By wizard

May 10, 2009 12:46 AM | Link to this

“Major league managers and coaches spend more time with players in the cage, than any HS coach could possibly see.” This is undoubtedly true. Incidentally, most of my experience in coaching was in football, not baseball.The one year I coached HS baseball, we won the district championship, and were close to winning the State regional championship—until my catcher and pitcher, ON THEIR OWN, decided they were going to hit the opponents leadoff hitter, in the bottom of the 12th inning! Of course he was sacrificed to second—and the next hitter won the State Regional championship for them, with a base hit to center! Each level of coaching, need I say,provides its own difficulties, including immaturity or just plain stupidity! Your points are well taken in baseball concerning HS and college coaching vs pro coaches—and the time that can be given to player development. The same applies to each level of play for football—college coaches, in many schools, can spend much more time on the game and it’s nuances, than can a high school coach who has to teach a class all day. Depending on the division{div.1, or whatever}many college coaches do not have to teach; and can devote their entire day on whatever part of the game they want to address.

By BrarHopper

May 10, 2009 12:39 AM | Link to this

Colgate, it sure would be nice if you’d end your personal delusion of thinking you are witty and/or intelligent. You are neither. And ask around…the more you tell me to go away the more I’ll be in your hair…if you have any. And remember, my original comments to you were not about the topic, they were in defense of people you were flaming and name calling. So when you knock that shite off, I’ll back down. See?

By wizard

May 10, 2009 12:14 AM | Link to this

Your posts seem to agree with what Dusty has done with his player lineup—perhaps we should agree to disagree—although I enjoy the challenge, and may learn something along the way. “The problem comes when the hot hand is in the lineup when he goes cold then you have sacrificed that game rather than trusting your own judgement and playing the player with the better ability even though he may be in a cold spell.”-says colgar.The above statement, by you, does not encourage my agreement, because if we consider the Gonzales/Janish history during the first part of this season—Gonzo had a very long period, when he did absolutely nothing to help the Reds offensively; and often hurt them{one example being his strikeout at the end of a game, when runners were in scoring position, and he did not deliver-there were other examples during his LONG dry spell}. So here you have, in reverse, what you claim playing a ‘hot hand’, instead of the more talented player would bring. Dusty,’trusting his judgment’and continuing to play Gonzo for as long as he did, IMO, hurt the Reds a great deal— when Janish was hot, and base hits from him, would have created different and perhaps winning, instead of losing, results.This is why, I believe, your bench must be inserted, even if, as I said before, you play the starter and the sub on alternate days. This way, both remain ready to play, and one or the other, can then be asked to play two straight days,if their play recommends it! Both players are then shown respect; and they can both feel less pressure, relax and play well. There is little difference in these two, defensively. I suppose we can agree Gonzo has more HR abilities—but, he isn’t demonstrating much prowess there these days, either. I will look at the rest of your post, and if I think of anything else regarding your thoughts on the game—I will try not to embarrass myself by commenting.Your gentlemanly comments are appreciated, if not agreed to.

By Colgar

May 9, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this

Now to an intelligent poster, Wizard. I understand your point about wanting to win now and playing the hot hand. The problem comes when the hot hand is in the lineup when he goes cold then you have sacrificed that game rather than trusting your own judgement and playing the player with the better ability even though he may be in a cold spell. When players aren’t hitting they DO go to the cage and figure it out but any professional baseball coach or manager will tell you the cage is different from the game. By playing the “hot” hand over the player with the better talent you may sneak a win in one game then give back three wins when the “hot” hand shows that he was “hotter” than he was talented. Again not to dismiss your experience but your reliance on evidence from one particular game points out why HS and College managers rarely move on the majors. They tend to micro manage everything. Over manage to the point that they ruin a lot of raw talent. Go to a HS game and you will see the hit and run, squeeze etc. overused. It is as if the coach thinks he has to use those strategies or he’s not trying. Give me the coach that teaches the techniques and lets the players put them into practice in games rather than trying to over strategize. The same with the “hot” hand theory. It is the over emphasis on the “Hot” hand that is not seeing the forest for the trees. Major league managers and coaches spend more time with players in the cage, than any HS coach could possibly see. They understand that over the long haul that talent will win out even though a player may struggle in the short term. So Pujols went 0-for-4 on Friday and infielder Tyler Green hit a home run. Does that show that Green is hot and Pujols is not? Shouldn’t LaRussa be playing Green at first since he is hotter than Pujols on one night? Since you backed up your point by pointing out what Hanigan and Janish did on Friday doesn’t it stand to reason that Pujols should have been benched? I compared Hank Aaron’s first 42 games with Dickerson’s. Someone pointed out that I could do that comparison with 500 players and he was right. That was my entire point. Players with ability will eventually figure things out but they need to play in games to do that. How sad it would have been if Charlie Grimm was as reactionary and impulsive as a HS coach and benched Aaron for Bobby Thompson because he was 6-for-9 on 4/23 and 4/24 at the same time Aaron was struggling with a .217 average until that date?

By colgar

May 9, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

Brar Hopper once again you added nothing to the discussion. Show some intelligence or just run along and play.

By Brar Hopper

May 9, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

Colgar, Germantown? Ach! Pretty lame excuse on your part for being so ignorant. And “grammer?” Your spelling is right up there with your grammar. Okay, Colgate, here’s something you might understand — Sieg heil!!!

By wizard

May 9, 2009 12:02 AM | Link to this

“Wizard with respect to your experience in HS and College, the major leagues is a different animal in the respect that there are so many games.” says colgar. My only point here was to suggest that I experienced the second guessing, like Dusty is, and most coaches do.I am aware of the seasons length; all the more reason to play the hot hands—since there will be plenty of playing time later for those not hitting now! “It is a difficult decision to play a hot hand or let a “cold hand” like Phillips or Dickerson find his stroke.” Says colgar. Not IMO. If your players go several weeks without hitting—it’s time for a change; ESPECIALLY,if you have others who are producing like Janish, Hanigan and Nix! “Every game is important but at the same time the long haul has to be considered. I don’t think players can find their stroke on the bench and sometimes it is just not that clear who should be playing at any given time.”says colgar. My opinion of this statement is that you are stretching a bit to make a point.Players cannot MAINTAIN their stroke while sitting on the bench, either! So those hitting should play before those not hitting. At the very least, they should be alternating daily; and Baker never permitted this!

By wizard

May 8, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

“Wizard with respect to your experience in HS and College, the major leagues is a different animal in the respect that there are so many games. My only point here was: At any level there is always second guessing; irregardless of how long a season is. I am very much aware of the season length in MLB. It is a difficult decision to play a hot hand or let a “cold hand” like Phillips or Dickerson find his stroke. Not for me! It isn’t difficult at all. I don’t buy your argument. Your argument tries to justify bad managerial maneuvers—not playing players who are hitting, when their counterpart isn’t makes no sense to me—I want to win, NOW. If you aren’t hitting, get in the cage and figure it out—but, in the meantime Janish is hitting, and will be in the lineup until he doesn’t because his defense is every bit your equal! Same point would be made for Hanigan, when Ramon was playing and not hitting. You saw tonight that Hanigan can hit, AND throw people out. I disagree with your “find their stroke” theory. I and many others on this blog have eyes, and can see what is happening. Baker may be closer to the situation-but that doesn’t always translate to being wiser, IMO. Sometimes he ‘doesn’t see the forest for the trees’. Every game is important but at the same time the long haul has to be considered. I don’t think players can find their stroke on the bench and sometimes it is just not that clear who should be playing at any given time. And, players can’t MAINTAIN their stroke, by sitting when they should be playing.AND, “if it’s not clear” who should be playing—play the hot hand! Every day a manager fills out a lineup card with no guarantees. Once the name is on the card the flesh and blood in the game have to perform.” You mean like tonight, when once again Janish,and Hanigan performed, like they have been all year—without adequate playing opportunities? They have more than proven themselves to this manager. He’s an idiot for not having played them more.Thanks for your thoughts; I just don’t agree on much except on Dickerson. I think the league has found his weakness in hitting—low pitches! He can’t find them.

By Colgar

May 8, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

RC and Wizard my point is this. Statistics whatever they are spring training, minor league and a hot streak are very often misleading. An example, we all know what a great season Votto had last year but his numbers in spring training were awful. Hatteburg earned the opening day start and Dusty rewarded his efforts with one. In doing so he gained a lot of respect in the clubhouse by rewarding a hard working and respected player for his body of work. Yet Dusty knew as we all did that Votto was the Reds future. Wizard with respect to your experience in HS and College, the major leagues is a different animal in the respect that there are so many games. It is a difficult decision to play a hot hand or let a “cold hand” like Phillips or Dickerson find his stroke. Every game is important but at the same time the long haul has to be considered. I don’t think players can find their stroke on the bench and sometimes it is just not that clear who should be playing at any given time. Every day a manager fills out a lineup card with no guarantees. Once the name is on the card the flesh and blood in the game have to perform. Dusty above all else knows how the player feel and is a stickler about communicating with them. Athletes at this level all have pride and a strong competitve drive but they can’t all be in the lineup. I have no idea whether Dickerson will end up being a superstar but I believe he has the tools to be. And I am not opposed to Nix playing because I believe he also has the ability to do great things. Who knows Johnny Gomes could get a break and end up better than both of them. I just think that Dusty knows better than any of us do about the individual players and even then it is an educated guess. It is very hard for me to criticize the guy on game-to-game results. How was my grammer professor Briar Hopper.

By Colgar

May 8, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this

BrarHopper for your information my grammer was from Germany not West Virginia and thank you very much for adding absolutely nothing to the discussion. Is that all you got?

By Wizard

May 8, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

I like the comments by Colgar, on Dickerson. In fact, I remember none that I don’t agree with—and didn’t think myself, before he wrote his thoughts herein.I have always thought Dickerson to be the spittin’ image of Cesar Geronimo: speed, hustle,great glove{minus one game}, great arm, excellent swing and bat speed,good eye at the plate. I see Chris Dickerson maturing before our eyes. What I believe I see in his maturation will only happen with time and patience.And, I don’t think age is a factor. Rhodes and Weathers are both 31, and performing well!{I have played with men in sport, who ran as fast in their 40,s, as they did in their 20’s}. Colgar’s apt description of Dickerson’s athletic prowess, hits it right on the head, IMO. He is one of my favorites on this team. However, that said, I believe Nix should have been in left field, at least a week or two ago—simply because he was hot! I feel the same way about Janish and Hannigan. I know as a former athlete, nothing is more frustrating than to be proving you can play, and not be given a chance to get even better—and perhaps break into the lineup as a starter. I’m one of those people who dislikes Dusty’s lineup card choices—for example I liked last nights card—but, thought it about two weeks too late. Dusty’s reaction time is way too slow for me. Now mind you, I have been a coach at the HS and collegiate levels—so I know about the grief given and second guessing that occurs—but still feel opportunities have been missed, or too belatedly, put forth by Mr. Baker. Again, I agree that Dickerson shows more athleticism than anyone on the roster—that is not to say that Votto, etc. is not more advanced statistically, and making better use of HIS abilities—just saying, the better athlete is Dickerson— if one were considering what each would do competing in other sports, like track and field, football, basketball…At this moment in time, however, I would have Nix in left—simply because he has earned it. That does not mean I am saying he is better than Dickerson, or should keep the position. Dickerson is a talent—that is,at least, one thing I agree with Dusty and Colgar about!Go Reds. Go Harang.

By RC

May 8, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t know, man - I think you’re dismissing minor league numbers a little cavalierly. There’s a lot of slick fielding IFers out there in the minors because they can’t hit. And anyway, if your theory about inflated minor league BAs is correct, that doesn’t come out in Dickerson’s favor - he never hit above .287 anywhere above A ball (although his OBPs were pretty consistently in the upper .300s, which ain’t so bad). Anyway, I like the guy, but I’m not seeing the budding superstar.

By BrarHopper

May 8, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this

Colgar, you ain’t too bright, bub. You name-call people on this blog and call them names while at the same time your grammar is that of a West Virgina cracker. You have had so many mistakes in your writing that it’s laughable. One example — and please try to pay attention and learn something here as your personal ignorance is quite offensive — you wrote, “We talk about the pitcher’s improvement but a large component to Red shutout have been the defense.” Ha! a large component have been? What an ape! What, are you still in 6th grade? Too bad you need a tutorial from someone called BrarHopper. Must make you feel like King doodoo the wild man!

By arniez

May 8, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this

LOUD NOISES! LOUD NOISES!!

By Colgar

May 8, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

How people can come to the conclusions they do with little evidence and less knowledge is amazing to me. I’m not against anyone expressing a thought or opinion but I would just like to see it backed up. Intelligent exchange of opinions is a very healthy thing.

By Roho Radio

May 8, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this

I’m all for seeing how things play out Colgar. People will always voice their opinions on here, just or not. I just do my best not to get caught up in it. Hey Timb, Rosales is annoying me, but EE lighting it up when he comes back? Not sold on that one. Would be a pleasant surprise, though.

By RC

May 8, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this

Hey, Ludwig! I’ve got a killer post title for you - “Bengals: as stained and full of holes as my underwear.” You take it from there…

By timb

May 8, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

Not to be confrontational, but will any of the “I love scrappy utility infielders and hate Ede” folks explain why they love the 1 for 19 streak Rosales is on and why he can’t play defense. He cost them three runs last night with his bobble and poor throw. I can’t wait until EdE comes back healthy and lights up the joint (and begins re-injuring fans behind the first base bag….after all, he’s not perfect).

By Colgar

May 8, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

Good post Roho. You got my point. Whenever a poster puts his thoughts in an open forum like this, they are open to badgering much like those who second guess a manager. It is part of the territory. Put your thoughts out and back them up or put some unfounded drivel and get chastised. The world is fair after all. To accuse Dusty of playing his “buddies” is a charge that is easily badgerable. Since none of us know him that well, I say we let the season play out before we judge. Yes? No?

By Roho Radio

May 8, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Colgar…….If Dickerson becomes a lights out player, more power to him and the Reds!! You’re admiration of Dickerson is noted: comparing his early career numbers to Aaron’s early career numbers was genius. You might be able to do that with, oh, about 500 other players. As noted by you, Dusty’s “Buddy List” is anyone who can help the team win. Right now, it looks like Nix is on the list. Quite frankly, I don’t care who plays as long as we win. And badgering other posters on here the way you do………over Dickerson? You’re tying too hard maestro.

By colgar

May 8, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

Got some bad chicken again Sal. Why don’t you use a little brain power and show us all where my post is stupid and childish. Do you think you might throw in a fact or two to back up your point, should you have one?

By Sal Monella

May 8, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this

Wow, Colgar. What the hell are you smoking in that pipe of yours, Hal’s shorts? Your post is as stupid and childish as anything I’ve ever read on this hallowed blog. Dusty’s guidance?! Hahahaha! Funniest thing ever. You are a scream! But seriously, did Mister Greenjeans touch “there” you as a child or something? Man, you’re screwy.

By Colgar

May 8, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

You “knew” Laynce Nix..I think that hype and reality are two different things. Where has Nix been the last two years since you “knew” him. Do you have a clue what the minor leagues are for? It is to develop a raw talent like Dickerson’s. Minor leauge numbers mean zilch. I always laugh at someone who quotes minor league numbers. Pitcher’s ERA’s are inflated because there are no Major League shortstops in Triple A. Ground balls that would be outs in the bigs, leak through the infield inflating both the batter’s average and the pitcher’s ERA. Dickerson is the best pure athlete in the Reds system bar none. He had to learn to hit and after 54 major league games none of baseball’s scouts can tell you whether Dickerson’s first 28 games are the true Dickerson or the last 28 are. I wouldn’t expect Mark from Sun Valley to be able to know either. And to Nix, who I have nothing against and for all me or anyone else knows could very well turn his career around and be a superstar. Now to Bruce, Dusty and Jockety took grief from fans when the Reds left Bruce in Louisville last year. Bruce started out with a high average in spring training last year but it was a very weak .400. He didn’t drive the ball and the Reds knew he wasn’t ready. He went to Louisville got some at bats and got himself ready. Then and only then was he ready. And remember how hot he was when he first came up? Remember how his numbers dipped after that? 28 games is not enough to evaluate any player. To make the statement that Dickerson is a “career minor leaguer” based on minor league numbers and 54 games is just flat out dumb.

By Mark in Sun Valley

May 8, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

Those of us who “knew” Lanyce Nix before he was signed, knew he was getting the same hype as Jay Bruce before his injury in Texas. We also “knew” that Dickerson was a career minor leaguer who was never regarded as highly as a major league prospect. I was glad to see Dickerson get a chance, but it is much easier to say his “28 games of being hot” occured last year and he is reverting to his true self. His minor league career shows he has always had a strike out ratio around 4 to 1, as bad as Dunn. Nix is getting his shot and if the Reds are lucky, he might come all the way back to what most scouts felt he could be, an all-star.

By Colgar

May 8, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

And another thing. Thanks to baseball reference I was able to get this….Compare Chris Dickerson’s early career to Hank Aaron’s In Hank Aarons first 42 major league games he had 157 at bats with 42 hits (.268) and 5 home runs…..Dickerson in his first 163 at bats has 44 hits (.269) and 8 home runs….. Had some of you been making out lineup cards Hank Aaron would have never beat Ruth’s record because he would never had the chance….Ease up a little. Give the kid a decent chance for Christ’s sake.

By Colgar

May 8, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this

Another Dusty detractor showing why he is not qualified to fill out a lineup card. Mark the sun got to you in the valley. Dusty’s mindless mantra of lefty-righty matchups? I am pretty sure that was the timeless strategy way before Dusty was born. What ever happened to all the clowns that questioned why the Reds even signed the ancient Rhodes? Now that he has had some success what do the semi-knowledgeable fans say. Dusty finally got it. What a joke. We talk about the pitcher’s improvement but a large component to Red shutout have been the defense. Error numbers can be misleading but I can point to several runs that Dickerson has already saved by cutting the ball off in the gap and holding a hitter to a single rather than watching Dunn chase what should have been a single around the leftfield corner.

By Colgar

May 8, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Russ, the first step to healing is realizing your limitations. Admiting that your not smart enough to fill out a lineup card is a good first step. If you would have told us that Nix would be hitting in the .300 in March, you’d have been on my buddy list but since you didn’t know back then, I sadly have a lukewarm attitude toward your baseball aptitude. Dusty’s buddy list is anyone that can help the team win. In case you missed it an alleged member of Dusty’s “buddy list” Corey Patterson has been replaced on the roster by Nix. Right now Nix is as hot as Chris Stynes once was. Overtime he came back to earth. Dickerson however, has the ability to be a superstar. I am convinced time will prove this. A lot of superstars started out slowly. You might want to look up Hank Aaron’s first year, or Joe Morgan’s or Johnny Bench’s or maybe take a look at Joe Charbaneu’s. Baseball is full of examples of players that were both hot and cold in 28 games and ended up at the complete other end of the spectrum. But you would already know that if you had been born smart enough to fill out a lineup card.

By Mark in Sun Valley

May 8, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

I will give Baker props for 2 things. 1) Finally abandoning his mindless following of the lefty/righty mantra and sticking with Rhodes in the 8th. Not just for the numbers, but to not overtax the rest of the pen going into an important series with St. Louis. and 2), backpeddling on his “frontrunner”. MLB.com says he has talk to Dickerson and told Nix he is now starting in left. FINALLY!!!!

By Russ from Middletown

May 8, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Ah yes the Reds win one without their big guns GREAT!!!!I hope Dusty took notes on the great at bats that Nix had.I’m sure he did,but since none of us had ever heard of Nix before we signed him(this according to Baker)maybe we will get to see him play more.Sorry that will never happen because he is not one of Baker’s boys.It doesnt matter that he is hitting 300 plus,all that matters is Hairston 185 and Dickerson 220 is on Bakers buddy list.C’mon Dusty if you put him in the lineup you may not need to go to your bench as often for that clutch hit.You actually may be winning more games in the late innings.But since Baker goes to his buddy list for players until their all in the lineup Nix wont get a fair shake.Dusty since we are not smart enough as fans to make out the lineup card, maybe your smart enough to take your blinders off and see that Nix is your best option for left field.Just so everyone knows I dont care what color he is I want the team on the field that gives the Reds the best chance to win and right now that should include Nix.

By Colgar

May 8, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Well now the Reds win so no Dusty detractors today. Let them lose and they come out of the woodwork. The last time the Reds were this much fun to watch, Jack McKeon another good manager, that understood the personel he had was the manager. Good young pitchers, young players that have yet to develop a Major League ego and veterans that have already seen the folly of a big ego. This team may not win it all and may even be a year away from the playoffs but they get it with Dusty’s guidance. Monday they lose a close, tough, hard fought extra inning game then bounce back. Wednesday they get embarrased and blown out then bounce back. They lose their big hammers before game time and don’t panic. Folks that’s a tribute to Dusty. He’s not afraid to put BP in the cleanup spot and stick with him when he has a slow start and voila six RBI on Tuesday. Manager of the Year three times and proving why this year. Keep it up Dusty, I’m becoming a big fan.

By Nick W

May 8, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

I like Nix and think he should be playing everyday but the only thing i can think of why he isn’t is because he is such a good pinch hitter. It is nice to be able to have someone like nix to turn to late in a game and be able to get a hit and still have a young left fielder start everyday with dickerson. As you saw last night dickerson is not a good pinch hitter. I think that is the only argument you can have on why nix is not starting.

By Paul

May 8, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

Disturbing headline, great column. If nothing else the Reds are sure fun to watch this year. You never know what you’re going to see. Oh, and add me to the list of folks who think it’s a crime that Nix isn’t on the field every day.

By SonofSonofBeast

May 8, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

Well that’s just not just very nice, floorman.

By floorman

May 8, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

hal At your age you put on a new underwear on everyday,there called Depends

By Mark in Sun Valley

May 8, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this

All true, Gary. I fear more the inevitible nickname, the Big Red Boxer Brief…

By Steven Ross

May 8, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

Guess you can say last night’s lineup did not take it in the shorts! You’re the best Hal. Memo to Dusty: please stick with Nix.

By sidd finch

May 8, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

hernandez didn’t look very sharp in the field, but he got the job done. and that micah owings! what a competitor! also, big ups to the relief staff for holding on to this one. once the redlegs start consistently firing on all cylinders, cincinnati’s going to have a tough team to beat.

By Gary Maloy Jr

May 8, 2009 1:54 AM | Link to this

Congratulations, Mark from Sun Valley for touching it. Me? I’m MC Hammer (Can’t touch it). But, what else is resilient? A new rubber band? 5 liters of fresh oil in my car? Even we men after 30 years of marriage? There’s lots of resiliency - I too wish Hal had found another (and better?) analogy. But, I wonder… Will Hal choose to go back to the same another time - like after 4-5 game losing streak where the headline could be “Reds skid resembles my underwear” Hehe.

By Mark in Sun Valley

May 8, 2009 1:29 AM | Link to this

Congratulations Hal on the most disturbing headline for the year.

By Harry the Horse

May 8, 2009 12:12 AM | Link to this

The one constant on the Reds is the ” Golden Boys”. Rhodes, Weathers and Coco.. The 1990 Reds found out what a lights out bullpen did for them. Not calling the 2009 Reds World Champs, but the Reds bullpen is finally a strength rather than a weakness. And with the Reds starting pitching… The Reds are a very interesting team this season. The needle is finally pointing North for the Reds!!

By jhred

May 7, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

not missing ee, dunn, or griffey