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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > July > 31 > Entry
Dunn happy where he is
The clock is ticking and Adam Dunn doesn’t hear it. And he is more than happy about it, more than happy that his name isn’t being included in trade chatter around the league.
When he hit two home runs Wednesday in the Reds’ 9-5 win over the Houston Astros, it gave him 12 for the month of July, most in the majors, and 26 RBIs in July, most in the majors.
It is no coincidence that The Big Donkey, as he is affectionately referred to by teammates and friends, had a July explosion.
For those who have wondered if batting coach Brook Jacoby does anything other than lean on a bat during batting practice and spit sunflower seeds, listen to Dunn.
To Dunn, it is no surprise that July has been productive after a late-June session with batting instructor Brook Jacoby.
“We tweaked a few things — I hate that word tweak, it’s like tendinitis — it means nothing,” said Dunn.
Whatever tweaking Jacoby did meant a lot.
“I’m being more aggressive,” said Dunn. “Since the end of June, seems like forever ago. I’ve been swinging at pitches I’ve normally been taking. Maybe it’s the ash bats, I don’t know.”
Despite the upsurge in his offense, trade talk with Dunn’s name in it hasn’t surfaced much.
“I love it,” he said. “I don’t want to ever hear them. I hate it. The only time I hear it is through the media guys. I don’t watch TV, I don’t read the papers and, hard to believe, I don’t listen to the radio.”
Told that not listening to talk radio was a good idea, he said, “You think?”
The trade deadline is 4 o’clock this afternoon and Dunn said, with his fingers crossed, “I haven’t heard anything. I guess that’s good.”
Of Dunn, manager Dusty Baker said. “That’s fine with me that he has carried us for a month. That’s what the big boys do. They carry people and Adam is swinging as good as I’ve seen since I’ve been here. It is very, very welcome.”
SOMEBODY ASKED, so I figured it out. When the Reds open a three-game series Friday in Washington at Nationals Park, it will be a new venue for me.
The question? How many parks have you covered major-league games in?
I figured it up. Amazing. When I cover Friday’s game, Nationals Park will be my 50th major-league park.
NATIONAL LEAGUE - New York 1, Philadelphia 2, Florida 1, Atlanta 2, Washington 2, Chicaago 1, Milwaukee 2, St. Louis 3, Houston 2, Cincinnati 3, Arizona 1, Los Angeles 1, Colorado 2, San Francisco 2, San Diego 2, Montreal 2, Puerto Rico 1.
AMERICAN LEAGUE - Tampa Bay 1, Boston 1, New York 1, Toronto 1, Baltimore 2, Chicago 2, Minnesota 1, Detroit 2, Kansas City 1, Cleveland 2, Los Angeles 1, Texas 1, Oakland 1, Seattle 1.
My favorite National League Park: San Francisco. Best view, best food, best aesthetics.
My least favorite National League Park: The Sewer Hole that is Shea. I’ve covered my last game there, thank Abner Doubleday. The Astrodome used to be my least favorite, especially after one night as the place was nearly empty and I was writing my story I felt something nuzzle my foot. It was a rat as big as house cat. The echoes of my screams probably still bounce around the Dome, now used for tractor pulls and rodeos.
My favorite American League Park: Fenway Park. It’s all about the Green Monster. The first time I walked into the park, in 1975, I walked up a portal on the first base side and the first thing I saw was the 37-foot high left field wall. Honest to gosh it took my breath away. It really did.
My least favorite American Leagjue Park: Toronto. Hate artificial turf. Hate roofed stadium (although I give a pass to Minute Maid because the park is so nice, really different. One of my favorites. When they open the roof in Toronto, the place looks like a giant bandshell, an oversized Hollywood Bowl. I expect the Beatles or Metallica to start a concert instead of the Blue Jays starting a ballgame.
Tick, tick, tick. The clock is running on the trade deadline. Dunn stays. Bronson Arroyo stays. No major trades. Am I wrong. We’ll see, won’t we?
Permalink | Comments (53) | Post your comment | Categories: Adam Dunn
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By forrest
August 6, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
why havent you said any thing about josh hamilton. nice to see the stats the reds let go.
By Mailman Dean
July 31, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Hal, who will take Griffey’s position, please do not tell me it will be Patterson, it is true Patterson is Dusty Baker’s son-in-law, I believe it to be so, why else is he on the team with a big fat contract.
By Mailman Dean
July 31, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Hal, who will take Griffey’s position, please do not tell me it will be Patterson, it is true Patterson is Dusty Baker’s son-in-law, I believe it to be so, why else is he on the team with a big fat contract.
By ChrisDA17
July 31, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Reds Authority… exactly how old are you? If you don’t like Hal so much why do you continue to read? You sound like an ignorant punk!
By HuberTucky
July 31, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Get off Hal’s @ss…he doesn’t live in his office. It’s not just management of a baseball team that lies…it’s what executives do best. Hal reports what he is given. The day that execs and politicians start telling the truth is the day Kal Daniels breaks Bond’s HR record.
By Mike-Cinci
July 31, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
The time line: Junior starts to hit better after all-star break possibly showing other teams he stil has something in his tank; Junior executes throat slash and foul language toward Brantley; no apologies to fans or Brantley; Junior is clearly frustrated; Junior given Tuesday night off against very average right hander; owner makes surprise visit to team and meets with Jocketty and Baker; Junior is traded and accepts. This is a good way for this to end for everyone. Maybe Junior can get a ring. Maybe the Reds can move on and improve the team. All will deny any connection of the slash and language to the trade but all denied there would be a trade. There is more to everything than what appears or what anyone will say.
By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Hal’s silence is deafening. How ‘bout this little ditty…in fact, the last paragraph of Hal’s writing last night: “Tick, tick, tick. The clock is running on the trade deadline. Dunn stays. Bronson Arroyo stays. No major trades.” The ironic thing is that WHEN HE WROTE THAT, THE DEAL HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. I say that because it is mind-boggling that somebody so close to the Reds and so “inside” to the players, managers et al could be SO BLIND-SIDED to such a major story RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIS OWN FACE! Absolutely mind-boggling. —Reds Authority
By fan_from_afar
July 31, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
@ Reds Authority.———— Enough already with the exact same post every couple hours. ———
By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
What is it Hal has said TIME and TIME again??? ‘Griffey is staying here’…’Griffey isn’t going anywhere, take it to the bank’…’Griffey is my buddy, he tells me everything and I believe everything he says’…BLAH BLAH BLAH. Well, Hal, you’ve now officially been snookered…not to mention MAJOR-LEAGUE SCOOPED by Ken Rosenthal and Fox Sports.
By nick w
July 31, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
nvm sorry tyler didn’t see ur post so u heard it SECOND from nick w…
By nick w
July 31, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
DONT FORGET YOU HEARD IT FIRST ON THIS BLOG FROM Nick W..and reds authority u forgot to mention the biggest part of the trade how the sox are spliting his contract with us..
By Tyler
July 31, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Haha Reds Authority I beat your breaking news by an hour and 15 minutes. better luck next time
By AP-FLORIDA
July 31, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
2nd thought—-matt, do take it personal…
By Nate in Ft. Laud
July 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Great sources you have Reds Authority. You weren’t even the first one on this blog to report it!
By AP-FLORIDA
July 31, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Heard it on espn at 1210……
By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
BREAKING: My sources tell me the Griffey trade involves (Reds will receive) pitcher Nick Massett and second baseman Danny Richar. Remember…YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!!! —Reds Authority
By nick w
July 31, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
he approved and the reds get a minor league pitcher and infielder and the white sox will split the rest of this years contract and the $4 million option for next year. i love the trade. Today could get crazy cus the rays are supposly very intersted in dunn so we will see what happens should be a fun day..reds should go for manny haha
By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
What is it Hal has said TIME and TIME again??? ‘Griffey is staying here’…’Griffey isn’t going anywhere, take it to the bank’…’Griffey is my buddy, he tells me everything and I believe everything he says’…BLAH BLAH BLAH. Well, Hal, you’ve now officially been snookered…not to mention MAJOR-LEAGUE SCOOPED by Ken Rosenthal and Fox Sports.
By mike cahill
July 31, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Ken Rosenthal is saying that Griffey has approved the trade.If so, I’ll be pulling for the Chisox to go all the way. Notwithstanding a few things we’ve all talked about, Junior, in my opinion, is good people and I wish him well.
By Jack
July 31, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
So, it was a salary dump. The Reds dont have to pay the 4 million buyout next year. In exchange, the Reds apparently get very little talent. Good Luck to Junior to Chicago. Wished we would have at least got something out of the deal.
By Margaret
July 31, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
I hope Dunn stays. I think Griffey was the “cancer” on the team - not hustling, etc. Maybe now Phillips, Harrang or even Dunn can step-up on lead the team the way Griffey should have.
By Brarhopper
July 31, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Little Big Mouth is at it again with his childish insults. Matt, the ONLY ignorance (and arrogance) on this blog is you, little boy. 5 of the 30 posts are your testaments to your own insecurity!
By fan_from_afar
July 31, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
I really hope this deal goes through, for both Griff AND the Reds. It’d be nice to see Griff have a chance at the post season, and the Reds can start moving towards their inevitable future without him. My only concern is….. does this mean even MORE of Corey Patterson! GAH!!!
By Tyler
July 31, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
So the reds get second basemen Danny Richar hitting .230 with 6HRS and 1SB and Nick Masset RHP in the bullpen with a 4.63 ERA and 44.2 IP
By Matt
July 31, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
No Jack, I will continue to post here. I respect and am a fan of not only Griffey, but of the Cincinnati Reds in general. Unfortunately for some, ignorance will not reign supreme on this blog.
By Jack
July 31, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
I think one concern about the Griffey trade is, is it a salary dump or we getting players. I read where the A’s were having problems trading Huston Street to the White Sox because the Sox did not have any prospects…if they dont have any prospects for Street, what could they have for Griffey. Griffey is due probably 2-3 million this year, plus the 4 million buy-out for next. I hope we get some talent out of this. The best news though might be, as part of the trade, Matt would now have to post at the Chicago Sun-Times.
By AP-FLORIDA
July 31, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Dusty, er matt, do not take it personal
By Michael
July 31, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
“Reds Authority:” Griffey apparently leaked this to teammates and the media. Maybe he didn’t tell Hal because Hal was the one who broke the whole Griffey-Brantley feud.
By jesus
July 31, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Why cant the reds just do this…They are out of it…since we are so worried about the pitchers pitching too many innings…Lets just platoon..Say treat everyday like the all star game…volquez 2 innings queto 2 innings arroyo 2 innings weathers 2 then cordero 1? The rotate that and in the mix is like burton,harang(when hes healthy) just rotate the innings and games…then maybe they will only pitch 20 to 30 pitches per day and that would put them on pace for a 100 or so a week? What are you telling me this is a bad idea? i mean comon…Get paid millions of dollars and pitch 60 pitches every 5 day? What? make them pitch 2 innings every 4 day and rotate it..cordero will give up his usuall 9th inning leadoff walk or hit..but other than that I think the reds should give it a shot…No not really but it makes you think? right? m
By Go REDS
July 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Would someone please keep me updated on any and all trades that happen today with the Reds? The internet at my work is filtered and this is the only sports updates I can see!!! The suspense is killing me… Thanks in advance for any considerate posters!
By Matt
July 31, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
His “bad rep” with pitchers is undeserved and has no basis for it. Even Hal addressed this on his blog and supported Dusty. How many pitches would be appropriate for pitchers to pitch in a game? 60? 70? If a major league starting pitcher can’t throw 100 pitches in a game, he shouldn’t be a big league pitcher.
By Jack
July 31, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Mike. My point is that EV should have been taken out after the sixth inning. He had pitched 90 pitches and pitched well. There is an off day today. There was no reason to have him pitch any more then necessary. EV and Cueto have already pitched a lot this season. Anytime you can take him out early with a big lead, you have to do it. Just plain stupid for Dusty. You wonder why he has a bad rep with pitchers.
By Fudd
July 31, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Someone check my math, but do the previous parks total 48?
By Mike-Cinci
July 31, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Jack: Volquez was not pitching in the 9th. Lincoln relieved him in the 7th. Weathers pitched the 8th and Cordero the 9th.
By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
What is it Hal has said TIME and TIME again??? ‘Griffey is staying here’…’Griffey isn’t going anywhere, take it to the bank’…’Griffey is my buddy, he tells me everything and I believe everything he says’…BLAH BLAH BLAH. Well, Hal, you’re about to get snookered! You’ve already gotten MAJORLY SCOOPED by Fox Sports (yes, even if Griffey ultimately opts NOT to go to Chicago). —Reds Authority
By Matt
July 31, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
The bullpen obviously needed some rest, and has been needing some for some time. So Volquez goes over 100 pitches. Big deal. He’s the ace of our staff this year. If the Reds need him to go a little deeper into the game, then he should be willing and able to do that, which it looks like was no problem.
By Steve
July 31, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Reds Authority- Please do not reproduce. We have enough idiots as it is.
By Jack
July 31, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Yes, Griffey to Chicago pending his approval….which is unsure because the White Sox dont really have a spot for him. Also, as some have mentioned, why, why, why was Volquez in the ninth inning. You were up 8-1, use some guys who havent pictched lately. Had a chance to have EV go 6 while throwing 91 pitches. Very bad Dusty. Very bad.
By Matt
July 31, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Who needs Miguel “Mitchell Report” Tejada? The Reds can do better than that, no doubt about it.
By AP-FLORIDA
July 31, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
That is for american league..I am still a die hard Reds fan. Also, I would not trade Arroyo for Pudge. Wonder if Reds could of got Tejada last winter?
By anon
July 31, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Just heard on the radio that Griffey might be traded. Any thing to the rumor?
By Reds Authority
July 31, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
What is it Hal has said TIME and TIME again??? ‘Griffey is staying here’…’Griffey isn’t going anywhere, take it to the bank’…’Griffey is my buddy, he tells me everything and I believe everything he says’…BLAH BLAH BLAH. Well, Hal, you’re about to get snookered! You’ve already gotten MAJORLY SCOOPED by Fox Sports (yes, even if Griffey ultimately opts NOT to go to Chicago). —Reds Authority
By Cait
July 31, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
UberTucky, my first reaction to your Arroyo for Pudge question was YES! But when I thought about it, I realize that the Reds need a long-term solution at catcher and Pudge, great as he is, is too old to give a team more than a few more years at best. Arroyo should have several decent years left. So no, I wouldn’t make that deal. Great move for the Yankees, though.
By Matt
July 31, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
If Griffey in fact has been traded to the Sox and he approves the trade, I feel the same way AP-Florida. But I think that Rosenthal may have missed the mark on this one. Otherwise I think this report would be a lot more widespread, and we would have heard something from at least one of the teams or one of the beat writers covering the teams (Reds and Sox).
By Tom
July 31, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Hal, I think you may have forgotten three ballparks…two good, one bad..Forbes Field, Three Rivers and PNC Park - the current team is easy to forget, if there are any players left after the trade deadline…
By Mike-Cinci
July 31, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Mac, The Reds won’t bring Griffey back. It is not the $4 million buyout it is the $16 million contract option for 2009 they do not want to pay. Hopefully he is in his way to the White Sox. This would be good for Junior and the Reds. I would not trade Arroyo for Pudge. He was only a part timer in Detroit. Pudge is near the end but will help the Yanks.
By AP-FLORIDA
July 31, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
If true, I am now a White Sox fan. Hope Griffey makes it to world series and hits home run to win it!!!
By Steve
July 31, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Dusty left him in because the bullpen has been getting way too much work. And Hal- My money (for entertainment purposes only) is with your opinion that no big trades are coming. Who would take Dunn’s spot? Geoff Jenkins? And for those that think Bronson is overpaid, check out the Barry Zito situation in SF. We don’t have it so bad with these two. If we are going to win someday they can help.
By Kev
July 31, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Ken Rosenthal of FOX sports just reported that Griffey has been traded to the White Sox but they are waiting for his approval. No word on what they would get in return.
By Steven Ross
July 31, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
tonight’s game…I have to question Dusty for leaving Volquez in too long again. Shoulda pulled him after 6 with just over 100 pitches. Disagree! Volquez was fine until Keppinger booted a DP grounder. I’m hard on Dusty for many things but he’s been fine handling Cueto and Volquez.
By MAC
July 31, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this
Hal, I’m glad Dunner is happy. I really do like the big loveable guy, but can he be the centerpiece player the Reds need him to be? Can the Reds afford his contract? More importantly, can he carry this team and MAKE it a winner? IMO, he can not and if re-signed, the Reds will not have enough money available to put the neccessary pieces around him. Furthermore, it’s likely the Reds will invite Griffey back next season if for no other reason than to ensure they get his namesake for the 4 plus million it would cost them to release him. Throw in Arroyo’s pay raise and a few others and it’s easy to see things aren’t likely to get any better w/ the Reds in the off season either. Gotta feel sorry for the boys in the marketing department; how will they ever think of a way to sell tickets next season?
By UberTricky
July 31, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this
I have always liked Adam Dunn as a person. Don’t know him, of course. But whenever ya see him on the telly in the dugout, he seems to be enjoying himself, involved in the game, chatting things up. I know he’s not the sharpest tack in the field and when he slumps he slumps big. But I’ve always liked his presence, his energy (even back in his Dragon days) and I agree it would be really hard to replace his numbers. Not a lot of guys like him you can build around. I hope he stays and I hope the Reds keep him. Man, when he’s hot he’s awesome…even if he DID drop a catch in tonight’s game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Fogg go back to the Rockies, but only if they give us Matt Holliday (ha ha ha). And Bronson? ONLY if we could get a stud right handed power fielder for him would I’d do that deal, otherwise he’s a keeper. On the other hand, Walt hasn’t phoned me lately for my advice. Also, tonight’s game…I have to question Dusty for leaving Volquez in too long again (especially given his history in Chicago and how his actions disagree with his words about resting the young guys). Shoulda pulled him after 6 with just over 100 pitches. WHY risk this guy with more innings and pitches? It’s crazy. Question for the blog: Would you have traded Bronson for Pudge?
By Carl's Little Brother
July 31, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
Hal, did you forget Pittsburgh? At least 2, maybe 3 if you covered Forbes.