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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 > August > 10 > Entry
Ross gone: Changes have begun
The clubhouse-cleansing has begun by the Cincinnati Reds and general manager Walt Jocketty.
Catcher David Ross was designated for assignment Sunday and catcher Ryan Hanigan was not only called up from Class AAA Louisville, he was in Sunday’s lineup.
REACTION: Should have been done a long time ago. Ross has been awful for all of last year and most of this year.
“It’s time to find out,” said manager Dusty Baker. “If Hanigan is part of our future, we need to find out right now if he is a No. 1 or is he a back-up or what is he?”
As expected, pitcher Homer Bailey was optioned back to Louisville to make room for Sunday’s starter, Aaron Harang.
Asked if he was bummed about going back to Louisville, Bailey said without pause, “It’s not the big leagues, but honestly I’m looking forward to it. They are seven or eight games up and in a playoff race. When I was down there before the guys were winning and there is good morale.
“Hopefully, I can help those guys win,” Bailey added. “I hope I can’t screw ‘em up too bad. I don’t know if they really want me. I haven’t had a win since April. Maybe they’ll say, ‘Hey, no, we don’t want Homer.’ They might send me to ‘A’ ball and I hope they’re in contention.”
REACTION: Bailey said this all with good humor, but the one part that caught my attention was the “good morale” comment. Obviously, morale isn’t good on a last place team retreating faster than the Italian army.
Is there more to come? Somebody asked manager Dusty Baker about outfielder Chris Dickerson.
“Dickerson has had one of his better offensive years and is getting better offensively. What’s he hitting, about .280?” said Baker. “He still has some things to learn and work to do, but I have my eye on him. I go through the reports.”
Baker said there were waivers on Ross, but no teams claimed him, but there were some teams interested in him.
“Right now, we’re not headed north, we’re headed south,” said Baker. “There are things now we have to find out about some other guys. I have nothing bad to say about Ross, it just that Hanigan has a chance to be in our future.”
While some of the players are acting and playing as if the season is over, Baker sees it differently.
“That’s the problem I saw when I got here,” he said. “We have a dozen free agents. When the season gets late, if you are in the hunt through October, then it can be a motivator. If you are not in the hunt you see a lot more, ‘I have to look out for myself’ type of thing.
“I didn’t say I’m seeing it here, but I’ve seen it happen. Human nature. Makes sense,” he said.
“When you are 18 games out, it’s tough to say, ‘I’m going to get that runner over from second to third with nobody out by giving myself up,’ ” Baker added. “It is a lot easier when you are winning at this time of year.
“Winning takes care of a lot of stuff, including my sleep pattern,” he said. “The next six weeks count a lot. Like my schoolteacher mom always said, ‘Those last two weeks before the grades come out are important.’ We’re looking at who still wants to win right now. That’s big. If you want to win right now under these circumstances then how much better are you going to be in better circumstances?”
WHEN THE REDS announced their roster moves, Houston manager Cecil Cooper said, “I’ll take Homer Bailey. I’ll take Matt Belisle, where’s he? (Class AAA Louisville). I’ll take Ryan Freel, where’s he (disabled list)?”
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Comments
By Babs
August 11, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
I am thrilled for Dunn. Now he can play for a team that appreciates him. Red’s fans were not nice even when he was doing well. I hope they trade all the free agents and give them a chance to go to better teams with good managers. Patterson will be the last man standing since he will be Baker’s son in law. That should cause some resentment in the club house? Dusty blames other people for this team and actually said they weren’t “his team”. No wonder they don’t have their heart in the game. Shame on Dusty, Shame on Walt - treat the players well and they will support you but if you don’t support them, they won’t care if you look bad.By Mike
August 11, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Just in….Dunn traded to Arizona for a pitcher and 2 to be named later.By Steven Ross
August 11, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Y-City Jim: Ross was fine but not great. He had one good year and cashed in. Granted, he didn’t get playing time this year because Dusty loves Bako. However, seeing Ross DFA isn’t a great loss. What’s ironic is that Bako has no business being here either. I’m sure the moves are all part the Reds grand panacea!By Y-City Jim
August 11, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Steve, how is Ross not very good if he gets on base almost 40% of the time? Some might argue that he should have been higher in the line-up with that kind of OBP.By Shhhhhhh
August 11, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Matt shows his ignorance no matter the subject. Someone obviously should explain the comment:”He’s not a republican” to Matt—if ANYONE wants to waist their time. Matt, you are a complete waste of oxygen.By Steven Ross
August 11, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Only the Reds would keep Bako over Ross. Neither is very good but Dusty have a love-affair with 10-team, .216 hitting, 36-year old Bako. Somebody explain this to me! While you’re at it, enlighten me on why .189 batting Patterson is still with the team too?By michael
August 11, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Hey Birdie41, I think we could have swept them if we just had Griffey’s .240 bat in the lineup, don’t you? I think we had a chance to make it to the post season when Jr was here, don’t you? You all can stop about Griffey, he’s gone and he never made a difference here. Last is last, and we almost always finished last even when JR was here. Let it go.By michael
August 11, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Matt, I finally agree with you on something. Now , back to the issues. The Reds stink, and bringing up Hannigan is fine, but to think he is the answer at Catcher is ridiculous. Ross would probably hit well at Louisville too. Ross was not the answer, but neither is Bako or Hannigan. Actually, Ross should be here to backup a legit Catcher. We need a Catcher to lead this staff, and a Centerfielder and SS to put some life into the team. Baker likes Alex G at SS next year. Why? He is another slow, average hitting SS. Great thing about the Reds…..there is always next year!By Matt
August 11, 2008 5:41 AM | Link to this
Oh. Now there’s a wise, thoughtful post. He’s a Democrat, so that qualifies him to be president. Unbelievable.By Mutanan
August 10, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
“What qualifies Barack Obama to be president?” He’s not a Republican.By Matt
August 10, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
That’s right. I am going to vote for a guy who doesn’t need on-the-job training as president. A man who doesn’t change whichever way the political wind is blowing. A man who has more experience than 18 months in the Senate. What qualifies Barack Obama to be president? Has he ever made a tough decision in his life? Has he ever had a tougher job than “community organizer”? Change for the sake of change doesn’t cut it. It must be change for the better, and Nobama doesn’t offer that.By Shhhhhhh
August 10, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
I might have known—Matt is gonna vote for McSame! How clever of him.Now he proves his idiocy.He obviously likes the candidates who can only speak to the captive audiences— like Military ONLY! 200,000 people have NEVER shown up for the guy who knows how to win wars—but never actually won one! Shut up stupid!By SJ in Ind.
August 10, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
For a so-called “players manager,” I wonder how in tune with these guys Dusty really is. Since there are a dozen free agents on this team, why would they mail it in and think in doing so they would be “looking out for themselves?” If it’s a contract year, you’d think they would step their games up. As far as not moving runners over in favor of swinging big, you’d look a lot better by being a good teammate than by striking out three times with men on second. This team has absolutely no character and the management is either naive or clueless.By Y-City Jim
August 10, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Birdie, it was a salary dump though I am sure the Brantley issue had some bearing. Houston would have still kicked our rear ends even with Griffey. I remember Bob Howsam had a philosophy of acquiring players that played well against his team. Let see, that would mean acquiring Berkman, Oswalt, Hall, Pujols, all those mediocre pitchers who are lights out against the overly aggressive hitters, etc.By BIRDIE41
August 10, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
one more comment to all the crybabies that wanted to get rid of Griffey.Has the 1-9 record and the terrible performaces by Masset(the Sox did not use him an any situation that meant anything) since his trade made you feel real good and happy???By BIRDIE41
August 10, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
DBO,I agree with you and most of the others.Baker & Pole must go even though it is too late to help this year but we can not let them do this same thing to the Reds next year.Also I agree the one catcher out of the 3 that should have been kept was let go and I believe that was Dusty’s(father of Corey Patterson?) call which was wrong like about 90% of all the decisions he has made since his hiring!!By Y-City Jim
August 10, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Hal, if you describe David Ross as awful (how you could describe someone with a .389 OBP as awful is beyond me especially when it almost equal against LHP or RHP) then how do you describe Valentin and Bako? Might they be described as dreadful, ghastly, nasty, vile, foul, revolting, repulsive, repugnant, odious, sickening, nauseating, beastly, atrocious, dreadful, execrable, abominable, informal crummy, pathetic, rotten, woeful, lousy, appalling, or abysmal?By Y-City Jim
August 10, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Ross had a .381 OBP. It’s much better to keep hold of two catchers whose OBP is 100 points lower. You can’t allow that kind of base clogging to be going on.By Y-City Jim
August 10, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Let’s say there is an argument for keeping Bako. So why Ross over Valentin? Valentin would be owed less money. Both are equal offensively against RHP. Ross’ OPS is 200 points higher than Valentin’s against LHP. Ross is better defensively. I bet he could stand at 1B as well as the Latin Love Machine. Probably could play 3B as well. Someone doesn’t like David Ross. Wonder who?By Y-City Jim
August 10, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
I have to disagree with Hal on Ross. Is Ross great? No. Is Ross awful? No. Ross is better than Bako overall especially on a team whose offense is floundering. This move shows me that Dusty is still in control of roster decisions. If Dickerson comes up and someone else goes other than Patterson that will confirm it.By Mike
August 10, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
The pride and tradition of Cincinnati baseball is getting kicked around once again today. 13-2 and about to lose thier 6th straight and go to 52-67. 90 losses is a real possibility now. But last weekend, Doc Rogers had 7 reasons for Reds fans to be optimistic. Somehow that sounds silly. 30,789 came today, spent thier money and have to drive home wondering if this team really that bad. Mr. J and mr. C would like you mark your calendar for August 15. Reds return to play the Cardinals then at GASP. All they ask is to be patient and bring money.By Brarhopper
August 10, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Well said, Marty. “Every time you think this club can’t sink any lower, they prove ya’ wrong. It’s now 13 to 2.”By Mike-Cinci
August 10, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Dusty does make some strange moves but with the lack of talent on the Reds there is not much he can do. Getting rid of another manager won’t help. Every manager the Reds have had since Jack McKeon has had a losing record. It is the players that are the problem. The Reds are near last in hitting, pitching, and defense. The players just aren’t very good. The roster needs a major transfusion of new talent but there are so many holes it will be very hard to fix any time soon. I’m sure there will be many changes on the coaching staff and the roster. The Reds have not had any stability and it shows in their results. The Reds have fired 5 managers over the last 8 years. Ugly!! We are not at rock bottom yet.By HuberTucky
August 10, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
30,000 gluttons for punishment, Mike. Like the old joke: Masochist says to the sadist, “Beat me.” Sadist says, No!”By redfuture
August 10, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
If Cooper wants somebody from this ballclub give him Dick Pole. He encouraged Harang to try a different grip on his change-up. Don’t fix stuff that’s not broken. Belisle’s spring training problem also came from throwing the change-up. Matt was a very serviceable pitcher who was getting better. Pole ruined him.By Mike
August 10, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Harang was on a pitch count that Baker called constraints that would remain secret. Harang threw 87 pitches, gave us 8runs 9 hits a career high. When it got to 8-0, Pole finally comes out. What can he tell him except.. “hold on only 16 more pitches and you can shower!” Got his brains beat out, but he got his pitches in. So the Reds are about to lose thier 6th straight, 9 of the last 10 and 14 of last 16. Wandy Rodreguiz just retired his 14th in a row..doesn’t look good, but about 30,000 fans are there in support.By Brarhopper
August 10, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Poor Aaron Harang. I really like the guy. It’s so sad that he seems to have picked up right where he left off…totally ineffective! What has happened to our beloved hammer?By MAC
August 10, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Yes, another tough day @ the ol ball park. I love watching the Strohs hit. Almost to a man, they take aggressive, but controlled swings and almost always have a good AB. Very seldom will you see one of their guys over swing w/ 1 hand and their head and front side pulling off the ball. They all appear to have a disciplined approach when they go to the plate…wouldn’t that be a refresing change in Cincy?By mike cahill
August 10, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
You know this is a game of inches as George El Grande says in between everything else he says as he constantly rambles on about things other than the present action on the field. You look at the standings and see that with maybe just 25 or 30 more wins the Reds could’ve made this a good season. I think it’s time for a players only closed door meeting where the guys admit that they just can’t expect Corey Patterson to carry them on his back any more. It’s time for guys like… oh never mind. Please disregard.By HuberTucky
August 10, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
GOOD GOD! I just turned on the TV and the Reds are coming to bat in the 1st and look up and it’s ALREADY Houston 5, Reds 0. Man, these guys just LOVE to play the Reds. They know they’re playing a horrible defeated team with no heart, no pep, and just listlessly going through the official movements of a baseball team. Then the Red’s bottom of the 1st — pathetic. Another long day at GABP. Hal, I bet your mother-in-law is bummed.By DBO
August 10, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
How about DFA’ing Baker and Pole. These two clowns are horrible and have about as much of a clue as to how to run a team and a pitching staff as a two year old.By MAC
August 10, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Could have, should have traded Ross when they had some offers; they’ll probably lose him w/out compensation at this pt? Good to see Hanigan get the chance and I can’t see why they’re waiting on Dickerson either? Thankfully, Homer gets a chance to go down and get his act together. Every pitcher has to work on finding his balance pt and having good mechanics, but Homer’s been so tight and overly concerned about his mechanics he’s locked up tighter than Dick’s hat band.