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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 > July > 06 > Entry
At least there’s beer and cheesesteaks
AFTER THIS ONE, I’m going to need a couple of EXTRA Yuengling Lagers tonight before I go to bed. And when I get up and go to lunch? Two cheesesteak sandwiches at Jim’s instead of one. Extra Whiz.
What the Cincinnati Reds did on the field in Philadelphia tonight is what cows do in the pasture and elephants do during parades. I’d say they were pathetic, but that’s an insult to the word pathetic.
Never in my 37 years of covering the Reds have I seen anything so stuffed with pure ugliness. The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Reds, 22-1, and it wasn’t that close.
You can go back to the first professional game ever played, since the 1869 Red Stockings debuted, and you won’t find a Cincinnati baseball team losing by 21 runs.
Johnny Cueto gave up a walk and a home run in the top of the first. 2-0 Phillies. He retired the next two. Two outs, nobody on. Then the next eight Phillies not only reached base, they scored. After one inning, Philadelphia 10, Cincinnati 0.
THEY SHOULD HAVE stopped the game right then. A baseball TKO. No mas, no mas. Wave the white flag. Surrender. Unconditionally. It could only get uglier and worse. It got uglier and worse.
Trying to save something in his bullpen for the next six games, three in Philly, three in New York, manager Dusty Baker brought in infielder Paul Janish to pitch the eighth inning. He gave up six runs, including a grand slam home run to Jayson Werth.
Personally, I think they should make a rule: A position player can NOT pitch. It’s like a hockey team putting a centre in as goalie. Or an NFL team putting a defensive tackle at quarterback. It’s a farce.
I’ve seen outfielder Paul O’Neill pitch for the Reds and I’ve seen shortstop Dave Concepcion pitch for the Reds. But this is the second time this season Janish has pitched and it has been gruesome both times.
AND NOW guess what happens? The Reds need to get another pitcher up from Louisville pronto - like in time for tomorrow’s game. So who gets sent back? Probably Janish because he won’t be able to lift his arm to comb his hair or lower it enough to pull on his socks for a week.
He takes one for the team and probably gets demoted for it. We’ll see. Maybe I’m being too cynical here. Maybe they’ll send out Drew Sutton instead.
Whatever. I know one thing, this team is poised to dump on everybody’s parade, everybody who has hopes for a first winning season in eight years and maybe, just maybe, a shot at the playoffs.
Folks, it ain’t gonna happen. The Reds are 40-41 at the halfway mark. They are tied for fourth/fifth with the Houston Astros. In the last two games they’ve been outscored 32-2.
Make that four Yuengling Lagers and three cheesesteaks. And do I really need to show up at Citizens Bank Park tomorrow? I’m going on vacation after Sunday’s game in New York, a little R’nR at the blackjack tables in Tunica, Miss. Can I leave now? I promise to double down every time I can and split 8’s every time.
And I don’t think I’ll ever lose 22-1.
Permalink | Comments (34) | Post your comment |
Comments
By Hawk
July 8, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this
timb: You have a right to complain about JB; just as he has a right to complain{since he gets paid to do it-and no one is telling he or Marty NOT to}.Frankly, these guys are supposed to be Major League caliber: Think about that! Hairston? Encarnacion? Nix? Gomes? Bruce? Do any of these guys really deserve to be referred to, as such, with the way they are playing? I think Jeff Brantley and Marty often say, what I, and others, are thinking.
By Hawk
July 8, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this
This team can’t hit the spherical object! Damn this is hard to watch, night after night! I hate losing. Hit the damn ball! Get Homer some damn runs!
By Scott Hoerner
July 8, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this
Hal, I was the “Red in Atlanta”. I am living in Missippi. Please let me know when you will be in Mississippi (obviously during the All-Star break). I promise I will not bother you. Just want an autograph. Maybe a few to send to my brother in Afghanistan. He would be pissed if I used that as an insentive.
By timb
July 8, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
Cheneyhater: Amen Hawk: So he had one good year of relieving, suddenly that means he gets to complain about fielding errors and slumping batters? Brantley was a decent reliever for this team and others, that, however, does not make him an expert on Jay Bruce’s heart?
By Hawk
July 7, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
It would be my opinion that Marty is an a$$; as he was tonight in bad-mouthing Chris W. about the tech talk thing. He is also, often correct in remarks he makes,as in suggesting a real need for backing hitters off the plate. I completely agree with that. It isn’t done nearly enough. Brantley is knowledgeable. I’d hardly refer to a ‘Rolaids Reliever of the Year’, as a uninformed moron. Be nice, now.
By Bruce
July 7, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this
I’ll be expecting lots of praise for Mr. Weathers fine performance tonight-and do refer to him as ‘Mr.’- demonstrating some class and respect, that was ignorantly missing a couple days ago.
By Cheneyhater
July 7, 2009 10:10 PM | Link to this
Timb, what do you expect from an admitted repug?
By Mike-Cinci
July 7, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this
I agree with Timb that Marty has become far to negative. There is a difference between telling it like it is and being overly critical when things go bad. In baseball there are 162 games and plenty of opportunities for things to go bad. I hate to say it but as some folks age(please not all folks) what was fun and exciting when they were doing it in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s starts to become tedious in their 60’s. Once any person decides “he has seen it all, he has probably seen enough”. Marty complains a lot about most everything. He was very much different when he joined the Reds in the early 1970’s. Time does take a toll on players and announcers.
By Helpful Hints
July 7, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this
Actually Mark in Sun Valley, the “book” only tells you to split 8’s against a face card (against every card acttually) … the “book” says never to split 9’s against a face card.
By timb
July 7, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this
You want to know heart? I attended a game years where the Reds trailed the Astros by 4 in the ninth. Mitch Williams was pitching (one year after bombing in the World Series) and the Reds hit a two out Grand Slam to tie the score (Brian Dorsett is the answer to your question). A reliever entered the game in the 10th and gave up two runs to lose it for the Reds. He didn’t kick the ground or Dibble a ball into the stands or punch the clubhouse wall, or show any emotion whatsoever. He said afterward that to relieve in a baseball game you couldn’t dwell on failure. Too bad 15 years later he believes he should have done all those things. He is simply the worst broadcaster I ever heard (Dr. Kremchek is WAAAAYYYY better), just like on that night in ‘94 when his apparent lack of heart caused his team to lose. He’s a tool and a hypocrite. He fits in well with Marty
By timb
July 7, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
Anyone who ever syas “I love what Jeff said” should be banned from commenting. I wouldn’t trust Brantley to tell what he had for dinner ….although he wmost likely blame the waiter for any problems and then he and Marty the Complainer in chief could blame it all on “not having heart” or lacking hustle.” Them and their stupid “heart” and “feelings” Jay’s not hitting because he’s hitting in terrible luck (check out his BABIP) and he his line drive rate is low. Both can be fixed. Morons like Brantley who claim to know how to play the game and then blame everything on “passion” should be summarily executed.
By Jack
July 7, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this
FLRed, I think that is the problem. Stat wise, these players are playing near thier potential. Not sure why everyone assumes that EE was going to suddenly have a great year, he is a career .250 hitter. What were Wily’s stats last year? What were Bruce’s stats last year? And left field was always going to be a question mark. I could certainly argue that you are indeed getting the potential of these players…it was just never high to begin with.
By patbut
July 7, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this
no matter what everyone says about this team - they are 4 games better then last year at this point and are only 3 1/2 games out - usually the season is over by now - quit whinning Reds fans - but then again there wouldn’t be any Reds fans if there was “no whinning in baseball”
By Kalamazoo Steve
July 7, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this
What year was it when Graves blew a big lead against the Mets (or was it the Cards?) that led to a skid that took the Reds right out of contention? That game stuck with them the rest of the year, and Gravey never was the same. I’m afraid last night may do the same to this team.
By Pat Monahan
July 7, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this
Enjoy your vacation.
By FLRed
July 7, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
Jack, maybe “Liar” Bob was hoping (as we all were/are) that more than 2 or 3 position players would perform to their potential.. Then we wouldn’t be having this discussion.
By RC
July 7, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
I don’t buy the whole “Pujols’ slam killed the Reds” thing. Let’s not forget that a) they came back and tied the game after the slam, b) they had the winning run on base in the bottom of the 9th after the bullpen blew it again, and c) they won pretty handily the next day. Much more damaging to the team spirit is the feeling that Arroyo is now punching bag, that a Cueto start doesn’t mean a guaranteed winnable game anymore, and that the bullpen is showing some cracks. I still hold onto some hope, but the next six games could put an end to that. Buck up, pilgrims.
By Jack
July 7, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
Ctime, I respectfully disagree with you. This season was over the day (February) Liar Bob would not spend money to bring in a bat. The record is very deceiving compared to the talent that is on the team. You can thank the National League Central as the whole division is pretty bad. Trade off some bad assets and get something in return for next year. With a few missing pieces, this team can contend NEXT year.
By Mike-Cinci
July 7, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
I would not get perplexed over the last couple of losses. It is a 162 game season. The Reds could easily win the next 3….but honestly can they? In my opinion, to their credit, they have over achieved all season. This team lacks sufficient talent. It can be covered up for a while but over a full season teams play to their skill level. Hal declared them dead in the water today and I can’t blame him given the team’s performance the last couple of days. In the key 23 game stretch starting last weekend with the Cards the Reds are 1-3. They need to do better. Given the sullen mood of most fans and media types it will be a surprise to all if this team hangs in there. Personally, I hope they do. Unfortunately hope is not a plan.
By jeff
July 7, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
i hate seeing janish get the short end but if he is not going to play up here let him go down and swing the bat. I know Bruce has “done it all” at AAA but how much more .212 hitting can this lineup take. Personally I think he needs to get knocked off his horse a bit as the “annoited one”. This team is still a year or two away and we need to start now seeing what pieces should stuck or not. Heck bring Frazier up here, bring francisco. A player is a player. They did well haning in there and I kow they are only 3.5 games out but when you watch this team ask yourself, “is this a playoff type team” The answer is no.
By Mark in Sun Valley
July 7, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
I love what Jeff says about Bruce not “playing hungry”. He has been annointed with “sure fire superstar” status and has no incentive to improve. His numbers would justify demotion on most teams, certainly a platooning with Gomes, who deserves more starts than just against lefties. To send down Janish, our best defensive SS certainly tells us how much this organization REALLY is focusing on a team of speed and defense. Maybe he can learn a change-up while in Louisville. And Hal, no matter what the “book” says, don’t split those 8’s against a 9 or facecard. You’ll just turn one losing hand into two.
By Steve
July 7, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
This team is mediocre, and they need to decide when they think they can contend. It’s not this year as they have showed us since the Pujols slam. This season ended when Votto, Volquez, Encarnacion, etc. went on the DL. With those guys and a key trade or two, maybe they could have made the playoffs. But injuries are part of the game and the Reds don’t have the depth to deal with them. They need to improve with experience and add some quality depth in all areas before they will truly contend for a pennant. But the clock is ticking, because the best players will be free agents before we know it. Go Reds!
By Steve
July 7, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
This team is mediocre, and they need to decide when they think they can contend. It’s not this year as they have showed us since the Pujols slam. This season ended when Votto, Volquez, Encarnacion, etc. went on the DL. With those guys and a key trade or two, maybe they could have made the playoffs. But injuries are part of the game and the Reds don’t have the depth to deal with them. They need to improve with experience and add some quality depth in all areas before they will truly contend for a pennant. But the clock is ticking, because the best players will be free agents before we know it. Go Reds!
By Shawn & Sandra Ley
July 7, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this
Hal, shouldn’t they rid themselves of Dick Pole?
By jeff
July 7, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this
Folks, we need to take this team for what it is, THEY ARE AVERAGE TO LESS THAN AVERAGE. They will finish with 74-78 wins but they are young. Their pitching is average, their hitters are average and they have injuries. When you are a small market team this is what you get. sometimes you catch lightening in a bottle. At least they made it to July but by Sunday they will be out of it. At least this way Jocketty won’t make some stupid rent a player trade that will mortgage our future. However, Jocketty needs to be held accountable for the signings of Taveras, Lincoln, EE. That is too big of money for these guys even hairston. And when a guy like Arroyo is due to make 11 million next year you know there was some poor people making decisions. The good news is this team IS young, the bad news is we have been saying that for 8 going on 9 years now. Also one final comment, I like Jay Bruce but he is not playing hungry, I think he is too comfortable and not afraid to lose his job, competition breeds excellence. I would send him down for a bit to get his stroke back and to wake him up, Hitting 210 is not cutting it. He is trying to pull everything. It has been over a year now and he is hitting about 215. Just a thought and i wouldnt keep him down there long but a change could wake him up
By Where's Leo
July 7, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this
Pitching coach Leo Mazzone IS available, isn’t he???
By jeff
July 7, 2009 8:44 AM | Link to this
Hal, Brantly kept saying last night these pitchers aren’t getting better from start to start, which i agree with and he kept saying it, im my opinion he is throwing jabs at D. Pole. I also think our coaching staff is poor. Jacoby has shown no improvements with the hitter and D Pole doesnt impress me. Maybe its time for the Reds Brass to spend some money on coaching and not so much on the broadcasting. I agree too, McKannin got hosed, for a cheaper price Old Bob could have done better than Rusty Baker
By kyle
July 7, 2009 8:08 AM | Link to this
Ctime, you are exactly right. That’s why you don’t let Weathers put it on a tee for him and let him beat you. Not just game over, season over.
By photog
July 7, 2009 8:01 AM | Link to this
These guys have come up off the mat before, but not from such a complete knock out. I hope it works the opposite of what is being predicted here - I hope it lights a fire in the team again to prove to everyone that “the game in Philly” is not going to define this season. I know they are competitors, just not sure if they really have the stuff as a team. Time will tell.
By Kyle
July 7, 2009 7:56 AM | Link to this
Hal, you hit it right on the head, this team is getting worse. Go ahead all of you Dusty apologists, tell us how wonderful he is as this teams gets worse as the year goes on. The coaching staff needs cleaned out, hitting, pitching, and head.
By Ctime
July 7, 2009 1:08 AM | Link to this
This season ended on Friday night when Pujols hit that grand slam. It was completely deflating for this team and I don’t think they are going to be able to recover. I know there are 162 games and its hard to choose one moment that defines a season but Friday was it. We get the best performance ever from Homer Bailey and the thoughts of Reds greatness are dancing in our heads. Then the season comes crashing down as Pujols crushes all of our hopes.
By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
July 7, 2009 12:17 AM | Link to this
A 32-2 deficit over two games has to be an MLB record. It also has to be a smack of humility.
By Doug, Dayton,OH
July 6, 2009 11:47 PM | Link to this
I had a glimmer of hope that this team would be able to turn it around and at least have a respectable season. This team stinks and is not getting better they are actually getting worse. It is discraceful, to loose back to back games and get outscored 32-2. Has to be the worst two game loss streak in thier long history. Arroyo needs to go to Dayton along with Cueto. Harang is not far behind. Joey Votto is probably wishing he stayed in Dayton. Another loosing and wasted season. I’d rather watch the Nationals, at least you can’t expect much from them so your expectations are not as high.
By Brian
July 6, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this
They should send Dusty down to Louisville. That is just inexcusable. I didn’t see the post-game interview on TV - did they say anything was wrong with Cueto?