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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 > 11 > Entry
Kicking sand in the D-Backs’ faces
Some staggering stuff:
A fabulous, fantastic start for the Cincinnati Reds deep in the Sonoran Desert, a 13-5 sandblasting of the very feeble Arizona Diamondbacks.
And where are the Willy Taveras naysayers now? Yeah, I was guilty, too - afraid of last year’s low on-base percentage that this season keeps going up, up and up. He began Monday’s game at .355, then got on base five straight times, all on hits, and scored four runs. And now his on-base average is .381 - just what they want from a leadoff guy.
For those who are not fans of hitting coach Brook Jacoby, well, here is another case of him working clandestinely with a player outside the spotlight where nobody can see. Manager Dusty Baker said Jacoby has worked tirelessly with Taveras to get him to drive the ball instead of hitting fly balls and ground balls. And it is showing.
Typically, Jacoby keeps a low-pro and said, “Willy is a good athlete and he is just starting to do what he has done before. We worked hard on those things in spring training and he is putting them into play.”
For the Reds:
13 runs. Most this season. 18 hits. Most this season. Eight extra base hits. Most this season.
When are teams going to learn that Jay Bruce does more with his left arm than cut steaks and sign checks? He threw out Arizona’s Eric Byrnes trying to stretch and single into a double, his sixth assist this season, No. 1 for outfielders in the National League. As far as the Reds are concerned - hey, keep on running, knuckleheads.
When Laynce Nix and Adam Rosales hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning Monday, it was the first back-to-backers of the season for the Reds. Nix and Rosales? What are the odds it wouldn’t be Votto/Phillips or Phillips/Bruce? Rosales circled the bases so fast that it seemed he was back sitting in the dugout when his home run landed in the left field seats.
Is there any other pitcher in baseball who is 5-2 with a 7.02 ERA. Those are Bronson Arroyo’s numbers, a guy who obviously knows on what day to pitch. Meanwhile, Aaron Harang has to be sitting in the dugout wondering, “Hey, guys, where are my runs?”
Four of Aroryo’s five wins are on the road and he shrugs as if mystified and says, “It has been a funn year for me up to this point. I have a high ERA but I have more wins at this point than I have at any time in my career, other than ‘06 (Boston). I’ll take what they give and I’ll take the wins if they want to keep giving them to me. I’ve had two of the four years here where I’ve been lights out up to this point and beedn 2-4. I’ll take wins all day long.”
Love Rosales and his racehorse hustle, but does he EVER field a ground ball cleanly. A bobblehead for him would be appropriate. Fortunately, his very strong arm makes up for his current pandemic of dropped grounders.
Going to take a tour Wednesday of Goodyear and the emerging spring training facilities of the Reds for next spring. In the words of Bill Cunningham, “I’ll give you a full report.”
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By NY Redsfan
May 14, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this
Hal! Where you at bro? blog it up!
By wizard
May 13, 2009 12:33 AM | Link to this
Some good points made about the Hairston/Janish subject—and I’d agree with the comment about Hairston being a #2 hitter, and Janish being a #8 hitter. My philosophy is that defense at SS should be primary—if you noticed the great plays by Hairston tonight—each of them that I saw, were hit right at him! If he is positioned well, he can make the plays he needs to; if he has to take three or more steps to make the play, he is not as good as Janish. There is no question that he sparks this team offensively; I still think Janish should be our SS—because he is hitting sufficiently enough—and his overall defense is better. Hairston is a better base stealer; but, they just started letting him do it. But, hey—we’re winning. Go Reds!
By Jim T
May 12, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this
RC, nice to see some one with a open mind.Dusty played with a lot of great players. He played for a lot of great managers. Tommy lasorda for one. He knows the game from a player and a manager perspective.His record indicates he knows how to win. If you’ve ever seen any of his battles with Larusso you no he has the fire.Last year was a bad team. All the talk about Dusty not being able to manage young payers is bunk. Look at Votto,Bruce,Cueto,janish,Volquez. Would you say they are suffering under Dustys tutelage.When Votto was struggling at the beginning of the year especially in Spring training he took him North and worked him into the line up slowly. Letting his confidence grow by not placing to much pressure on him and working him in where he could be successful. When people were calling for Cueto to be sent down after a few rough starts he stuck with him and now look.Just a few examples. Evey young player who has been brought up this year is contributing. Janish has had his moments as has Rosales Herrera,hannigan and others.A managers job is to know how to get the most out of his players I’d say Dusty is excelling at that right now. This cincinnati reds team is a team effort and it starts with Dusty.
By RC
May 12, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this
Even though I am critical of him in a lot of ways, he’s got this team playing hard and having fun. It ain’t always about batting orders and roster moves. Right now, he’s doing something right…
By BrarHopper
May 12, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this
Oh man, I find the prospect of refilling Katie’s beer WAAAY more appealing than changing Curt’s diaper.
By Jim T
May 12, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this
RC, I think Dusty has better players this year. He is more familiar with their abilities and the pitching is really coming on.I would like to see another bat in the middle of the line up but until then he’ll just have to mix and match personnel.Dusty is a proven winner. That is what this town screamed for. You have it and its winning enjoy the success. I am.
By RC
May 12, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this
I don’t.
By Jim T
May 12, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this
RC, if he brings us a winner why would you want to replace him?
By jhreds
May 12, 2009 8:23 PM | Link to this
Arroyo’s ability to bunt keeps the offense moving, something that BP and a couple others need to be able to do when the situation calls for it. Should be in EE’s rehab program.
By RC
May 12, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this
Oh, yeah, EE & AG will most likely be right back in the ol’ starting lineup soon. I’m not a Dusty apologist - I don’t much like him as a game manager, and I’m as puzzled by some of his lineups as the next guy. But the incessant, nasty Dusty-bashing that goes on around these parts gets -really- tiresome. Here’s the scoop: Dusty has done well in the past, the team is in contention so far, and no matter how much y’all yell and stamp yer little feet, there is absolutely zero zip nada bubkus squadoosh nil -NO- chance that Dusty gets fired this season. And unless the Reds do a total faceplant later this year, Dusty’s smiling toothpick-filled yapper will be there for spring training 2010. That’s just how it is.
By Jim T
May 12, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this
Sal, why don’t you have your mom get your crayons and coloring book out of the closet and let the grown ups do the blogging. STFU. The only time in your life you would ever have the stones to utter those words is from behind your Key Board. Fact is Dusty is doing a great job with this team and I am glad he is here. If they make the playoffs this year he may add to that hardware. That drives little kids like you crazy. I can see your response now the reds won in spite of Dusty. Dusty has shown up and so has his team.
By Curt
May 12, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this
I think you proved my point Katie, thank you. You better go refill your beer, it’s probably half-empty.
By Sal Monella
May 12, 2009 7:23 PM | Link to this
Well, jimt, we do enjoy the team…it’s just you that is so very unenjoyable. Please finally STFU about Baker’s 3 MOY awards. We know that. We are waiting for that guy to show up, and have been from the beginning of 2008. And what did we see? favorites. Corpse Patterson every night flashing is .192 average and no-hustle doofus Griffey in the 3 hole striking out, tapping out meekly to third, popping out always with runners on base, EE at 3rd all year never improving, blah blah blah. Your words ring hollow. Baker has proven nothing on the job in Cincy except splintering toothpicks. How long are we supposed to wait? He’ll prove you wrong and will have A-Gone and E3 back in the line up ASAP. You dislike Dusty bashers, we dislike Dusty toady apologists like you. Guess it’s a draw.
By jim t
May 12, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this
Rick when EE gets his cast off and is cleared to resume baseball activity he will be sent out on a rehab assignment to get some ABs. If he gets his stroke together he will probably be back if not and the reds are still winning he will not be back in the line up. You people need to realize Dusty is a winner. His record proves that. All this stuff about he plays favorites is nonsense. His job requires him to decide when to make changes and when to stick with a guy and let him work his way out of a slump.Dusty was saddled with a bad team last year. Since the trade of Dunn and griff this team is over 500. Furthermore do you really believe a guy like Walt or a owner who wants to win as bad as Bob C is going to allow Dusty to make this team about playing his buddies.Please some perspective.Just because he doesn’t play, who some of you want doesn’t mean he is wrong. He has 3 MOY awards and if this team continues playing the way they are playing he could be in line for number 4.I know we are all a little impatient based on the rich tradition of baseball by our reds and 8 losing seasons but it would take a blind man not to beable to see we are heading in the right direction. Quit looking for the smoking gun and enjoy the team.
By Rick M of Anderson Township
May 12, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this
Can’t wait for Edwin to get back and start rocking?? If your are an Edwin fan, please look away. There’s ad old adage among old schoolers like Dusty that you don’t lose your job to an injury. So I expect EEE (Error on Edwin Encarnacion) to be in the lineup as soon as he’s ready. If EEE gets really really hot and starts rocking, he might even put together a four game hitting streak. Does that guy ever get hot and stay hot awhile??? So he’ll be back and I’ll be back to watching his low energy ‘deer in the headlights’ look once or twice a game while batting and once or twice a game in the field. Watch Arizona’s 3B Mark Reynolds tonight. He’s the only 3B in MLB worse than EEE. But then again, this is EEE’s 10th yr in pro ball, his 9th yr in the Reds organization, and he’s played over 1100 minor and major league games at 3B and he’s still lousy.
By Jim T
May 12, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this
Andy and Jack, Gomes is not up here because while he had a good spring early he tailed off at the end. MacDonald spring went the other way, he finished strong. Couple that with the fact that Gomes was terrible last year in Tampa not even making the roster for the playoffs and is currently only hitting 242 in Louisville sort of gives you a idea why he didn’t make it. Also Mac plays better D and is faster.All that said I don’t think it makes much difference one way or the other.They both were guys projected to be good players that didn’t live up to expectations, they both strike out a lot, one is faster and plays better D and one has more power. Pick your poison.
By Katie
May 12, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this
Oh gee, negative comments on a sports blog? Wah wah wah. Go change your diaper Curt, ya big baby. The very NATURE of a blog is open discussion. Things change from day to day. I can’t believe you are dumb enough to have made that comment. Are you really?
By Andy
May 12, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this
The only reason I can think of that McDonald made the team over Gomes is that the platoon to start the season in left was Dickerson and Hairston. That left Nix as the power bat off the bench and Dusty wanted McDonald for speed and defense. I’m not saying I agree, but that is the only reason I can think of.
By BrarHopper
May 12, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
I lived in Phoenix when the D-Backs won it all (I have never enjoyed anything as much in my life seeing the Yankees lose and the look of disbelief on Jeeter and the other players faces!). Ever since the D-Back lost Jerry Colangelo as owner and Bob Brenly as manager they’ve been adrift. Melvin was never the right guy. Their big mistake was passing on an offer to buy the team by Arte Moreno who now owss the LA Angels. He’s a Phoenix Hispanic self-made billionaire (billboards) and he loves baseball. Look what he’s done with the angels. D-Backs are gonna suck for quite a while. Go Reds.
By Sal Monella
May 12, 2009 4:37 PM | Link to this
Hal, Please NEVER mention Bill Cunningblah again. It gave me a little vomit taste.
By Jack
May 12, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
timb, one thing we can certainly agree on, Gomes should be up here. It makes no sense that McDonald was ever up here instead of Gomes. Can only assume I some point in his life he knew Dusty. At least against left handers, wouldn’t a legit right handed bat look good between Votto and Bruce?
By Nick w
May 12, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
I like the negative comment i think it is what makes commenting on this blog fun. I love the reds this season and enjoying watching them everyday but if i just came on here and said the reds are doing amazing their great no one could voice their opnion about what i say. Were not complaning about the team were giving our opinion about how this team can get better. They do have some weak spots on the team and if you think they have this perfect team then ur wrong. We get to start a topic about who should be playing ss or lf and get to see other peoples opinion about the topic. So all u people with the negative comments keep it going cus if only the people thought this team was perfect and nothing was wrong commented this blog would be boring.
By RC
May 12, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this
You guys who rip on Dusty for not playing the “hot hand” - you know what’s coming, don’t you? Dusty is very much a back-of-the-baseball-card type manager. Which is why I suspect that, as soon as they’re available, AGonz and EE will be back in the everyday lineup. It’s why the Latin RH gets most of the starts over the non-Latin RH. As for the Nix/Dickerson deal… well, who can explain that? It seems to have righted itself finally, praise Jebus. I’m just afraid that after all the hubbub over whether Janish/Hairston/Rosales should be getting more PT, when the first two get pushed back to spot duties and the third gets sent back down to Louisville… I imagine some heads are going to explode. So brace yourselves - that’s alls I’m saying.
By Ryan K.- IN.
May 12, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
Well put Curt. Finally someone seeing things on here the way I do. That game last night was just awesome..period. It’s been so long since the Reds have played that type of game. It was fun to watch.
By timb
May 12, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this
Andy, how about McDonald? Gomes should be platooning in left with Nix. At least then the best RH pinch hitter wouldn’t be Owings
By jim t
May 12, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
And remember we still have Ap in Florida. He enligtened us again today. After yet another reds win AP Florida announced,” We Still have rusty”. AP thanks for your pearls of wisdom. Your intelligent dialogue is greatly appreciated.
By Curt
May 12, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
I am amazed at the number of negative comments regarding this team. Too many of the posters on this blog are self-appointed baseball experts and think they know how the season will play out. Can’t everyone just agree that the Reds are playing well and with a lot of energy that has been absent in recent years? Enjoy the fact that they’re winning more games than they’re losing and quit complaining. I feel bad for Hal that some of these posts are visible on the same screen as his well-written articles and blog posts.
By Andy
May 12, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this
I can see the Reds sending Dickerson down when EE gets healthy. Hairston can play the outfield and Rosales can play multiple infield positions. Dickerson is playing average in the field and is really struggling at the plate. It would probably benefit him to go down to AAA and get some steady playing time.
By nick w.
May 12, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
yea rosasles looked horrible last night in the field. He should have really got 3 errors in the game and he bobbled that one grounder that should have had a double play but only got the guy out at first. He has done that a couple times this year. Last time micah pitched against the pirates i think it was he had a sure double play and he bobbled it and didnt even get the runner out at second and that led to a big inning were the pirates tied the game. Edwin is not the best defensive player but he is better then rosasles.He might need to run out a little earlier next game and pratice more ground balls cus it didnt help him last night.
By timburns
May 12, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Arizona Pat, he hustles when no one was watching and sucks when everyone is. He is a terrible 3rd baseman. I was informed Edwin stinks because he can’t field. Neither can the Little Leaguer, but he “hustles.” Finally, proving that appellation is as stupid and meaningless as suspected….talent wins games not silly, bush league sprinting to the drinking fountain. Can’t wait for Edwin to come back and start rocking.
By timb
May 12, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
Mark, because Bronson had 113+ pitches after 7. He was not exactly good. In most games this team plays they would have lost this start, but the offense allowed Dusty to leave him out there two extra innings. You can always count on Bronson
By Mark in Sun Valley
May 12, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
Of course I meant two relievers., Damn Typos. Hairston is average at best, I am not sure anyone who is a .260 career hitter can be called “explosive”.
By nick w
May 12, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this
i agree with you maxhack i like hairston at ss over janish. Right now he is hitting the ball really good and with willy also hitting well he makes for a great 2nd hitter. I think that for right now hairston will be starting everyday until he starts struggling at the plate. We all know that janish is our ss for the future but right now he is going to be used as a utllity player because he will play every postion on the field if asked. We have a lot of depth on this team so if hairston starts to struggle we can put janish in and not lose much on offense or defense.
By Mark in Sun Valley
May 12, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
You are right wiz, Hairston never played SS on his other teams unless he was playing for Dusty. I do think Janish is better defensively, but on be base paths, Hairston is better. BTW, since I missed last nights game, why did we need to relievers to finish a game we lead by 8?
By maxhack
May 12, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this
Per the Hairston/Janish question, Hairston is a 2 hitter while Janish is an 8 hitter. Hairston carried this team for a few months last year. While it would be nice to have the extra D that Janish provides and his hitting looks to have improved, I still would prefer Hairston just for the possibility of explosive offense he offers.
By Brian A
May 12, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this
Nice win after crushing loss Sun. The hits are nice but I love the hustle and effort. Love BP getting that double. What to do when EE returns? I mean Rosales has a good bat and arm but his fielding is desired. I like the kid but late in the game vs a good team thats going to stand out. The first 3 innings he should have had those balls last night. Lets get to Haren early so we are guaranteed a series win. Loved Wily and JHJ setting table last night should have been a 3 or 4 run 1st inng. Did anyone mention Nix almost getting that fly ball? Unless he gets hurt LF’s his for the rest of year.
By wizard
May 12, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
Sorry, but Hairston is not the best short stop we have available! Janish is. He is still getting screwed by Baker. Hairston hits with more power, that’s all. He cannot cover the ground that Janish does, doesn’t have as good an arm, and can’t bunt as well as, Janish. Janish is hitting very well, also. Hairston says SS is his favorite position—so Dusty plays him there. Duh. Well, Jim Brown’s favorite sport was Lacross…
By mike
May 12, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
you go by the numbers at the present the reds have the numbers you have better defense better pitching,and the offenses coming around…taveras .wow what a pick up you naysayers need to watch socer,its boring to………
By Patrick
May 12, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this
Hal, Arroyo was here in ‘06, not Boston. He was traded here during Spring Training that year.
By AP-FLORIDA
May 12, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this
And remember, we still have rusty!!!!!
By bill
May 12, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this
You guys are getting your hopes up again only to be let down when the lucky breaks quit falling the Reds’ way!
By Mike-Cinci
May 12, 2009 7:14 AM | Link to this
Byrnes looks like he is either a dumb player or the world’s biggest hotdog. Maybe a combination of both. A little leaguer would have thrown him out when he tried for second base on his bloop to RF. I’m not sure if the new D-Backs manager (Hinch) has full control of his team. The D-Backs look awful. Firing Melvin and giving the job to a guy who has never managed looks like a move by an organization that is adrift at sea without a compass.
By Jammin
May 12, 2009 5:06 AM | Link to this
Reds beat Haren tonight=we are for real.
By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
May 12, 2009 3:51 AM | Link to this
I dunno if I’d give too much credit to Bruce on this assist. Byrnes, who isn’t the brightest sun in Cygnus, would have been thrown out by a Little Leaguer. The dimbulb was just touching first base when Bruce had the ball in his hand and was out by 5 feet.
By Decker
May 12, 2009 3:47 AM | Link to this
Hal, please don’t ever put Cunningham’s name anywhere near yours - that’s like vinegar on ice cream.
By Arizona Pat
May 12, 2009 1:48 AM | Link to this
Rosales was taking infield during batting practice and he was the first one to his position every inning so votto could give him a few extra throws. He hustles even when no one is watching.