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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 > May > 08 > Entry
Showdown time at Great American Ball Park
I’m convinced that Delta checks it manifests to see if I’m on one of its flights and says, “Let’s mess with him again.”
My flight from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta this week was a good one, until we landed. The pilot came on the intercom and said, “Good news, we’re here 20 minutes early.”
Forty-five minutes later, we’re still wandering the runways of Hartsfield/Atlanta International Airport. I’m convinced I saw every inch of every runway. We stopped and we started and we stopped and we started. Five times. Finally, we get into the gate area and the pilot comes on again and says, “Well, we’re within a few feet of the gate. But the bad news is that two aircraft are blocking our entrance.” That took another 15 minutes.
So, once again, after believing I had plenty of time to make my connection, I was dashing through hordes of people, going from Terminal B to Terminal A. When I got there I was just in time to hear, “You aircraft is now at the gate, but some maintenance has to be done.”
I settled into a chair and finished a book I was reading. I no longer get stressed about it. I expect it.
WHILE AIR TRAVEL is predictable these days, the Cincinnati Reds aren’t. And it is statement time with a three-game home series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
If the games were on the road, I’d say the Reds would win two of three. At home, I’m saying they lose two of three.
Just my guess. If the Reds sweep or get swept, don’t come back jabbing at me. Just my gut feeling. And here’s why.
They lose tonight. Johnny Cueto is 0-2 lifetime against the Cardinals in two starts last year with a 16.20 ERA. I figure tonight he’ll be pumped up, too pumped up, and wildness will creep back in. And Joel Pineiro (4-1, 3.24) probably will silence the Reds bats.
They lose Saturday, too. Aaron Harang probably will pitch a good one, but they won’t score runs against former Reds failure Kyle Lohse (3-1, 3.23).
They’ll win Sunday with Edinson Volquez, who seems to have finally determined he doesn’t have to strike out everybody and that first-pitch strikes are a good thing. Even though Adam Wainwright is 3-1 with a 4.08 ERA, the Reds should get their hits and runs against him.
All three St. Louis starters are righthanded and let’s see who Dusty Baker puts in left field - Laynce Nix or Chris Dickerson. It should be Nix, but what do I know?
And as of this post, tonight’s lineup hasn’t been determined. Will Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto be recovered enough from the flu to play. If not, I’d say the Reds are doomed - but I thought the same thing Thursday when they didn’t play and the Reds beat the Brewers, 6-5.
Should be a fun weekend, regardless.
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By BrarHopper
May 9, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this
Thanks to Mike-Cincy for stating clearly , fairly and objectively what needed to be said in defense of David Weathers. He has been an absolute gem for the Reds this year and before. The guy is an absolute trooper and is entitled a human night like any other mortal.
By Colgar
May 9, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this
Wrong you are Big Bill er I mean Hal. Some of your posters would ship you to Louisville and let a hot young writer like Kyle Nagel take over. Never mind that the back of your baseball card shows you’re right more often than wrong. But if Albert Pujols can be 0-for-8, I guess I can forgive a blown prediction once in awhile.
By FLRed
May 9, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this
I don’t have a problem content-wise with Mr. McCoy or Mr. Sheldon, but it’s annoying when a game comes and goes with no comment. When I miss work the duties get covered somehow… It’s cool that Johnny proved you wrong, Hal!
By jason
May 9, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this
Ok, I was being very tongue and cheek with the HOF. Ive grown up with Hal McCoy and he is the only reason I visit this site on a daily basis. Great game last night from the entire team. Go Reds!! Go Harang! Beat Dem Redbirds!
By Steven Ross
May 9, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Hal, you’re the best so ignore those immature and disrespectful pissants who diss you. The Cardinals have owned us so I was shocked we won last night too. However, maybe Dusty finally figured out Nix should start over Dickerson. We’re winning so I’ll bite my tongue but he’s the worst manager I’ve ever seen filling out a lineup card.
By John
May 9, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
So Hal missed one Friday night…who cares? He’s still the BEST beat writer (IMHO) of any team. Plus he’s about the ONLY reason I come to the DDN on-line…his stories and reports are AWESOME! Keep up the great work Hal!
By Buster
May 9, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
Dumbest line from Ryan from hillbilly Madison - “This team is special..i feel it in my gut and im not just being optimistic” …… not JUST being optimistic but he FEELS it … somehow I can’t stop laughing at the $90,000 (what sort of moron states his name, hometown, and income on a blog?) goober who hates Hal for some reason.
By Mark in Sun Valley
May 9, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this
Right Mike. Weathers is very solid. It’s true that he is more of a soft tosser than other relievers, and therefore he has to be more precise in movement and control than other pitchers. Last night, he did not have it, which will happen a few times a year for ALL relievers. We are better with him than without him. A nice win last night regardless, although I am concern with Hernandez on first. I am afraid he will pull a groin with his ballerina like stretrches on every play, a rookie mistake of firstbasemen. You only stretch when you need to, not every play.
By Mike-Cinci
May 9, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this
Weathers came into last night’s game with an 0.00 ERA. He has been a consistent and reliable reliever, a positve role model, and is respected by his team mates. He is a contributor. He is always ready to take the ball. Since 2000 he has the most appearances of any pitcher in baseball. His ERA as a Red is significantly below the league average over the same period. He never blames anyone if things go wrong. He is a stand-up guy. The Reds are winning. I like the Reds pitching a lot and I would not mess with success.
By jumbo
May 9, 2009 7:40 AM | Link to this
btw HAL HATERS i would think someone who has covered over 7000 baseball games and has writen 18000 stories i would say he should know a little bit about the game wouldnt you?just keep up the great work hal i have read your stories for many many years and have enjoyed all the ones ive read thanks!
By jumbo
May 9, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this
i have 1 question who is david weathers playing for or who is paying david weathers to pitch?this guy is a clown on the mound i have been watching the reds for many many years and im sure some people would agree with me about weathers i say bring homer baily back up put him in the bull pin set weathers OUT whats up with the reds managers?why do they keep useing this guy he is a waste of money and a the reds fans time get rid of this guy SOON!
By StuttgartTim
May 9, 2009 6:54 AM | Link to this
Geeze Hal haters, give it a rest. He gave his informed opinion, which with his daily coverage of this team carries more weight with me than your opinions. That doesn’t mean he isn’t rooting for them or that he is trashing this team. He is using history and the fact that we had no regular infielders starting. Great win for Cueto and the Reds. I’m sure Hal will say the same.
By Ryan K.- Madison, IN.
May 8, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this
This is getting a little uncomfortable. Weathers came in and gave up 3 runs to make it 6-4 in the bottom the 8. Rosealez just got a hit and moved over to second on a bunt. Hopefully we can get a run or two in add on. Albert will probably get an at bat against CoCo in the 9th. Sweating bullets over here!! What about Cueto tonight..lights out. Hal, you still think he’ll be to pumped up and lose this game?
By jason
May 8, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this
Wow, your right HOF. Cueto looks awful tonight, all kinds of frazzled pitching a shutout into the 7th frame.
By Ryan K.- Madison, IN.
May 8, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this
?
By Ryan K.- Madison, IN.
May 8, 2009 8:14 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure about my spelling today..loose…lose? Anyway I know one thing we are up 5-0 in the top of the 3rd. Good start so far. What do you think Hal? Oh..nevermind i know what you think…we’ll lose in the bottom of the ninth..right? LETS GO LITTLE RED WAGON!!!
By Ryan K.- Madison, IN.
May 8, 2009 8:10 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the spelling “big daddy from cincinatti”..that was really bad…lol. We’re up 5-0 in the 3rd…looks good so far.
By RC
May 8, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this
Disagree on the second game - I seem to recall Lohse being a fly ball pitcher when he was here. Not great for GABP. BTW in case y’all haven’t heard, Ryan Freel is a Cubbie now.
By jim m.
May 8, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this
I just dont get going into the first game of a big series with ONLY 22 players!! If Brandon and Joey are very sick, why waste a roster spot for another 5 days on Gonzo?? (another 5 days will be a 15 day DL stint backdated) Get him DLed and Bring up Gomes or even Castillo.. not worth hurting the team in case of a injury playing in the rain!! Hate to see both our catchers in the game in the rain..come on Hal ask dusty this tonight!! If I was the Reds Manager i would ask for another bat be brought up and DL Gonzo!! heck he hasnt even swung a bat in 10 days!! its common sense!!
By big daddy
May 8, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this
It’s hard to take a guy serious when he spells “lose” “loose” multiple times.
By Ryan K.- Madison, IN.
May 8, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this
Well thans Hal for giving us your exciting prediction that the Reds will loose 2 of 3. It’s so nice to have a guy that writes for our team say they’ll loose all the time..thanks for the upbeat enthusiasm! After all the nickname Hal gave the team is “little red wagon?” My opinion…we’ll win 2 of 3 and maybe even take the sweep. Our 3 best pitchers go tonight tomorrow and sunday. This team is special..i feel it in my gut and im not just being optimistic. Like I said before Johnny Cueto is the best pitcher on the staff and he’ll throw a gem tonight. Hal if we sweep them and I’m right I can’t wait to see what you write about on Monday..It will be funny. Finally Nix gets the everyday job in leftfield..Baker is coming around. GO REDS!! Buster let me know if you want to meet me at the game Sunday so we can have a discusion…see how that works out for ya. I’ll bring my $90,000 dollar salary money and even buy you a beer after i smack that head of yours. Your the same guy that makes fun of people who work at steak and shake and call people’s homes crackerboxes…right?
By RampantRedsFan
May 8, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this
You are right… Nix should be starting every game this series, but unfortunately his relationship with Dusty’s daughter hasn’t gotten that far so that’s not going to happen.