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Ask Hal: Reds will offer Volquez arbitration, then cross their fingers

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By Hal McCoy, Contributing Writer 10:16 PM Saturday, September 24, 2011

Hall-of-fame baseball writer Hal McCoy knows a thing or two about America’s pastime. If you’d like to tap into that knowledge, send a question to halmccoy1@hotmail.com.

Q My wife, an avid baseball fan and of Dancing With the Stars, says she’d like to see me or one of the Reds appear on the show, so is there anybody on the Reds with a dance step? — Dave, Miamisburg/Centerville/Beavercreek

A I’d rather watch Ice Road Truckers than watch you dance, you of the two left feet and stiff knees. As for the Reds, have you watched Brandon Phillips play second base with the dexterity of Nureyev? Hey, what Chad Ochocinco can do, Brandon Phillips can do better — even run pass routes.

Q Do you think the Reds will offer Edinson Volquez arbitration? — Mark, Bloomington, Ind.

A Manager Dusty Baker still talks as if Volequez is viable for the 2012 rotation, so I’m guessing they will. If Volquez can regain what he had his first year with the Reds (17 wins, an All-Star appearance), he’ll be a large plus. If. If buffalo could have run faster they wouldn’t have been nearly extinct.

Q This is my 2012 lineup if there are no trades or free agent signings: Brandon Phillips, 2B; Zack Cozart, SS; Joey Votto, 1B; Jay Bruce, RF; Scott Rolen, 3B; Devin Mesoraco, C; Yonder Alonso/Chris Heisey, LF; Drew Stubbs, CF. Pretty solid, right? — Jason, Denver

A With no deals or signings, your lineup is as good as any, with reservations. How much can Rolen play (injuries) and will Juan Francisco play more? They had small samplings on Cozart and Mesoraco and both still have to prove they are ready for prime time. I’d play Alonso in left nearly every day. But manager Dusty Baker isn’t inclined to ask my opinion on the weather, let alone his lineups.

Q Are the Reds using the John Allen Method for deferred payments to players, because I heard that he did such a great job on Ken Griffey Jr.’s deferred contract that the Reds made a profit on his deferred money? — Bill, Villa Hills, Ky.

A This question should have been sent to one of our business writers because I’m perplexed balancing my checkbook. Allen, the team’s former CEO, was a shrewd business guy and probably did just that. But the way the economy is these days and with the luck of the recent Reds, if they invested deferred money owed to Scott Rolen he might end up owning the team.

Q With spring training a long way off, what do you do for fun during the off-season? — Bob, Springboro

A Watch a lot of college and NFL football (go Browns) for starters. Spend a lot of time with my wife, Nadine, which is good for a while until I get restless and she says, “How long until spring training? Soon I hope.” And I’m still trying to put a dent in the coffers of area casinos before my bankruptcy hearing.

Q Do you think the Reds will be active in the free-agent market this winter to look for a third baseman, left fielder or relief pitcher? — Marty, Bellbrook

A They probably won’t pursue major free agents for any position due to budget constraints. As for left field, they have Yonder Alonso, Chris Heisey and Dave Sappelt as viable candidates. And Scott Rolen returns, hopefully in better health, to play third base with Juan Francisco gazing over his shoulder. They do need help in the bullpen and inexpensive relief pitchers usually are available via trades. Just be careful whom you trade.

Q In all your years covering baseball do you have one hitting streak that stands out as the most incredible you’ve seen? — Tim, Monroe, La.

A This year everybody hoped Paul Janish could put together a two-game streak, but it seldom happened. The answer is easy: Pete Rose’s 44-game streak. Not only was it incredible, it was fun for everybody because Rose was a quote machine. But the best was when Atlanta pitcher Gene Garber struck him out to end the streak and Rose said, “He pitched me like it was the seventh game of the World Series?” Well, duh. Of course, he did. That’s the only thing anybody remembers about Garber’s career.

Q What are the chances that Joey Votto will be traded before next season or at the trade deadline next season? — Joel, Indianapolis

A Unfortunately, it is business as baseball is played today. When Votto becomes a free agent after 2013 it isn’t likely the Reds can afford him. I’d keep him for next season, then trade him after the 2012 season before they have to pay him $17 million for 2013. Yonder Alonso awaits.

Q What do the Reds need to concentrate on in the offseason as far as pitching? — Eric, Hebron, Ky.

A They mark down Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake as No. 1 and No. 2. Then they pray a lot — pray that Bronson Arroyo is the guy who pitched the shutout last week against Houston; pray that Homer Bailey sheds the Mr. Inconsistency tag; pray that Edinson Volquez locates home plate; pray that Travis Wood is the guy who once nearly pitched a perfect game against the Philadelphia Phillies; and pray that Aroldis Chapman is a starter. Don’t look for a major free-agent signing. They can’t afford it and the last time they tried they signed Eric Milton. How’d that one work?

Q Does anybody keep a record of how many runners a batter leaves on base, because Jay Bruce has to be approaching 500? — Phil, Russia, Oh.

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