Reds Insider: Are you going?

Friday, June 29, 2007

Are you going?

The Reds open what is arguably is their best home weekend series from a fan standpoint of the season tonight. The World Champion Cardinals are in town. The weather's supposed to be good. So my question is: Are you making any effort to go? Or did the road disaster -- 3-6 on the three three-city tour -- sap the last bit of hope out of you? If you given up, what would it take to get you back?

41 Comments:

at 11:49 AM

Anonymous said...

The only way I go is if they fire Narron and/or acquire a closer NOW. The bullpen is a disaster. The next game I go to may very well be Opening Day next year. Frankly, after last night's blow up, I will probably avoid tv and radio as well. Just too frustrating for Reds die hards.

BD

at 11:52 AM

Anonymous said...

Yes, taking my 13 year old along with another boy from his knothole baseball team. Baseball, even bad baseball, is worth going down to watch.

at 11:54 AM

Anonymous said...

No way I go.
This team is pretty awful. I might check them out later in the year when (hopefully) they have Votto and others up from the minors. Here's to hoping they can make the most of what is on this roster and build toward next year.

at 11:54 AM

Anonymous said...

Given up long ago. For me it would take a 19 game winning streak to get back to .500. I'll go one more time in August but that's about it.

Greg
Warsaw, IN

at 11:57 AM

Anonymous said...

I'm a Reds fan, so we'll be going to the game tonight with out of town family. When we have guests in the summer, going to a Reds game is what they want to do.

I had a wonderful experience at the ballpark about three weeks ago. A young family was sitting behind us, everyone decked out in their Reds gear. The father sat next to his daughter who looked to be about 6. He spent the whole time explaining the game of baseball to her - a double play, a walk, why the runner was held up at third, etc. He talked about the role of the umpires, the base coaches and the manager. He did not have one negative comment the entire game - he was simply sharing his love for the game of baseball, and the Cincinnati Reds, with his daughter. I'm 55 years old and it took me back to Old Crosley Field and the few times I got to go to a Reds game with my Dad. He passed on his love of baseball to me during those times, as I have done with my three daughters.

I've been to four games this year and win or lose, the atmosphere has always been terrific. You don't hear complaints in the stands - everyone's just enjoying the great game of baseball.

at 12:05 PM

Anonymous said...

Calling this the best home weekend is a huge stretch. The Cards aren't what they used to be and everybody knows it. Numbers will be down because the Reds stink, but also because the Cards ain't the same Cards.

at 12:06 PM

John said...

My buddy is getting tickets for a game this weekend, and it'll probably be the Saturday game, with Lohse pitching. I told him not to bother. He may still get them and we may still go, but there's no way I'd pay to see a guy who's 3-10 with an ERA up over 5.00. I can't figure out why people are so concerned about being able to "afford" Lohse in the offseason. Bobby Livingston can go 3-10.

I just want to know they're going to stop all the losing. A team with a .300 WPCT sort of speaks for itself. A .500 team would bring a lot of people back, not promotions and giveaways and rushed minor leaguers to show off.

at 12:08 PM

HoosierVirg said...

I love the Reds, I love baseball, and I love GABP in that order. I will be there for the July 5th game with the Giants and just ordered a ticket for Frank Robinson bobblehead night, yes they have me sucked in on the bobbleheads now. In August, I will celebrate my 70th birthday and my kids are taking me to the game that day. I still enjoy the games in spite of this disaster of a season and in the general scheme of life the Reds losing probably doesn't rank real high. Who knows, I may be lucky and see a couple of wins in the games I will be attending. I especially enjoy watching the history that Junior is making.

at 12:08 PM

Tyler W. said...

I'd never give up on the Reds because they are the crowning jewel of the Queen City.

However, it seems that somewhere along the way, this organization has lost it's way. In an effort to make the games more watchable, Castellini and Co. have added Cheerleaders, Riverboat Decks, Party areas, Mr. Redlegs, and new uniforms. Other frills before Castellini that have continued include bobble heads & other giveaways, fan zones with live music, riverfront clubs, restaurants, a teddy bear factory, Gapper, Big Red Sofas, and Pepsi power stacks. And if the game sucks don't worry, you can always go outside and time yourself how fast you can run to first base. My point is it's more like an amusement park instead of a baseball park. Let the game be the main draw, not the marketing gimmicks.

If they really wanted to make the games more watchable, quit worrying about about accessories and worry about the team on the field!! It's the whole lipstick on a pig arguement. I don't care if the Reds only served hot dogs and beer, if the Reds were consistant winners, they'd fill the stands regularly. People come to the ballpark to see winning baseball, not to get premium menu items or catered business meetings!

Until the focus is shifted from filling the stands to building a winner, I'm fearful it will never change. But the Reds are bigger than any owner or GM. They are as much a part of Cincinnati as the Ohio River so there will always be fans ready to fill the seats whenever Castellini is ready to field a winner.

at 12:09 PM

cincikid said...

$1 Hot Dog, watered down beer, half off tickets, a gas card, and another Arroyo wig and I'm there!!

YEEE-Haaw GO REDLEGS! KILL THEM BUZZARDS

at 12:10 PM

Anonymous said...

The main thing that needs to happen for me to have a desire to go to the game is they need to make Narron disappear, and QUICKLY!!!!! Also, since this season is toast, after the break I want to see Votto, Livingston, Dumatrait, etc..

at 12:12 PM

Anonymous said...

Only because my sorority sister who is a cards fan is in town.

at 12:12 PM

Anonymous said...

i was a supporter of narron and agreed to his extension last year. having said that, he's lost the team this year. but should we fire narron just to bring in dent? no. but to answer you question, i'm not coming unless we have a new manager that is here for the long term. i'd like to see brenly. i also think it's time for hume to go after all these years. i saw some mention making eddie our bullpen coach/player. i like that. john, what your opinion on bob brenly and eddie as a bullpen coach/player/

at 12:23 PM

Unknown said...

Not Going... I do live 3 hours away, but if the Reds were within even a sniff of 1st place I would go!

Right now, It serves as no entertainment to go to a game...shoot I don't even watch them on TV much anymore. Frankly I try and find better things to do now... Its really sad, because I absolutley love the Cincinnati Reds, but the contunious losing is having an affect on my passion for the team that I thought never would happen.

I get tired of thinking/saying I'll just wait for next year...

I want to see a complete team that has it all... not one that is talented in good areas and left with gaping holes in others. You don't win ballgames like that.

I'm young...22 years old to be exact, and I haven't gotten to live through the days of the Big Reds Machine.. I was so you its hard to remember the '90 World Series...I haven't had much to cheer about in my life time... I am not ashamed by any means to be a Reds fan, but I wish we had a team we could be proud of

at 12:27 PM

Anonymous said...

What would make me come out to the park are some of the young guys from the minors playing in place of the guys whose time, obviously, has come and gone. Let's start making some trades, Wayne, and think about 2010. Hate to say it.

at 12:27 PM

liz said...

What would bring me back? Ken Griffey knocking home runs.

at 12:36 PM

Anonymous said...

YES I AM GOING TONIGHT BECAUSE IT'S STILL THE REDS AND THEY ARE THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN. I HAVE BEEN TO EIGHT GAMES ALREADY THIS YEAR AND WILL CONTINUE TO GO. YES I AM DISAPPOINTED IN THE SEASON THUS FAR, BUT I ENJOY THE GAME TOO MUCH TO STAY AWAY. GO REDS!!!!

at 12:39 PM

Mark said...

Nope, not going. My 15 year old son has heard Marty call enough games that he now has a new quip when the bullpen comes into play: "And this one belong-ED to the Reds."

I say forget about the losing part the rest of the year. Lets just see how many long balls this team can hit til season's end. (Dunn 50? Griffey at 600?)That's the only thing worth seeing. Maybe tune in only when they are at bat and watch Seinfeld when they take the field.

at 12:46 PM

Anonymous said...

John,

To get me to come back they need to clean house..Narron and a few coaches need to go. It is obvious that the players have lost respect for Narron. Time to start thinking about the Bengals....

I dont know if we will ever win again in Cinncinnat under this management team. I am tired of being lied to that championship baseball will be brought back to Cincy....prove it and make some moves.

***Rumor has it that they are waiting on Larossa at years end is that true?

JJ

at 12:53 PM

Colin and Liz said...

The season is over. The only thing that will get me to the ballpark is what is going on with the team the Reds are playing against. For example, is Bonds playing, near the end of the year will the Cubs be playing for a possible playoff birth, or maybe the other team has a pitcher I'd like to see, eg Randy Johnson or John Smoltz. Other than that I have always said, as I said at the beginning of the year, until the Reds can be a consistent winner no one will care about them. For proof of this one need only look at the lack of coverage major sports stations (see ESPN) give them. This team is dangerously close to becoming irrevelant, much like the Chicago Blackhawks and Atlanta Hawks.

at 12:54 PM

Anonymous said...

I want to go Sunday and see Bailey pitch. But with the way they are playing, I'm having a hard time justifying a 3 hour drive to Cincinnati. This team finds a new way to lose every night. But I would like to see Jr. launch one more bomb in person before they trade him.

at 12:55 PM

Unknown said...

John, you need to get with McCoy, Rosecrans and Shelton and have "You Be the GM" for the next off day. Give us what you would do trade-wise. You guys know more about potential returns than those who think we can get Billingley, Broxton and Kemp from LA for Dunn. Or maybe we can?

Now, I have never considered the last fire sale a fire sale because we trade one starter from opening day and middle relief. If we trade off Hatteburg and install Votto in a Conine platoon, I'd like to see it. Don't trade Dunn just to trade him. Hold onto Harang, Belisle and Arroyo, move Lohse if possible. Bring up Livingston or Dumatrait and see if they can compete.

I'd still come out if I did not live in Chattanooga, Tenn. It's the Reds, it's my team, I'm going to support them. The fair-weather fans can go to the Red Sox or Yankees, we don't need them.

at 1:02 PM

Anonymous said...

I might go to a game or watch it but my heart's not back until:

1) Guardado returns to pitch at least one scoreless inning, hopefully as closer to get the save

2)Weathers continues his solid year as the set up man, handing Guardado the save opp.

3) Bronson builds on his last start with another quality start.

4) Dunn and Griffey continue their offensive production, and Dunn's average stays above .250

5) We hear something positive about Bray soon...and Majewski actually pitches like himself again.

6) DFA/Release Mike Stanton, this year's Rick White

Of course the whole team will need to at least come up with some solid offensive production, but they've been doing ok at that lately.

at 1:04 PM

Anonymous said...

I'm going Saturday. I can't decide if I should wear my Reds shirt, or my Cardinals shirt.

The free admission to the Reds HOF was a deciding factor in getting me to go.

at 1:07 PM

JoshB said...

I am going, only because my girlfriend bought tickets. The Reds are making no effort to fix their problems, so I don't plan on attending anymore games after Saturday.

at 1:11 PM

hvyhttr25 said...

John, I am going with my friend on Sunday, solely to see Homer Bailey pitch. I love watching baseball period, so it's really hard for me to not go watch Reds game and get the $5 cheapies. However, the Reds are making it easier and easier to pass up a Reds game. Of course, I'm tired of the losing. Who isn't? But I would atleast like to see some kind of personnel moves from the front office. Narron isn't the problem, but he's not the sollution. He needs to go. We need to bring up more minor league players. We need to let either Conine or Hatte go (via trade) and get Votto some ML experience. We need to promote Jay Bruce to AAA for the remainder of the year so we can see him up here sometime next season like they did with Homer this season. I'd like to see Dunn traded as he is really hot right now and has a high trade value, but I realie how hard it is to trade him. But we aren't winning with him, we can lose without him. I don't care about promotions. That shouldn't be what gets people to the ballpark. If the front office would put half as much effort into the team as they did for fan promotions, then maybe our team would be a little better off. A winner will make as much money, if not more, for an organization than bobble heads and wigged hats. I just remember Krivsky being extremely active last season with player personnel, and we've seen very little this season. His midseason acquisitions gave this team a chance last season, but he has pretty much stood pat. I wouldn't call the Deno trade for McBeth a big move, though he has performed better than a few of the other regulars in the 'pen this year. Basically, I just see no urgency whatsoever from the Reds organization, and I'm tired of seeing the same thing over and over from this team. The Reds have Cincinnati sports fans anticipating the Bengals season already, and it's not even the all star break yet. If the Reds really wanted to lose their fan base though, they'd get rid of Junior and rid themselves of seeing Griffey get 600 HRs in a Reds uniform. Instead of Griffey retiring a Red, he has decided that he wants to be remembered as a Mariner, all because the Reds CAN'T WIN!!! Changes need to be made a month ago.

at 1:12 PM

hvyhttr25 said...

at 1:18 PM

Anonymous said...

I'm going regardless... just bought a 40 dollar package for a bunch of BOGO coupons. But finding someone to go with me now is the adventure... I just want to see competitive baseball. I live about 90 miles away so it's a big ($$) deal to drive. esp. being in college. Don't want to see home runs anymore, I'm gettin tired of them because they aren't producing W's. Except Griff, he needs all the bombs he can get. Competitive baseball. gettin' em on, over and in. Reds have got to get out of this funk eventually. (maybe with a change of scenery for a few...)

at 1:21 PM

dwr said...

I'd like for either ownership or Mr. Krivsky to come out and say something, anything to the fans. You'd think Krivsky was heading up CIA the way he holds things so close to the vest. These are baseball players, not state secrets. We the fans are the reason you have a job in the first place sir, at least give us some inkling as to what the plan is!

And I'd also love for Mr. Narron to just come out and say "We stink. The season is a massive disappointment, and the team is just not good. And you know what? I shoulder some of that blame."
We the fan base are not blind. We know the team is not good. We know the season is lost. For Mr. Narron to come out, time and again, and insist that his team is close to 'putting it all together' comes of not only as borderline delusional, but also as an insulting slap in the face to the fans.

And take some action. Rumors have floated around that the Yankees would take Hatteberg, but the Reds are unwilling. Why? Bring up Votto already. He's not getting any younger, and really, could his production really be that much of a drop off from Hatte? And would it really matter? And Trade Junior. I love the guy, but he's in the midst of a career renaissance that could be one bad knee turn in the outfield away from disappearing. He obviously isn't happy here. He's said as much many times. Trade him while is value is at its peak and get his salary off of the books for next season.

And come out and tell Adam Dunn that he won't be traded. He's still a kid, he's an awesome talent and his loss would leave a void that could not be easily filled via free agency or farm system. He's our best player and he's under thirty! Make him happy, don't trade him.

Do all of this and I promise to come back to the ballpark. Or even some of it. Throw the fans a bone for goodness sake!

at 1:22 PM

Anonymous said...

The Reds fans need to boycott this team until the front office makes some sort of move. You can't blow this many games and not make a move!

The way I see it, there are three players on this team that no other MLB team would want:

1.) The Reds are the ONLY team in the majors that are carrying three catchers. Do they think they're outsmarting the rest of the league? Moeller needs to go and be replaced by another reliever. Ricky Stone might not be the answer, but at least it will give Narron a new choice to blow a game.

2.) Juan Castro is AWFUL. He can't even reach the Mendoza line with his OBP...that's pathetic. Keppinger is batting .358 in Louisville. Castro couldn't hit .358 in tee-ball.

3.) Coffey needs more than one or two weeks in Louisville. He has given up 7 HR's in 32 innings. That HR rate is worse than any of Eric Milton's seasons with the Reds. Bring Saarloos back up.

Also, do Lohse or Belisle have any more options? Seems odd that they keep throwing them out there while Livingston who pitched well in his last ML start, wastes away on Louisville's roster.

at 1:31 PM

Anonymous said...

It's pretty easy, get rid of Narooon! There is absolutely no reason to bring that guy back into town other than to clean out his office. They are and have been the worst team in major league baseball. He is completely uninspiring to the fans and obviously his team. Of course someone will say "it's not all his fault", but please point out to me the last manager that was fired that was the utter cause of his team's demise. Are you seriously telling me that the likes of a Ron Oester could not get more out of this team, or make decisions that aren't flat out crazy(you know this example). Sixteen out is quite a mountain, but at least, Mr. Castellini, show me you'll try.

at 1:48 PM

Anonymous said...

I would go only if there was something to dull the pain of either watching Lohse and Matt B. suck it/bullpen explosion... like

-retiring a number of a Reds great
-$1 hot dogs (or $1 skyline coneys)
-Homer Bailey
-Harang/Arroyo w/ a bobblehead

For us who have a 3 hour drive, paying ot just see this team would be like paying top dollar to see the Bengals that last season of Lebeau.

Side note: You notice how Lewis turned the Bengals around with mostly the same guys? Good coach equals better play with the same guys. Replace all the coaches except for Dent/Jacoby. get a manager that will get in players faces who refuse to listen to their coaches and bench them. Maybe that will get Dunn and Griffey to bunt down the third base line when the 3rd baseman is playing at 2nd everytime! If dunn and Griffey truly can't hit w/ guys in scoring position, someone needs to figure out why and get them to listen to their coaches!

Adrian
Jasper, IN

at 1:54 PM

Anonymous said...

no i will not be going for other reasons , but if things do not change i may never go back . why hasn't anyone blamed tom hume for the relief work . i mean isn't his job to prepare them for relief , they are lost on the mound most of the time !!!!!

at 1:55 PM

Anonymous said...

Too many fair weather fans out there. If you are a reds fan, then you are a reds fan. Sure this team is horrible, I probably complain about them as much as anybody. But I will continue to watch them on TV, listen to Marty on 700, and get to as many games at GABP that I can. Why? Because I grew up with this team and will always root for them no matter what. That is what real fans do.

at 2:00 PM

Anonymous said...

I will not go.
What will it take to get me back?
A complete and total overhaul of the way this franchise does business. Full, tangible proof that the losing is over.
A manager who knows what he is doing and is highly respected by the rest of the league.
A general manager who puts in the dugout an entire team capable of competing year in and year out for a pennant.
A manager and general manager who is accountable and holds those he supervises accountable for their performance.
Players who know how to play the game--hitters who know how and actually do approach at bats based on the game situation and relievers who can and do get people out, especially the first batter and batters when runners are on base.
A team built to win. A team where winning 85 in a season is a disappointment.
And after 7 losing seasons in a row, and only 5 winning seasons in the last 17 years (since 1991), there is no more patience in my heart for rebuilding processes. Wake me when the winning has begun.

at 2:23 PM

Scott In Louisville, KY said...

Honestly the only way I will go to another game this year is if Krivsky and Narron quit jerking us fans by saying, "We are close to being a very good team" and be honest with us by saying we aren't going anywhere this year and we know that so we are going to start building for the future.

I mean seriously you can polish a turd all day but at the end of the day it is still a turn. It is time for Kriv and Narron to "poop" or get off the pot.

at 2:35 PM

Anonymous said...

Only because my sorority sister who is a cards fan is in town.

Is she hot?

at 2:37 PM

Anonymous said...

gotta get the mr. redlegs mustache.....

at 2:39 PM

Anonymous said...

What a bunch of babies Reds "fans" are. It's like they think they're entitled to have a winning team, like it's a personal insult each time they lose. You think these guys like to lose? of course, half of these so called fans couldn't fit their knowledge of the game on the back of a baseball card. BD, for example, the first to eagerly post on this thread and say he's done for the year - I see you want a closer NOW. Well, Weathers is actually doing an excellent job as the closer. Look it up. It's everyone else in the bullpen who's stinking up the place. If Coffey, Stanton, Bray and Majewski weren't all busts, this team would be in the thick of it. Sounds a lot more like bad luck to me than an organizational failure.

Nonetheless, there's a lot to root for - Hamilton, Harang, Philips, Dunn, Griffey, Bailey, etc - and if you can't get down with this team now, well, I guess the rest of us will just have to get by until you jump on the bandwagon when they start winning again.

monroe in columbus

at 2:48 PM

Anonymous said...

Real fans do not blindly support a grossly mismanaged franchise. You actually prolong the misery.

Bengals(1991-2002)
Reds(2001-2007)

Not a winning season to be found. Thanks!

at 2:49 PM

Anonymous said...

I lost all respect for Narron when he didn't stand up for Harang after LaRussa went spouting off. Narron should've responded to LaRussa's "any pitcher who hits a batter in the head should be suspended for two weeks" comment with "Well, I think all managers should be suspended for a month if they get a DUI". Instead he just sat there and took it (much like he does every time the Reds find a new way to blow a game).

Previous Posts

Friday, June 29, 2007

Are you going?

41 Comments: