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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 > 2009 > February > 16 > Entry
Taveras: “I can steal 100 bases”
Willy Taveras can do the math.
-Only 533 late appearances last year.
-Only a .251 batting average last year.
-Only a .302 on-base average last year.
And still he stole 68 bases for the Colorado Rockies.
Taveras, newest leadoff hitter for the Cincinnati Reds, doesn’t change expressions when he says, “I can steal 100 bases this year.”
That’s because Taveras believes he should get 700 plate appearances this year. He also believes he can hit .300 and raise his on-base average to .350.
“Do all that and, yes, I can see steal 100 bases,” he said.
Taveras sat a lot last season, a Never On Sunday player.
“I can remember only playing one game on Sunday all year, for some reason,” he said.
There can’t be a happier man anywhere to be in a different venue.
“I’m more than excited,” he said. “I’m pleased to be here. I’m so blessed to be able to put on a major-league uniform, I’m blessed to play for Dusty Baker and I’m blessed to play with my friend, Edwin Encarnacion and I’m blessed to play for the Cincinnati Reds.”
Taveras said some things escaped him last year in Colorado and he plans to recapture some 2007 magic when he hit .320.
“I have to use my speed and bunt more,” he said. “I got away from that last year. I’m working on it and I can say that I’ll try to bunt at least once a game. I need to do that to put pressure on the other team - first by bunting, then by stealing bases. No excuses. I’ll be better.”
MANAGER DUSTY BAKER was talking about the possibility of three Latinos in the rotation (Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Ramon Ramirez) and somebody asked how important it might be to have a Latin catcher like Ramon Hernandez.
“Well, (pitching coach) Dick Pole, me and (third baseman) Edwin Encarnacion all speak Spanish, too,” said Baker. “Of course, Edwin talks so low you can’t here him. That probably comes from the fact he comes from such a large family (15 brothers and sisters), so he probably was never heard anyway.”
SPEAKING OF CATCHER Hernandez, Baker is trying to give him a crash course in learning the pitchers. The newly acquired Hernandez is leaving camp to begin March 2 practice with the Venezuelan team for the World Baseball Classic.
Baker is trying to get Hernandez to catch every pitcher in camp at least once during their sessions before he leaves, “Give Ramon a condensed synopsis of our pitching. He is leaving so soon I was concerned. But he said he went through the same thing in Baltimore and came out OK. He is one of the best catchers out of his country and everybody is short of catching.”
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By Parker in CIncinnati
February 18, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this
How Great of a move that would be if Taveras completes his goals, Trading a beat up Rayn Freel, (I will miss him though) for a good catcher and picking up the best Leadoff hitter in the Majors. I would assume ” 700 plate appearances this year. He also believes he can hit .300 and raise his on-base average to .350.” [with 100 steals] would get him the title of the Best leadoff man.
By BrarHopper
February 17, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this
Don’t know about you folks, but I’m sure gonna miss Kyle after his last post. Uh, wasn’t that also his first post? I wasn’t paying attention. Kyle who?
By buster
February 17, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this
You guys all seem mildly upset that Taverez sets goals that will help the team win … and then you get mildly upset when he doesn’t mention everything downstream he will also want to do (runs scored, wins)… let’s just assume Taverez wants to “play everyday” … “have a .380 OB%” … “steal 100 bases” … “score 120 runs” … “make very few errors” … “be a good teammate” … “get the hit that wins the Reds the 2009 World Series” … “and perhaps cure cancer”. Now we can all move on to something important.
By Boxter
February 17, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this
Glad to see he wants 100 steals. No mention of runs scored which helps win games. If he steals 200 bases and scores 50 times…. big deal. His past begs that he plays in 100 games first.
By Tom
February 17, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this
We’ll see. Can’t steal any if you don’t get on.
By Rockieredsfan
February 17, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this
Sorry Reds fans, Willie won’t stay healthy enough to accomplish what he would love to. That was his problem was with the Rockies. He is on the way down, not up, trust me, you will see as the season gets deep into the midddle. He no longer has the mental or physical toughness.
By Howie Feltersnatch
February 17, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
100 steals is meaningless unless it equates to runs scored. There have been a lot of basestealers who pad this stat by swiping a base in a situation where it is not called for. I hope Willy blazes the basepaths but don’t do it by taking the bat out of someone elses hand.
By Howie Feltersnatch
February 17, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
100 steals is meaningless unless it eauates to runs scored. There have been a lot of basestealers who pad this stat by swiping a base in a situation where it is not called for. I hope Willy blazes the basepaths but don’t do it by taking the bat out of someone elses hand.
By rob in stl
February 17, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this
One thing I like about Taveras is he has been a major contributor on 2 World Series teams. He has experienced winning which is an attribute that can’t be quantified with stats.
By Matt
February 17, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this
It’s good to see some confidence coming from a guy like Taveras. He has proven that he can play, and the Reds made the right decision to take a chance on him I believe. The Reds will definitely be better defensively and have more speed, barring injury, but the question I think is do they have enough offense in order to win? Hopefully Taveras can lead the way toward a productive offense and a few more wins this year. Go Reds!!
By Mike-Cinci
February 17, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this
Bobs, starting this Wednesday the Reds should be practicing twice a day, in the morning from 9-12 and in the afternoon starting around 1:30pm. (Hal, please correct me if I have this wrong). They practice on the fields next to the Ed Smith stadium. You can get right next to the batting cages and see all the major and minor league players up close and personal. It’s fun if you like baseball. I believe they practice every day but Sunday. Personally I enjoy the 7-10 days of practice before they start playing the spring training games.
By Richard
February 17, 2009 7:32 AM | Link to this
If Willy steals 67 or 167, it doesn’t matter unless the players behind him bring him home. He will have done his job. The rest of the lineup need to do there job. That is the bottom line
By Pete
February 17, 2009 7:11 AM | Link to this
OK Willy….let’s see ya git-r-dun! Ain’t gonna happen.
By Marge & Schotsie
February 17, 2009 2:32 AM | Link to this
Sorry Willy but no one on the Reds will ever steal 100 bases. Rusty Baker will see to that. Not only does Rusty Baker not know how to manage pitchers or develop a stable batting order, but he sure doesn’t know how to manufacture runs via speed.
By Cody
February 16, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this
Dream on-Not unless he’s Rickey Henderson! Eric Davis (young/pre-injury Davis) was the fastest Red I’ve ever seen. If he got on with a walk, he was on third base within the next 4 pitches!
By Harry the Horse
February 16, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this
I think the most revealing comment the HOF wrote about Willy Tavares is he is good friends with EE. Maybe this is what EE needs in the clubhouse to get him to calm down and reach his potential. Tavares bedeviled the Reds when he was with Houston. Walks, Walks, Walks will get Willy to 100…. Tablesetting 101…
By Jimmy1Time
February 16, 2009 10:53 PM | Link to this
I hope! In my years since my first game in 1990, I have never seen a small ball tea in Cinci. And I cant wait for it! I told Rick M, we will lead the league in hits and SB’s! I know it in my heart. And our pitching will do just enough to win the division. I feel so good about this team. Votto is going to have a George Brett type season. YES I said George Brett! And I hope B.P. goes 30/30 again. HAl you have to like this team alot, its chances are great for something special, right?
By michael
February 16, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this
goodbye Kyle
By Kyle
February 16, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this
Hal, I love this blog. Have enjoyed it over the winter when you would throw us a bone. But I have to say, I’m done reading the comments of these idiots. I’ll read your great insights, but all the negativity in these “fans” just gets to me. Have a great year.
By bobs
February 16, 2009 4:37 PM | Link to this
Hal, will be down in Sarasota over the weekend. Will there be anything to see and/or able to get into the stadium to watch practice…however boring that may be.
By Buster
February 16, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
Vince Coleman stole over 100 bases three years in a row in the mid 80’s … Maury Wills stole 104 in early ‘60’s … Lou Brock stole 118 or so in 1974. Ricky is the king and has the record of 130 which will never be topped.
By ctownboy
February 16, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
Maury Wills stole 104 bases back in 1962 and Vince Coleman stole 100+ bases a couple of times for the Cardinals back in the early 1980’s.
By JasonL
February 16, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
Just for the record, Henderson, Brock, Maury Wills, and Vince Coleman have stolen 100 bases. Henderson and Coleman both did it multiple times. I don’t think Taveras is going to steal a hundred or anything close to it, but stuff like this is pretty easy to look up.
By Press Box Cigars
February 16, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
(Corrected) Willy Taveras, God love his spirt. I think only one player in MLB history stole 100+ bases in a year. I believe 1982 was year and 130 was the number that Rickey Henderson owns. Henderson went into the Hall this year, thats why he could steal 100 bases. He was pretty good. If Willy Taveras does 100 steals this year, I will buy Hal McCoy 100 Cuban Cigars. Good Luck Willy…..
By ctownboy
February 16, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this
Willy T stole 68 bases last year. BIG DEAL!!! As a team, the Rockies scored more Runs than the Reds yet Willy T scored only 64 Runs himself. So, how did he REALLY help them with that many Steals? Also, as a team, the Reds lead off hitters were BETTER than the Rockies lead off hitters last year and that includes Corey (swing at the first Pitch) Patterson. So, the Reds are hyping a guy who couldn’t get on base very well and whose Steals really didn’t help an Offense. Maybe Willy T didn’t play on Sundays last year because his Manager didn’t want to cuss on the Sabbath every time he made an Out.
By Press Box Ciagrs
February 16, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this
Willy Taveras, God love his spirt. I think only one player in MLB history stole 100+ bases in a year. I believe 1982 was year and 132 was the number that Rickey Henderson owns. Henderson went into the Hall this year, thats why he could steal 100 bases. He was pretty good. If Willy Taveras does 100 steals this year, I will buy Hal McCoy 100 Cuban Cigars. Good Luck Willy…..
By Mike-Cinci
February 16, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this
I caught up with Hal today at Gus’s 12th Street Cafe across from Ed Smith Stadium. Hal looks great. In answer to the question how the Reds might do…we both agreed “time will tell”. Hal looks ready for the season. The Reds and many fans will miss Sarasota starting next year. It is a great spot for spring training. In my opinion, none better.
By Mke-Cinci
February 16, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
Who cares if the players play for their home country in the world baseball classic. MLB set this up. They want the players to do this. Spring training lasts forever this year. The pitchers reported Feb.15. Opening day is April 6. That’s 7 weeks. There is plenty of time to get ready for the season. I’m glad Taveras is happy and optimistic. That’s much better than being a grump and pessimistic. Imagine what we would think if he said he hated the Reds, did not want to bunt or steal, and wished he played somewhere else. Give the guy a break. He’s the best base stealing threat the Reds have had since a young Eric Davis. His play will determine how much we love or hate him. Not liking him before he plays makes no sense.
By STuttgartTim
February 16, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this
Come on guys, try to see their side of this. Are you telling me if you were playing soccer in Europe, you wouldn’t want to play for the US in the World Cup?
By drunkenhopfrog
February 16, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this
Oh, and WT has an 82% career success rate stealing bases. That means he plans on making roughly making 25 outs after one of the paltry .331 times that he gets on base. Let’s assume the best and that he hits his “goals.” 700PAx.350 = 245 times on base… gets thrown out 25 times while reaching for his goal. Might as well call that a .321 OBP… yeah, thanks WT. Good way to help the team.
By drunkenhopfrog
February 16, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this
Willy is 27 with a career OBP of .331. It’s a bit comic for him to reach for the lofty heights of JJ Hardy’s OBP last year. Unless he develops a new skill… like batting or walking. Or if he invents a new way to get on-base. Maybe a 5-3 putout on a bunt attempt can be ruled a hit when WT is at the plate. Yeah. There is his chance for a stellar .350 OBP.
By Big Daddy
February 16, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this
Did I miss a new MLB rule that says hitters are now allowed to steal first?
By Will
February 16, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
I think the WBC can be a good thing for teams. It gives the team an opportunity to take a look at guys who whouldnt normally get a lot of playing time in spring.
By Jack
February 16, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this
Isn’t our country’s unofficial motto, God, Country, Family. These guys have a chance to represent their country, not too many greater honors out there. On Wily, if you are going to dream, dream high. I do not see it happening, but I like his goals.
By michael
February 16, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this
Isn’t this their country? Don’t we, the Reds fan, pay them to play for us? I agree, RH needs to be in camp catching his staff. Harang, Arroyo, and especially the youngsters need him around just as much. Be loyal to YOUR team.
By Ryan Kahn. Madison, IN
February 16, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this
How many other of our players are going to the baseball classic? What Hernanddez needs to do is be in camp catching his new pitchers. I mean yeah it’s important for these guys to go represent their countries but come on…why did it have to be this year damn it? We got a lot riding and some of our guys are gonna be gone for half of camp…right? If I were them i would be interested in making my team, the team that gives me all that scratch to send home to my family happy, thats what they need to do. I guess E.E. Volquez Cueto and everybody else is going to huh?