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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 > 2011 > June > 25 > Entry
How about Sam LeCure for the rotation?
UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave, sharing the chairs with two loyal participants on my FoxSportsOhio.com chats, Nate from Toledo and Scott from Columbus — and thanks for the Montecristo, Nate, and thanks for offering to help pay for the pizza, Scott. Enjoyed the company, guys.
Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker loves Derek Lee. Well, he USED to love Derek Lee — until Friday night.
Lee played first base when Baker managed the Chicago Cubs and Dusty still fondly calls him D-Lee.
I shudder to think what Baker might be calling him tonight. Lee, now a first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, hit a game-winning walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th off Jose Arredondo to beat the Reds, 5-4.
That, though, didn’t beat the Reds.
Edinson Volquez beat the Reds. And the Reds beat themselves.
And here is a note I’ll put in Baker’s suggestion box when he isn’t looking: Take Volquez out of the rotation and put Sam LeCure in it.
Volquez was Vintage Volquez — again. He was monotonously consistent, consisten at running counts to 3-and-2 and running up hs pitch count.
He left after 4 1/3 innings, having used up 101 pitches while giving up four runs, seven hits and five walks — four walks in the first two innings
THAT’S WHEN Baker brought in LeCure — with one out in the fifth inning with two on and one out. LeCure struck out catcher Matt Wieters, who already had two doubles off Volquez. Mark Reynolds was walkedi intentionally to fill the bases and LeCure struck out rookie Blake Davis, who had his first major-league hit and first major-league RBI off Volquez in the second.
LeCure then pitched a 1-2-3 inning against the top of the O’s order in the sixth.
The Reds took Volquez off the hook by battling back to tie it, 4-4, in the sixth.
They scored three in the fifth. Ramon Hernandez singled and Chris Heisey drew a one-out walk. Brandon Phillips doubled for two runs and Votto doubled for another.
AND THEY TIED it in the sixth on a double by Jonny Gomes, who took third on a wild pitch and scored on a broken bat single to left by Paul Janish.
Then the Reds’ bats went dormant, as dead as Jimmy Hoffa.
IN THE SEVENTH, with two outs, Scott Rolen singled to center and Jay Bruce hit one over the center fielder’s head, a sure-fire run. But the fire went out when the ball bounced over the wall for a ground rule double and Rolen, who would have scored easily if the ball had stayed in play, had to stop at third. Gomes grounded out to end that threat.
Rolen led the 10th inning with a single and Baker decided to let slump-wrapped Jay Bruce to swing away instead of sacrifice. Bruce struck out, Gomes flied to center and Drew Stubbs took a called third strike as Rolen remained at first base, anchored as solidly as the Statue of Liberty.
BRANDON PHILLIPS opened the top of the 12th with a bloop single to right. With two outs, Bruce drove one to the outfield and third base coach Mark Berry decided it was time to gamble for the go-ahead run.
He was a gambler without a green eye shade and rolled up sleeves as he waved Votto homeward. The throw beat Votto by the distance between the Chesapeake Bay and home plate, an easy out to end the inning.
Four pitches later, the game was over. Facing Arredondo, Lee worked the count to 1-and-2 and drove the next fastball into the left field seats.
The Reds had 12 hits, two each by Phillips, Rolen and Hernandez, but stranded 10 and didn’t score over last six innings.
It was another bad loss and the post-game Maryland crabcakes tasted pretty bad.
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By dd
June 28, 2011 9:59 AM | Link to this
Here’s what you get when you leave people ‘where they are at’: Jay ‘slump-ridden’ Bruce; Drew ‘strikeout King’ Stubbs;Jonny ‘as long as they’re straight’Gomes; Edgar ‘erroria’Renteria
By slag
June 27, 2011 11:43 AM | Link to this
Hal my boy…..Leave Sammy right where he belongs….He’s not a starter..He throws high 80’s and close to 90 along with a great 12 to 6 breaking ball..That works great for 4-5 unnings but there’s not enough variance on his pitches to fool big league hitters their 3rd time around…..Maybe if he can develop a really good slider or split finger then possibly…I love the guys’ mental makeup but just not his ability to go past 5..
By Dink
June 27, 2011 11:29 AM | Link to this
It;s all DUSTY. Why don’t he gid rid of his computer and start managing the right way. (3) examples just in the past few weeks. (1)Gomes, who everyone is down on, including me, gets 4 hits in a game. Next game he’s on the bench.(2)Red’s are down 1 run late. Bruce batting with runner on 1st. 3RD Baseman in SS position. He dosen’t try to bunt, when the’re giving him a bunt single.(3)If Cordero is their best, why save him in extra innings and use a lesser pitcher, and then use him two days later down by 2 runs in the 8th. DUSTY NEED TO GO.
By jim m.
June 26, 2011 5:18 PM | Link to this
Congrats BOB and WALT.. your team is in 4th place and you refuse to fix the problems to help the team get back to 1st place. Guess Winning was only important for 2010 and this year wasnt planned. now you can wait for my hard income before i buy another ticket. If you had made some moves instead of saying how happy you are with your non-hitting shorstops(P.S. they have 15 errors!!!). I guess waiting for the Cubs to pass your team by, you can officially be sellers instead of doing what it takes to WIN!! Guess Marge will always have what these so-called wanting to WIN a Championship will never have and thats a World Series Ring!!
By jeff
June 26, 2011 8:12 AM | Link to this
I wouldnt move Lecure. I think he has found the perfect role for himself. Why take that away. as for volquez if he doesnt throw strikes then you move him back down. He and Wood are competing for that spot now every time they pitch. did anyone els notice that sunday morning technically the reds were in 4th place in the standings.
By ohdave
June 26, 2011 5:50 AM | Link to this
This team is frustrating. The offense looked better tonight of course but Arroyo looked awful. And the Reds seem to have lost their late inning magic. It’s incredible that they are still in it, but without a hot July I doubt they will still be in the hunt. I don’t envy some of the Reds’ decisions. What do you do about Volquez?
By Tom
June 25, 2011 11:59 PM | Link to this
Can’t get too excited about any of the outfielders hitting for the Reds tonight. The opponents pitching often threw pitches up for Gomes to reach, but when they pitched to them all, wisely, as in, under their hands and low and away none of them were very successful. Stubbs, Gomes,and Bruce have been found out—good pitching and they are toast; average pitching, and they get lucky sometimes. Heisey looked like the rest of them tonight, awful.However, he deserves more playing time before he can be branded.
By Kyle
June 25, 2011 7:55 PM | Link to this
How clueless is this broadcast duo? Votto finally hits number 100 and they can’t figure out why everyone is congratulating him and hugging him until finally someone whispers in their ear, “uh, that was 100 for Votto.” Maybe now he can relax and hit. He looked completely relaxed and relieved in the dugout. Go Reds!
By retired sgt
June 25, 2011 1:14 PM | Link to this
Most seem to forget the budget this team is on. Granted, baltimores budget is slightly lower, but to expect this team to compete on the level of STL, Philly, and the top teams aint gonna happen unless the stadium is filled EVERY NIGHT. The extra revenue and fan support will allow the team owner to increase the budgt. Until then, you have a couple premier players on a team of AAA players. Simple as that.
By jim m.
June 25, 2011 12:44 PM | Link to this
“That’s tough game lose,” Baker said. “We got out of trouble several times. We didn’t get a lot of breaks tonight.” Dusty you make your own breaks!! runner on 1st two times and you dont either steal, sacrifice or even hit and run. I am SOOO done with Stubbs!! Im sick of watching him take perfect pitches to hit, and then ither swing and miss or take strike three. I would offer him for Kemp and even trade Alonso for him. Put either Kemp or Heisey in CF and then bring up Cozart to lead off. ALSO im done with Edinson.. He isnt even the same pithcer as he was the 17 win season.. Time to dump him in the same deal for Kemp and ask for Billingsly back in the deal. see if the Dodgers bite.. watching this team thrwo away game after game and say how early it is.. HAHA.. Pittsburgh beat Boston last night 3-1 and owns the Reds this year.. The Pirates are about to go in front of the Reds and the Front office doesnt even care.. No Fixes to REALLY fix this team. That sure shows the fans how much they really want to go further than 2010!!! Look at Lance Nix.. 11 homers and out playing the 3 headed monster in LF. That crys out Hitting coach in my book!!! Sadly he stays!! Come on WALT FIX THIS..
By bob
June 25, 2011 12:41 PM | Link to this
Dusty’s taking credit for Heisey’s good night at the plate. What a wiz Dusty is with his “mix and match”. Nix left before he instigated that program. Nix is having a good yr. with the Natl’s. Turn the job over to Heisey, tell him it’s his and lease him there. Gomes had over two mos., give Heisey the same opportunity. Then , if he fails, look elsewhere. The perpetual toothpick is a dead giveaway for me. Then, add lineups and stradegy. Do you need any more evidence.
By bob
June 25, 2011 12:39 PM | Link to this
Dusty’s taking credit for Heisey’s good night at the plate. What a wiz Dusty is with his “mix and match”. Nix left before he instigated that program. Nix is having a good yr. with the Natl’s. Turn the job over to Heisey, tell him it’s his and lease him there. Gomes had over two mos., give Heisey the same opportunity. Then , if he fails, look elsewhere. The perpetual toothpick is a dead giveaway for me. Then, add lineups and stradegy. Do you need any more evidence.
By jim m.
June 25, 2011 12:37 PM | Link to this
“That’s tough game lose,” Baker said. “We got out of trouble several times. We didn’t get a lot of breaks tonight.” Dusty you make your own breaks!! runner on 1st two times and you dont either steal, sacrifice or even hit and run. I am SOOO done with Stubbs!! Im sick of watching him take perfect pitches to hit, and then ither swing and miss or take strike three. I would offer him for Kemp and even trade Alonso for him. Put either Kemp or Heisey in CF and then bring up Cozart to lead off. ALSO im done with Edinson.. He isnt even the same pithcer as he was the 17 win season.. Time to dump him in the same deal for Kemp and ask for Billingsly back in the deal. see if the Dodgers bite.. watching this team thrwo away game after game and say how early it is.. HAHA.. Pittsburgh beat Boston last night 3-1 and owns the Reds this year.. The Pirates are about to go in front of the Reds and the Front office doesnt even care.. No Fixes to REALLY fix this team. That sure shows the fans how much they really want to go further than 2010!!! Look at Lance Nix.. 11 homers and out playing the 3 headed monster in LF. That crys out Hitting coach in my book!!! Sadly he stays!! Come on WALT FIX THIS..
By Gary from Wilmington
June 25, 2011 11:15 AM | Link to this
How about changing the third base coach.Last night wasn’t the only time this year that he waved runners who were then cut down at the plate easily.
By Joe
June 25, 2011 11:13 AM | Link to this
Joey Votto=Adam Dunn
By Mary
June 25, 2011 10:30 AM | Link to this
Sam LeCure seems to have found a spot to be successful in the major leagues—in the bullpen. He does not do well the second or third time through the lineup and is not the solution to the Volquez mess. I am guessing that Travis Wood has a short stay at Louisville (10 days is the minimum unless there is an injury to a Reds pitcher that DLs him). Wood has been nearly as bad in the first at EVs, but usually manages to get back under control and get to the sixth or seventh inning. EV not only kills the Reds on the days he starts, he alone among the starters regularly makes the bullpen pitch half the game for him with the result that the pen wears down.
By Bill*
June 25, 2011 10:15 AM | Link to this
Well, I was thinking the same thing about LeCure during his masterful performance, Hal. But, then that sounds too much like common sense. Just, like trying to improve the club by sitting Stubbs; instead of trying to convince everyone that he will be the next Willy someday. A pathetic waste of time and position. Or, just like, improving our chances of being a real threat, by bringing up Cozart to create some competition with Janish. Or, leaving Chapman, and his thirty million, in Louisville for the rest of the year, so he can learn to be a starter, since Bill Bray is doing just fine, thank you very much! Walt needs to shake himself and make some GOOD moves for a change. He has been on vacation long enough.
By Gem&Heater
June 25, 2011 8:32 AM | Link to this
Good to see you are hanging out with someone from our hometown and God’s favorite part of Ohio, Toledo. OK, I agree Volquez needs to go. Great arm, but if he can’t get motivated to put up numbers in a contract year, then when will he? The Reds still look like a .500 team and management needs to decide to either wait another year for the young players to mature or to part with some of it now in order to stay in contention. I guess it all depends on whether you belive you have a legit chance to win now. I personnaly don’t believe they can win this year. Rolen is too old, SS and LF are two big holes, and the pitching is iffy once you get past the starters. The exception is Cordero and who would have thought he would be the “rock” out of the bullpen.
By MikeInCincy
June 25, 2011 7:58 AM | Link to this
KJr - Are you serious? Starting pitching has been fantastic for three weeks, now. The problem has not been starting pitching; the problem has been the failure to score runs, a result of not advancing runners and hitting with RISP, particularly late in innings.
By KJr in NC
June 25, 2011 7:45 AM | Link to this
Night in and night out, series after series, the starting pitching puts this team in a hole by struggling in the early innings. Post season will not be in our future if this continues. “In Dusty I still trust” and hope he finds a solution soon. Go REDS!
By Randyman
June 25, 2011 7:12 AM | Link to this
This team for whatever reason is going in the wrong direction. It’s time for the front office to make some changes while the season can still be salvaged. Start with the Manager, Pitching Coach, and Hitting Coach. Give Speier the Interim job because this team lacks fire.
By Michael in Singapore
June 25, 2011 5:00 AM | Link to this
It’s worth giving LeCure another shot as a starter. Hopefully management will wake up and realize the Reds need a B-12 shot in left and short. Renteria has contributed nothing and we all know the leftfield saga. On another note- the Reds have to have the worst lot of facial hair in the bigs. For the love of God, go back to the “no facial hair” policy.