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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 > 11 > Entry
Baker sad to see Dunn go
As Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker said: “There is baseball and there is baseball business.”
And the Reds made a business decision today when they traded Adam Dunn to the Arizona Diamondbacks for three minor-league prospects.
Instead of waiting for Dunn to test free agency after this season, the Reds dealt him today.
“This way we at least get more than some unproven draft picks,” said Baker. If another team signed Dunn as a free agent, they would owe the Reds two first-round draft picks.
And what does Baker think about the trade?
“I’m a little sad right now,” he said Monday afternoon. “I’m more a hello man and a welcome man than a good-bye man. And to me Adam Dunn was more a person than a player.”
So the Reds have dealt two-thirds of the outfield with which they began the season and their two top power hitters — plus the two oldest in service on the team.
Ken Griffey Jr. arrived in 2000 and Dunn’s first year was 2001. The Reds never had a winning season with both of them in the lineup. Their last winning season was in 2000, Griffey’s first year, when they went 85-77.
“Griffey and Dunn - two peas in a pod as far as their friendship,” said Baker. “I asked Dunn not long ago if he was OK (after the Griffey trade) and he said, ‘Yes,’ but that’s what he would say anyway. I could see he was down.”
Baker said the Dunn deal was similar to the Griffey deal in that it materialized and happened quickly. There had been talks with Arizona before the trade deadline, but nothing happened.
To do a deal after the trade deadline, a player must be put on waivers, which Dunn was. The Diamondbacks claimed Dunn, so the Reds talks began again with the D-Backs and a deal was struck. If the D-Backs didn’t want to deal, the Reds could have withdrawn the waivers and kept Dunn.
General manager Walt Jocketty is in the Dominican Republic and called Baker this afternoon to tell him the deal was done.
So how do you replace a yearly output of 40 homers, 100 RBIs, 100 runs and 100 walks?
“Whew,” said Baker. “You don’t. But you know Dunn is a free agent after the season and can sign with any team. He is free to talk to anybody. Who knows?”
And for now?
“Right now I haven’t even thought about it,” said Baker. “I don’t know immediately. And in the future. We have to see who’s available?”
The Reds haven’t replaced Dunn on the 40-man roster and it is a sound bet that outfielder Chris Dickerson will be called up from Class AAA Louisville.
“Dunn is just like Griffey - he gained a whole bunch of games in the standings and first place (Griffey went to the White Sox, who were 1 1/2 games up in the standings and the D-Backs lead the NL West).”
The Los Angeles Dodgers, pursuing the D-Backs, acquired Manny Ramirez from the Boston Red Sox. This was Arizona’s counter-move.
When it was mentioned that Reds fans might be rooting for a White Sox-Diamondbacks World Series, Baker said, “That wouldn’t be a bad World Series. I’d pull for that.”
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Comments
By seo
September 24, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this
よかった。By 国際結婚
September 21, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
見てよ。By michael
August 13, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Timb, Timb, but you don’t know the facts. One can only wonder why I have written several times that Brandon Phillips is the best player on the Reds? Or that Javier Valentin is one of my favorites? Bottom line, you are the one who pointed out the race factor.By Lee
August 12, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
I think it was a bad decision for the Reds. With power hitters gone who can we cheer for now. I have tickets for Sundays game and I hate to say I really don’t want to go.By von roberts
August 12, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
different ownership,general managers, coaches,same result(are we really shocked?the only thing the reds brass is good at is thinking up some silly promotion nights( bobble heads,free magnets,jerseys,anything to put fans in the seats to see bad baseball.it’s really hard to see a proud franchise with such a great fan base fall this far.By Brarhopper
August 12, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Did ya ever notice that the word “closer” is only one letter removed from loser and that letter is “c” as in coco? And now they are sitting on a 4-year, $46 million contract with this chubby 33-year innefective old lard boy. The deal, which is pending a physical, is the largest four-year contract ever given to a closer. It includes a club option for a fifth year that can bring the total value of the package to $57 million. This was a rotten signing and takes a way a lot of $ that could have been used for everyday players, IMO.By Y-City Jim
August 12, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Will the Reds pursue Dunn in the off season and what would be the price they are willing to pay?By Michael in Monterey, CA
August 12, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Dunn had to go. No way were the Reds going to sign him next year. If he comes back I’ll be surprised. Now that the purge is underway don’t forget about CP, Majewski and Weathers.By HuberTucky
August 12, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
timb and others…IMO we Reds fans like the hustling White/Black/Hispanic/Asian/Mixed Breed guys who dive for balls…even when they miss. We like and expect guys to run to first base like Pete Rose was famous for doing (Charlie Hustle, anyone?). What we like and appreciate and actually expect is the hustling part. ESPECIALLY when they make $10 mil a year. Watching guys hustle and lose is softer than watching a bunch of un-caring laggards go through the barest necessities of motions and lose lose lose. Simple as that.By Mike
August 12, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
57 posts and NO Matt! Has he been exiled to another blog??By Mike-Cinci
August 12, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
It is hard to rebuild if you can’t trade your unproductive high salary players to other teams. The Reds don’t need a $12 million per year closer. Would any other team pay Cordero $36 million over the 2009-2001 seasons to close? This looks to be a very bad signing and will hurt the team’s chances to rebuild unless Jocketty can find a team that wants Cordero.By timb
August 12, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Psoted by Micahel: As long as Bruce plays to the best of his abilities and hustles, he probably wont get called out. Why did we want Griffey gone? Why do we like Ryan Freel?” Oh, Michael, I can think of one VERY obvious reason you liked one over the other. I mean, why wouldn’t the hustling white guy who dives at balls (and misses) with bases loaded and two out AND hits a dinger every other month be loved over a Hall of Famer? Makes perfect sense…oh, hold it, no it doesn’t. You criticize Encarncion for being fundamentally unsound and then praise the worst decision maker on the team. One wonders why. Point is, people who like Freel over Griffey or Encarnacion (for whatever reason) don’t know anything about winning baseball. In fact, one wonders if those people’s opinions are shaped by the chief dolt in the fan base, one Marty Brennaman. You think Judy hitting Jeff is a better player than EE? Again, one wonders why since EE’s OPS is .825 and Keppinger’s is at the minuscule .663. But, maybe there’s mote important characteristics about baseball players than production?By Scott
August 12, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Good luck Adam, you were about the only reason I checked the box score everyday. Don’t know if its worth the effort anymore to watch the Reds on TV, let alone go down to the ballpark. Say what you want about Dunn, he’s definitely one to the premiere sluggers in the game, and with all these losing seasons in a row, he was the main reason I bothered watching the Reds.By Pete
August 12, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
MAC….I’d be real surprised if the Reds pull off ANY type of package deal because they really don’t have any “tradable talent.” Phillips?? Why would the Reds part w/ him after giving him a contract extension & what other team would want to take it on? Harang?? Same thing. Arroyo certainly isn’t tradable talent, w/ or w/o the stupid huge contract he just signed. I see your point, Mac. I just don’t see it happening.By Brarhopper
August 12, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
NEWS FLASH!! You heard it here 1st! After a 2 or 3 game fast start, Griffey has settled in with the Sox and is batting .208. The last 7 games he’s 2 for 17 with 6 Ks and is batting .118. Yes, now THAT’S the KGjr we knew in 2008. Anyone still doubt that trading this guy was a necessary move?By Minnie
August 12, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
PITCHERS PEOPLE THE REDS NEED PITCHERS!! Since my 2 favorite Reds players are now gone they might as well let the bat boys play the rest of the season. The can’t do any worse than the rest of the team and the salary that they would pay them is just the amount that the upper mgmnt. wants to spend on players so why not!By HuberTucky
August 12, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Speaking of salary dumps…next on the list MUST be the biggest of busts, dear old fat loser Coco. What a horrible investment he turned out to be. Sure as hell can’t build a bullpen around this tub of goo. Certainly SOME team in contention would want this super-duper closer! Just imagine what the Reds could get for him!! LOL.By Mark
August 12, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Well, every year we get this “rebuilding” crap. Other teams seem to be able to hit the ball in all situations against the Reds. Dusty seems mentally challenged or something. Dump Patterson, Bako, and Baker. We need a team leader, since none of the players have a “look up to” guy. Can someone put a muffler on Marty’s constant badgering of the team, I thought he was an announcer, not a GM. Well, we’re officially back to square one with a few decent hitters (until out batting coach tries to change their hitting into non-hitting) and a few decent pitchers. Well, until our coaches offer their tid-bits on how to ruin their arms. The Reds were a bright spot for so many years, now the front office seems to be lost. I find it hard to believe we just got rid of the one home grown bright spot the Reds actually had and kept Patterson ! A Dodger for a manager, now you see the lingering internal hatred of teh 70’s. We had a winning team, they just needed to believe in themselves. Sort of like the little guy in move, The Natural, where he keeps telling them they are losers. Until the media and people get behind someone, it will never change. DUHBy Mark
August 12, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Well, every year we get this “rebuilding” crap. Other teams seem to be able to hit the ball in all situations against the Reds. Dusty seems mentally challenged or something. Dump Patterson, Bako, and Baker. We need a team leader, since none of the players have a “look up to” guy. Can someone put a muffler on Marty’s constant badgering of the team, I thought he was an announcer, not a GM. Well, we’re officially back to square one with a few decent hitters (until out batting coach tries to change their hitting into non-hitting) and a few decent pitchers. Well, until our coaches offer their tid-bits on how to ruin their arms. The Reds were a bright spot for so many years, now the front office seems to be lost. I find it hard to believe we just got rid of the one home grown bright spot the Reds actually had and kept Patterson ! A Dodger for a manager, now you see the lingering internal hatred of teh 70’s. We had a winning team, they just needed to believe in themselves. Sort of like the little guy in move, The Natural, where he keeps telling them they are losers. Until the media and people get behind someone, it will never change. DUH !By MAC
August 12, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Pete, IMO, that’s exactly why a team like the Reds should try and PACKAGE a group of players in order to get 1 or 2 quality players in return. Most of our tradeable talent have large contracts…so package that w/ someone that doesn’t in order to sweeten the deal or pay 1/2 their salary they done w/ Jr & Dunn. The pt is, there have been other trades to make, but the Reds haven’t been able or willing to put a deal together to make a difference IMO? I think sometimes U have to give up someone you like (maybe EE) along w/ a few others in order to get that young 4 or 5 tool guy your team needs? It doesn’t seem as though the Reds are interested in doing that?By Pete
August 12, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Gonzo & EE won’t get the Reds anything better than what they received for Dunce & Jr. So they’re really not “trade bait.” Weathers was washed up years ago & the only thing he’ll get the Reds is a free hot dog if you’re lucky. No one wants Arroyo’s BS contract, so the Reds would have to eat a good majority of that & still get NOTHING in return. Same w/ Cordero — he reminds me of Danny Graves, only bigger. Dump Bako, Corey Worthless, Valentin, et al. As for the coaches, Dick Pole should’ve never been hired. Jacoby couldn’t teach a 5 yr old to hit from a tee — so he’s gotta go, too. Unfortunately, we’re stuck w/ Baker until @ least sometime next year, depending on how the Reds tank or show some signs of life. Looks like the college baseball & its World Series will be taking up a good amount of my TV time next Spring.By Y-City Jim
August 12, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
I find it amazing the stereotyping of ballplayers that is posted here.By Ryan
August 12, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Adam Dunn will be missed. Glad you went to a team with a shot at the playoffs. The Reds needed to go into a different direction. 8 years of losing, time to clean house.By HuberTucky
August 12, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
It’s just my hunch, but I suspect an overall house cleaning. Seems that team Jocketty & Bavasi are not they type to tolerate this listless, lacadasical lack of energy we’ve seen around here. They are going to 86 a bunch of ho-hums and get some live bodies. Fans are sick of watching so many zombies play out the night of the living deads with such a dedicated lack of hustle. We expect and deserve more. It might take a while, but the days of Kearns, Dunn, Felipe Lopez, Griffey, and maybe EE & Gonzo may be behind us. That goes for some of the lard @sses coaching from the dug out as well. Since we have Baker and his 3 year contract, he’s staying. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt at this point. But I’m sure they’ll be watching him closely as well. I’m rooting for positive changes from these power guys in the front office. Why else would Bob C bring these guys on? I look forward to seeing if there is anything in the air among the Reds tonight…like any subtle hustle changes.By michael
August 12, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
HuberTucky, I ask myself that same question every day! How can you not be fired up to be living the dream, and doing it with the “Big Red Machine”? As for EE, use him for trade bait. I don’t see him ever being a consistant player, either in the field or at bat.By michael
August 12, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Gonzo should be traded too. He is another low energy, average hitting, oft-injured Reds player from the Griffey- Dunn era. Baker seems to love him and always says “Gonzales will be back next year”. What has he done? Dump him and go get a name brand SS that can make a difference.By HuberTucky
August 12, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
We keep hearing how EE is young and his mistakes will correct. But how do you correct that listless attitude and lack of fire? He seems to have been schooled by a few who are no longer here. The team seems (for years now) to be chock full of unfulfilled potential. Perhaps there is hope. I sure would like to see some guys on the team who at least act as though they are happy to be playing ball at this level rather than waiting for day’s end, a big free meal and a big fat paycheck. Seems they don’t realize how very very lucky they are to be living every boy’s dream and getting handsomely paid daily to play a game. When did these guys lose their zeal?By Steve F
August 12, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Won’t Gonzalaz be back next year ? Keppinger at third or maybe trade for a third baseman. It seems the free agent outfield list is kind of weak. That’s why I wonder if EE can play left.By michael
August 12, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
EE is not fundamentally sound and makes a lot of errors. Would rather have somebody that will make routine plays on a daily basis. Fundamental Small ball on defense works too. EE is good trade bait to get a CF or everyday SS for next year. We have guys who can play 3B for now.By Y-City Jim
August 12, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Why move a player that makes the plays EE makes at 3B? Stupid errors are correctable. Replacing that kind of instinctive talent at 3B is not easy.By Mike
August 12, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Dunn is history. He will bat 4th and play right field tonight against the Rockies. If he thought left field was an adventure, wait till he gets a load of right field!By Steve F
August 12, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Is there a chance EE could be moved to left field ?By Cait
August 12, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Don’t even thik about Sabathia. I’d love to see that happen, but no decent free agent pitcher would want to play in GABP, so our best hope for pitching is through trading and drafting. I am hoping, though, that a great hitter or two can be had for the money saved. Except for a few jerk fans, what hitter wouldn’t love playing in GABP? I’m as disappointed as any other fan in this team’s failure over the past decade, but I don’t blame Jr. and Dunn. They can’t win games by themselves and the Reds have never put enough talent on the field with them. Phillips, Harang, Volquez and, yes, Arroyo, are the only decent acquisitions and all of them are struggling. Jr. left and the team got worse. Dunn’s gone - well, it can’t get worse, now can it? I also don’t see the call for moving Votto to LF next year. Why on earth does anyone think Votto will be better than Dunn defensively? I’m a Reds fan and always will be, but I no longer believe anyone with the Reds who says they are rebuilding. We’ve been promised rebuilt teams for years and it doesn’t happen.By michael
August 12, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Let here it. Here’s my new Line- up and Why. Boy, sure don’t have much to work with! Hairston SS he’s earned it Keppinger 3B fundamentally sound Votto RF Teams best hitter Phillips 2b proven power Bruce CF for now Valentin 1B He can Rake Cabrera LF He wants to play Hanigan C who else?By michael
August 12, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
As long as Bruce plays to the best of his abilities and hustles, he probably won’t get called out. Why did we want Griffey gone? Why do we like Ryan Freel? Freel is not the best fundamental player, but we know he is going to show up everyday. I think a statement is being made that will effect the energy on this team.By Richard
August 12, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
It has already been said that the two players to be named will be minor league players. Why would Arizona trade any one they have on there 40 man roster, that they are winning with and we sure don’t need any that they aren’t winning with, we have a enough of them already. Who in the hell would want to play on this team any way, with the fickle fans we have, by next year Jay Bruce will be there whipping post, if he isn’t playing to there expectations. Instead of calling players names and cussing them all the time, maybe a little support would have been nice. Do you think Bruce liked hearing his mentors called names, while he is in the outfield? Probably realizes he will be next. One or two players do not make a team. Until they play like a team and all quit trying to be home run hitters, it will be the same oh same oh.By michael
August 12, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
I am a fan of Adam Dunn. Don’t think he gets enough credit for his OBP, and I never saw the lack of hustle that others talk about. But, I have to say that I am glad to see the remnants of the losing generation of Reds players leave, and reconstruction begin. I am not sure what will happen, but it really can’t get any worse than it has been over the last 8 years of the Dunn- Griffey era..By Bill
August 12, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
The best thing the Reds could do now is move the entire organization to another city … like somewhere in Alaska. What a joke this team is. Next season lets strive for 38 wins.By MAC
August 12, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
I’m sad to see the big fella go as well. I watched the guy in Dayton, followed him south to Chattanooga and watched w/ much hope @ AAA & Cincy. Even when the guy played extremely well, he couldn’t carry the team to a winning record. Obviously, that wasn’t his fault solely; it’s much more complicated than that. However, I think it’s safe to say the team isn’t ready to win so paying someone that much money didn’t make baseball sense. More importantly, I think the same could be said about Coco, Weathers, Bronson and or Harang as well and that’s exactly why I would have tried to package one or more of them for something in the future when teams where somewhat interested. Arizona has some interesting players performing well @ the AAA level, but I wonder if Cincy will get that much in return for Dunn?By bruiser
August 12, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this
Y City Jim—-lets hope the 2 players to be named later are not off the 40 man roster.No way would the D-backs give up Owings or Scherzer and Peguero will be 28 next year! Of the remaining players, only Josh Whitesell is having a good year and he will be 27 next year. Also, the Reds have a couple of sleeper prospects in outfielders Shaun Cumberland and Sean Henry.By Pat Dolwick
August 11, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
My two cents are … that if you are going to rebuild, then commit to it fully. Target some date painfully out into the future (2012?) and do what is necessary to have the pieces together by then. Castellini might as well save his money until then … other than signing the draft picks. The core is Bruce, Volquez, Cueto, Valaika, EE, & Frazier. Need two more position players & two more pitchers to come through the system prior to 2012, then use the $$ you saved over the past three years to pick up a few free agents to fill in the gaps. I doubt Castellini has the committment to see this painful plan though. Instead, I expect we’ll see a pattern of pointless free agents and 5th place finishes over the forseeable future.By Y-City Jim
August 11, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Did you know that the 2005 Reds score 820 runs? Did you know that the 1975 Reds score 840 runs? 2005 Reds - 73 wins. 1975 Reds - 108 wins. Hmmmmm! What could have been the difference? Maybe the pitching? No, it must have been Dunn and Griffey. Give me a break.By Y-City Jim
August 11, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
The Reds won’t be going after Sabathia or any other high priced free agents. Those days re done. Don’t be surprised if more high payroll players due for raise next season are moved. Cordero may be next. The key to this trade will be the PTBNL.By bigdoc
August 11, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Tucky, As you probably know, Orlando (Tubby) Smith was the classy, community active, good family guy coach of the Kentucky Wildcats from 1998-2007. Many UK fans never game him a chance, bitched and grumbled his entire tenure. End of discussuion from my side—this is a Reds blog! I’m a bleeding-heart-liberal-McGovern supporter (1968) Reds fan—don’t plan to change!By wizard
August 11, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Lets see—21 million now available—can anyone say Sabathia next year? How much is he making now; and what are the other possibilities?By HuberTucky
August 11, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
B-Doc: Thanks for the clarification. I’ve never been on Fay’s blog. But now who is Tubby?By bigdoc
August 11, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
‘Tucky, Probably ‘crude, unjust personal attacks’ would have been more accurate—much more common on Fay’s blog. I am probably oversensitive after listening to years of ‘Tubby-bashing’ in our beloved KY. Melody and tune sound very familiar.By HuberTucky
August 11, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Agree with ShockMonkey’s comments of 6:48. Personally, I do not know the right moves. But I know we were going nowhere with Griffey and Dunn. Could we be lower in the standings without them? Lower than last? worse that horrid? I’m willing to see what Walt does. For sure, something needs doing and with him and Bavasi, two pretty good baseball heads we’ll just have to wait and see. Other than jumping ship, what choice do we have? We’ve been patient sine 2000 and looks like we’ll have to practice more of same. Now bigdoc, you alluded to racist abuse for Dusty baker. I’ve read this blog for months and recall a lot a criticism for the man but don’t know of any racists comments. You sure about that? Or is it just in your head? Got ANY examples Even one?By Tom
August 11, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Mr. McCoy, I don’t understand trading deadlines. Griffey was traded right before the trading deadline, and now a few weeks later, Dunn is traded. How does this work?By dunnfan
August 11, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
What a dumb trade. Dunn, cash and 2 first round picks for an Aball pitcher that had Tommy John last year. At least we still have the Corey.By Y-City Jim
August 11, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Do the Reds go looking for a 1B in the offseason and move Votto to LF? BTW, it has been reported that Dave Miley’s 17-year-old son died in a car crash today. Thoughts and prayers to the Miley family. Simply a parent’s worst nightmare.By Y-City Jim
August 11, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
From Trent Rosecrans Lot D blog: When judging the Adam Dunn trade, don’t forget the two players to be named. The one player announced was Dallas Buck and the other two players have to be minor leaguers. However, those two players to be named are on the Diamondbacks’ 40-man roster, a source tells The Lot D. The Reds wouldn’t have done the deal without getting a Major League-ready pitcher. That means it’s either Micah Owings, Max Scherzer or Jailen Peguero. If it’s Owings or Scherzer, does that change your opinion of the deal? Expect the other to be a position player, which would be catcher Wilkin Castillo or one of two first basemen, Javier Brito or Josh Whitesell.By Jimmy1Time
August 11, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Well I’m back to rant like Denis Miller people. EDWIN GONE! DUSTY, GONE! I was gonna wait till next year to judge. But I cant take it anymore. Bring back DAVEY JOHNSON!!!!!!!!!!! GIVE HIM A BOTTLE OF SOMETHING AND LET HIM WORK HIS MAGIC. I like small ball as much as the next guy. Before I forget, cut FREEL TO PLEASE!!!!!! We need the right people in here. The pitching coach Dick is awful, so is Brook. I’am bitter. We need to make nice with Barry Larkin and get him back at all cost. We need Paul Oneill back as well. I’m just mad HAL, i HATE WHEN WE LOSE. This team need GENE HACKMAN FROM HOOSIERS. THATS WHAT WE NEED. I HOPE WALT KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING MAN. I HOPE. BECASUE WE AS REDS FANS ARE LOSING THE FAITH BRO.By jim m.
August 11, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Wow.. who would think last years outfield of Dunn, Hamilton and Griffey would be replaced by Dickerson, Patterson and Bruce.. WOW the NL central shivers now!!! I still cant see the Reds out of last place till they bring the right players here that HATE losing, HUSTLE, and play defense and hit! Right now 2009 is last place again and more $5 seats and $1 hotdogs.. EXCITING?? NOT!!! I want the Reds ownership to know, I want to see a true legit making of the team that plays to win and post season (if I have to pay $10-15 more a ticket to see a season of winning baseball, its more fun than cheap seats and AAA Reds baseball!!.. and i dont wnat to hear its another 5 year plan.. last place sucks!!By Y-City Jim
August 11, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Good luck, Adam. Obviously run production is not going to be a priority for the new look Reds. It will be interesting to see how Jocketty fills the two holes in the outfield to go along with Jay Bruce because there is no one on the current roster that are worthwhile replacements.By ShockMonkey
August 11, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
sniff-sniff…stop it, I’m gettin’ all misty eyed. Dunn needed to go and so did Griffey. We weren’t going anywhere with either one in the lineup so I applaud Jocketty doing what others didn’t have the stones to do. Time to move forward with a quick memo to Bako, Patterson and EE: I wouldn’t be buying a home in Cincy.By Paul B.
August 11, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Let me add too, I also am not impressed by Mr. Castellini and the powers that be. They seem satisfied with making $$$ and selling hotdogs and beer. Do they care about baseball and the tradition that Cincy had years ago? I know it won’t happen, but it would be nice to find an owner like Mark Cuban and who would pump some life back into the Reds.By Paul B.
August 11, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
I agree with the comment about pitching. The Reds are notorious for blowing pitchers or not even knowing what a good prospect is. Until the organization brings in pitching coaches, the Reds will flounder like the Minor League town it is. Maybe Walt knows, it’s all about $$$. Managers are as good as their players and pitchers.By Tommy Oakes
August 11, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Vz the lineup you have up there is sad. They would be lucky to score 2 runs a game with that. It won’t equal wins and surely won’t boost attendance. Don’t tell me you would pay to go watch that team! It’s a sad day to be a Reds fan. With what will be 8 straight losing seasons in a row you can’t tell me that a youth movement will help. They generally take 6-8 seasons of losing before it turns around and you win some. That’s 14-16 straight losing seasons. That will kill the franchise. They are going to have to spend money to get out of this and I don’t see that happening. Mr. Castellini said the Reds were going to win and weren’t going to lose anymore. Well with a purge and a youth movement then all we are going to do is lose, lose, and lose some more. To win they will have to pay the big bucks for some veterans that can hit .300 and drive in runs to mix in with Bruce and Votto. Well we are all watching what you are going to do Mr. Castellini and so far I’m not impressed.By Mike-Cinci
August 11, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
The Dunn trade was a good financial move for the Reds. With Harang, Arroyo, Cordero all making over $10 million in 2009 and Phillips moving to about $6 million and EE eligible for arbitation and $3-$4 million contract the Reds would have a hard time fitting Dunn into their salary structure. They may be able to afford one or two $5 million players to fill some of the holes. Unfortunately it does not appear the team will be good any time soon but they would not be good if they had kept Dunn either. My guess is Dunn wanted to leave. It will be interesting to see if the Reds can sign their #1 draft pick from Miami(FL). Walt Jocketty has his work cut out for him.By David V.
August 11, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
I am somewhat sad to see 40 Home Runs and 100 RBI leave. However, with the 180 plus strikeouts per year, I am totally shocked we traded him for more than a fungo bat, a rosin bag and a Happy Meal.By Kyle
August 11, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
All this is well and good, but until the Reds do something about pitcher development, it all means nothing. The Reds ruin pitching prospects. I hope Homer gets traded so that he has a chance to work with a decent pitching coach and reach his potential. It isn’t going to happen here. And bigdoc, I agree with you to an extent. I hope Crusty leaves the Queen City too. He couldn’t manage his way out of a wet paper bag. Why you have to drag the race card into it, I really don’t know.By bigdoc
August 11, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Fine work, Hal! I’m sad to see Dunn go—I wish him well. I’m betting no one in Reds history had as many ‘walk-off hits’! They were great fun to watch. ‘Dusty’ Baker is a thoroughly decent, intelligent, baseball man who deserves none of the ignorant, racist abuse he takes on this blog and elsewhere. For his own happiness, I hopes he shakes the dust of the Queen City off his cleats and heads back to California.By Vz
August 11, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Hariston + Phillips + Voto + Bruce + Freel + Keppinger + Hanigan + Dickerson = SMALL BALL and WINS! Griffey and Dunn were cancer. Encarnacion should be next to go and take Weathers and Crusty Baker with you!By bubba knows
August 11, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
dusty was hired to manage a team of slugers and veterns now its youth and his lazy no leadership style must go…eat his salary and get a ball buster in thereBy Pressbox Cigars
August 11, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Its time to say “In Walt we Trust”. He did pretty well in St. Louis and we know it takes time to build a winner unless you have New York Yankee $$$. Might not be what the fans wanted to see (Griffey and Dunn traded),but having a chance to win the division will put more fans in the seats then Dunn and Griffey being in the line up.By Kevin
August 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
So who`s your team leader now Bake? Brandon(watch what I can do)Philips..or Edwin(i only open my mouth to swear in Spanish)Encarnacion?!