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 > 28 > Entry
Another fast (losing) getaway
Came within one pitch of breaking my all-time record today during my second-inning appearance on the radio with Marty and The Cowboy.
Seven pitches. My record is six. As Marty was quick to point out - and I agree inherently - “We’re running out of things to talk about.”
Just glad we’re getting out of town. Hurricane Gustav could be heading this way. I’ve never been in a hurricane and would like that to remain something I’ve never done in my life.
While I was in McCoy’s Fine Cigars the other day, a TV guy came in and they regulars began hooting. Said one, “This is the guy who stood outside during our last hurricane giving a report from Galveston, hanging onto his hat with one hand and a telephone pole with the other. We felt sorry for him until right on camera behind our friend was a guy pedaling easily past on a bicycle.”
HAVE YOU noticed how when member of the Reds are in a slump, they hike their pants up to their knees so that lots of red sock shows? Edwin Encarnacion does it. Jay Bruce does it. Joey Votto does it. Jeff Keppinger wears his that way all the time.
As soon as they came out of the slump, down come the pants. And usually down come the averages again. If they think wearing their pants high gets them out of a slump, when it works why don’t they keep their pants up.
Just wondering - not much else to wonder about these days.
AN INTERESTING THOUGHT from Dusty Baker before today’s game. It was Baker’s thoughts on how important it was to win getaway games on the road - a getaway game being the last game of a series before a team gets out of town.
For the Reds on this three-city trip it was the difference between a 6-3 trip and a 3-6 trip. In each case - in Chicago, Denver and Houston - the Reds were 1-1 in the first two games, only to lose the third.
For the season, the Reds are 8-13 on getaway days.
“It was something I emphasized to the team during spring training,” said Baker. “winning on the last day prevents sweeps, put you in a sweep position, but most of the time it determines whether you win or lose a series.
“You figure you win all those getaway games and we have a winning trip,” Baker added. “It’s the toughest game to play, especially the last game of a trip. Guys think about going home, being on the road a long time (10 days this time). I guess what you have to do is pretend you’re not going home, especially in extra inning games like that 12-inning game we had in Denver on getway day.”
The Reds weren’t going home after that 4-3 loss, but they were going to Houston for an off day.
“I reminded some of the guys today that even though it was getaway day they needed to bear down,” Baker added. “If you win the majority of your getaway days I guarantee you you’d be in the hunt.”
An interesting theory.
His team, though, wasn’t buying much of it. They were facing Brandon Backe. On August 6, Backe gave up 11 earned runs in 3 1/3 innings to the Cubs. On August 16, Backe gave up 11 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings to the Diamondbacks.
On August 28, he gave up zero earned run in xx innings to the Reds.
Of course, it doesn’t help the cause when your team is down, 2-0,. and you are on the first base with two outs in the sixth inning. You take your lead and after the pitch you walk slowly back to first base with your head down.
That’s when Houston catcher Humberto Quintero snapped a throw to first base that Chris Dickerson never saw coming as he walked back to first, eyes starting at the dirt. Out. Inning over.
And that’s one of the thousands of reasons the Reds are the Reds.
Permalink | Comments (39) | Post your comment |
Comments
By ross
August 29, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
The Reds will never win..they are in a division that has the Cubs..who will spend money the correct way…the Brewers who draft good talent and KEEP it and spend money to TRY to win..Cardinals..always competitive will spend money and GM makes good baseball decisions..one of them was firing Jock Itch..Astros..would love to have some of there players they will always be in the hunt..they’ve beat the Deads like 50 out of 52, The Bucs got good young talent during there fire sale, then the DEADS..the worst lineup in baseball PUNCH AND JUDY’SBy Matt
August 29, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
It seems to me as if the Reds are building for the future right now. Let’s see, the starters by position are, Votto; 1B, Phillips; 2B, Encarnacion; 3B, Keppinger; SS, Dickerson; LF, Patterson; CF, Bruce; RF. With the exception of Patterson, those are all pretty young players who should be an integral part of this team’s future. I just don’t get where the notion comes from that the talent is as thin as Barack Obama’s resume on here. The talent and potential on this team, by many accounts, is frankly off the charts. That goes for the pitching staff as well. I again submit, strongly I might add, that this team is a few pieces away from doing some big things. And if I may add we also have the right manager for the job. It is appalling and incredibly the amount of disrespect that a man with 1,200 career victories gets on this forum. He has had success, and his record doesn’t need to be defended by him or anyone else. I sincerely doubt that the Reds were that much in control of Lou Piniella that he felt he had to pick broadcasting over managing this team, that if you listen to some on this blog, is still a couple of centuries away from winning. More like a year or two if you ask a lot of folks. Go Reds!!By HuberTucky
August 29, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Right on and absolutely right you are, Mike Cincy. This promise of rebuilding has become a tired cliche catch phrase of this organization. A bunch of empty promises. They think that a turnstile for managers and GM will pacify the public. That worked for a while, but now after what, 9 years of this BS, we’re back to rebuilding again? Lindner, the tightwad baptsist billionaire banana man perpetuated Marge’s destruction of the farm system. The team was simply his ego trip. Now we have another fruit and vegetable guy in there, but he seems more promising. Well, how about this one: Any business is judged on results, bottom line. And based on this years results, F+. Perhaps the mascot should be a giant whirlpool walking around GABP making a huge sucking sound. I know, I know, I’m being negative. Or am I just being a realist? How many years of this nonsense do we need? Okay Reds, proove me wrong. Frankly, I can’t wait!By Mike-Cinci
August 29, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
HuberTuckey is right Lou would not want the Reds job. The team and organization is a long way from winning. He is too old to lose with this group. That said he may have been able stop some of the bone head base running but you can’t make a good team out of mediocre talent. The Reds problem is they need better, smarter players. They will lose 90 games because other teams are better than they are. This year they fit nicely with the Pirates, Mariners, Padres, and of course the Royals. Losing becomes a culture. The Reds have lost for 8 straight years and it will not get fixed until the farm systewm provides a steady stream of talent that can play for the Reds or can be traded for key needs. I wish building for the future would have started a few years ago but if it does not start now we will be doomed for more than just the next few years. 4 GM’s in 6 years and 6 managers in 9 years is a sign this organization has lost focus.By HuberTucky
August 29, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Bob, I agree with everything you said. I just wonder if Lou would have actually been interested in the energy-ebbing, life-draining kind of situation he saw with Cincy. Perhaps he saw that this was a dud and didn’t want to be associated with such a punk team. He probably knew he’d blow a heart valve or have a temple vein-popping aneurysm trying to manage the bunch they called the Reds. Lou is a winner and it seems doubtful that this would have added to his resume. Perhaps that’s why he stuck to broadcasting another year, knowing there just HAD to be something better out there for him, which of course there was. He could go to Chicago and clean up after our Dusty. Whew. I bet these comments will bring a few Dustbag lovers out of the woodwork. I loved Lou and his passion and his non-nonsense attitude toward winning and hustling and doing the little things. He would not have tolerated that BS on this or any other team. I still say we’d have been better to keep Pete Mackanin…he did better that Musty’s doing and had an above .500 record. Ah, the good old days of 2007 and Great American Cemetery.By Bob
August 29, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
There are many areas of failure to stew about the ‘08 Reds. The Dickerson qaff at 1st along with the hundreds this year totally and completely reflect the manager’s attitude. They had a chance at Lou but passed instead of firing Narron. In a short time Narron was fired and Lou hired. I felt sympathy for Jerry but if you are not convinced he’s your man, grab Lou. Lou wouldn’t tolerate this crap; especially the 3rd base situation; drag a*s around and make more errors than any 3rd baseman the last 3-4 years than anybody in history.By michael
August 29, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
I am not saying it wasn’t a boneheaded rookie mistake, just that he probably learned from it. I do get it, I plyed, coached, and have followed baseball for a lot of years. I just understand that humans make mistakes.By Steven Ross
August 29, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
HuberTucky: your last post was a classic! Nice job. Had me in stitches.By Steven Ross
August 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
michael wrote: players get picked off, especially rookie base stealers. They have to learn the pitchers and time their breaks. That’s true but he got picked off by the catcher who threw behind his…behind! RoHo Radio gets it and so should you.By HuberTucky
August 29, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Hopefully, CP is not Dickerson’s mentor on the bases. Hell, Corey’s there so rarely he hasn’t much to teach, ‘cept gettin picked off. It was also as though nobody from the 1st base coach or dugout was yelling to Dickerson. They were probably nodding off as well. Every time the camera pans the scene in the dugout, the coaches and manager all look like they got stomach flu or like they’re gettin’ down on a few quaaludes …even after a home run. Those old dudes never seem to smile, except Dusty sometimes, and then I worry that he’ll swallow his toothpick.By Roho Radio
August 29, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
You’re right, Michael, they do. However, if you noticed in the article….the catcher picked him off!!! Not the pitcher as you implied. He was walking back to the bag with his head down. There was a nice surprise waiting for him when he got there. Normally, when the catcher throws to first, the runner is at least trying to dive back into the bag. I’m sure he learned to keep an eye on the catcher somewhere in his baseball career….maybe not in the Red’s farm system……..but somewhere.By michael
August 29, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
players get picked off, especially rookie base stealers. They have to learn the pitchers and time their breaks. It happened to Ricky Henderson, and it will happen to CD.By Steven Ross
August 29, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Matt wrote: I think we should cut Dickerson a little bit of a break…Guys need time to develop and come into their own. The planets must be aligned Matt because I agree with the first comment. However, not getting picked off first is something you “develop” in T-ball. Dickerson should know better. I’ve never seen a Reds team so brain-dead on the bases than this one. Thankfully, Freel is hurt or it would be worse! Doh!By Kevin
August 29, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I`ve been to El Paso CLB and walked around the ballpark there. Nice little complex if you ask me. Were the peple of El Paso mean to you or something? Why on earth would you want to subject them to CP and DB? Hahahahaha!!!!By Steven Ross
August 29, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
It was something I emphasized to the team during spring training,” said Baker. “winning on the last day prevents sweeps, put you in a sweep position, but most of the time it determines whether you win or lose a series. Ummmmm…guessthey weren’t listening.By michael
August 29, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Let the Bats and Reds trade uniforms for the rest of the season, it would be more fun to watch.By Kevin
August 29, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
I agree that Dickerson should be admonished for his mental mistake, but I dont believe it was a lack of hustle. Its certainly no excuse, but Ive played on losing teams and its easy to lose your focus when one negative thing after another seems to happen. Chris is going to be a fine outfielder for the Reds. He reminds me alot of Bernie Williams and I believe he has a bright future ahead of him. As for his age and it taking so long for him to get up to the show…look at what he had log jammed in front of him. Griffey, Dunn, Freel and a host of others. Ill bet you he wont make THAT mistake again because if he continues to play like CP he`ll be right back in Louisville!!! Give the kid a break!!!By AP-FLORIDA
August 29, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this
I thought one of the reasons we participated in a sports blog was to get away from things such as politics. Looks to me that there are some scary people exchanging posts here. I guess it is back to reality even here!!!! very disappointing>>>By Mike-Cinci
August 28, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Let’s stick to baseball.By Carl's Little Brother
August 28, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Ahaaa, back to baseball, thanks jim M. also agree. btw, unless I missed it why is Brandon back in the cleanup posistion? I liked Votto there myself. Of course CP should be leading off. Hold on now, let me finish,,,,in El Paso, with Dusty as his manager. Yes, the El Paso Arm Pits of America in the Texas League.By jim m.
August 28, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Hal, mention to Dusty, he isnt helping his pitcher by have 2 spots in the batting order as automatic outs (anywhere Patterson bats and the pitcher), he needs to get Stubs up here and DFA Patterson and lets watch Stubbs, Dickerson and Bruce in the outfield.. and Hanigan play 4 out of 5 games at Catcher, till the season is over..By Y-City Jim
August 28, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Let’s move Bruce, Votto, Cueto, Volquez, etc all down to Louisville and just kick the crap out all the AAA teams in the playoffs. FSOH can replace the Reds broadcasts with Louisville Bats broadcasts. Let Kelch do the play-by-play. We can finally watch and cheer for a winner.By Aaron B.
August 28, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Oh Dusty you are so ridiculous. There are 162 games per season. What kind of motivational technique are you employing by stressing certain games over others? They are all important. Its not like you can decide which games on the schedule you are going to win in advance! A manager should be teaching a young team fundamental baseball techniques.. not filling their head with illogical nonsense like which games we are going to win on the schedule.By Mike-Cinci
August 28, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
I like Dickerson but he is 26, 27 at the start of next season. There is a reason it took him so long to get to the majors. This Reds team can’t hit. Lately the pitching has been OK. How many wins for the Reds this season? If they play .500 ball the rest of the way they finish 72-90. If they continue to play .433 ball they finish 70-92. They have too many games coming up against the Cubs, Brewers, and Cards. They finish 68-94…ouch!By Wizard
August 28, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
I love Dickerson’s potential—but no one gets cut a break for lack of hustle—Griff included. Damn we’re talking a major league player here—no excuse for it.By Y-City Jim
August 28, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Dickerson should have been ripped for his mental blackout. If you don’t rip him then it is sending a message that you tolerate anything less than 100%. When you don’t have an overload of talent you must give 100% or more constantly to just be conpetitive. Fester, we can all take a tip from South Park and all go to Imagination Land. :)By Arizona Pat
August 28, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
If you let the ump see where the bottom of the strike zone is by hiking your pants up, it can’t hurt. It should be mandatory. I’m surprised half the players don’t wear their pants half way down their butts.By Mark in Sun Valley
August 28, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
In days past, there would be a kangaroo court in the clubhouse, where rookies and vetarans alike would be called out and “fined” by the other players for things like lack of hustle and getting picked off base the way Dickerson was. It let the players laugh at these mistakes, but also reinforced that this behavior was unacceptable. Somehow, I doubt this team has such a court. Dickerson has a lot of potential, but there is still a lot of rawness there. I just keep looking at the fact he strikes out 1 out of 3 times over his minor league career. With his speed, he should be a prime example of shortening up with 2 strikes to get the ball in play. Let his speed help get him on base. Right now, he can go either way as a player, but I fear with these coaches, he is more likely to be ruined than developed.By Carl's Little Brother
August 28, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
David, I agree. Dickerson has been a very pleasant surprise and I like him. Having said that gives him no excuse to walking back to first with his head down and get picked off. Maybe he has been around EE too much. The dumb has rubed off. Ha haBy Carl's Little Brother
August 28, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Matt, you are too easy on them. What do they learn in the minors? Walking back to first base, not hustling like EE, High School playes could teach certain Reds players a few things. Where is the manager? Ooops, forgot we don’t have one. Worsty Bakery is still dreaming about the salmon he didn’t catch on the All Star break. Heck he couldn’t catch a fly if it landed on his head, I’m not talking about a baseball fly, a house fly. Better yet a horse fly. But we are stuck with him another 2 years.. Oh well the Colts are on TV in a week or so.By David B
August 28, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Im with matt. Dickerson has been nothing but above all hope anyone had for him when he was called up. First hiccup he has had in his major leauge carrer, and people just slash him. Typical reds fans, just need something to complain about…By Matt
August 28, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
He’ll be alright.By UD=WHO D?
August 28, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Matt you can give a guy a guy the benefit of the doubt for a number of reasons, but you can’t cut him a break when he doesn’t hustle.By Uncle Fester
August 28, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
The most revealing comment (for me) in your Dusty notes is this partial quote from himself…”I guess what you have to do is pretend…” That pretty much wraps up this Reds season for me. Let’s all pretend. Yes, let’s make believe, again, for the 8th year in-a-row. I predicted the Reds would win 3 games on this road trip (maybe 4), but I’m so sorry that I was right. Another road trip (end of July, SD/Col/Hou) I predicted the same kind of numbers and bingo, they go 3-6. This team is so incredibly predictable…win one lose 2, win 1 lose 3, win 2 lose 3 or 4 and on and on. So painful.And so, Hal, you mention the Reds are 8-13 on getaway days (a .381 % winning record). I dare to say that their entire season could be called a “getaway season” as their .432 winning % is just slightly north of their getaway %. In fact, the Reds 2nd half record is 12-21 a sub-getaway .363%), and it just keeps getting worse. Wonder what their excuse is for home games? Want to get away from the park? From their lockers? From each other? From a liquored-up, Dick Pole groping his way through the clubhouse? Ewwwwww…even his name makes me apprehensive! Go Deads!By Matt
August 28, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
I think we should cut Dickerson a little bit of a break. How long has he been up here, a couple weeks? Guys need time to develop and come into their own.By ross
August 28, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Y-City..u are so correct..this might be the worst offensive team I’ve seen in a long time..no pop no nothing..weak all the way though with exception of a couple of hittersBy Y-City Jim
August 28, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
For the month of August, the Reds have scored three or less runs 16 times in 25 games. There are simply too many low OBP guys in the line-up.By Florida Buckeye
August 28, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
I’m telling ya: We will not be a winning team until we know how to win between the ears…By Wizard
August 28, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Geez, I didn’t see the game today—first I have missed this year—what a disappointment to hear Dickerson falling into the CP coma-like stupidity!