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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 37th 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 > 2009 > February > 13 > Entry
It’s time: Spring training is here
From the beach at Siesta Key (not really, I’m in my condo in Sarasota — I’d be on the beach, but sand and laptop computers don’t agree):
I’m here to cover spring training with the Cincinnati Reds for the 37th year, our last in Sarasota before moving to Goodyear, Ariz., for 2010.
With the Reds leaving, I can’t imagine what condition the City of Sarasota Sports Complex will be in. Do they care anymore? Last year they had problems with toilet stoppage (and let’s have no comments about the smell emanating more from the field and the fifth-place Reds than from the commodes).
By the way, with all the travel problems last year, I have a new favorite airline.
AirTran.
There were no extra luggage charges. Both legs of my flight, from Dayton to Baltimore and from Baltimore to Sarasota, left early and arrived early. And not only did my luggage arrive with me, the wheels on my suitcase were intact.
And we were treated to FREE beverages and a FREE bag of bagel chips.
The pitchers and catchers report Saturday morning for physical examinations, the first workout is at 1:30.
Oh, yeah, it was 77 degrees today and it is supposed to remain in that vicinity for the next week, enabling the Reds to begin working out in earnest to improve last year’s fifth-place finish.
Will they?
They have to prove it to me — and everybody else. What was done over the winter wasn’t overly dramatic — the additions of CF/leadoff hitter Willy Taveras, the addition of catcher Ramon Hernandez (second most errors, second most passed balls in the American League last year and at the cost of Ryan Freel), LHP pitcher Arthur Rhodes — all 39 years of him — plus minor-league contracts for outfielders Jonny Gomes and Jacque Jones.
I don’t think boots are quaking in Chicago, St. Louis, Houston and Milwaukee, but there is always hope to catch lightning in a thimble. People point out the success of Tampa Bay last year, but the Rays were loaded with excellent young players who all came through.
For the Reds to do the same, everything has to fall in place, everybody has to play to their abilities or above and injuries have to be avoided (and how often does that happen?).
But that’s why they play the schedule, and let’s see what develops over the next seven weeks. Stay tuned for daily reports in this locale as the Reds work on their game and I work on my tan (I forgot my sun tan lotion, but I think they have some at the drug store).
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Comments
By Inheshodo
August 1, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this
dsfgsdfg dfssdfgf fdsgsdfgsdBy Freekee
June 1, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this
Точно Хорошую информацию трудно добыть. (А сделать с ней что-нибудь - ещё труднее) :)By Адриан
May 5, 2009 1:24 AM | Link to this
Вот что-то подобное у меня уже неделю из головы не выходит!By Родион Меньшиков
April 3, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
НЕ в тему немного, но радует, что автор к блогу не просто тупо взял какую то тему для Wordpress, а сделал что то свое и вкладывает в это дело душу.By Y-City Jim
February 15, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
Only three NL teams had fewer base runners than the Reds last year. The Reds had about 250 fewer base runners than the Cubs. That said, the Reds crappy offense was a team effort.By Wizard
February 15, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this
I do believe that there were numerous reasons why we could say we lost out on 10-15 additional wins last year, maybe more: Dunn and Griffey’s poor responses with men on base/Dunn and Griffey’s poor defense and base running/Gonzales being out for the season/Patterson’s being in the lineup/Poor pitching early from Harang and Arroyo/poor catching performances/poor baserunning—ALL OF WHICH were the responsibility of those on the field! Great managers at ANY level are the result of player performances!By michael
February 15, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this
hey…we have to pay the great Willy Tavares 3+ million a year somehow. Ticket prices= player paychecks.By Boxter
February 14, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Mary, try and buy a DECENT seat for $19.00. You must be one of those bleacher bums for 7 bucks.By michael
February 14, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this
Well put Coast…not a fan of this entire Reds administration. Baffling personnel moves and managerial decisions, and now Arizona. They can’t take away my memories of the Big Red Machine, Marge, and spring training at Al Lopez field and Florida.By TheCoastMan
February 14, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this
ah…Spring training.. when every team is a contender… Reality check; if Lou or Trader Jack were running this show we might have a shot at surprising, but with Dusty, we can count on wrong moves pretty much every game and being out of contention by May 1st. Clearly, he cost us 10-15 wins last year by stubbornly keeping Patterson in center and Grif in the #3 spot when he should have been in the 8 hole. This year? Well he has his sub .200 hitting ex-Cub for left field…just watch and see…This was the year to sign a couple of good free agents at huge discounts…simply put, Castellini and Jocketty blew it. Since we will end up with a lefty in left field anyway we missed a huge opportunity to sign Abreu to a 2 year deal at a super discount… Lefty or righty, a consistent veteran bat that could hit for both power and average in the middle of the lineup is what this team needed to even speak the word contender. Instead, Harang must bounce back, Bronson must find consistency, a fifth starter, that can hold his own, must emerge, Volquez must perform like last year (not likely), Cueto must step it up, Tavares must return to his 2007 form, Hernandez must find a way to throw out runners and not lead the league in errors, again, Bruce and Votto must avoid sophomore slumps, Gonzalez must return to form after being out a year, Hairston and Dickerson must find a way to avoid the injury bug, EE needs to continue to improve on his throwing issues, etc. etc. Does anyone really believe that the Gods are going to smile down on us and make all this come together? Okay, so you say you’re not religious — then what are the odds statistically that all of these things come together? And if they do, it might only be good enough for 3rd or 2nd place contention. IMHO, and I pray that I am wrong, but considering the manager position and the intangibles, I see this team fighting it out with Pittsburg for the cellar all year and being out of contention by May 1st. If some of these things can come together, however, maybe we make a play for 4th. One thing is for sure, at least we will have a lot of young and exciting talent to watch.By nyc
February 14, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this
the reds SUCK…as they do every year…they make no serious off-season moves …just cosmetic ones…and thats why their season will be over by june…..By Chuck
February 14, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this
It’s simple Mary … as usual Boxter doesn’t know what the hell he is talking about … keep reading his idiotic posts for some good laughs …By rob in stl
February 14, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
Since when has the starting rotation been a strength? With all the hand wringing over the lineup, and rightfully so, cyber GM’s haven’t mentioned the front four in the rotation. Next to the Cubs, the Reds have the best starting staff in the division. Now if we can just get a defense behind mssrs. Harang, Arroyo, Cueto, and Volquez……By Mike-Cinci
February 14, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
It is clear Hal does not think too much of Hernandez as a catcher. I prefer to wait to see what he does on the field for the Reds. If he is bad he will be gone after this season. If he is good the team will be better. Ross and LaRue were not big contributors. Catching has been a weak spot for several years. Doing nothing about the position would be unacceptable. Hal does not think the Reds have much of a chance to compete this year indicating he does not think much of Jocketty’s baseball moves….at least so far. Hal may be right but let’s see what happens on the field. The Reds record will tell us all we need to know. By the way Bobby Abreu signed for $5 million with the Angels. This means the other 29 teams in baseball offered less, made no offer, or he preferred to play for the best offer from a team who had a chance for the playoffs. The Angels draw twice as many fans as the Reds at higher ticket prices. This is a well financed team in a market with a much weathier fan base than southwest Ohio/northern KY. Southern California is not a bad place to play baseball…even for a mere $5 million.By Florida Buckeye
February 14, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this
Welcome to FL Hal! My preseason thoughts w/r to the Reds are as follows: I think that the Reds as an organization did more this year by getting rid of players than by adding them. Which is simple, addition, by subtraction. If we remember, the first half of the year, the middle part of the order was bogged down by Griffey, and an, at times, ineffectual Dunn…the front of the order by CP, and the bottom by Bako…so, we/the Reds, were giving away waaaay too many outs per nine innings…at the very least, I expect the Reds to be a better offensive team, and I expect a better performance out of Harang. What I dont like is that EE is still on the club, and that the need for a proven, healthy CFielder wasnt addressed…IN all honesty I think the Reds will be an over five hundred team, but barely…third place, but a winning season! I look forward to it, regardless…By Mary
February 14, 2009 11:03 AM | Link to this
Sorry about the duplicate post—is there any way to remove a post once it’s submitted?By Mary
February 14, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this
I’m a bit puzzled as to where Boxter got the info that the Reds are one of the most expensive tickets in baseball. Last year their average ticket price was $19.41, while the major league average was $25.43; they announced that 2009 prices would not rise from 2008. How does this make them one of the most expensive tickets in baseball?By Mary
February 14, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this
I’m a bit puzzled as to where Boxter got the info that the Reds are one of the most expensive tickets in baseball. Last year their average ticket price was $19.41, while the major league average was $25.43; they announced that 2009 prices would not rise from 2008. How does this make them one of the most expensive tickets in baseball?By redfuture
February 14, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
Hal. In your article discussing 8 points, one of them was about the leadership void now that Grif & Dunn are gone. While they were here those two were always described as NOT leader types. Dusty called them into his office and asked them to lead but they did not as always. I think that it is more correctly stated that they were a ‘presence’ but they were not leaders. I think the removal of their ‘presence’ will allow the leadership qualities of Phillips and Votto to emerge!By Don
February 14, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
Bobby Abreau signed a 1 year, 5 million dollar deal with incentives. Did the Reds even contact him? He may have still said no, but at least we could see they tried. He may not be the same player he was, but 5M is a steal and we still need an OF.By Boxter
February 14, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
Tavares will not play 100 games. Book it! he will have the same “injuries” as the past. Everyone is trying sell his speed and the 68 SB or whatever years ago. You can’t steal first and you can’t steal sitting on the DL. Just another smoke and mirrors job that will fade very quickly. 75-87 and 17 games back ….again.By Edward
February 14, 2009 9:01 AM | Link to this
Actually I agree with Shockmonkey and his assertion that the Reds can’t win with Dusty managing - they can’t … the league thought we were nuts to hire Dusty and give him a three year deal with it. No way Walt J would have hired Dusty and it got Krivski fired because as soon as he hired Dusty, Walt probably called Castillini and told him what an incredibly dumb move it was … I just hope he Dusty gets fired before he does too much damage.By Rick M
February 14, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
Hernandez, …2nd most PB’s and 2nd most errors?? Great, just great, just what I like to see. More doo-doo on the field as if Triple E (EEE as in ERROR on EDWIN ENVARNACION)weren’t enough. But at least Freel is gone. Took a while to make my wish come true, but that out-making machine is outta here along with his low on base percentage, his trips to the DL, the possibility or eventuality of him severely crashing into Jay Bruce and thereby putting Bruce in a wheelchair for life, and his heavy-heavy-heavy-heavy propensity for base-running blunders. The question goes begging….did Freel attend ‘The Chris Sabo School of Baserunning’??? Baker will be fired at the All-Star Break of 2010. Then we can restart the rebuilding process.By Chuck
February 14, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this
Scott - are you paying any attention at all to the Reds - they traded a popular player Freel for a catcher making $6 million or so a year - Ramon Hernandez - Hannigan is not going to start. And Catcher is not one of their weaker positions either - you didn’t mention LF and the Reds laughable attempts to pretend they have a replacement for Dunn’s 40/100/100/100 annual production. CF is also probably weak as well as Taverez is not proven. In fact the Reds have only 3 “not weak” position players - Bruce, Votto and Phillips.By michael
February 14, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this
The Reds have tried to sell us on Tavares… I don’t buy it. Center field was a key need and they blew it. Dickerson can do what Tavares will do and at a lower cost. Gonzo is penciled in at SS…quit wasting time, trade him and let Valaika play. This team will not compete unless the Pitching staff dominates. So quit wasting money on mediocre Veterans like Tavares, Hernandez, Gonzo, and all of those has- been Outfielders. Let the kids play…they where pretty fun to watch at the end of 2008.By Boxter
February 14, 2009 7:52 AM | Link to this
The Reds have done nothing to improve this team. They have the excuse they have been waiting for in years this year….the economy. They are a 75 win team at best with some of the highest ticket prices in baseball. Go fiqure.By Scott
February 14, 2009 7:17 AM | Link to this
I agree that CF and Catcher seem to be our weakest spots at the moment. I hope that Ryan Hannigan can prove management wrong and win the start spot by Opening Day. Is the coaching staff still intact for the Reds? Here’s to 2009! Go Reds!By MAC
February 14, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this
Aw Spring Training; what a great time of the year. Hopefully our young guys improve and learn how to win a few more games this season. My big concern is Willy T in CF and RH behind the plate. Every article I’ve read seem to have these two CEMENTED into the lineup no matter how well they play? Please Dusty, no more CP moments w/ these two…play the guys that R hot no matter who’s making the most money. Enjoy it Hal; I wish I was there w/ U.By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
February 13, 2009 11:49 PM | Link to this
It just wouldn’t be the start of the season with shockmoney’s incessant pessimism and Y-City’s obsessive complaining about Baker. Wait? They changed the rules of baseball? When did they do that? Do batters still bat, pitchers still pitch? Do runners still go counter-clockwise? Please Lord, a respite from the dime store, fantasy league, know-nothing managers for at least a few days of the season.By quirk
February 13, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this
77 Degrees, nice. See ya all in Sarasota on Mar 18. Soon to be laid off from DHL and cant think of anything better to do with a little severance than going to Sunny Florida…. Go Reds!!By ShockMonkey
February 13, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this
I still don’t see how we can win with EE at 3rd and Dusty in the dugout. Until those change, can’t see better than 3rd place at best. Hope I’m wrong but Hal and myself are on the same page. Too many career years needed.By ctownboy
February 13, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this
Wow, just think if the mafia owned the Reds. Then, instead of threatening to cut a player and send him to the Minors or the unemployment line, they could threaten to take him over to the Mote Marine Laboratory and feed him to the sharks. Think the players then might LEARN how to Bunt or hit the ball to the opposite field? Think the Manager might remember who can and who can NOT Bunt, which Pitcher IS really better facing a Left Handed batter or how to actually put a GOOD line up together. You know, one based on WHO is good and where they should play instead of WHO the favorite or highest paid player is?By B-Rad
February 13, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this
Bask in the glow of Spring Training because it will be the only time this year that the Reds won’t be in last place!By Bill-Georgetown
February 13, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this
Reds in 2009: 88-90 wins; 2nd place, or 3rd place in division. 7-8 more wins, than last year-between Harang and Arroyo Five more wins, than last year from the fifth starter{s} spot This team will surprise. Expect another move of importance prior to going north.By Y-City Jim
February 13, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
While I don’t expect much out of the Reds over the long haul of this season, it will still be exciting to see the progress of players such as Votto, Bruce, Encarnacion, Cueto, Volquez, Bailey, etc. I hope that Baker can show some ability to understand that the game is not played by the same rules the governed the game when he played.By Danny Sauter
February 13, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
Sounds great, Hal. Enjoy the warm weather - and let’s put together a winning team this year, eh?