By VietVet

July 25, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

Roho Radio and Matt- Thank you for the information. The comments I made are my observations as I view them on TV and as I hear them on WLW. They are generalized statements and, in my opinion, apply most of the time. I appreciate your comments and critiques. You must admit that Dunn has misplayed several balls out in left field.He hits one grand slam and a few solo home runs and he’s great, as you forget how many times he fans often with runners in scoring position and looks bad doing it. You must admit that Griffey’s best days are behind him and he has slowed down (understandably at 38 years old) and doesn’t have the wheels for the outfield anymore. His hitting is what, .233 average?? Majewski, earlier in the season was getting his brains beat out on the mound. Might be doing better now, but is still 50-50 chance of success. Ross isn’t a dynamo at hitting. Never has been. Roho- even Brenneman has made comments on the weak National League Central teams.I think we all agree on Coffey. Phillips- has his share of ups and downs on the hitting.Arroyo- Better now but when he pitches, you still start biting your fingernails waiting for something bad to happen.Baker and the boys will be a .500 ballclub at the end of the year splitting each series 2 and 2, rarely sweeping a series to make a run as a contender.

By MAC

July 25, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this

U all R entirely too literal; I didn’t suggest that we trade ALL those players and noted that trades shouldn’t be made just to make a move. Obviously, if you can’t get the player you want, why make a trade? However, at some pt. in time, a GM has to ask: is this guy worth the contract and is he helping us win or reach R objectives? No doubt, all the players mentioned have potential and trading any would be a tough decision, but we MAY need to trade someone, Dunn, EE or a pitcher, to get that young stud CF, C or SS we currently don’t have IMO. My guess is they Reds won’t do anything major and run the risk of losing a number of FA w/out getting anything in return. Likewise, they’ll continue to battle for 500 and hope the young guys improve enough next year to make a significant difference? My suggestion is to PACKAGE 2 or 3 players in order to get the one guy you really like. A guy like Weathers probably wouldn’t bring much in return, but if U sent someone w/ him (maybe a prospect or a player like Dunn) COULD bring a player U’d like.

By Matt

July 24, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

EE didn’t get sent down to the minors because he “didn’t meet expectations”. If he looked at someone the wrong way, he was liable to get sent down there. Every time he made an error over at third base they sent him to Triple A. Thank goodness that Dusty Baker has given this guy a chance finally, and he is rewarding Dusty and the Reds for their patience.

By Roho Radio

July 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Come on VietViet….the Reds “doing poorly in a weak National League Central division”? The top 3 records in the WHOLE National League are in the Central…Cubs, Brewers and Cards. That’s the main reason why the Reds will have a heck of a time getting a wild card and everyone is talking about who to keep for next year.

By JB

July 24, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Matt is a blog hog! Nearly one of every five posts is his. And that is ridiculous! Looks like being the blog police isn’t enough to satisfy this guy’s insecurity and massive ego.

By Eric

July 24, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Keep ALL the present Reds starters. They aren’t the problem. Timely hitting is now THE problem. Work in that direction.

By jack

July 24, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Yes, Matt, as Nick mentioned, there is a reason why he has not spent a full year in the majors…it is because he was performing well beneath expectations and had to go play at Triple A. If we want to continue to be an average team, keep average players. Dunn, while hitting lower then EE provides FAR more HR’s, BB’s, and RBI’s. Just my two cents and I will leave it at that.

By D8Nken

July 24, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

I say keep Arroyo. This is the first time in years the Reds have had 5 guys in the rotation that actually belong in the major leagues and now they are trying to trade someone. Is he up and down, sure, but he is a pretty good 4th or 5th starter behing Harang and the kids. It would be nice to go into the off-season for once not having to look for a starting pitcher. He wants to stay, he is under contract. Keep him. I do agree the singing needs to stop though. Please.

By nick w

July 24, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

no i disagree with that he has had plenty of time in the majors i just looked in up in 2006 he played in 117 games and last year 139 so that is plenty of time in the majors he went to the minors last year becasue he was doing really bad but he came back and is playing good but he has had enough time up in the majors and he even said that the minors helped him alot..

By Matt

July 24, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Jack, have you ever considered the reason why EE has not lived up to his full potential is because he hasn’t been with the big-league club for a full season until this year? He has either spent lengthy time in the minors, or has been injured a lot of the time. This is really his first, non-interrupted season in the major leagues.

By nick w

July 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

sorry didn’t mean to post that twice xed out didn’t think it went through..but yea i know EE goes through cold streaks but when he is hot he is the great and u don’t think dunn is the same way he goes cold streaks just like edwin and i think we would be able to find someone to play lf if we got rid of dunn but i don’t think we should trade either of those guys but i do agree that phillips is better then EE i think phillips is the best player we have..but everyone goes through cold and hot streaks so i think EE is a good 3B and a good hitter so i say keep him..

By Matt

July 24, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

VietViet, I must disagree with you on a few of your points. Arroyo is an “iffy, unreliable pitcher”? When Arroyo is healthy and gets a little bit of run support, he is a 10-15 game winner. He has good stuff, and when he locates it well, he gets outs and gets wins. I agree about Coffey. But Majewski? It seems as if he is improving every time he takes the mound. There’s a lot of talent in that arm of his, and it is clear now that the Reds got the greater benefit of “the trade” with the Nationals. Griffey - “lazy efforts each day”? Hardly. He sure wasn’t “lazy” when he was hustling to beat out his infield single a couple nights ago. I can think of several other examples, but a “lazy” ball player doesn’t get to 600 plus home runs and become a future first-ballot Hall of Famer. Oh yeah, and I was at the game yesterday, and the play off the right field wall that he made to hold the Padre hitter to a single instead of a double? Hardly “lazy”. Dunn “clumsy in left”? I think you are mistaken again, in my opinion. Dunn is clearly not a Gold Glove winner out there, but he makes the plays he’s supposed to make, and turns in a few dandies too. Remember the throw he made on Tatis of the Mets last Friday to rob Tatis of a double in the Reds’ win over the Mets? I was at that game and witnessed it first-hand. Phillips “ok at the bat”? The man was a 30/30 player last year, which means he hit 30 homers and stole 30 bases. He is on pace to do that again this year, and is one of the Reds most clutch hitters. That sounds a little more than OK at the plate. As far as Ross not being able to hit, he gets on hot and cold streaks. But he definitely gets his share of hits, and is a good handler of pitchers and a good defensive catcher. EE is improving greatly. Yes, he has a lot of errors, but he is also only 25 years old. The sky is the limit for him, and I think he has matured a lot this year both at the plate and on the field with his defense. As far as Baker, his decisions haven’t worked out that bad. One example is the Bako situation a couple nights ago. While the more conventional approach would have been to pinch-hit for Bako, he lets him hit and what does Bako do? RBI single up the middle that plates two runs. Another example is his decision to bring in Cordero yesterday for the final out. Great boost for Cordero’s confidence. I could think of a lot more, but I have to get going for work. Just some food for thought for you.

By nick w

July 24, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

i don’t know why everyone is say trade EE he is a good player he is a solid hitter,batting .266 19hr and 41rbi not bad, u can’t say his defense is bad cus ive seen some amazing plays this year yea he had a bad start but i believe he could be a gold glove someday..i say keep EE, Dunn, affeldt and trade ross and weathers and i already commented on bronson and get rid of coffey and patterson cus they are useless. and who cares about michigian the bucks are gonna destroy them AGAIN this year and years to come also carson i love u but don’t talk s**t about the buckeyes when u play in ohio not to smart, sorry but ur trojans are gonna lose on sep 13..

By Jack

July 24, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

You trade Edwin because he has never lived up to expectations. He goes through a couple week hot streak and then follows that up with an extended COLD streak. His numbers, .266, 19 HR, 41 RBI’s. Edwin and Brandon are very similar in regards to years played. Brandon made the jump, Edwin has not. There is absolutely no evidence that he ever will. He has had average numbers for several years. He is average because he can not stay consistent. Those are my reasons.

By nick w

July 24, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

i don’t get y we are talking about trading EE he is a solid hitter batting .266 with 19 homers and 41 RBIs i know thats not amazing but its solid and now u can’t say that his fielding is a problem ive seen some amazing plays he has made this year i know he started out bad but i think he could be a gold glove someday so i think the reds would be crazy to trade him..i think weathers can go and ross and thats it keep affeldt he is a great reliever and keep EE and i already commented on broson but i agree that the reds are so close to becoming a good team for years to come..and who cares about michigian the bucks r gonna destroy them again this year and also carson i love u but don’t talk s**t about the buckeyes when u live in ohio, sorry but ur trojans are gonna lose on sep 13..

By VietVet

July 24, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Arroyo- “iffy” unreliable pitcher and a worse singer. Coffey needs to go away, never to return. Majewski- never impressive. Pitches batting practice to opposing team. Griffey- lazy efforts each day. He’s lost that lovin’ feeling for baseball. Dunn-clumsy in left. Strikes out too much. Too slow for the game of baseball. Ross- can’t hit. Encarnacion- too many errors. Phillips- great in the field, ok at the bat. Baker- a .500 manager with this group and with his decision making capabilities. Reds as a whole- maybe next year.Doing poorly in a weak National League Central division.Frustrating.

By Bob540

July 24, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

My concern with Arroyo (other than his high pay, on a team that doesn’t match payroll of other leading teams) is his velocity. Fastball in the high 80’s, maybe 91 tops? I realize he’s not a power pitcher, but when he can’t spot his pitches and then tries to put some heat past batters, he gets hammered. If Reds keep him, fine, but he is clearly one of the lesser pitchers on the current rotation, when he used to be a solid #2 (injured?). As for EE, he makes too many errors for my taste. As for Dunn, Reds might be better off if they could get a solid starter for him, so they don’t need to score so much. And, notice, Reds tend not to score unless they hit home runs . . you can’t win relying on that.

By Tyler

July 24, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

I feel for Darin, math camp in the summer time??? Whats up with that Dusty??

By Matt

July 24, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Good point Steve, AND Tyler!! We have some good conversation going on here today!! Good teams don’t constantly trade away players for a “future” that never comes. Good teams keep their best players and add to their team in order to build a good, winning team for years to come.

By Steve

July 24, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Maybe Dusty pulled Bronson because Fogg’s face looks like a catchers mitt. Probably knew the rotation was going to need a tweek and Bronson pithces well on short rest. Don’t want him throwing 120 then have to go again in 4 days. Just a thought. Also, MUST keep Dunn. The guy is 28 and plays EVERY day. Put more contact hitters around him and watch the RBI’s skyrocket. Anyone who wants to trade any of our players, ask yourself one thing- for who? I live in Michigan (misplaced Buckeye) and all the UM fans wanted Carr gone. They got their wish and my money says those people will want ChI ChI Rodrigweez (Les Nesman) gone in a few years. Careful what you wish for.

By Tyler

July 24, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

The reason that Dusty let Bronson hit in the 7th is clear. We had a one run led going into that at bat. Arroyo was still under his pitch count and pitching well so obviously there was no reason to take him out. After the inning the reds had a six run lead and the game was out of reach for the Padres so why put more pitches on Bronson’s arm. With the off day the next day its not going to hurt the bullpen. Its basic baseball strategy and Dusty did the right thing. And about Coco getting more work so he can improve his fastball. When he pitched Monday his fastball was around 95 the whole time and he hit 97. His fastball is fine. He is just going through a rough patch as any pitcher does. Hes a professional closer and will straighten it out. I agree with Dusty through that he needs to throw more of his fastballs to set up his slider.

By Matt

July 24, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

What purpose would the Reds have in getting rid of Encarnacion? He is a solid 3B, and a key part of the Reds’ offense.

By Jack

July 24, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

John Doe, thats why I am for keeping Dunn (no one coming up to take his place) and getting rid of EE (Kepp, Fraizer, valiaka,and others coming up).

By John Doe

July 24, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe that there are so many EXPERTS in Middletown. Most of you make NO SENCE. I you get rid of the ones you all mention, you HAVE NOTHING. BS.

By wizard

July 24, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

The nucleus is here—just a few touch ups is all that is needed. We will be better off promoting from within, and drafting better players—to add to what we already have.

By John Doe

July 24, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Mac,IMO IYO sucks. If the players you list are not good enough, why would another team want to give up good players for them???????????????

By wizard

July 24, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball great points all. One point, in addition: Speed. If he had it, he’d probably have more doubles; and would not be a liability in left—which is why I say keep him, and restructure his contract with the biggest bonus given for successful conversion to first base.

By nick w

July 24, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

im don’t know what the reds should do with arroyo right now yea he is pitching really good so what happens of we keep him past the trade deadline and he starts to pitch like he did earlier in the year which was not so good..he is a pitcher that will go on a stretch where he pitches great for a number of games then he goes on a stretch where he pitches like he shouldn’t be in the majors..and i think someone pointed out this already but broson mentioned 6 pitchers when he talked about the reds so what happens next year if bronson pitches horrible and were stuck with him and thompson in AAA pitching great so i think bronson is to inconsistent so i think trade him now bring up thompson let him pitch the rest of the year get some experience go into next year with a starting staff of harang volquez cueto thompson and bailey all those young pitchers will have plenty of time up in the majors by that time and should be a solid rotation..the only problem and the part im worried about is say the reds trade him to the yanks or whoever stays hot the rest of the year the team signs him and he becomes another reds stater who does great with another team and bailey or thompson start doing bad and were stuck next year with out a 5 starter again so i guess im glad im posting comments on a blog instead of trying to figure out what to do with bronson have fun walt..

By Cait

July 24, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

I agree that we should keep Dunn, Arroyo and even EE. I don’t think the Reds can replace 2 OFs and I’m assuming they won’t keep Griffey next year, so we need to keep Dunn and get a CF as well as a right-handed power hitter. I would trade EE if we can get a RH’d CF. I like having the core of still young veterans in Dunn, Phillips, Arroyo and Harang to go with the hot kids like Bruce, Votto, Cueto and Volquez. I, too, think the Reds are just 2 or so players from contending.

By DD

July 24, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Gotta keep Arroyo and Dunn if you want to be competitive next year. You’ve got no one in minors to replace Dunn and no guarantees you will be able to get his production in free agency. Arroyo is a veteran pitcher which you need over a 162 game season. I say trade Weathers, Affeldt, any of our catchers and HAIRSTON. Hairston is an injury prone career journeyman who is have a career year. Get what you can for him now!!!

By Matt

July 24, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Edwin Encarnacion is just now coming into his own. Trade him for what? Peanuts? Encarnacion is one of the young players this team needs to keep, and keep for a long time. The back-of-the-baseball-card theory holds up very well for Arroyo I think. You know what your going to get year in and year out with Arroyo. He is a competitor out there on the mound that will win between 10-15 games per year when healthy. Yeah, he had some struggles early in the year. Those are clearly over, and he is back to pitching like he is used to pitching; getting the outs and getting the ‘W’. The Reds have a chance, if they can add the few pieces they need, to be a winning team for a long, long time. Trading Encarnacion and Dunn aren’t going to help them get there.

By Jack

July 24, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Hal, whats with the rumors the Reds are trying to trade for Huston Street of the A’s. What would be his role? Until someone gives me a realistic option next year for left field, how do you get rid of him? Why all the hate for the Weathers? He has pitched pretty well of late. He always seems to have a slow start and is now picking it up. Still, you trade him…Bronson…trade him. You just dont know which one you are getting. EE, trade him while he is in his hot streak. As we all know, it will end, and it will end for a long time.

By Mr. Baseball

July 24, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball has been giving a lot of thought to the Adam Dunn situation and here is what he’s come up with. Taking Dunn’s numbers through 98 games this season and extrapolating through a 162 game season, here are the numbers he’s projected to have at the end of this season: 515 official at bats, 122 hits, 48 home runs, 112 RBIs, .237 average, .389 on base percentage, 91 runs scored, 125 walks, 172 strikes outs, 20 doubles, 0 triples. Several things stand out. First, the obvious: the home runs, RBIs, and walks are pretty awesome. Second, the strike outs are far too high and about on par for his past seasons. Dunn strikes out exactly one-third of his official at bats. Strike outs are the worst kind of out because nothing productive can happen offensively. Third, Dunn’s on-base percentage is over-rated because it doesn’t translate into that many runs, especially considering all the home runs Dunn hits. You could blame that on the players hitting behind Dunn, but that is only part of the problem. Dunn ALLOWS himself to be walked too much – to the benefit of the opposition – when he ought to be trying to earn his way on base. Fourth, Dunn doesn’t hit enough doubles. Good-hitting power hitters should have as many or more doubles than home runs. For instance, Lance Berkman has 281 career home runs and 312 career doubles. Dunn has 267 career home runs and only 190 career doubles. Doubles are important because they often drive in runs and put the player in position to score more runs. Fifth, something that doesn’t show in the statistics, Dunn now hits almost all his home runs to right field. He almost never hits home runs to the left of center field like he did when he first came up (only 2 of 29 home runs this season have been hit to left of center field). Teams consistently shift their infield defense around for Dunn as a dead pull hitter, making it almost impossible to get a ground ball through the right side of the infield. In other words, Dunn is giving up the whole left side of the field. All this got Mr. Baseball to thinking, what would happen if Dunn made a conscious effort to cut down on his strike outs and walks by becoming a little less patient at the plate. Mr. Baseball calculated that when Dunn does not strike out, he’s a .356 hitter. This led to a thought experiment. Let’s suppose Dunn became more aggressive at the plate, became a bit more of a free swinger a la Brandon Phillips. Let’s say that this led him to cut down on both his strike outs and walks by 1/3. How would this affect his total numbers? Well, this would give Dunn 99 more official at bats per year and have dramatic effects on his numbers. This “revamped” Adam Dunn would have the following numbers for a season: 614 at bats, 157 hits, 57 home runs, 134 RBIs, .256 average, .344 on-base percentage, ?? runs scored, 83 walks, 115 strike outs, 24 doubles, 0 triples. All Dunn’s statistics would improve, except for on-base percentage, which Mr. Baseball has already noted, is over-rated. The runs are not directly calculable but would probably remain about the same. With more at bats and less strikeouts, even the number of “productive outs” would increase. Because of the way baseball is, a more productive Adam Dunn would have a ripple effect on the rest of the lineup. Batters hitting in front of Dunn would get better pitches to hit; batters behind Dunn would have more people on base when they came to bat. With numbers like these, Reds fans might be more willing to overlook Dunn’s defensive foibles. Also, if Dunn somehow mixed in more doubles, it would probably add a kicker to his RBI and runs scored totals. Isn’t this closer to the Adam Dunn Reds fans have always wanted? With this in mind, Mr. Baseball thinks that whoever the next hitting coach is should make it a point to cut down on his strike outs and try to move Dunn closer to his true potential. The Reds might also consider re-structuring Dunn’s contract to give bonuses for the following: a) a bonus for all homeruns hit to the left side of center field (Hitting more home runs to the opposite field would make Dunn think about using the whole field and become an overall better hitter. It would probably also result in more doubles); b) a bonus if he achieves 5 bunt hits per year and an additional bonus for each bunt beyond five (An occasional bunt hit leading off an inning would help Dunn weather slumps, cut down on strike outs, and raise his batting average. Also, the threat of the bunt would force the defense to play him more honest and open up more holes on the right side of the infield); c) a bonus for every double over 20 (Hitting more doubles would encourage Dunn to hit to all fields and as noted above, raise his run totals and RBI totals. It also keeps the Reds out of double play situations); d) a rebate to the Reds for every strike out over 120. (The benefits of fewer strikeouts are obvious in the previously cited numbers.) Has Mr. Baseball gone nuts? Would these quirky incentives really work? Mr. Baseball isn’t sure, but it’s worth thinking about. Of course, all this would do nothing to improve his outfield defense, or would it?

By Doco

July 24, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Adam Dunn is not clutch.

By Matt

July 24, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Here’s my question for you, MAC. If you trade Griffey, Harang, Arroyo, Encarnacion, and Dunn and one of the catchers then what do you get in return that’s going to fill the positions that you traded? Who are you going to put in RF? LF? How are you going to replace Arroyo and Harang in the rotation? Who plays 3B? Catcher? I agree with the last guy about trading Weathers. His best days are clearly behind him and he has been way too unreliable out of the bullpen. But trading away the players you mentioned, especially Dunn and Encarnacion? That’s a lot of talent right there. In my opinion, I think those two guys are a part of this team’s core nucleus of young players that you build a team around, not trade. No, Dunn doesn’t have the highest batting average. But this is what Dunn gives you, year in and year out. 40 plus home runs, 100 plus RBI, 100 walks, 100 runs scored. What do you replace that with? Also, his defense in LF has improved. Not dramatically, but I submit that he is a solid left fielder that at least makes the plays he’s supposed to make, and he’ll give you an above average play now and then. I think some changes need to be made to this club, no question. They need to find a long-term solution at SS. They need an outfielder, presuming Griffey is not back next year, who is right handed and can hit for power as well as have speed. They need another starting pitcher probably. Also, the bench needs to be upgraded and maybe another arm added to the bullpen. Your guess is as good as mine as to how the Reds do all of that. But my point is, blowing everything up and starting over for the umpteenth time over the past 8 years is not the answer. This team has talent and can play with anyone. They simply are short a few pieces to go deep in the playoffs or think about a World Series at this point.

By nate

July 24, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Here’s my suggestion: If someone wants David Weathers, let them have him. David Ross? No, Valentin is worthless and will be gone at the end of the year. Resign Ross to a 1-yr deal and bring in a vet like Jason Kendall or Greg Zahn (who are both free agents…I am assuming this is Bako’s last hurrah). I would also shop Encarnacion, but not necessarily trade him. If you can get a guy who will be a solid centerfielder and/or lead-off guy for him then you put Keppinger at third. Remember, they’ve still got Alex “DL” Gonzalez signed next year. The Reds can’t just make a trade to make a trade, they’ve got 13 of the 25 man roster as free agents next year, not all will be back.

By boxter

July 24, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Get rid of the long air sissy looking no singing talent ASAP. Once he turned singer he has been terrible.

By bruiser

July 24, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

Ok Hal, time for you to make your thoughts known on who the Reds should keep and who will depart. For my money, the only players gone are Weathers and Ross—Majewski can replace Weathers and Valentin Ross. Arroyo should only be considered if the offer is overwhelming with a couple of great prospects. Dunn has to be a keeper—you simply can’t replace 40 plus homers and 100 RBIs. Griffey being gone next year opens the pocketbooks for a worthy free-agent. So, what do you think Hal?

By MAC

July 24, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this

One thing U have to like about Bronson is his arm health: he doesn’t miss starts and he’s able to throw a lot of breaking balls doing it. Queston is, “how much longer might that last and is his 500 record worth the contract?

By MAC

July 24, 2008 5:01 AM | Link to this

Matt I respect your opinion and U make several valid pts, but consider the following from an article on Reds MLB site: “The one issue that seems to cause most of the others is offense. The Reds rank near the bottom of the league in team batting average, runs scored, hitting with runners in scoring position or the bases loaded, and during two-out scoring chances. They’re off the pace in all of those categories since the 2007 season where there weren’t juggernauts offensively, either. The biggest struggle seems to be getting a baserunner down the final 90 feet with less than two outs. Potentially big rallies have a knack of consistently fading without really hurting opposing pitchers. Veteran players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn have yet to take off at the plate. The Reds batted .218 in June, the team’s lowest average for a month since May 1996.” No one is suggesting we move Bruce,Phillips or Votto,for they appear to be the middle of our order in the future. Likewise, U could make a good case to keeping EE and even Dunn as well, but clearly this team has to strike out less and find a way to get runs home more often and it’s not likely to happen if they stay w/ what they have IMO. To that end, most teams don’t get quality w/out giving some up; i.e. Hamilton for Mr. V? As you say, we shouldn’t make a move just to make a move, but remember we tried your approach by keeping Casey w/ Griff and Dunn, Kearns and Lopez w/ very mixed results. There’s just no guarantee guys will continue to develop. U R right; tough decisions will need to be made. IMO, Griffey, Dunn, EE, Bronson, Harang & or a couple of guys in the BP could bring an excellant Lead- off hitting CF, stud SS or all around C IF PACKAGED correctly; that’s what Mr. Jock needs to be looking for IMO.

By Matt

July 23, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

I think that you are right ohdave in what you said in your post. As I’ve pointed out a few times on this blog, teams that are constantly “building for the future” stay in that same holding pattern. Just ask the Pirates and the Royals if you don’t think so. Eventually, a team needs to buck up and decide on a core of players to build around and build a solid team around those players. The 2008 Reds, in my opinion, are the best Reds team since 2000. The question is what will they do with it? Will the Reds keep what they have and add to it or will they be on another “rebuilding” project? I think the answer is the latter. The days of Lindner/Bowden/Boone running this franchise into the ground are over. We have a smart team of Castellini/Jocketty/Baker who in my opinion will make the smart, tough decisions to make this team successful not only this year, but for 2009 and beyond. This is not a bad team. They are 50-53. If they were a bad team, they would be 25 games under .500, buried in last place. This team is simply a few pieces short of contending for a championship. They could have finished the job and gotten the rest of those pieces this past offseason but they didn’t get it done. This will be a very interesting offseason coming up. But first, the Reds need to play the rest of this season, and I’m predicting right here and right now that this club will, if nothing else, finish above .500 for the first time since 2000.

By ohdave

July 23, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

I love the fact that Arroyo wants to stay. If he pitches like he has lately, I hope the Reds keep him. For years, the Reds have traded away veteran talent for a “future” that never gets here. I’d like to see them keep their stars and mix in the up and comers. As frustrating as this team has been at times (Ahem—Monday night), I think they’re on the right track. Let’s keep the team together and add some pieces in the off season to get to the next level. My prediction: Arroyo stays in Cincy, at least until the end of the year.

By rob

July 23, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

If the Reds get above the .500 mark and within 5 games or so of the wild card by the trade deadline, how could the front office justify trading Arroyo? I don’t think they would be able to justify it. Who knows how long Harang will be out and with Thompson on the AAA disabled list there would be no viable in house replacements. Arroyo is a little on the flighty side but his veteran presence is needed in the rotation and I say hang on the guy.

By don a

July 23, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Dusty Baker drives me nuts. Why does he make some of these moves he makes? Let Bronson pitch the 8th and see what happens. What ever happened to the complete game? The pitching staff needs to stay intack. We have just the rigth combination veterans and youth. The infield looks good and The outfield is not so bad. Dunn in left, Bruce in right and Hairston in center next year looks to be solid. Strengthen the bench and it looks like a winner to me. I’d like ot see a run for this year and look forward to next year winning the division.

By Don L

July 23, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

I have said recently that I thought Coco should get more work. Today I heard that Dusty thinks Coco should throw more fast balls. I believe these two statements go together. I believe Coco’s fast ball has lost some zip because he is not pitching enough. He also is walking too many batters which I think would improve if he got more work. Last thing is I think Coffee should be DFA’d, never to be seen or heard from again.

By jshaski

July 23, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

I’m 42 yrs. old and came of age baseball wise in the early 1970’s. My parents home at that time was in the central Kentucky town of Danville. For the rest of my days I will carry the thrill of baseball played as well as it ever has been or ever will be, courtesy of Sparky Anderson and the Big Red Machine. I’ve lived in many media markets since then and I follow the locals closely, always keeping an eye on my beloved Reds. There have been many lean years, punctuated by the sad tribulations of Cincinatti’s prodigal son, Pete Rose and the disgrace of Marge Schott’s disdain for the rich tradition she inhereted. all of which is to put into perspective the following plea: To the Powers That Be…please hold this roster together! They are young, talented and balanced. They play hard. They are rarely beaten badly, fighting to stay in games virtually every night. Even guys like Dunn and Griffey should stay because they’ve paid dues, bleed Red’s and offer just the right leadership to help bring young talent like Votto and Bruce and Encanarcion, and Phillips through thier growing pains. Harang, Arroyo, Fogg and Weathers will do the same for Volquez, Cueto, Bailey and Thompson. Imagine what this team will look like in three years when all these players are in thier prime. Look around at the division winners of recent years. They all have the impossible to define or teach quality refered to as ‘chemistry’. I believe I’m seeing this fragile, essential componemt to winning evolving magically in this Red’s dugout. Keep ‘em togehter. We’re almost there. Ski in Albuquerque

By Matt

July 23, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Really? TDK has made 184 million now?? Wow. What a great movie, and I hope it makes a ton more money. And go Reds!!

By Jimmy1Time

July 23, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Homer might be the real Cowboy of this team. Unlike my boy Brantley who plays The Cowboy. Out of the two I bet Brantley is a great person to part with! Go Reds! I believe in the Reds! Just like Harvey Dent! The Dark Knight 184,000,000. million in four days! Go TDK!!!

By Roger

July 23, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

I say keep him.

By Beard

July 23, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

This quote in Mr. McCoy’s article is nice and all, “Arroyo sees Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Aaron Harang, Homer Bailey and Daryl Thompson and sees a glossy future, with him in the middle.”, but how does that work. That is a list of 6 pitchers. No way do the Reds go to a 6 man rotation for any extended period of time. Somebody has to go or someone has to be in the bullpen. Perhaps he is factoring in the possibility of one of the younger guys not working out. This may be the case, but if this were a stock market decision it would be time to sell Arroyo ya know, “buy low and sell high!”

By Matt

July 23, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Dunn used to be an all or nothing player, but I don’t see that as much anymore. He gets on base, is a very selective hitter who delivers professional ABs, and has finally learned all of hit hits don’t have to be home runs. He shortens up his swing a lot more these days just looking to get on base with a hit. While he is certainly no Gold Glove winner in left field, he is hardly a liability there either. I think the Reds absolutely can win with Dunn, and if he is not on the team, his numbers will be hard to replace, if not impossible.

By mutaman

July 23, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

WFAN’s MIke Francesa on Dunn: “The Mets really need a corner outfielder and I know Dunn is available, but I wouldn’t want him playing left for the Mets. Dunn is an all or nothing player, and you don’t win with all or nothing players.”

By Matt

July 23, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

I was at the game myself today and it was a grrrrreat game. It looked like Maddux had our number early, but we got to him and then hammered that bullpen of the Padres. And how about that grand slam from Adam Dunn? Folks, I’m saying it now and have said it before, if the Reds don’t keep Adam Dunn long-term they are foolish. He should be a Red the rest of his career. He is one of the best power hitters in the game, he gets on base, and he IS clutch. No doubt about it, the Reds need to keep Dunn. As far as Bronson Arroyo, he should stay as well. He had a rough start to the year, but you know what, he’s back to doing his thing, and that’s winning ball games. The Reds are at 50-53, and the only thing standing between them and .500 are the hapless Colorado Rockies. Let’s get a three game sweep this weekend, and wrap up the homestand at 53-53. Go Reds!!

By Carp

July 23, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

I was at the game today and it was a beaut! Yeah, the Padres should be easy pickins but a ‘w’ is a ‘w’. Will the Reds make any headway this season? That remains to be seen. At least they are fun to watch and you get the feeling that they are in most games, a definate upgrade from previous years.

By nick w

July 23, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

good points mr baseball i didn’t get the arryo batting and then haveing affeldt pitch the next inning..i didn’t watch the game on tv but i say the online gamecast thing which is close enough and i was thinking the same thing..but with cordero i thought he should have started the 9th even though it wasn’t a save opp he didn’t need to pitch last night and all of the other ptichers except for coffey needed the rest more then cordero and since we have the day off tomorrow it wouldn’t hurt him so i thought he should have been out there in the ninth..it was good that we didn’t need to us many middle relievers since they have pitched alot lately and now they will have two days off so that was good..i think with javier playing so good latley u could see ross be traded and javier and bako take over in the catcher role and i wouldn’t mind that cus i think javier can be a very good player not just a pinch hitter..some people were talking about Majewski lately and how good he is so lets take a look back at what people were saying was a bad trade for the reds we got Majewski bray and thompson all been in the majors this year and been productive, thompson could be a starter next year and bray and Majewski are becoming good middle relivers and we gave away kearns and lopez..kearns is doing awful right now and i don’t believe lopez is even playing so what bowden thought he was dumping some injuryed players who won’t do anything on us and get two starters but now we have two solid relievers and a young starting pitcher..haha

By Mr. Baseball

July 23, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

There were a couple of interesting managerial moves by Dusty in today’s game. First, a great play by Arroyo to lead off the seventh inning with a bunt hit. A great example of how a pitcher can help himself. The curious move by Dusty was to bring in Affeldt to pitch the eighth AFTER he had let Arroyo bat in the preceding inning. Had the Reds been retired 1-2-3 in the previous inning, Arroyo most certainly would have pitched the eighth. The Reds would have still had a one-run lead, Arroyo was pitching well and had thrown only 102 pitches, and the top part of the Reds’ bullpen needed a rest. So why did Dusty pull Arroyo after the Reds scored 5 runs and jumped to a 9-3 lead? For one thing, the complexion of the game had changed. Arroyo had run the bases, that might have been a factor, but more importantly, it gave Dusty a chance to get some work for the back end of the bullpen — Affeldt and Coffey. Besides, the Reds had nearly batted around and Arroyo would be leading off the eighth for the Reds and most certainly would have been pinch hit for. So Dusty pulled one of this infamous double switches and improved the catching defense by putting Ross in for Valentin (oops, Ross gave up a passed ball that inning), and allowed Ross to lead of the eighth instead of the pitcher’s spot. This move saves some pitches for Arroyo going into his next start, now that this game is presumably “in the bag.” Overall, a good move by Dusty. The second interesting move was to bring in Cordero in place of Coffey with the bases loaded and two out in the ninth and the Reds leading 9-4. Weren’t the Reds trying to give the overworked Cordero another day off? If you go by the book, this is not necessarily a good baseball move. If you really need Cordero now, why did you allow Coffey to face the previous hitter (the tough-hitting Edgar Gonzalez) with ONE out and the bases juiced (a hitter which Coffey blew away with fast balls)? Dusty brought his closer in in the easiest possible save situation — a five run lead and only one out to get. Therein lies the answer. This was purely a move to get Cordero “back on track” with an easy save. Not easily justified in a purely baseball sense. But a good move in supporting his closer, giving him some confidence and trying to get the big guy back on track with an easy save. With a day off tomorrow, it gives Cordero time to regroup for the upcoming series with the Rockies. In both of these moves, you see Dusty’s skill not just at managing the game situation, but also in managing the upcoming schedule.

By Cait

July 23, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

As I said earlier - Javier Valentin should play more. … And I hope Josh Fogg gets well soon. Hairston, now Fogg, just when they are going good.

By tom

July 23, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

The Reds win 2 of 3 from the worst team in baseball! Now they think they are contenders!

By Beard

July 23, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

I’d say Bailey isn’t faking it. He grew up on a chicken farm in rural Texas and as I understand it pretty much lives the life of a country boy — hunting and fishing whenever he can. I suspect if you run into Homer 50 years from now he’ll be chewing tobacco on his front porch telling his grand kids stories of his hunting adventures (with shot gun and knife in hand).

By Tyler

July 23, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Does the fact that Homer seems to carry around a knife with him and keeps a shotgun in his car worry anyone else? Apparently he thinks he really is a cowboy from Texas or something