 7.31 ERA and is 1-5. In the 11 starts before that he had a 3.50 ERA. Thanks Dusty. It was disgrace to use the Reds’ ace in a game like that and considering all the young pitchers on this team, it should cost Dusty his job.By Matt
July 9, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, you, Hubertucky and Brarhopper’s comments on this blog simply shows how much you don’t get it. The Reds have a great nucleus in Votto, Bruce, Encarnacion, Phillips, Cueto and Volquez. They need to keep those guys around. The team they have now is close to contending. It simply needs a little tweaking. We need a true, everyday leadoff hitter. Hairston is a good find this year. But is he a long-term solution at 32 years old? Geting a guy like Alex Rios this offseason may be a better route to take, but I would keep Hairston around either way. The Reds need to dump Stormy Weathers out of the bullpen and add another power-right hander to compliment Burton and Cordero. And the 5th starter situation needs to be fixed. We need to either bring someone up from the minors and stick with him through good and bad in the rotation or go out and get a veteran who is an upgrade over Fogg. As far as the manager and staff of this team, I believe we need a new hitting coach. Dick Pole was referred to by Greg Maddux as the best pitching coach he had ever had. Other pitchers have had similar compliments about Pole. As far as Dusty Baker, he is the best manager this team has had since Jack Mckeon, if not Lou Piniella. The only time that Dusty Baker should leave the Reds is when he is ready to leave. Mike-Cinci, Brarhopper and Hubertucky may be baseball fans (MAY BE), but they can’t be Reds fans. They simply haven’t the first clue eabout this ballclub. But they sure know how to bash Griffey. They are experts at that.By L - In Indy
July 9, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Harang just needs…I don’t know, but please stop calling for Dunn’s head. Who will we get to hit 40 HR 100 RBI and score 100 runs? His defense is not nearly as bad as everyone says (definitely not diving toward the line with no outs bad). The only thing that needs to move is Griffey, Bronson, Freel, Gonzalez & our three headed catcher. That would free up lots of money that doesn’t produce enough (and I don’t mind Griffey, he just doesn’t produce enough to pay him big time money).By Pete
July 9, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Hey Randy… good points w/ one exception. Larkin is by no means the answer. He was as big, if not bigger problem than Griffey.By Pete
July 9, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
I simply cannot believe all the support for Junior & Dunce on this blog. Are you morons even paying attention?? Just WTF have either of them done to lead (or even help) this team win? NADA! So friggin’ what that Dunce cracks 40+ HRs. Other than that, he can’t hit a bull in the A$$ w/ an ironing board. Griffey IS A CANCER. His true example is on the field & it’s absolutely PATHETIC! Key word on Junior — WAS… WAS a great player, WAS a great hitter. Ain’t squat anymore & is too damn selfish to switch anything up to help this team (i.e. move spots in the batting order, run the bases — wait — I MEAN HUSTLE). I sure as hell wish that I could’ve walked around the bases when I smoked a pitch off of the center field wall for a single.By Randy
July 9, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
The Reds are very close to being a playoff contender. They need to trade for a veteran outfielder who displays some team leadership and I’m tired of hearing how Griffey won’t lead. I see why he’s named Junior. I’m tired of Dunn as well. He won’t play first because he doesn’t like it. He doesn’t like DHing, He doesn’t like to provide leadership. The Manager took his recliner out of the locker room last year. Then he’s offended when a GM makes a very accurate observation on the radio. Bring in a new coaching staff led by Barry Larkin. I don’t see any impressive coaching skills displayed by Dusty. Where’s the football season?By Y-City Jim
July 9, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Ben - the “postgame buffet” comment was classic!!! Tom - I doubt Chris Welch would be interested. Most broadcasting jobs pay better than coaching jobs. I remember that is why Jim Kaat left Rose’s staff back in the mid 80’s. Mr. RedLegs’ suggestion of Rick Peterson last week was a good one. Why the Mets canned him is beyond me.By Jim in Georgia
July 9, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Hal: You have been cvering the Reds for as long as I can remember. I grew reading your columns and listening to Marty and Joe. This is the first time I have ever posted here, and its’ because I have never been so disappointed in a Reds team. The only thing I can say about the 2008 Reds is “They have a lot of quit in them!” I think this directly reflects Dusty Bakers passive attitude. He was a bad hire. I don’t think theres anything wrong with Harang. I jsut don’t feel his heart is in it. I don’t think any of the players are playing up to their potential. There is no leadership on this team. Ken Griffey is not a leader. Dunn, Phillips, Ross? They are not leaders. Not since Barry Larkin have we had anyone with an opinion on this team. Its disheartening watching this team falter day in and day out. Bad hitting, bad baserunning, bad pitching, mental mistakes. This is a management issue. Dusty Baker was hired on name alone. Dick Pole should be banished from baseball, and Brook Jacoby couldn’t hit wehn he was in the big leagues? Castellini better do something soon. The cancers are spreading in the locker room, and it has affected the whole team!By Brian
July 9, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
I think the Reds are going to trade Dunn any day now.By Mike-Cinci
July 9, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Comparing the NL Central I would take the following right fielders over Griffey today—Fukudome, Pence, Hart, Nady, and even Ludwick. In left field I would take Soriano, Carlos Lee, Braun, and Bay over Dunn. At first base I’d take Pujols, Berkman, Fielder, Derrick Lee over Votto. At 3B I’d take Glaus, Ramirez, and Bill Hall over EE. At catcher I’d take Soto, Molina, and Kendall over Bako/Ross. The Reds problem is talent. With regard to Ryan’s comment about my comment on this blog I’d say Reds fans have been very patient. The list of minor league players he mentioned have proven to be very average players to-date. None of them are high end prospects. That’s the problem the Reds have. They have been unable to sign and develop good young players. Excellent scouting is essential and the Reds have been poor in this area for years. It shows up in the won/loss record of the team. We are in the middle of having our 9th straight losing season. I hope Jocketty can make things better but it will take time.By Ben
July 9, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Dick Pole needs to go. How about hiring a real pitching coach that knows what he is doing. From his appearance, Pole is only around for the post game buffet. It takes his fat A$$ 20 minutes to walk to the mound from the dugout. HE is responsible for the pitching staff. If one of the pitchers is OBVIOUSLY struggling consistently for no apparent reason, then INVESTIGATE it. Make the guy get an MRI-don’t wait for his arm to fall off first, thats just ignorant!!By Tom
July 9, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
I was looking at the stats for Dick Pole and they weren’t anything to write home about. Could it be the pitching coach? Bronson was good and so was Aaron before this year. Get a pitching coach from the pitching staff of 1975 or 1976. How about Chris Welch? He seems to be able to find some of the pitching problems while he is doing play by play with George Grande. Keep the team as is. Junior is doing the best he can. Get a new field staff. From the manager on down. The Stowe family could do a better job than what this staff is doing.By HuberTucky
July 9, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
The 2008 version of Aaron Harang is equivalent to the 2008 version of Ken Griffey…bumbling, lethargic, slow, diminished, and dollar-for-dollar disappointing under-achievers. If any of us “performed” like that at work we’d be fired rather quickly. Wonder what it would be like if they were payed strictly based on performance?By Ryan
July 9, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
In regards to Mike-Cinci comments on this blog. Have you heard of Chris Valiaka, Todd Frazier, Brandon Waring, Drayl Thompson, Josh Roenicke, Dan Herrea, Drew Stubbs, Devin Morseco, Neftali Soto, and Zach Stewart? These are just a few players in the Reds farm system with tremendous upside. It takes time to develop these players. They do not come up to the majors overnight. The Reds have to develop thier players just like the Brewers through the draft and smart trades. I was watching one of the sport channels in regards to the ranking the MLB teams minor league systems. I thought that I recalled the Reds were #5! Be patient!!!!!By Lefty
July 9, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
We should take just about any prospect for Griffey, if we can get one. Keep Dunn unless someone offers you the moon. A good right handed stick to complement Dunn next year and this team is close. Freel, Bruce and Dunn in the outfield gives us some speed as well. Gonzalez has cost us a ton and I am not sure we can dump his money for next year. Too bad he is a non-contributor.By Ryan
July 9, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
In regards to Mike-Cinci comments on this blog. Have you heard of Chris Valiaka, Todd Frazier, Brandon Waring, Drayl Thompson, Josh Roenicke, Dan Herrea, Drew Stubbs, Devin Morseco, Neftali Soto, and Zach Stewart? These are just a few players in the Reds farm system with tremendous upside. It takes time to develop these players. They do not come up to the majors overnight. The Reds have to develop thier players just like the Brewers through the draft and smart trades. I was watching one of the sport channels in regards to the ranking the MLB teams minor league systems. I thought that I recalled the Reds were #5! Be patient!!!!!By Ryan
July 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
In regards to Mike-Cinci comments on this blog. Have you heard of Chris Valiaka, Todd Frazier, Brandon Waring, Drayl Thompson, Josh Roenicke, Dan Herrea, Drew Stubbs, Devin Morseco, Neftali Soto, and Zach Stewart? These are just a few players in the Reds farm system with tremendous upside. It takes time to develop these players. They do not come up to the majors overnight. The Reds have to develop thier players just like the Brewers through the draft and smart trades. I was watching one of the sport channels in regards to the ranking the MLB teams minor league systems. I thought that I recalled the Reds were #5! Be patient!!!!!By Ryan
July 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
In regards to Mike-Cinci comments on this blog. Have you heard of Chris Valiaka, Todd Frazier, Brandon Waring, Drayl Thompson, Josh Roenicke, Dan Herrea, Drew Stubbs, Devin Morseco, Neftali Soto, and Zach Stewart? These are just a few players in the Reds farm system with tremendous upside. It takes time to develop these players. They do not come up to the majors overnight. The Reds have to develop thier players just like the Brewers through the draft and smart trades. I was watching one of the sport channels in regards to the ranking the MLB teams minor league systems. I thought that I recalled the Reds were #5! Be patient!!!!!By Ryan
July 9, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
In regards to Mike-Cinci comments on this blog. Have you heard of Chris Valiaka, Todd Frazier, Brandon Waring, Drayl Thompson, Josh Roenicke, Dan Herrea, Drew Stubbs, Devin Morseco, Neftali Soto, and Zach Stewart? These are just a few players in the Reds farm system with tremendous upside. It takes time to develop these players. They do not come up to the majors overnight. The Reds have to develop thier players just like the Brewers through the draft and smart trades. I was watching one of the sport channels in regards to the ranking the MLB teams minor league systems. I thought that I recalled the Reds were #5! Be patient!!!!!By Nathan
July 9, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
How can 4 extra IP ruin a pitcher? Are modern players that week? Pitchers used to pitch complete games on four days rest, regularly. Aren’t we stronger today? Do modern pitchers throw more breaking stuff? Does having a set routine make that much of a difference?By Joe
July 9, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
I think Harang has “dickpolitis”. He’s infecting all the arms on the pitching staff.By Matt
July 9, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
I’ll keep saying the trith on here about Griffey as long as these Griffey bashers continue with their ridiculous, absurd accusations. Griffey is not a “cancer” on this team. He is one of the best clubhouse guys and one of the best players this team has.By Jack
July 9, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Not sure why this is so hard to understand for everyone. Griffey will be here through the year and then be gone. No need to continue harping on that. What I really dont get is why get rid of Dunn. Take away Dunn and Griffey and what kind of team will we have? I asked the other day, but received one response, whose coming to help? Seriously do you think Texiera or Holliday would come to the Reds…not a chance in… What “good” free agents have we got in the last few years? None. You have to build this team like the Brewers. Build your farm system and make good trades because no one “great” is signing here to play on a bad team. Like someone mentioned, keep playing Bruce even through struggles. He will be fine. The one big problem is that we have nobody in Triple A on the horizon.By Y-City Jim
July 9, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
How is Harang hurt? He is still hitting the radar gun at his typical 91 or 92 mph. His problem is his breaking stuff isn’t working and he can’t locate. Sounds mechanical to me.By Cait
July 9, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Do you folks actually watch the games? Phillips swinging from his heels? The dude has been on a tear offensively the past week or two. Bruce needs to play every day? He does but how is he not getting blasted by fans? He’s worse than Dunn and Griffey at the moment. And the Dunn comments are just plain stupid. A good DH? He doesn’t hit for average, but his defense has been good this season. He only has 27 RBI if you don’t count the HRs? Yea, and Hank Aaron’s and George Foster’s RBI totals are mediocre if you don’t count their HRs. Duh! Dunn is paid to hit HRs. A few more singles would be nice, but it’s tough to hit a 3-run single. I do agree with Mac. I don’t get why Valentin isn’t playing a lot more. Ross and Bako are not great defensive catchers. They are average. Valentin may be a step below them defensively, but it’s a small step. And his offense would more than make up for a few more runners stealing bases. As for Harang, either he is hurt/fatigued or he’s become an average pitcher. Right now I have more confidence in Arroyo than Harang.By Steven Ross
July 9, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
There’s zero interest in Dunn around the league. Doesn’t this tell you Dunn lovers anything? Nobody wants him! Hello! Griffey is a shell of his former self and needs to go ASAP. Memo to Walt: haven’t we seen enough? Time to act Mr. Jocketty.By red
July 9, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
I agree that things may be better when Griffey is gone, but what about Dunn? What a pure waste of roster space. As an American League DH, he would be top notch. Any teams wants a DH that bats around 260 with 40 home runs. (and can’t field a ball on top of that.)Beats a pitcher any day. But get him out of here so he can stop taking up money and PT for other players. Griffey over Dunn any day. He’s terrible.By boxter
July 9, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Baker has a new Pryor. He ruined him so why not another? This is just a very bad Reds team. Next year when the cancer (Griffey) is gone, maybe the team will hustle and play hard.By jeff
July 9, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Hal is right this team is not going to contend. When the central was down maybe but the central has gotten better. Things that need to happen: Do not pitch Harang until after the all start break, Jay Bruce must play everyday, they need to trade grif or Dunn, Trade Arroyo(contract to high), trade weathers, bring up roenicke, this team is about 2-3 years away lets face it.By jeff
July 9, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Hal is right this team is not going to contend. When the central was down maybe but the central has gotten better. Things that need to happen: Do not pitch Harang until after the all start break, Jay Bruce must play everyday, they need to trade grif or Dunn, Trade Arroyo(contract to high), trade weathers, bring up roenicke, this team is about 2-3 years away lets face it.By redfuture
July 9, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
There is absolutely no question that Harang is hurting. I don’t get this mentality of “suck it up” deal with the pain, “I’m going to be there for my team” all the while hurting your arm worse. If fans can see it coaches and management can see it. There is no (expletive) way that he didn’t know that he walked seven. For him to say he made good pitches is ludicrous because he did not except for a few occasions after runs had scored and he decided to put finish on his pitches regardless of excruciating pain. He needs to go on the DL for a while without his permission. Management needs to do this without getting him to confirm a problem. It’s obvious that there is a problem. Bring up Bailey to take his spot a few turns. By all means don’t let Aaron pitch Sunday. Give him the extra rest of the all-star break and then don’t even consider starting him until the 5th spot comes up. That will give him about 12 days of rest and even that is probably not enough. It would be nice of him to be honest for the good of the team. If he says he’s ok after the 12 day rest, go ahead let him pitch with the knowledge that another stinker puts him on the DL regardless of what he says.By Mike-Cinci
July 9, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
Harang may have health problems or he is beginning to decline and the league has caught up to him. Either way it is not good. Jay Bruce looks lost. He can’t be Brandon Larson’s twin brother can he? We all wanted the young players up and playing. We will need to have patience as we if they have what it takes to be successful in the big leagues. The Reds have a big talent problem on the major league roster and in the minor leagues. Hairston, Keppinger, Phillips, and Burton are the best on the roster and all 4 of these guys were picked up off the scrap heap by Wayne Krivsky. Wayne found Josh Hamilton also and used him to get Volquez. The Reds minor league system has produced very, very little. You don;t get better with results like this.By Bob
July 9, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this
Harang was built up too highly by a pitching starved Reds fan base, mgt. and media. Aaron is just what he is. A monster of a man, but very unathletic and when his control is not perfect, there is not much there. However, no one seems to ever worry about the offense. Jr and Dunn accomplish nothing. Jr. has 37 RBIs and Dunn has 27 if you subtract out the homers. I’m curious how many RBIs he has without the homers. Of course, most of his are solo. Phillips has abandoned his approach and now is swinging from his heels. I’ve never figured what they pay hitting coaches for. Just look at the poor ABs.By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
July 9, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
I’ll never-never-never understand why teams feel they have to wait until a pitcher finally confesses he’s hurting before they take the precautionary measures—a thorough physical, MRI, a complete physiology breakdown from film, even a little more rest. Skip Harang’s next start, in Milwaukee, get through the All-Star break and see where you stand. Contrary to popular belief, the coaching staffs really do coach in the hours before a game, but this thing of waiting for the struggling player to come forward or doing nothing more than a verbal assessment of him has always struck me as lazy and cheap, especially given the financial investments in these guys. How many times do we hear a guy say he feels great, gets bombed over his next few starts, and then says he’s been hurting for a month? Ridiculous.By MAC
July 9, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this
On the offensive side of the ball, can it get any worse? How can so many players on one team have such poor plate discipline and an inability or unwillingness to cut down on their swings and hit the ball back up the middle or to the opposite field? A perfect case in point is Bruce’s troubles at the plate. When he was successful, he was routinely hitting the ball the other way and taking what the pitcher was giving him. Presently, he’s jumping at everything and trying to rip every pitch: in, out, up or down. Clearly, he needs to be more selective at the plate and work at waiting for a pitch he can handle. Has he watched any tape of his at bats, is (Jacoby/Baker) working w/ him on staying ball and driving the ball to the backside; what have they done to help this kid other than slide him up and down the order or in or out of the line-up?By MAC
July 9, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this
Anyone else notice another passed ball (run scoring) from one of our Defensive catchers? In Bako’s Def, he made a hell of a throw on a steal attempt that erased a base runner, walked to drive in a run and hit the ball hard a time or two, but is that worth key passed balls and missed throws from the outfield on a rountine basis? By and large Bako & Ross’ Defense is not making up for their lack of offense and it hasn’t all year long. Can you really tell me you’d rather have seen Bako up w/ the bases loaded instead of Valentine? I’m not saying Valentine should be the number one catcher; I understand his limitations, but Valentine is too good a hitter to be sitting the bench or only be used as a pitch hitter…his Def. behind the plate is not that bad.By MAC
July 9, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
As usual Hal, I think you’re spot on. Harang may not want to say it, but his arm has to still be bothering him. With a couple of extra days off, I expected his velocity to be up and his location to be off a little because of it, but it was his breaking ball (or lack there of) that signaled a problem to me. In short, he didn’t throw his usual number of sliders and the hitters were able to sit on his fastball. Like SO MANY OTHER REDS PITCHERS PAST & PRESENT, Harange would have benefited greatly IF HE HAD A 3rd PITCH (Change-up) to fall back on. Perhaps his control was affected by him trying to over throw the fastball because he didn’t want to throw so many breaking balls?