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Y! MyWebCould the Reds use a 'ballplayer whisperer?'
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Hal McCoy, the hall-of-fame baseball writer for the Dayton Daily News, knows a thing or two about America's pastime. If you want to tap into that knowledge, send an e-mail to hmccoy@DaytonDailyNews.com. For more Ask Hal, log on to DaytonDailyNews.com/reds.
Q You were very harsh in regards to the letter that owner Bob Castellini and general manager Walt Jocketty sent to the fans. What should the letter have said? — Dave, Miamisburg/Centerville/Beavercreek
A First of all, I doubt that letter was written by Castellini or Jocketty. Most likely it was done by a public relations person. What should it have said? It shouldn't have been written. Apologetic messages with no substance as to the future do nothing but alienate. Judging from my e-mails, the masses are stirred up negatively.
Q If someone were to ask you what the 2009 Reds need most, what would be your reply? — Beard, Dayton
A An exterminator? An assassin? A psychiatrist? A ballplayer whisperer? Actually, they need pretty much everything. When you are last in the standings and near the bottom in hitting, pitching and defense, what does that leave? The bat boys are pretty good.
Q Who would you like to see back next year? — Stocc, Miamisburg
A Me. I'd like to come back. I'd like to see those dugout cheerleaders gone. I'd like to see four of the five mascots gone (the Reds have to lead baseball in mascots). For sure, they should keep Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto. Now they only need 21 more players.
Q I can't for the life of me understand why they didn't keep Pete Mackanin (as manager) when they had him. — Joyce, Kettering
A Mackanin did a good job with little to work with, but they wanted a name manager and that was Dusty Baker. Trust me, though, Mackanin would have done no better. It's all about having enough talent.
Q I can't recall any Reds manager who consistently started the worst hitter in all of baseball (with 250-plus at-bats) and the worst-hitting catcher in the National League. If they sign either of these guys for next year or any other Baker buddies that can't hit, I'm giving up on the Reds. Enough is enough. – Karl, Dayton
A Ah, you refer to Corey Patterson and Paul Bako? I don't think any previous Reds manager ever had the worst hitter in all of baseball and the worst-hitting catcher in the NL. Quite an honor, huh? For a long period Baker did quit playing Patterson, but he has little choice with Jerry Hairston Jr. hurt these days. That's what happens when a team trades two outfielders and gets nothing immediately usable in return.
Q The Reds will be picked to finish last next year, will have no talent coming in or up and less money will be made. Hal, how many realistic years are the Reds away? — Bob, Cincinnati
A This isn't really Bob Castellini, is it? Of course not. Just asking. If I use your analysis, it will take light years. But I'll wait to see what they do in the offseason and what they look like next spring before I make my prediction. Right now, I can't even predict what I'll have for lunch today, or even if I'll have lunch, although I'm fairly certain the Reds will have a team.
Q I know it doesn't prove anything, but I'm curious as to what the team's record was with Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn and their record since they were traded. — Luke, Sophia, W.Va.
A The Reds were 51-58 and 13 1/2 games behind when they traded Griffey to the White Sox on July 31. Since the trade they are 5-14 and 22 1/2 games behind. They traded Dunn on Aug. 11, when they were 52-67 and 19 1/2 behind. They are 4-10 without him. And they are 56-72 since I began covering them at the start of the season. Maybe they should trade me.
Q Do you think Bronson Arroyo has the personality to light a fire under these young guys and be a leader? He has been very vocal lately in the media and he has a World Series ring and is probably sick of all the losing. — Mark, Bloomington, Ind.
A Arroyo is never one to be shy about giving his opinion, which is great for the media but doesn't always sit well with teammates. And if he really believes JTM's are good, I question his taste. It is difficult for a pitcher who plays only every fifth day to be a leader. What does he say, "Follow me every fifth day?" A regular player with some success needs to emerge as a leader. As currently constructed, though, the Reds' roster is full of quiet, laid-back guys — followers, not leaders.
Q You've written that you felt Alex Gonzalez and Edwin Encarnacion will not be with the Reds next year. Why? — Mike, Houston
A Because they'll be traded. I think. I feel GM Walt Jocketty plans to rebuild this team in his image. He's probably seen enough of Encarnacion's inconsistencies — three great plays and a goof-up on an easy play and hot streaks at the plate followed by trips to the polar region. Gonzalez, due to injuries and family illness, has not been able to play and who's to say he'll be OK next year. But he would be difficult to trade. Wouldn't everybody like to see the team's best defensive player, Brandon Phillips, moved to shortstop, the most important infield position? Phillips would love it.
Q With his baserunning blunders (at least four this year that I can remember) and his undisciplined approach at the plate, how good could Brandon Phillips really be if he understood situations better? — Gary, Fairborn
A Defensively, I've covered some of the best — Joe Morgan, Bret Boone and Pokey Reese — but Phillips is the best. Mostly that's due to his tremendous hands and quick reactions. Quick hands and instinct aren't top requirements for baserunning and taking some pitches. It is easy to say he is young and he'll learn. He might. But there are no certainties. It's obvious if he learns plate discipline and baserunning acumen he could be a superstar, if somebody takes that streak of hot dog out of him.
Q Boy, oh boy, this has to be a long summer for you, doesn't it? — Scott, Kettering
A Thanks for the concern, but I still get to see plenty of good baseball (mostly from the other teams), I still get to do what I love (although I hate what I've seen for eight years), I still get to write (I can't do anything else) and I still get to put my temper to test with the nation's airlines.
Q Do you think Reds management shot itself in the foot when it traded Ken Griffey Jr.? The team wanders around looking depressed. — Will, Dayton
A They've played most of the year as if somebody drilled them in both feet with a Magnum .357 during spring training. Things wouldn't be different if Griffey were still here. Or Adam Dunn. Losing consistently and occupying last place causes deep depression. I do think they might have shot themselves in at least the left foot for next year by trading Dunn. He'll be impossible to replace.
