Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy is in his 36th year of covering the Cincinnati Reds, the longest tenure for any active writer covering one team. Counting spring training and postseason games, McCoy has covered more than 7,000 major-league baseball games, written close to 18,000 baseball stories and eaten enough hot dogs to give Babe Ruth indigestion.Home > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2008 > August > 27 > Entry
Votto loses, but loves the battle
The next time the Cincinnati Reds plays the Houston Astros, I am going to borrow Astros uniform No. 44, the one worn by Roy Oswalt. I am going to put it on and pitch for the Astros.
As long as the Reds believe I’m Oswalt, I know I’ll get them out with my 43 miles an hour cut fastball.
How can one pitcher be 22-1 for his career against one team? It defies logic. It defies reason. It defies the odds. It defies explanation.
Oswalt did it again Wednesday in Minute Maid Park, holding the Reds to one run and five hits over seven innings.
There was one confrontation between Oswalt and Joey Votto that defines baseball. The dullard would say it was a boring at-bat. Votto struck out. As Red Smith once wrote, “Baseball is dull only to dull people.”
If you are a baseball fan and didn’t enjoy watching that at-bat, then you aren’t a fan. You are a casual observer, and not a very good one.
Situation: Reds down, 2-1. Runner on third. Two outs. Votto vs. Oswalt. On the eighth pitch, Oswalt struck out Votto with a 97 miles an hour fastball, his highest velocity of the night.
The eight-pitch argument was pure testosterone, mano y mano. He was engaging and invigorating stuff. Oswalt stuck with his best, his fastball, dialing it up to 94 miles an hour, then 95 miles an hour (both fouled off), then blowing Votto away with a 97 miles an hour fastball.
Votto didn’t win that battle, but being the competitor he is, he enjoyed it, other than the result.
“I don’t think Roy cruises or anything, but he really showed me what he has on that at bat,” said Votto. “After the last pitch, he gave me a little stare and I kind of got goose bumps because I love competition. It was awesome, even though I lost.
“He has almost no fear and has really good stuff and that combination leads to a lot of success,” said Votto. “I wasn’t around for about 21 of those wins of his, but tonight he looked like one of the best pitchers in baseball.”
Now you know what I like Joey Votto so much. He struck - and certainly didn’t want to strike out - but he thrill in the competition and was appreciate of what occurred.
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Comments
By Uncle Fester
August 30, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Junior, well, quite frankly sir junior, there is absolutely nothing positive to know about you, sir. You’re like a corrosive termite. You are the rust of this website with your constant attacks on Obama. Oh I get it, you’re not on a team, you’re a switch hitter. And Uncle Fester is a much prettier name than Matt Cravens, born June 6, 1985. Wow, you really ARE young. No wonder you don’t know much about politics, you’ve just naive!By Matt
August 30, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
First of all, anyone that posts on a baseball blog with a name like “Uncle Fester”, pardon me if I can’t really take you seriously, sir. You and your friends Wizard, HT and Brarhopper know absolutely positively nothing about me, and quite frankly it’s none of your business, “junior”.By Uncle Fester
August 30, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
Nope, you are absolutely right again, junior, you spew out all of your carpola from just one name. Then again, you’re always right and if we don’t agree, you’ll throw down two or three more quick 500-1000 word manic diatribes saying you didn’t or did or whining about someone calling you on your bullsh!t or pouting about some other perceived infraction. God, you are so mentally ill it’s just a pity. Do you really still live with your folks as stated on here? How very sad…for them. Your poor parents to have an offspring like you. You’ll probably come home and find you dad in the garage hanging by a belt.By Matt
August 29, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Well at least when I post my comments I can stand by them, sir. At least when asked a question about my opinions I can answer it. At least when someone calls me on something incorrect that I said I’m man enough to admit that I was wrong. At least I don’t hide behind multiple SNs so I can spew out crapola from multiple names.By HuberTucky
August 29, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Actually, my mother told me to avoid creepy bloggers so I’ll pass on a response to your unasked for response to my opinions.By Matt
August 29, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Actually Hubertucky, if you look at Arroyo’s record pitching on 3 days rest, especially with the Reds, it has been very good. As a matter of fact, he has been more effective pitching on three or four days rest than he has been taking the full five (or more) days. He also has made claims that he would prefer pitching on short rest. Also, the San Diego extra inning game in which Harang pitched wasn’t all Dusty’s idea. It has been reported by a variety of sources, including Harang himself if I’m not mistaken, that Harang actually approached Baker about coming into that game to pitch. He volunteered, which is exactly what you want a veteran, and the # 1 pitcher of your staff to do. How much harm that was done to Harang in the game is up in the air, and I don’t think anyone knows for certain. There could have been a lingering injury somewhere else for all we know. Harang actually pitched better in the game in question on May 25th than he did three days before, on the 22nd.By HuberTucky
August 29, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
OMG! Now they’re going to pitch BA on three days rest? Unbelievable! Is THIS the kind of genius we can expect from Musty and the Dickpole? Gads, when will they learn? BA is pitching the best he has all year and now they’re gonna screw with that!? I give up on these idiots. It’s unbelievable. Has Baker learned absolutely nothing from the damage his stupid San Diego decision has caused to Harang? These guys get paid this kind of money to make decisions that poor slobs like me could make better any day of the week, it seems. This will not pan out well and does NOT bode well at all for the Reds future, bleak as it is. Then again, as always, I could be wrong. I sure as hell hope so.By timb
August 29, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Ross, it coulda been worse. they could have decided to let Dunn play out the season, NOT sign him AND not offer him arbitration and get nothing for him. Or, offer him arbitration and get two draft picks (who would be in the Majors some time in 2015, if they were lucky). But, once they decided to trade their only offensive threat (apparently because he was a cancer and didn’t hustle on his Major League leading 32 bombs), they at least received something. By the way, Baseball Prospectus notes only the Reds would consider starting Arroyo (a pitcher they need next year) on three days rest right after he pitches their only complete game. is rotation management like that which destroys rotations.By ross
August 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
timb..Im glad your optimism is fun…u must like hearing this kind of stuff every season..8 losing seasons in a row and alot more to come..GO DEADSBy timb
August 29, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
For Ross, again, and I am not being defensive, just revealing some thoughts of baseball scouts. Here’s a Scouting report on Buck “A premium prospect in college, Buck’s stock took a dive when it was discovered that he played through a partial ligament tear en route to Oregon State’s College World Series championship in 2006. Of course, the same event proved that his heart was two sizes too large, and he’s been a bit of an underdog darling ever since. Buck had TJ surgery to rebuild his elbow in 2007 and has been coming back since. When healthy, Dallas is a workhorse who throws a 92-94 mph fastball, a plus slider and a changeup that could develop into a premium MLB pitch. He’ll idle under the radar until fully recovered from his operation, but after the usual 18 months pass, he should return to top prospect status. A definite 2009 sleeper.” I’ve heard the fastball has a nice sink as well. The change-up and commanding it is the only thing keeping him from the Majors. See, optimism, it’s fun.By timb
August 29, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Michael, Hal seems to think he’s not hustling…For Ross, here’s a scouting website’s take on the 2007 version of Owings Owings promising but short pro career heralds very good things. Its slightly worrisome that his strikeout rate dropped and his walk rate rose as he ascended to Triple-A, but that hes there already is nice enough, and he was absolutely lights-out in the PCL championships. Performance aside, scouts get appropriately drooly over his mid-90s heat and sharp, high-velocity slider. Owings is a promising young hurler.By michael
August 29, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
I am with the wiz, I am enjoying watching Dickerson play. I won’t commit, but I think I he will do well in the Reds OF.By Y-City Jim
August 28, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Ross, I heard that Reds were so boring last night that viewers were switching to the Democratic National Convention. :)By ross
August 28, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
hey guys the Reds doubled there output from last night..this is the most boring team I can remember. 2 runs is the max this team can put up no pop..at least when they would lose last year they would put up 8 or 9 with Dunner, Hamilton,Griffey,Phillips,Valentin can smoke it, Hatteburg..fun team to watch they could at least put numbers on the boardBy ross
August 28, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
timb Im glad you are an optimist..its hard to be when an organization keeps dumbing players and continues to lose..the guys we got from the D’Backs please..a soft thrower with tommy john surgery..Owings ERA is around 6 we have plenty of those guys and a catcher..oh well any catcher is better then we have nowBy sun deck lover
August 28, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Let us not take for granted how J. Cueto is doing for a rookie at his age. Right now he has an ERA of 4.65 with 146 SO to 58 BB. Some other rookie ERAS: Santana -6.49, Sabathia - 4.39, Haren - 5.08, Peavy - 4.52, Maddux - 5.61. Alot to look forward to with his explosive, Pedro-like arm! I am also pretty happy with the potentially usefull arms in the Dunn deal.By Wizard
August 28, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Sorry Ross, my mistake—I meant to say Geronimo—thanks for pointing that out to me—I do see a lot in Dickerson that is similar. I’d like to know why you and others keep a thumbs down on Chris—I see him as doing as well, or better, than most of this team. I enjoy his effort and results.By timb
August 28, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
“Ross said: the Reds got nothing in return” See, I think that’s wrong. They largely got nothing for Ken, but, as much as I love him, he was a shadow of himself. Anything they received was more than they could have expected. As for Adam (and I still believe they should have re-signed him), they received Micah Owings, a future third starter, Wilkin Castillo, a decent catching prospect, and that Dallas Buck kid, who may be a number 1 starter in two years. He was supposed to be a first round draft pick, but fell to third. He could be the John Smoltz of this trade (see Doyle Alexander for John Smoltz)By Mike-Cinci
August 28, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Sun Deck Lover and Matt make reasonable points on the quality of the young talent. I will agree it is better today than it has been. There has been a drought for several years. We just don’t have enough young talent and virtually no experienced talent. The pitching is promising but I worry about the long term prospects for the bullpen. I will give Jocketty a lot of credit if he can make this an 82-85 win team in 2009 and an 87-92 win team by 2010-2011. I don’t think the Cubs, Brewers, Cards, and Astros will stand still. They will try to get better too and their track record and resources are much better than the Reds. In any event I hope Jocketty succeeds. The Reds have been down and out long enough.By ross
August 28, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
how does it feel fellow Reds fans to be in the same class as the Washington Nationals..the Pirates got good young talent when they cleaned house and are headed in the right direction..they are in alot better shape then the Reds are..the Reds got nothing in return…in the past we could at least say we would finish in front of Pittsburgh but thats not the case anymoreBy sun deck lover
August 28, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, I agree with your short list of “untouchables” mine would be exactly the same. I do think that the overall roster, though young and inexperienced, is the most promising it has been in a long time. Problem is, we have been rebuilding for 10-15 years! I really feel that we have a rotation (assuming Arroyallovertheplaceo can establish some sort of middle of the road consistency) that can compete on a daily basis next season. We just need a couple of solid everyday position players that can contribute to the young offensive talent. The outfield will be a major issue next year, but signing or trading for a veteran left fielder can go a long way. Bruce is going to be a solid MLB player. He just needs a little time, but nothing to prove or benifit him in minors, and he’s not holding the bus here. EE is the big ? I wouldn’t go as far as calling him a B. Larson, but he should be getting better. I really don’t know. What this team really needs is a Paul O’Neil.By ross
August 28, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
wiz..Cedeno in HOF? whose HOF the Astros..doubt he’s even there..Dickerson cant hold a candle to cesar cedeno or even a paul householder..hes a minor leaguer in good organizations probably at AABy wiz
August 28, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Brarhopper: Well said. You and Timb both have great posts—I read them and disregard others—I guess timb wants me to improve upon my baseball opinions—I’ll try—but think I am still correct on BP moving to short{it solves more problems than it might create, IMO/and believe Dickerson can become a starter in the Reds outfield. I saw Cedeno play centerfield, go into the HOF, and, as you do, I don’t use figures—I see what I see{quick bat,good arm, good hustle}—and believe, if given the chance by Dusty-brain, he will do just as well, or better than Cedeno!Glad to be included with you and Timb on the correct future for our country.By ross
August 28, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
matt..no disrespect but the Reds dont have good players..Hanigan/ Dickerson are not everyday big league players..Hanigan should not be on a ML roster if it wasnt for Bako he would not..the Reds have the worst catchers in baseball..they need to play Javy who can hit it..the Reds have a couple of young pitchers who have a chance to be very good…Phillips is solid and I think Votto has a chance..other then that the tank is emptyBy ross
August 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
matt..no disrespect but the Reds dont have good players..Hanigan/ Dickerson are not everyday big league players..Hanigan should not be on a ML roster if it wasnt for Bako he would not..the Reds have the worst catchers in baseball..they need to play Javy who can hit it..the Reds have a couple of young pitchers who have a chance to be very good…Phillips is solid and I think Votto hads a chance..other then that the tank is emptyBy Matt
August 28, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, how have you been? I always enjoy reading your posts, but I have to offer a different opinion on something you said about the Reds not having good players. I submit that the Reds, while not the best team in the world, have a lot of talented, up-and-coming players on this roster that will be in the majors for years to come. I think most will have successful big league careers. Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, EE, Joey Votto, Dickerson, Hanigan. All those strike me as good young players. The same can be applied to guys like Cueto, Volquez, and Arroyo. That’s a fine trio of pitchers there. The Reds need to add a few pieces here and there(at least one outfielder, a SP, some power on the bench), but I think they are closer to contention, and winning, than a lot of folks think. As far as Lou not coming to the Reds, I am not so sure that it was because he didn’t think he could win here. He obviously wanted to do broadcasting for a while, and then get back into the game a little bit down the road. By the time he was ready to return, the Reds had moved on and the Cubs gave him an offer. Good for Lou, the Cubs and good for the Reds, at least presently. The Cubs are winning, and have a great manager, and while this season has been another disappointing one, the Reds have a great manager and seemingly a very bright near future. Go Reds!!By BrarHopper
August 28, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
timb, you showed some numbers for EE from last year and 2006. My point remains that the guy is not getting better. Do his 08 numbers show a positive learning curve? Are they flat or have they fallen? While I admit to not being a numbers cruncher type, I go with my eyes, my brain and my heart, all of which are clouded by red flags for this guy as he continues to strike me as ambivalent and apathetic. These were the same “attributes” I “felt” watching some other recent Reds’ non-hustlers ‘tudes. Sorry, again, but that’s just how I see it and how it feels to me. I’ve seen so much talent on this team over the years and have seen plenty of “can’t misses,” talented wannabes and never weres, that I just get a feeling about certain guys from their body language and flat expressions. And EE strikes me as a guy who would rather be doing something else. Again, I could be quite wrong. In fact, when it comes to something like this, I’m happy to be wrong and frankly hope I am. But this is my take on EE, and it’s just not a good one. timb, I’m glad we agree on the future of our nation and can still comfortably disagree on the small potatoes stuff like this. And remain civil.By Mike-Cinci
August 28, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
bobs at 10:11 made a good point on players the Reds should keep. In short not many. Also great discussion on the value of other players. I think EE is eligible for abitration this winter. He is a real question mark. Is he what he is or will he break out? My guess it will be something in between which won’t help the Reds much. It will probably be better than any other option unless as some have said he is a lazy bum. Castellini tried to hire Lou but he did TV work instead for a year and then signed with the Cubs. Lou is no dummy. He knew he could not win with the Reds. He saw the Reds had little talent on the major league roster, not enough talent in the minors, and not enough fan support and $ to buy big money free agents. The Cubs were an easy choice for him. They have a talented roster and the money to buy more. Lou would not want to manage the Pirates or Royals either. Until the Reds get better players managing the Reds is a dead end for anyone. Sad but true.By timb
August 28, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I’m not trying to be excessively argumentative, just providing examples of people from the past who have been similar. In other news, Hal agrees with you that Jocketty will trade him, while early summer Jocketty agreed with me, declaring Edwin to be one of the five Reds he would not move at the trade deadline (we’ll see how things stand after this season’s disappointing OPS of .800 is concluded). All I’m saying, much like the radio broadcast team (and I apologize, as I cannot think of a worse insult), you focus on the little things and not the big picture, i.e., there aren’t many 25 year old 3rd basemen better than this guy, who led the team in batting average last season and led them in runners plated in 2006 (17%). Certainly, there are no better options on the Red’s depth chart. There are no power hitters left in the Reds system (close to the majors), so, if you want to move the only guy who can create runs and replace him Judy Keppinger, then I can’t stop you. I think, however, that’s a huge mistake.By bobs
August 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Not sure exactly how a few blog posters can run a player out of town, but if we could, I would ship EE as soon as possible. How about a name from the past to compare…Brandon Larson. He was given time, so has EE, he does not have it plain and simple. He has been given plently of time, he has failed, failed, and failed. I was never good in math, but I do know, E5 + K =EE.By Roho Radio
August 28, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
BrarHopper and timb: Excellent posts…seriously. It’s good to see there can be some arguments on here that don’t bring up verbage that sounds something like “You can say the sky is red, when it’s really blue. It doesn’t change the fact that the sky is blue” (Something like that). Anway, I get the same “feeling” about EE, Brarhopper. I think we should keep him, though, timb, and here’s why: Like many athletes these days, he’ll probably have a lights out year next year since he’s arbitration eligible after next season. The “light bulb” will “unexpectedly” turn on for this guy.By BrarHopper
August 28, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
timb, you can love on EE all you want. I’ve followed baseball and the Reds since I was a boy in the 50s and I know a dud when I see one. What I’m saying about EE here is what I think and what I feel, in other words, my opinion. If you can’t handle that, then go argue with the bottomless pit; I won’t go there with you. I’m not taking your bait. My sense of things and my feelings about EE are valid and that’s where I stand. And I know I don’t stand alone, either. EE is inconsistent, doesn’t hustle, and is not getting any better. If this is indicative of what the future holds with this guy, I’m trading him. You say give him a chance. I thought this was his “give him a chance year” and he knows it and THIS is how he performs? If the team is being made over in the new GMs image, then I bet he deals EE. Of course, this is my opinion — right or wrong.By timb
August 28, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
BrarHopper, you’re wrong about EE. As I mentioned previously, Aramis Ramirez made 35-40 errors in his youth and he is now one the best third basemen int he league. You have a guy tied for 4th in league in HR’s (at his position), who is not arbitration eligible until after next season. Jesus, he’s the only guy capable of hitting the ball out on this team and you complain he runs slowly? So does David ortiz, so does Manny, so do most people involved in a six month marathon who are in last place. Quit trying to run the dude outta town.By ross
August 28, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Javy needs more ABs Bako has got to be the worst hitting catcher the Reds have had..Mike O’Berry looks like an allstar compared to him..Hanigan will not be any better..I would play Javy and let him hit..because he just hits hits and hits…clutch also..this team is awful offensively they need a little punchBy Tom
August 28, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I wish I could write an answer to Mr. Castellini like he wrote to the fans. I am watching one of the top three managers in baseball operate here in Chicago. I would say to Mr. Bob if you were so good of friends with Lou, why isn’t he in Cincy? Several MAJOR differences: 1) Koske Fukadome was in a slump, Lou benches and then works with Gerald Perry to straighten out his swing. Result-5 hits in the next eight at bats. In a game several weeks ago Lou goes out to the mound, not to take the pitcher out but tell him throw strikes or I’ll bring someone in who can. No chance for the pitcher to respond as Lou walked away. Continually change in the lineup to give the hitter the best chance to succeed. Didn’t throw his GM under the bus under (this is Krivsky’s team)even though Dusty HAD to be the one to bring Corey “the whiff” to Cincy. If it was Krivsky who recommended Dusty then he derserved to be fired. Finally, I see many of the comments on CP, PB, and the pitcher batting at the bottom of the order. I remember Pete Mac starting Valentin last year and he played pretty well. Don’t say your other catchers can’t do as well. I’ll tell you what you can’t do is give up almost 8 1/2 outs out of 10 at the bottom of the order. I guess we as Reds fans that Moises Alou is not able to play or he would be our left fielder. Please take your money and leave Dusty. You are not the answer.By bobs
August 28, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Mike-Cinci, getting ready to say the same thing. Last night, our sixth through eighth hitters were hitting .249, .196, .206. Any questions why this team scored one run? If everyone was on a one year contract, how many guys would you seriously keep? Bruce, Votto, Phillips, Harang, Burton, Volquez, Cueto. Next on the list, Kepp (like him, but could live without him), Arroyo, (probably not for the money he makes), Lincoln (see Kepp). Dickerson (possible potential, but dont see superstar..although would keep). Am I missing anyone?By Florida Buckeye
August 28, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Hal,this is a serious question: Do the Reds have, in their employ, a sports psychologist? I know that some professional sports franchises do, and with all these kids, and the mental breakdowns we’re having as a whole; I’m thinking that IF we dont have one on payroll, we should invest in one: Now!By sun deck lover
August 28, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Just wanted to comment on a topic that was brought up the other day that pisses me right off. It is Dusty screwing up the Harangatang. I thought at the time that he was crazy, which he has since proven this to be more than true. In baseball you never, ever, ever, for any reason, mess with your “ace” of your staff, especially if he is a real #1 guy. These guys are on such a routine from spring training on that they often can’t adjust to any fluctuation in their schedule- let alone pitching 3 times in 7 days. Look how many times they move the rest of the rotation around so that Aaron pitches on his 5th day. He is a poster boy for consistency (take note Homer), so to believe that the San Diego appearance had nothing to do with his injury and his subsequent performance is naive. Look at his numbers the past 3 seasons. Hell, look at how nasty he was before that game. I know that every game counts, but they had their chances to put that game away (3 I think) and blew it. It was not a post-season game, it was a game that will haunt you the rest of the month, if not the rest of the year by poorly managing your players. This team would be a .500 club with a normal Harang and a all year Bronson. Look at how many games Volquez has won on a anemic hitting team with avg. defense. The days of the 4 man rotation are long gone. So are using your starters out of the bullpen. Dusty is not the answer unless the question is “who is the most overrated manager in baseball?”. Pitching is the answer. You can never have too much, so don’t f up what you have.By Mike-Cinci
August 28, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Can we just admit the Reds roster stinks? Baker has no choice but to play what he has on the roster. Except for Votto and Phillips the rest of the players are poor excuses for major league players. Bruce might be good someday. He is not good today. Patterson, Dickerson, Cabrera, Keppinger, Bako, Hannigan. Encarnacion, Andy Phillips, Valentin, Rosalies are either at the bottom of the list of major league players or they belong in triple A. This team is short of talent just as they were for the last 8 years under Boone, Miley, Narron, and Mackanin.This team won’t be any better until they get better players. We are wasting time blasting Baker. Nobody could win with this roster. Eventually Baker will be fired or he will quit. I feel sorry for the next manager already. Like those before him he will be considered dumb real quick and fired unless Jocketty gets better players. The beat goes on!By Kevin
August 28, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
NP Tucky….Ya I agree with you on EE. We need someone at third whos going to give 100% all the time and he aint it. While he should be trying to show he wants a job next year he`s acting more like he just wants it to be over. Hmmmm Joe Crede maybe?By Pete
August 28, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
Those bashin’ EE — keep it coming! He’s the dumbest & laziest SOB on the team & it’s evident that he makes absolutely no effort to try & improve his game. Yep, he’s hit his share of HRs. But take a real good look @ his #s…. 22HRs & 49RBIs. So most of those dingers are solo shots & he doesn’t drive in runs. & yeah, he’s won the Reds a couple of games w/ the long ball. Big friggin’ deal! He ain’t worth a pile of dung & needs to go away!By michael
August 28, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this
Ok, how long does it take a professional Manager to figure out that if you have a chance to win a game, you don’t put Majewski in. Wow.By sick of it all
August 28, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this
how can anybody believe that dummy baker wants to win when he continues to shove his boy cory bakerson down our throats.. runner on 2ond and no outs cory swings away..he does have some speed so there is a 2in 10 chance that he could bunt for a hit but daddy dummy has him swinging away..9th inning and the clown bats again.no way baker is “managing to win”By BrarTucky
August 28, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this
Hi Kevin. Hey, wanted to thank you for your gutsy post to top off the whole political thing that had gotten way over the top and out of hand, thanks to… well, you know. Now, our next assignment, put EE on the Griffey train. Those who don’t hustle down to first to run out ground balls can just keep on a-joggin, right on out the park and on outta town. Bye bye Edwin.By Kevin
August 28, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
Forgive me …Oh Lord of the Blog!!By Kevin
August 28, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this
cmon people the asterick that youre using in the word a*s should be reserved for people using steroids. How many times have I read the word in the bible without an embelishment?!!!By Kevin
August 28, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
Sad but true Hopper…I`d like to see his a*s shipped away myself….but who would want him?By BrarHopper
August 27, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Man, these teams the Reds play must laugh out loud when they look at Dusty’s lineups. Three pitchers batting in-a row (I mean pitchers’ BAs) with CP @ .196, Bako @ .206, pitcher x, then for extra laughs, toss in EE @ an anemic .249. And while I’m raggin’ him, how about that EE tonight, hits into TWO DPs and flubs an easy DblPlay ball so his pitcher has to work a lot more and throw many more pitches. Man I hope the Bob & Walt show get rid of his tired unimproving @ss. His total lack of hustle running down to first looks like he’s wearing a pair of soaking wet sweat pants and Griffey’s old shoes. EE is 25 yrs old. Hell, I’m 52 and could outrun his lameness any day of the week. The differe, of course … I’d be trying.