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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 > 29 > Entry
Did the real Volquez finally stand up?
UNSOLICITED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave while wondering why Fox didn’t give us a shot of Derby Lane with all those touristy views they gave us in St. Petersburg the last three days. Derby Lane, the emporium of greyhound racing in the U.S., reminds me of the greyhound named after me and Chicago Cubs assistant general manager Gary Hughes. Gary’s Real McCoy was an All-American sprinter, but on the one day I got to see him run he finished seventh (out of eight). Too much pressure, I guess.
Who was that guy pitching for the Cincinnati Reds Wednesday? He wore No. 36 and he looked a lot like Edinson Volquez, except on the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays.
This Volquez impersonator was superb during the Reds’ 4-3 victory, enabling them to take two of three from the Rays, Cincinnati’s first interleague series win after losing the first four. This Volquez didn’t overthrow and try to strike out the world.
This Volquez was a pitcher, not a thrower. This Volquez threw strikes instead of falling behind on every hitter he faced. This Volquez didn’t walk the world.
THIS VOLQUEZ was a calm, poised, in-control major-league pitcher, the pitcher he was three years ago when he won 17 games and made the All-Star team.
Fox broadcaster Chris Welsh said Volquez had a closed-door conversation over the weekend in manager Dusty Baker’s office with Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer when the team was in Baltimore.
His message was something like, “With hyour stuff, keep it simple, stupid.” And it clicked. Volqeuz was a wise and intelligent pitcher on this day.
With a smooth, one-piece delivery, Volquez held the Rays hitless until left-hander Casey Kotchman poked a weak ground ball single to left field to lead off the fifth.
Volquez pitched 6 1/3 innings and gave up three runs and four hits while walking only three and striking out seven - without really trying to strike everybody out.
And it was needed because the Reds were facing James Shields, who had pitched three straight complete games and in three interleague games was 3-0 with a 0.33 ERA.
The Reds didn’t exactly cuff him around, either. For his seven innings he struck out 10 Reds, who struck out 14 times during the game, four by Jay Bruce.
IT WAS ONE big blow that determined this one, a home run struck by Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan, who missed the last four games with back spasms. The pain this day was delivered by Hanigan to Shields.
It came in the fourth when Joey Votto opened the inning with a single and Scott Rolen, 0 for 10 in the series and playing a rare day game after a night game, also singled.
It looked hopeless, though, because Sheield struck out Bruce on three pitches and also struck out Jonny Gomes.
Two outs, two on - and Hannigan delievered a three-run blast, his third homer and first since he hit two in one game against Milwaukee during the opening series of the season.
THE RAYS scored twice in the sixth. With one out, Johnny Damon singled, his 2,654th hit to pass Ted Williams on the all-time list. Volquez walked Ben Zobrist.
Then came a dubious blooper down the right field line by Evan Longoria that fell for a double and scored two runs and cut the lead to 3-2. And the tying run was on second with one out. Matt Joyce lined hard to second base, but Brandon Phillips caught it and doubled Longoria off second.
The Reds scored an important run in the seventh on a momentary lapse by Shields. He issued his only two walks of the game, back-to-backers to open the inning to Gomes and Hanigan.
Once again the next two Reds made outs, Stubbs when he tried to sacrifice bunt and hit into a force play, and Paul Janish on a strikeout.
But Fred Lewis delivered a two-out single to left, scoring a run for a 4-2 lead. And maybe the Reds have found their leadoff hitter in Lewis, who has been on base 21 times in his last 38 plate appearances.
That run was needed when Volquez gave up a one-out home run in the seventh to B.J. Upton, who was 0 for 9 at the time and put the score at 4-3.
Volquez left at that moment, replaced by Logan Ondrusek, whose second pitch in the ninth inning Tuesday was rocked for a game-winning walk-off home run by Longoria.
This time Ondrusek retired five straight and turned it over to closer Coco Corero, who gave up a one-out single in the ninth to Joyce, then ended it with a double play started by Janish.
So, the Reds were 3-3 on their two-city trip to Baltjmore and Tampa Bay. After a day off Thursday, they finish interleague play with three games in Great American Ball Park this weekend against the Cleveland Indians, who swept three from the Reds in Cleveland in mid-May.
AND DON’T forget those Ask Hal questions for Sunday. Need them now, by noon Thursday. Send them to halmccoy1@hotmail.com.
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By DeckFan
July 2, 2011 11:37 AM | Link to this
Just guessing here, but suspect that Dusty has had a few ‘closed door meetins’ but he’s not the type to take them to the media. From all that I read, the general public would be much happier and pleased with Dusty if he’s just blast off on his players - but that’s just not his style. You have to get that out of either Chicago team - now that would be exciting! Hey =ohdave, glad your okay - you sounded a bit suicidal last week after that tough loss. Keep the faith!
By Ohdave
July 1, 2011 9:35 PM | Link to this
Why doesmt dustyb have a closed door meeting withbsome of hitters? Including Votto? Votto goes 0-2 more than anyone I’ve ever seen. If he’s not getting anythingnto hit why does he keep swinging? And Bruce swings at more bad pitches than anyone. Why does everyone love Arroyo and his era of 6.00? Man this team has a lot of problems.
By DD
July 1, 2011 4:56 PM | Link to this
Dusty Baker bobble head night is Saturday. KIA - better get your tickets before it sells out!
By BF Mary
July 1, 2011 4:46 PM | Link to this
Chat with Hal tonight at Fox Sports Ohio for civilized discussion with the Hall of Famer…unless, of course, you’ll be watching Travis Wood pitch for the Bats at Slugger Field.
By DD
July 1, 2011 9:39 AM | Link to this
Jim m, I liked your trade the first, second, third, and fourth time - fifth thru eighth time not so much (kidding)! We’ve got a lot of talent in Louisville, and part of the reason you have that is for trades in years like this one. As much as getting Kemp would be a huge impact here, I believe Kemp has an arbitration year next year then is a FA in 2013. I’d like to get him signed long-term (which may not be possible for a mid-market organization) if we’re giving up Alonso and Stubbs. Those are two guys who have bright futures for a guy we may have for a year and a half. In addition, the success or failure of this season is going to be dependent on our rotation. As bad as it looked earlier this year, I think they’ve shown some things recently to be optimistic about. In its current form (with nothing from SS and a revolving door in LF), this team has enough offense to win the division IF we continue to get the starting pitching we’ve gotten recently.
By DeckFan
June 30, 2011 8:49 PM | Link to this
First off – I have no idea about moves but do believe a couple of things that might affect what Walt might be trying to do. #1 IMO, Dodgers are off limits, due to MLB involvement with the team – just a guess! #2 - As far as the JJ Hardy thought, I too liked him after the O series, but in looking, he’ll be a free agent next year. Also – has not played a full year in the last 3, including this due to injury – so not a good candidate. #3 Suspect that most possible trading partners would be interested in the Reds minor league talent, especially catching and a few others. As far as pitching – Cueto, Leake and Woods. Suspect that most GM’s recognize as we Reds fans do, that Homer is a DL mainstay and Edinson a real headcase. Now if packaged together with someone like Heisey – someone like a Hardy might be had. ??? I do understand that to get an everyday player, we’ll have to give up probably too much of the future. I like the idea of bringing up at least a Cozart from Louisville and keeping pretty much the existing 40 man roster in tact. Last years Giants success was basically a model in free agent / waiver wire acquisition even after the trading deadline (Pat Burrell, Cody Ross and others), wherein the Giants gave nothing away and did not mortgage their future.
By jeff
June 30, 2011 3:31 PM | Link to this
I honestly think the Reds will entertain a trade for Bailey or Volquez. Baily is oft injured and up for arb and Volqy is unpredictable and is going to want cash. I would hang onto Bailey personally. I would build with Cueto, Arroyo, Leake and add Bailey in as well. That 5th spot does have depth but could you imagine if this team could add another solid arm. I don’t want rental guys though. I personally think the Reds will try something with a team like the Orioles and try and get Hardy and Guthrie.
By jeff
June 30, 2011 3:31 PM | Link to this
I honestly think the Reds will entertain a trade for Bailey or Volquez. Baily is oft injured and up for arb and Volqy is unpredictable and is going to want cash. I would hang onto Bailey personally. I would build with Cueto, Arroyo, Leake and add Bailey in as well. That 5th spot does have depth but could you imagine if this team could add another solid arm. I don’t want rental guys though. I personally think the Reds will try something with a team like the Orioles and try and get Hardy and Guthrie.
By jim m.
June 30, 2011 2:10 PM | Link to this
Hmm must have been a glitch in the forum posting.. i never meant to have it post that many times at all!! Sorry Hal and readers!
By jim m.
June 30, 2011 12:02 PM | Link to this
This was posted just awhile ago on mlbtraderumors.com “The Reds are concerned about starting pitching and will consider making moves for upgrades at left field or shortstop. Though rival teams don’t expect Reyes to end up in Cincinnati, GM Walt Jocketty may be aggressive enough to make a deal happen.” I wish Walt would call the Dodgers about Kemp and Kershaw or Billingsly. If they have to give up Wood for Kershaw i would do that in a heartbeat. If the Dodgers paid all of Furcal’s salary then jump at that for the rest of the year, then you have Cozart to fall back after Furcal leaves. Hmm a Kemp, Kershaw and Furcal(including cash for the rest of Furcals salary) for Janish, Wood, Stubbs and Alonso?
By jim m.
June 30, 2011 12:02 PM | Link to this
This was posted just awhile ago on mlbtraderumors.com “The Reds are concerned about starting pitching and will consider making moves for upgrades at left field or shortstop. Though rival teams don’t expect Reyes to end up in Cincinnati, GM Walt Jocketty may be aggressive enough to make a deal happen.” I wish Walt would call the Dodgers about Kemp and Kershaw or Billingsly. If they have to give up Wood for Kershaw i would do that in a heartbeat. If the Dodgers paid all of Furcal’s salary then jump at that for the rest of the year, then you have Cozart to fall back after Furcal leaves. Hmm a Kemp, Kershaw and Furcal assuming he is healthy(including cash for the rest of Furcals salary) for Janish, Wood, Stubbs and Alonso?
By jim m.
June 30, 2011 12:02 PM | Link to this
This was posted just awhile ago on mlbtraderumors.com “The Reds are concerned about starting pitching and will consider making moves for upgrades at left field or shortstop. Though rival teams don’t expect Reyes to end up in Cincinnati, GM Walt Jocketty may be aggressive enough to make a deal happen.” I wish Walt would call the Dodgers about Kemp and Kershaw or Billingsly. If they have to give up Wood for Kershaw i would do that in a heartbeat. If the Dodgers paid all of Furcal’s salary then jump at that for the rest of the year, then you have Cozart to fall back after Furcal leaves. Hmm a Kemp, Kershaw and Furcal assuming he is healthy(including cash for the rest of Furcals salary) for Janish, Wood, Stubbs and Alonso?
By jim m.
June 30, 2011 12:02 PM | Link to this
This was posted just awhile ago on mlbtraderumors.com “The Reds are concerned about starting pitching and will consider making moves for upgrades at left field or shortstop. Though rival teams don’t expect Reyes to end up in Cincinnati, GM Walt Jocketty may be aggressive enough to make a deal happen.” I wish Walt would call the Dodgers about Kemp and Kershaw or Billingsly. If they have to give up Wood for Kershaw i would do that in a heartbeat. If the Dodgers paid all of Furcal’s salary then jump at that for the rest of the year, then you have Cozart to fall back after Furcal leaves. Hmm a Kemp, Kershaw and Furcal assuming he is healthy(including cash for the rest of Furcals salary) for Janish, Wood, Stubbs and Alonso?
By jim m.
June 30, 2011 12:02 PM | Link to this
This was posted just awhile ago on mlbtraderumors.com “The Reds are concerned about starting pitching and will consider making moves for upgrades at left field or shortstop. Though rival teams don’t expect Reyes to end up in Cincinnati, GM Walt Jocketty may be aggressive enough to make a deal happen.” I wish Walt would call the Dodgers about Kemp and Kershaw or Billingsly. If they have to give up Wood for Kershaw i would do that in a heartbeat. If the Dodgers paid all of Furcal’s salary then jump at that for the rest of the year, then you have Cozart to fall back after Furcal leaves. Hmm a Kemp, Kershaw and Furcal assuming he is healthy(including cash for the rest of Furcals salary) for Janish, Wood, Stubbs and Alonso?
By jim m.
June 30, 2011 12:02 PM | Link to this
This was posted just awhile ago on mlbtraderumors.com “The Reds are concerned about starting pitching and will consider making moves for upgrades at left field or shortstop. Though rival teams don’t expect Reyes to end up in Cincinnati, GM Walt Jocketty may be aggressive enough to make a deal happen.” I wish Walt would call the Dodgers about Kemp and Kershaw or Billingsly. If they have to give up Wood for Kershaw i would do that in a heartbeat. If the Dodgers paid all of Furcal’s salary then jump at that for the rest of the year, then you have Cozart to fall back after Furcal leaves. Hmm a Kemp, Kershaw and Furcal assuming he is healthy(including cash for the rest of Furcals salary) for Janish, Wood, Stubbs and Alonso?
By jim m.
June 30, 2011 12:02 PM | Link to this
This was posted just awhile ago on mlbtraderumors.com “The Reds are concerned about starting pitching and will consider making moves for upgrades at left field or shortstop. Though rival teams don’t expect Reyes to end up in Cincinnati, GM Walt Jocketty may be aggressive enough to make a deal happen.” I wish Walt would call the Dodgers about Kemp and Kershaw or Billingsly. If they have to give up Wood for Kershaw i would do that in a heartbeat. If the Dodgers paid all of Furcal’s salary then jump at that for the rest of the year, then you have Cozart to fall back after Furcal leaves. Hmm a Kemp, Kershaw and Furcal(including cash for the rest of Furcals salary) for Janish, Wood, Stubbs and Alonso?
By jim m.
June 30, 2011 12:02 PM | Link to this
This was posted just awhile ago on mlbtraderumors.com “The Reds are concerned about starting pitching and will consider making moves for upgrades at left field or shortstop. Though rival teams don’t expect Reyes to end up in Cincinnati, GM Walt Jocketty may be aggressive enough to make a deal happen.” I wish Walt would call the Dodgers about Kemp and Kershaw or Billingsly. If they have to give up Wood for Kershaw i would do that in a heartbeat. If the Dodgers paid all of Furcal’s salary then jump at that for the rest of the year, then you have Cozart to fall back after Furcal leaves. Hmm a Kemp, Kershaw and Furcal assuming he is healthy(including cash for the rest of Furcals salary) for Janish, Wood, Stubbs and Alonso?
By Tom Dick and Hairy
June 30, 2011 9:31 AM | Link to this
Paul in Fairborn, your post was excellent, cracked me up. Glad you have seen the light on Lewis. It’s about time someone else agreed with us and Believe It. You need to pass that comment on— ‘sometimes stats do lie’— to some certain posters around here. You know, those who think one cannot just look at a player and see his worth, regardless of what his bubble gum card says; or who Dusty says ‘matches up’ well{as in Fred Lewis}. Lots of fools in this world, and some carry around too many ‘statistics’; and many have jobs, in which they do not belong—except for the fact that some other fool in power, liked their tooth picks. Take this blog for instance—several fools on here think they are His gift to the blog world, always agreeing with the other fools who believe their thoughts to be golden; as noticed by their always being ready to blast away at anyone who disagrees with them, or the powers that be in the Reds organization. All of them need to chill, BIG TIME! They ain’t all that, if you catch my drift. By the way, your post was so effective for me, I am considering sending back my degree from Harvard, selling my house in Oakwood, and purchasing one in Fairborn. I can’t wait to tell Hairy I talked to you today!
By SteveF
June 30, 2011 9:17 AM | Link to this
I was watching Game 1 of the 1970 WS a few months back and Jim Palmer who threw a lot of pitches made it to the ninth with two outs and no one said anything about a pitch count. Different time.
By jeff
June 30, 2011 8:59 AM | Link to this
For what its worth and I am always hard on him, I think I owe Co-Co some praise. I am always saying how he struggles but he had simply had a great year for the Reds. Sure he makes it interesting but he has been closing the door. Great Job Co-Co!!!! Keep it up!!!
By DeckFan
June 30, 2011 8:34 AM | Link to this
REMINDER ALL - last day for All Star Casting my votes for Votto, Phillips and Bruce. Sorry, no Janish! Let’s support our guys!
By Joe
June 30, 2011 7:31 AM | Link to this
Maybe Volquez needs to follow Cueto all the time in the rotation so he can see how it’s done.
By Michael in Singapore
June 30, 2011 7:14 AM | Link to this
What’s this? It can’t be! A 23 year old kid in Seattle, after 40 at bats, is actually hitting .300? Impossible isn’t it? There’s no way he’s ready for the big leagues!! Well, he wouldn’t be if he were wearing a Reds uniform. Wake up front office personnel- you have AAA ballplayers kicking in the door demanding a shot at the brass ring. The “they’re not ready excuse” is soooo played. Thanks for the kind words Paul in Fairborn!
By Paul in fairborn
June 30, 2011 4:02 AM | Link to this
At the risk of flooding the blog one more post. as long as the subject of cities has come up…. @Michael in Singapore and @StuttgartTim You guys are great, thanks and would love to hear a short bio on how you came to be there?
By StuttgartTim
June 30, 2011 2:44 AM | Link to this
Well put Paul. And Hal, I am happy Volkie fared better, but superb? I guess if you’re comparing it to past outings, you could say that. Maybe you were referring to his change in approach which does seem to have been a huge improvement. I hope it continues, but he does have a history of mental/concentration lapses.
By Paul in fairborn
June 30, 2011 2:26 AM | Link to this
Sorry guess I am guilty too. I just went off a little in that last post. what I meant to say was….. “And maybe the Reds have found their leadoff hitter in Lewis, who has been on base 21 times in his last 38 plate appearances” So maybe I was wrong in an earlier post of mine I said Dusty didn’t have a true leadoff hitter and was at that time defending him. Those are some impressive STATS and even before I read Hals blog was thinking of commenting on Fred Lewis, and how he has finaly started to pay off. I thought when he was signed “oh great another re-tread” I’m not thinking that now. He’s a quiet guy, maybe they should put his locker next to B.P’s
By Paul in fairborn
June 30, 2011 1:50 AM | Link to this
“This time Ondrusek retired five straight and turned it over to closer Coco Corero” actually Bray got the last 2 of those five outs. thats a fact not a stat. The rest of you are all so busy arguing about yesterdays blog and calling each other names nobody called for a correction. Actually stats do lie, Last year Coco’s stats said he was one of the best closers in the game but I needed a pacemaker an awful lot. Interpreting stats is subjective. I wouldnt call anyone a liar its not productive it only leads to childish replys like, “am not” quickly followed by an “are too”. I didn’t start by calling Hal a liar about the 5 outs I was merely pointing out he was mistaken. This forum could be conducted without name calling. And as for the recurring question of why anyone would live in Fairborn…. it aint that bad, my morgage is underwater, and the cops leave me alone. I work nights, they are understaffed so I don’t get stopped for the crime of driving at night. If it matters I was raised in Kettering, and am blue collar working class. If you think you are a better class of person based on where you live or your education why are you here…. with me?
By Michael in Singapore
June 30, 2011 1:01 AM | Link to this
I have to disagree with whomever blogged this team has no fight left. They haven’t given up in a game yet. The second half should prove interesting- especially if a few roster moves are made.
By @dugout Dopey
June 29, 2011 11:55 PM | Link to this
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha What a fool you are! BYE FOOL! BYE Matt The Blog cop!
By KNOW IT ALL
June 29, 2011 7:30 PM | Link to this
DECKFAN I am with you don’t get me wrong and agree with what you said about Volquez & Hannigan. DD your right about using peoples names someone used my name KNOW IT ALL to bad mouth your comments. Ever since you set me straight I no longer am a basher. Well maybe a BAKER BASHER
By DD
June 29, 2011 6:44 PM | Link to this
TYGO…Lance is better known as Believe It. He’s been known to also use other’s legitimate handles so watch out! Your might find your name associated with his stupidity!
By @dugout dopey
June 29, 2011 6:22 PM | Link to this
TYGO: Look around my man! Dugout Dope: exactly where did I use “along with”? You still cannot read and/or retain anything—but think you are all-knowing. That’s laughable! I just cannot decide whether you should be named “double dumb” or “dugout Dopey”—maybe both, huh?
By DeckFan
June 29, 2011 6:16 PM | Link to this
Hey KIA - you like the fight our Reds are showing?? I like my odds going into this weekend against the suddenly struggling Tribe! I will however jump on the Dusty bashing train if he doesn’t go with the Volquez / Hannigan battery when EV’s turn comes up again.
By KNOW IT ALL
June 29, 2011 6:01 PM | Link to this
Gosh if Baker would have brought in COCO or CHAPMAN last night we would have won that one also. Win one lose two. So now we have won one in a row for the hundreth time. Baker still starts Bruce for whatever reason and Stubbs, WHY? Also Rolen played quote Baker beginning of the season Rolen will not play day games after night games. DUH…Another test for Baker coming this wknd, lets see if we can sweep the Indians
By TYGO
June 29, 2011 5:44 PM | Link to this
Uh, Lance, who are you going off on? Paul Janish was not mentioned by anyone. What lying stats? What the heck are you reading?
By DD
June 29, 2011 5:37 PM | Link to this
Posting under the Lance McAllister handle - the KING of statistical research in this town - while suggesting to stick lying stats where the sun don’t shine is laughable! Oh, and play Cairo along with Rolen. So…sit Votto? Phillips? Definitely not Janish cause “he can field with ANYONE in EITHER league”. You just don’t quit, do you Believe It? Grow a pair and stand on your own two feet….Good game today. If Volquez can come around our starting pitching woes of the 1st half of the season could suddenly become a strength of this team. 3 back - could be 2 by the time the Tribe come to town if the Yankees do what they are capable of.
By Lance McAllister
June 29, 2011 5:14 PM | Link to this
Can we agree that both Bruce and Stubbs are overpaid and overplayed? Can we suggest to blind posters that Janish can field with ANYONE in EITHER League? Stick your lying stats where the sun don’t shine, and just watch the man play! Can we suggest that producing Vets like Cairo and Rolen should play{obviously}; but that Erroria types should see DR.K, or a euthanasia specialist?
By TYGO
June 29, 2011 4:31 PM | Link to this
Decent game. Good to see EV pitch instead of throw. That being said, Shields pitched a heckuva game as well. It still concerns me a lot that Bruce and Stubbs continue to flail away. Granted Bruce connected once last night but Jacoby better be working overtime to get these two straightened out. There are definite problems with their mechanics and this team cannot keep sitting back waiting for them to produce.
By TYGO
June 29, 2011 4:31 PM | Link to this
Decent game. Good to see EV pitch instead of throw. That being said, Shields pitched a heckuva game as well. It still concerns me a lot that Bruce and Stubbs continue to flail away. Granted Bruce connected once last night but Jacoby better be working overtime to get these two straightened out. There are definite problems with their mechanics and this team cannot keep sitting back waiting for them to produce.
By turd fergison
June 29, 2011 4:02 PM | Link to this
I LIKE TO SEE IT A FEW MORE TIMES BEFORE I SAY ITS BETTER…HOPEFULLY THE TALK WORKED AND HE KEEPS HIS HEAD ON STRAIGHT…ITS ALL UPSTAIRS WITH HIM!!! WHEN WILL WE MAKE DREW STUBBS PRACTICE BUNTING???
By DeckFan
June 29, 2011 3:50 PM | Link to this
I happen to think that the improvement in Edinsons performance just might be the change in his battery mate. while the Spainish speaking connection made a lot of sense, perhaps the difference in game calling as well as catcher positioning might be what was needed. Hopefully Dusty gives it another try. He just might have ‘fallen into’ a season changing combo!