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Reds Insider
From news of the day to news of the weird, John Fay provides a glimpse of what it’s like to cover the Cincinnati Reds

John Fay
John Fay has been the Reds beat writer for the Enquirer since 2001. Prior to that, he served in a variety of roles for the Enquirer: backup Reds writer, UC beat writer, backup Bengals writer and as a general assignment reporter. He is a Cincinnati native and a graduate of Elder High School and the University of Dayton.

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Sunday, May 4, 2008

Arroyo update, team meeting

I asked Dusty Baker if Bronson Arroyo might need some time in the bullpen to get straightened out.

"We're kind of lost right now," he said. "We're going to get him checked out maybe something is wrong with him. His pitches aren't sharp. His breaking ball isn't crisp. He's kind of gotten a little bit predictable as far as throwing the 3-2 breaking ball. Ordinarily, that ball (Tom) Glavine hit doesn't stay up in the zone. We'll get him examined. You don't want to find anything. But, hopefully, we can up with some kind of solution. I know he's going crazy, too."

Arroyo was pretty clear that he doesn't think anything is physically wrong with him.

"There ain't nothing to check out," he said. "They said they want to check me out? That's probably the best I felt in years on a day game. I've got no excuses. They just beat my ass. I had a good fastball, decent command, everything felt good."

"I felt like I had pretty good stuff. Two strikes to (Jeff) Francoeur with one guy on. He blooped it into to center. The next guy, the one hit off (Ryan) Freel. Bases loaded against a lineup. That puts the ball in play. Letting Glavine get that hit didn't help. There's nothing else to say. They hit the ball well. They hit on the screws. That's it."

The club had a meeting before the game.

"It was kind of an in-house thing," Adam Dunn said. "It's not something to talk about really."

"They outslugged us. That's how we're going right now. They score two, we score one. They score 13, we score seven. We'll keep plugging along and try to turn it around."

Dunn thinks the club is pressing.

"I think we're trying too hard," he said. "I don't know how to get out of it without trying hard. But I guess there's a fine line between pressing and relaxing. It's been a very difficult and weird start for us."


112 Comments:

at 5:53 PM Blogger Dan H said...

I actually thought they had a chance to possibly contend if everything fell into place or at least play 500 or slighty better ball this year. But after watching the Cardinal series and the last 2 games in Atlanta, this looks hopeless,hapless,just plain ugly. I'm usually optomistic, but I can't find anything right now to be optomistic about. Dunn says they are trying too hard, hard to agree with that statement. I don't like change for sake of change, but right now I can't think of anything better. I didn't agree with the earlier posts of blowing up the team, but now I say why not. We're closing in on the 40 game or one quarter mark and things aren't looking too well.

 
at 5:55 PM Blogger Cheviot Sports Authority said...

Sounds like a mysterious injury could be cropping up with a stint on the DL for the howling hog caller to make room for Weathers. Thats OK anything to get him out of here, at least for awhile.
ST CSA

 
at 5:59 PM Blogger Gunner said...

With all the anti Dusty talk, I am wondering if Jacoby is on the hot seat with just about every hitter struggling. He was suppose to get Dunn back to where he was a few years ago ... instead he has regressed even further as an effective hitter.

 
at 5:59 PM Blogger Don said...

Maybe the problem isn't that Arroyo may or may not be healthy, but that he just isn't very good.

Whatever they decide to do, the Reds cannot run Arroyo back out there again for another start. Arroyo has pitched over 30 innings now and his ERA is 8.63. Thirty innings plus is enough to time to straighten out these issues. Ditch Fogg, eat the money, and move Arroyo to a long relief spot in the bullpen.

 
at 6:04 PM Blogger TJK said...

John what do you think Arroyo is thinking right now? I notice after every start he gets beat around (and really that is all of them save one where he was just average and not below) he says no excuses and that he felt great. To say he had a good fastball today and great stuff tells me he is either delusional or afraid of sounding like he is making excuses.

It seems like he just doesn't have it anymore for whatever reason. It's a combination of the league figuring out his soft tossing ways and the decline of his fastball. I think his best days are certainly behind him, but do you think he knows that? Do you get the sense that he is aware that he's not going to get any better anytime soon? Or do you think he feels as if he is just unlucky?

Thanks.

 
at 6:11 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

hopefully they will find a " phantom " injury with him which allows him to go on the 15 day dl , bring up bailey see what he can do and give arroyo a few minor league starts to try and get everything together

 
at 6:19 PM Blogger REddlegg in Colorado said...

The whole thing sucks,blow it up.Take the commercials with em'!!!!!

 
at 6:21 PM Blogger Hiney said...

Suggestions:

- Fire Baker.
- Cut Patterson.
- Deal Harang, Dunn. These are your tradable commodities...so trade them. The return on Harang would allow the Reds to rebuild substantively. Maybe even try Harang on Hank Steinbrenner...say for Hughes, Kennedy and Hank's first born?!?!
- Recall Bruce, Bailey...take your lumps.

It's not working. Start over. Obviously these suggestions are over-the-top, but why not over-the-top at this point? It certainly would 'change the culture', as Jocketty alluded to.

 
at 6:22 PM Blogger BATSFAN said...

The team meeting did alot of good

 
at 6:30 PM Blogger gannfan said...

Wait. The Reds had a team meeting BEFORE the game? What did they do after the game?

 
at 6:36 PM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

"We'll keep plugging along and try to turn it around."

Boy, he sure seems fired up!

Translation:

We wont do anything different, if we start winning some games, good, if not... I guess another manager will get fired. I wonder where Griff and I are going for dinner tonight?

 
at 6:42 PM Blogger Tommy in Tucson said...

Well fellow bloggers I thought our beloved Reds would be out of the race by mid June, I was wrong. Their season is over now! Nice game Bronson. It was good to hear you had your good stuff today. The sad part is Dunn will go on to hit 40 homers and everyone will go crazy when Junior hits number 600. Dusty will spew some old baseball sayings and the 10,000 or so people without absolutely nothing else to do will show up to watch this train wreck. Then next spring, we'll all be overcome with renewed enthusiasm and we'll discuss the new guys and how the rookies will respond and have our hope crushed all over again. As for me, I can't stand to watch this low level brand of baseball. So I won't! I will ride my bike more, fish more, and hit the pool more. I'll watch the university of Arizona mens and womens teams. They know how to play the game the way it's supposed to be played. I'll watch a little of the playoffs and maybe a few of the world series games, but that will be it. As I love my old home town I'll watch the Bengals suffer through the next crime ridden, excuse laden, losing season. Think God Cincinnati doesn't have pro basketball team to also suffer through. With my condolences. Have a great summer Cincinnati!

Tommy N Tucson

 
at 7:02 PM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

How freaking awesome would it be if someone like Votto, BP, or Harang said:

"Im pissed, I hate losing, if Dunn, and Griff dont start hitting, and start playing big league defense, well keep losing, if we keep Arroyo in the rotation, well keep losing, I want to play on a winning team, and right now this team is terrible. If something is not done soon, I will want out of Cincinnati."

I know Im dreaming, but if it happened, I would say "Theres our leader!"

 
at 7:36 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why is it that George G and Welsh talk about Griffey like he is some kind of offensive threat? He's a hole in the lineup, a guaranteed out, a rally killer. But you'd think he was Chipper Jones or something to listen to those guys.

 
at 7:40 PM Blogger Phill said...

Last I checked leaders don't demand to be traded.

 
at 7:41 PM Blogger Paul in LA said...

I read John's posts a lot, but I rarely post an opinion, but I'll say this....The Reds do need a leader. They need a Greg Vaughn type that just refuses to lose. It seems everyone has that refuse to lose attitude but the players. Everyone seems to be OK with losing. The players need to be held accountable amongst themselves. I remember Griffey saying something like "I'm just Employee Number 3" No you're not, Ken. You're a Hall of Fame outfielder who desperately wants to win a championship. Tell the other plaerys that! Tell them how bad you want it! This team is desperate for someone to take a stand and motivate them. It's much different when a player does it. Dusty's paid to do it. Player's arent. TAKE A STAND!!!

 
at 7:45 PM Blogger Gunner said...

At what points is Walt going to be forced to do something? I cant help but think that the pressure to affect major changes is building. Team meetings arent helping. Extra BP isnt helping. Dunn is in the worst slump of his career. Jr looks like he is trying to get to 600 in one swing of an AB. BP is trying to do too much. Encarnacion is inconsisntant ... he has short streaks of either great production or miserable ineptitude. Votto is a great complimentary player, he isnt going to carry a team on his shoulders. Kepp ... love his bat, hate his range. The rest of the position players are little more than bit players & AAAA allstars. We need to fast track some of our prospects ... we have older, more advanced prospects playing levels too low for their production. On top of it they are being blocked by guys who are never going to make it to the Bigs or are just filling a roster spot. Its time to let the legitament prospects advance and the wannabes ride some pine.

 
at 7:47 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree ryanrico, trade Harang, they could get a boat load of prospects for him. They need to go young like Florida, and Arizona. Those two teams are playing very good right now.

 
at 7:59 PM Blogger anti-media said...

John:You mention in your post what Adam Dunn thinks ! You can't say it so I will,Adam Dunn is one of the dumbest players in baseball !!So if we take him serious we are in trouble !(oh yea,we are in trouble)Our leaders dumb & dumber(Griffless & Dunn)are a major reason we suck!!!

 
at 8:22 PM Blogger steveallenky said...

Beyond reminding teams they need to hustle, I don't know what good meetings can do for MLB teams. Its not football that requires high emotion to play, and because of the structure of the system the players are going to get their pay if they have enough years service so threatening their jobs is pointless. The only motivation that works is changing the make up of the team, and if you're heavily invested in worthless players then you're stuck. And this team is 1 or 2 years from being unstuck.

Arroyo hasn't shown he has the makings of a starting pitcher for over a year. He should be regulated to he bullpen permanently. Another less expensive move is Todd Coffee should be made into a starter before he's allowed to return because he definitely can't handle the mental side of relieving.
If you can get anybody to take Dunn you deal him. (good luck) Next Season you don't exercise the option on Griffey.

While the answers to who doesn't need to be here are clearer than who does need to be here none of the changes will be cheap or easy.

 
at 8:40 PM Blogger Mr. Rawlings said...

The TV cameras today found new GM Walt Jocketty in his luxury box smiling and laughing with someone off camera. The score was 7-0 and the Reds were getting thier brains beat out and Arroyo was in serious trouble. This humor etc was certainly miplaced and his demeanor should be one of a stern and concerned look. 12-20, last place in the Central, and sharing the worst record in Baseball IS cause for concern. Bottom line..the Reds aren't very good. Sad.

 
at 8:43 PM Blogger JF said...

Dusty Narron is our man, if he can't do it....

Honeymoon over yet? Anyone care to tell me how "great" a manager this guy is? Or how he "teaches" players how to "hit?"

This ridiculously over-rated manager still can't be blamed for the bullpen...we have a better closer (at least on paper) and we have removed several of the offending gopher-servers and walk-machines from last year, but it's really the same crap all over again (from last year), and so all of our pitching coaches need to be fired immediately, and Castellini needs to wake up and order a STOP to musical lineups. Put players where they belong in the order, get Bruce up here, and stop giving young players too much time off, and too many different positions in the order to hit from. Pick ONE lineup and stick with it, and let the offense find it's groove.

Although 7 runs today should have been groovy enough...except that the only guy more overrated on the Reds than Dusty is Arroyo (I spent last year ripping Bronson because he's a distracted mediocre player who needs to hang up the cleats and chase his musical fantasies)

Reds are tied for the worst record in baseball this evening with the Padres...ah, the sweet smell of blathering Baker sycophant fans roasting on an open fire...

 
at 8:43 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

Reddlegg in CO and I finally agree

kevin please quit dissing this team..its getting stale and redundant..you were the person that was telling us this team was going to the World series up until 2 weeks ago

 
at 8:49 PM Blogger Charlie said...

John,
I enjoyed Paul D.'s column in today's paper and agree with most of his thinking. I also agree with the guy who said he's dreaming but he'd like to see someone like BP, AH, or Votto say they want out if Griff And Dunn keep getting catered to and need motivated. Here's my solutions:
Freel CF
Keppinger SS
Phillips 2nd
Votto 1st
Encarnacion 3rd
Baco C
Griffey RF
Dunn LF
Pitcher

Here's my rationale: Freel is hitting and is getting on base. Take away his Green Sign and only allow him to steal when told to steal. Keppinger is in the two hole because he can move Freel up when necessary by either hitting behind him or sac/but Freel over, or simply get a hit. Keppinger has a nickname: two-fer (seems most games he gets two hits. Phillips is in the three hole because he is our best hitter at times and he gets on a lot also possibly giving our number four hole, clean up man Votto maybe as many as three guys on base. This gives us three guys with better than average speed ahead of Votto to drive in and should he fail, this gives Encarnacion our best clutch hitter a chance to help out Votto. Our number five hitter is of course EE. Following EE is Bako in the six hole. He is showing that he can hit with a bit of power at times. Then I'd bat Griffey (as long as we have him). Down here he won't have any pressure on him and maybe he'll get to 600 and then stop swinging for the fence every swing. In the eighth hole I'd bat Dunn (as long as we have him) Possibly he can walk enough that whoever's pitching can but him over for Free, Kepp, or Phillips.

I'd leave Griffey and Dunn down in the lineup until they can show me what they've done for the Reds lately.

Then I'd bring up Bruce and play him every day in either left field or in right field. If he comes up he's got to play. This would give Griff and Dunn some down time every other day until they show their teammates they can get it together. If either Griff or Dunn gets hot leave them in and the other sits.

This move also allows Bruce time in the batting order to get it going and gives him time to see the pitchers around the league.

Then, I'd eat Fogg's contract and bring up Bailey, and move Arroya
to long relief in case our young pitchers falter some, which should be expected to some extend.
With Weathers coming maybe we can once again get to some roles for our bullpen guys. Oh, yes, you'll need a spot for Weathers, so drop Patterson or Bray. I sort of like Bray. He just needs to have a role to fit into.

Then, I'd like to see Baker make all the team come out for extra hitting and infield and outfield practice everyday, even on off days. He needs to show that he's a leader who doesn't like losing and is willing to play the best in positions that will help the team.

Moving Griffey up to the two hole to get him more at bate and maybe more fastballs,is NOT a solution, and moving Dunn up to number two is NOT the answer either. Why do we have to cater to two guys who are a serious BAD INFLUENCE on the other younger guys? Baker needs some direction from the new GM to get his asp in gear.

 
at 8:58 PM Blogger Don said...

John, do you happen to know who called the player's only team meeting?

 
at 9:10 PM Blogger Joe said...

I,m with you CSA. I think a back or leg problem is going to be found tomorow. Bronson will be on the 15 DL with three starts as a rehab in AAA. It would do him good.

Let Belisle start another one and if he doesn't cut it with at least 6 solid innings, send him somewhere too.

Bailey needs a roster spot and Thompson needs a few starts in AAA. At this time, after the past three weeks of frustation, I would prefer to watch them get their collective behinds beat while getting Bailey, Cueto and Thompson are getting major league experience to watching Arroyo and Belisle take it on the chin two out of every three times they start.

Jockety just has to make some calls and live with them.

 
at 9:23 PM Blogger Unknown said...

This is a fun blog, but I question the sense of the moderator (especially if it's the busy beat writer himself) personally reading every entry before it posts and determining whether or not it should be posted.

It creates the problem of serious lag between related posts; for example I responded to someone's comment hours ago in the previous blog entry, and it's still not there...and when or if it finally shows up, that topic is dead and another blog entry has already been written anyway.

It also can make people wonder if they should spend their time writing thoughtful comments, only to have them nixed based on John's personal standards or whatever he uses to determine postings. I don't say that from problematic personal experience with my own posts; just making the point generally.

It's such a fun blog, but a real drag sometimes due to the time lags between posts, which screws up the continuity big time. Why not just handle it more casually - by letting people post in real time, then deleting the obviously immature ones, i.e. those with deeply personal attacks or totally off-topic?

As for the dudes who delusionally live in the past and feel the need to inform us on a daily basis of how ex-Reds are doing, there'll always be people like that on any blog. I find it easy to ignore that aspect of their posts entirely, since it's utterly meaningless now that those players have been traded. Why do others let them get under their skin, or other worthless comments that are clearly meant to be inflammatory?

These are just idealistic thoughts; may not be practical on a sports blog. Just saying that it's senseless TO ME to be moderating every post and cause the lag, when I think people would be understanding if John chose to just let 'em go up in real time and then delete 'em if they're rule-violating. Isn't that how Trent did his, if memory serves? His blog felt more casual, and this one is starting to feel a bit uptight in the aobve ways, although it's still very much appreciated nonetheless.

 
at 9:43 PM Blogger Dave said...

Yes, Tommy in Tucson >> 10,000 will still show up to watch this train wreck - for some strange reason.
Heck, 60,000 show up to watch the Bengals mess but I'm guessing that's just to get drunk and yell crazy stuff. They don't even do that at Reds games. Go figure!

 
at 9:44 PM Blogger BATSFAN said...

LOl i like that, Harang and Volquez is probley like, wow I how did I get stuck with these bunch of losers.

 
at 9:44 PM Blogger BATSFAN said...

Hey John who is Weathers replacing tommorow?

 
at 9:59 PM Blogger Dave said...

Only 4 months til Bengals first game and their one (& probably only) win of the season - against the Ravens, 9/7/08.

 
at 10:17 PM Blogger Cheviot Sports Authority said...

I hate to say this but what do the Reds need with a $46mil closer? I actually thought that they would be better this year and that he would be a big part of the turnaround. It is now very apparent that is not going to happen. I would love to keep him but realistically he is probably the only player, other than the young guys who would bring anything in return. They have 4 glaring holes in the starting lineup and 2 big holes in the rotation to worry about before he is really going to help them. I do not mean dump him, I want equal value or more and I can see a lot of teams interested come the stretch drive.

St CSA

 
at 10:26 PM Blogger doomgoblin said...

i don't think saying that to the media is a good way of being a leader, but i do wonder what went on in the closed doors meeting. saying something to that effect in there is totally reasonable.

aside from griffey continuing to be an auto-out, the offense actually looked a lot better. votto took some walks, which i hope he continues, despite dusty. dunn had two hits, etc.

today the problem was primarily that we ran out two pitchers with 8+ ERAs and they performed like it, and that our defense is bad, especially in the outfield. it looks like griffey essentially has no range anymore, and freel is a maniac out there. too many catchable balls go for singles and doubles with this team.

fogg is useless and always has been. it looks like time to zito arroyo and move him to the pen, contract be damned, and cut fogg. bring up bailey, who can surely do better than 8.63, ready or not.

Cut patterson and bring up Bruce and play him in CF, he can't hit as bad as Corey and he won't get hit in the arm by nearly as many balls as freel.

I know that neither of them are as ready as they'll ever be, but we have the worst record in baseball. they literally can't make us any worse, and maybe they make us better, and maybe they give fans something to watch the games for.

i know i'm starting to wonder why i do.

 
at 11:28 PM Blogger JerBear said...

The Reds could totally be out of it after the Cubs series...yet there is that small piece of me that thinks they can win two out of three with Harang and Cueto pitching!

I figure I can't feel any more negative about the Reds, so I finally had a positive thought there.

I never ever thought I'd say this, but I agree that maybe the Reds should consider trading Harang if they are 10 games back or so at the trading deadline.

Consider would be my key word. I probably wouldn't do it, but I'd listen if I were GM. There aren't many pitchers out there like Harang, but if you're bad with him, it'd be at least worth it to listen to trades especially if someone like the Yankees was willing to give up 2-3 of their top pitching prospects.

 
at 11:38 PM Blogger Unknown said...

Kevin, I normally like and respect your posts. But how could you call someone a team leader for ripping his teammates in the press? Do you consider Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, and Me-shawn to be leaders? I mean, maybe we could go find Rocker to replace Weathers as a team leader, right? Also, Votto just started playing full-time, BP is hitting .270 or so, and Harang is 1-4 (albeit an unfair 1-4)...I think those guys would all do well to work on themselves. Encarnacion is the only one hitting well enough to talk like that, and he's given up as many runs in the field as he's scored, so I wouldn't expect to hear that anytime soon from him, either.

 
at 11:53 PM Blogger crab42 said...

Did I miss something? Is BP tearing it up? I love Dunn, BP, and Jr but right now they all stink! I think Dunn is the closest to breaking out, but BP and Jr don't seem to have a plan at the plate.

 
at 12:36 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Blow this team up...it is pathetic..no heart!! Front office is lost, these players always have an excuse, after 7 years, no excuses left! Keep Cueto, Volquez, Votto and Phillips, everyone else goes. This sucks!

 
at 1:08 AM Blogger Phill said...

CSA, food for thought about Cordero. A lot of people said before the season that they could see the Reds being a real threat in 09 and '10. Wouldn't it be a travesty if that happens but they don't have a good closer like they do now?

I hate the be the bearer of bad news for everybody but why would you 'blow up' the team in frickin' May. You wait until there are needs by teams.

Another note for everyone. Jay Bruce isn't ready. Everyone is saying it. He shouldn't be brought up and I hope he isn't. Homer Bailey will come up when they decide he's finished working on what the team wants him to work on. You people are about as impatient as Bob Castelini.

 
at 1:13 AM Blogger RedsfaninOregon said...

here is another issue to consider about the reds lack of concentration/effort. have you all noticed how often the opposing PITCHER gets a hit against our reds? it's inexcusable as often as it's happening. they get to 0-2 and throw a ball right down the middle and give up a hit. i'd like to see the league's batting avg for pitchers, and avg for pitchers hitting against the reds staff.

 
at 2:13 AM Blogger John Fay said...

Art:

I've tried to go with unmoderated comments several times. It simply gets out of hand after a while -- a short while. Believe me, I'd love for it work that way.

I did let comments go up unmoderated during the game today. But the only way I feel comfortable doing that is if I'm at the computer and can quickly take offensive ones down.

 
at 2:21 AM Blogger BATSFAN said...

John anyword who Weathers is replacing. Its killing me just thinking of who it is

 
at 2:26 AM Blogger John Fay said...

They aren't going to say till it happens. Bray possibly, unless they do something with Mercker.

 
at 2:49 AM Blogger NVreds said...

I would consider offers for cordero if I were bob. This is something I thought about too, CSA/JBA. He would free up money and bring a lot in return, I would want a reliever in return however. Only fair offers though, I keep him instead of a stupid trade.

harang i would not trade, he will be a good pitcher for a long time, because of his solid/easy mechanics.

This team does have a young core starting to develop, something they havent had the last 7-8 years.

 
at 7:13 AM Blogger Mr. Doom and Gloom said...

Cantu Update...

1/5 with 6 runners LOB yesterday, batting .272, slugging .429, and a robust OBP of .325.

6 errors in 76 chances at 3B, fielding % of .921

 
at 7:34 AM Blogger wardog said...

Krivskey bought the food
dusty is the cook, cant make a meal of old meat and no spice.

How about the rest of the guys.. hitting and pitching coaches?

why are they still not nervous?

secondly.. listened to the broadcast sat and sun.. John Fay was there during an inning... but on sat Marty says " the reds need Freel to shake up the bases and bring life to the roster, this is after the stolen bases on saturday. Then he comes back on sunday and says Freel shouldnt run after thrown out and missing a ball with his head an inning later..

Marty get a blog for your self, and just do the games you dope. Maby you could talk about stadium food somemore on the food network..or the "old cowboys" chicken in bed fetish.

 
at 7:43 AM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

"kevin please quit dissing this team..its getting stale and redundant..you were the person that was telling us this team was going to the World series up until 2 weeks ago"

JBA, find the post that I said that, copy and paste it, and Ill send you a check for $1000.00

Please be dilligent in your searching, make sue you go all the way back to February, which is when I started posting (pre registration rule).

Hopefully this will keep you busy for several hours and you wont post anything else rediculous and untrue.

You know, I dont think in that time frame ANY person has said this team would go to the world series.

 
at 7:45 AM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

I agree with Cheviot..we really dont need Cordero this year and he would prove to be attractive to numerous teams.

Gotta love this talk about making Freel a full time centerfielder.. Your memories are either very short or revisionist., Hes good for a couple of weeks then he tails off dramatically.. He hustles..yet he does not have the talent to be an everyday player.. Freel, Patterson, Hairston..there is no major difference in the long run between the 3

Art a discussion of players like Hamilton, Votto, Pete Rose, Mickey Mantle..is not delusional..nice word but inappropriate. You reach a point when a team is so bad that you search for other topics and a little comedy does not hurt

Its funny how you lecture John Fay on his personal taste in topics , even though this is his blog, yet you seem to be offended when the topic does not enlighten you.

 
at 8:24 AM Blogger Unknown said...

I'd be all for a serious shocker - cut Fogg loose or send him to AAA in order to put Weathers back on the team.

 
at 9:28 AM Blogger Bob Loblaw said...

I'll probably get bashed for this, but I'm not sure Weathers should be brought back up at all. Has anyone else noticed his velocity is down significantly this year? I hope there actually was something physically wrong with him and he's now healthy, because if he pitches like he did before he went on the DL he's going to lose a couple more games for us in no time flat. Games that we can't afford to lose at this point.

 
at 9:52 AM Blogger ewad said...

I went to all three games this weekend.
Clearly this team is a mess.
But one bright spot was Freel.
He played his butt off.
The one ball he couldn't haul in Sunday in left field would have been an amazing catch, he got a great break on the ball but couldn't quite get there.
I know (big effort) is what he usually does... but he was exciting.
In part what happened was the Braves were due to break out. They are a contender in the East and have started the year very badly.
Arroyo, unfortunately reminded me too much about what people were saying about Barry Zito a couple weeks back.
If he isn't injured then he has a much bigger problem... a dead arm.
Nothing on the fastball an a nearly flat curve ball.
I'm not like some who are ready to blow the team up.
The biggest reason is we aren't in a great division nobody will runaway with this thing.
I wish we could get something worthwhile for Adam Dunn, but truth is other teams see exactly what he is too....

 
at 9:54 AM Blogger Rob Dicken said...

I agree ryanrico, trade Harang, they could get a boat load of prospects for him. They need to go young like Florida, and Arizona. Those two teams are playing very good right now.

Yes...very smart. Let's trade our best pitcher for prospects that may not be in the majors for another 3-4 years, or better yet...may not even pan out! We've only had losing seasons for the past 7 years...let's have a few more!!

This team is just not good, folks. The offense can never get or maintain a lead. They're always playing from behind, no matter how well our starters pitch.

The problem is quite simply the hitting this year. Arroyo, Hatteberg, Fogg, and Dunn just need to go. I have been an Adam Dunn advocate for years, but the guy just isn't producing and he's not clutch AT ALL.

I don't understand why Griffey is batting 2nd...the guy should be betting 4th in the lineup. And I don't understand why a prototypical #2 hitter (Keppinger) is batting in the 7th spot of the lineup either. Dusty Baker is a good manager...with a big payroll. He's not the manager that this team needs.

Again, I am not sure why Dusty will not go with this lineup against right-handed pitchers...but then again, it does make sense and most of the time Dusty's lineups do not:

Freel - CF (our best option right now)
Keppinger - SS
Phillips - 2B
Griffey - RF
Votto - 1B
Dunn - LF
Encarnacion - 3B
Bako - C
Pitcher

Rotation should be this:

Harang
Volquez
Cueto
Arroyo (move him down, give him a few days rest and evaluate him physically)
Bailey

 
at 10:04 AM Blogger Unknown said...

Mr. Fay,
As I continue to follow the reds I check your blog pretty regularly. I'm also checking Hal McCoy's blog on the DDN website. While you are very informative about reds news I still feel your blog lacks the "insider" edge that Mr. McCoy's clearly displays. Your blog is nothing more than factual reports about press releases or line-up changes. Could you please give us more about the personalities and other behind the scenes stories that you witness (I assume) as the Reds beat reporter? Remember we John Q Public's see the reds from a great distance.

 
at 10:12 AM Blogger Steven Ross said...

Reverse psychology this year: we usually start out well then fade in July. Opposite approach this season. We'll make a "Rockies-like" run in July/August. That should put us squarely in 4th.

Couple of items: Griffey's trying to pull everything. Same with Dunn. The left side of field is wide open. Lay down a bunt, go the other way, for once. Do it for the team and not yourself. Don't call-up Bruce...yet. He's not ready.

 
at 10:32 AM Blogger Cheviot Sports Authority said...

JOHN FAY SAID:
"I've tried to go with unmoderated comments several times. It simply gets out of hand after a while -- a short while. Believe me, I'd love for it work that way."

"I did let comments go up unmoderated during the game today. But the only way I feel comfortable doing that is if I'm at the computer and can quickly take offensive ones down."

If you would like John, I would be glad to give you a break once in a while by moderating the blog for you. I am sure Jack and ALS could find a little time to help out also. Just a thought.

As for the Cantu updates, my point has been made several times over and the person responsible for letting him go has been appropriately dealt with. But thank you for the updates.
St CSA

 
at 11:15 AM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

"If you would like John, I would be glad to give you a break once in a while by moderating the blog for you. I am sure Jack and ALS could find a little time to help out also."


Hillarious

 
at 11:20 AM Blogger JF said...

Bringing Weathers back upgrades the Reds, from a .375 to a .400 team.

Not impressed. Not thrilled. Not buying anymore tickets for now.

Only Volquez and Bako have impressed early, EE and Harang are having "okay" starts, even Keppinger and Votto have slipped to "so-so" while everyone else is at "suck-suck" or below.

Hence: tied for the worst record in baseball with the Padres.

There are no answers for the organization except to admit they've bungled nearly everything under Castellini's watch, and to commit to major rebuilding, and give up on the idea of "winning now" because even looking ahead to 2009 and 2010, there's no winning now (or then) in the cards.

This team has some studs and some great prospects but the duds and the train wrecks are too numerous here for the Reds to be easily turned into a winning team, although even the most ardent Reds bashing pessimist (me) has to admit that an entire team cannot slump all season long and that the Reds' bats will get hot and stay hot for a few big streaks this season, and the pitching, barring injuries, will likewise have good streaks.

Nevertheless, anyone can assemble a team. But what Castellini and puppets have utterly failed in is team BUILDING.

The Chemistry stinks. Bruce would change that for the better, which is one argument for starting Bruce for the remainder of the season, no matter what he does up here, that cannot be attacked using statistics or focusing upon his age or upon the three CFs pretending to Bruce's throne.

 
at 11:22 AM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

kevin..you were the biggest cheerleader for this team until 2 weeks ago..now as it is in vogue to bash the team..you have jumped right in. Be consistent

Freel got to that ball the other night..he simply did not catch it

somebody wants to trade Harang?.. now that is dumb

I sort of get a laugh when bloggers continue to present different lineups on here hoping that Dusty or Jocketty will notice.

The lineups have been changed dozens and dozens of times over the course of the last two years..it dont help..

keep the same players ..expect the same results

Ill help you moderate John..for a couple of seats in the diamond section

I still think we should have a John Fay Night at the Park. I would like to meet some of you..but then.. we would have to watch this team play

 
at 11:24 AM Blogger Rob Dicken said...

As for the Cantu updates, my point has been made several times over and the person responsible for letting him go has been appropriately dealt with.

Yes...you have definitely made your point well known across 50 million blog postings from John Fay...we are aware of that.

But I think you forgot one vital piece of the puzzle...you have been proven wrong on your constant suggestion of Cantu being hired TIME AND TIME AGAIN, and you continue to disregard facts. This is tiresome for the readers and a hassle for John to deal with.

Be courteous to the other posters (and John Fay), admit defeat for once, and talk about new items/subjects. It's really not that hard!

 
at 11:33 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can't believe Cheviot Sports Authority said that he and Jack (who is the same person) could moderate this blog. LOL. They (oops..HE) would only allow posts about Hamilton and Cantu. I also can't believe he called Kevin "stale and redundant"...ummmm...isn't continuing to talk about these 2 pretty much stale and redundant?

 
at 11:46 AM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

"kevin..you were the biggest cheerleader for this team until 2 weeks ago..now as it is in vogue to bash the team..you have jumped right in. Be consistent"

That is the difference between us Jack, I can be optimistic when the team has a chance, at this point, the team does not have a chance and I have changed my opinion of the team.

You on the other hand are eternally pessimistic which is really annoying, especially when other fans are excited about a team in preseason.

You: bash players, team, and orginization even when "not a single game has been played"

Me: Optimistic and hopefull that the team can do something until they show they cant.

Well, they have shown they cant and I am no longer optimistic.

So sue me.

 
at 12:13 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

my expectations were realistic..I suggested maybe this team would do better by 8-10 games this year.

i knew this team did not have a chance to contend while many others on this blog gushed over their chances to win the division..perhaps I knew better than most

considering the results so fat..it appears that I did

keep the same players ..expect the same results

considering the performance of this team I like to hear about players that once were Reds..something to discuss

Gotta wonder why the Reds trade players like Cameron,Cantu and even Ryan Dempster (4-0) whom we face tonight

I mean what do you want to discuss.. another lineup? Dunn not hitting? WK was a bad GM?

gets old

thank you
JBA

 
at 12:34 PM Blogger Another losing season said...

I feel left out. Kevin in Ft. Meyers is really robdicken and big red smokey.

This has zero chance of getting posted.

 
at 12:37 PM Blogger Rob Dicken said...

Kevin, there's no reason to explain yourself to Jack, CSA, and Another Losing Season (since they are all the same person). He continues to bash people for the EXACT SAME things he continues to do...it's sad really.

I agree with you 100% about what you said and also about no longer being optimistic about this team. Unless this team starts to pitch consistently through the starting rotation (1 through 5) and starts driving in runs, then I will remain pessimistic about this team after being optimistic around the start of the season.

I can't believe Cheviot Sports Authority said that he and Jack (who is the same person) could moderate this blog. LOL. They (oops..HE) would only allow posts about Hamilton and Cantu. I also can't believe he called Kevin "stale and redundant"...ummmm...isn't continuing to talk about these 2 pretty much stale and redundant?


LOL!! And don't forget...they would only allow posts THEY agree with. Anyone that opposes any of these Ids or multiple personalities would be ignored or banned...making this blog DESTINED for failure!

 
at 12:38 PM Blogger 24/7 said...

blow it up....and get WHO?

the roster has some bad contracts and some marginal players that should be gone, but it is talented and has the makings of something good. good arms to start and finish the game, and some good bats.

reds needs -

another solid starter
another solid reliever
a contact hitter, preferably righty
an adequate center fielder
a baserunning clinic

three of those just might be in the minors. in NO way am i defending all the mistakes, but baserunning is fixable.

i used to think they should sign dunn... i don't know anymore. griff for a righty bat would be a good move.

i like harang, volquez, cueto and bailey in the rotation. we have the makings of a stellar rotation. we should be happy that the yankee kids who get way more pub aren't nearly as dynamic except joba. i also like our lineup minus the bums we run out to cf and not having another righty that can hit .300 no matter what. our pen is good. fogg is expendable, bray has options and we have depth on the farm. personally, i'm going to give this more time to play out.

 
at 12:43 PM Blogger Cheviot Sports Authority said...

"you have been proven wrong on your constant suggestion of Cantu being hired TIME AND TIME AGAIN, and you continue to disregard facts."

Ask Wayne Krivsky who was right.
ST CSA

 
at 12:48 PM Blogger Rob Dicken said...

Gotta wonder why the Reds trade players like Cameron,Cantu and even Ryan Dempster (4-0) whom we face tonight

Cameron is a good defensive center fielder, but he struck out a lot and hit poorly for average. You criticize Adam Dunn for these qualities...why would you want a lead off man doing the exact same thing?

Cantu...you have been told 5 billion times with statistics on why he is not good. He doesn't hit lefties good and can't defend worth a lick! What is good about him? Please...do tell! Why do we need him on this team if he can't hit lefties and his defense sucks? WHY WOULD WE KEEP HIM? Name off some reasons, and for the love of god...don't say "right handed pop" because the guy can't hit lefties and it doesn't logically make sense!

And as I said before...he is coming back down to earth. .272 batting average and falling. Enough said. Move on.

Ryan Dempster is the most over rated starting pitcher in Major League Baseball right now. This is another case of a baseball player playing astronomically at the beginning of the season, and then falling back down to earth. Dempster will finish the year with a 4.5 ERA minimum and probably be demoted back down to the bullpen. Dempster couldn't really hack it in the as a starter before and even in the bullpen...what makes him "good" as a starter NOW?

 
at 12:49 PM Blogger Brad said...

My kid got straight A tickets for next Wednesday game against the Marlins. What do you think the odds of us being able to move down to better seats??? LOL I say they'll be lucky to have 10,000 there.

 
at 12:52 PM Blogger Another losing season said...

Although you are talking about Jack, I'm sure you would like to include me in there Kevin.

I don't mind being called pessimistic when it comes to the Reds or Bengals. It's just so easy to figure out. When I was younger I was always optimistic but as you mature and start to see the same things over and over you start to change your viewpoint to one of reason. I'm not going to ignore what is so painfully obvious and that is this team stinks because it is the same as it was last year minus it's best player. How can anyone ignore that?

I'm sure what's really bothering you is I have been so right all the time. Isn't that what truly bothers you? It would me.

It's too late to join the dark side. You can't switch just because they are losing now. You are hereby sentenced to cheering for this Reds team for the remainder of the year and if you post here you are limited to saying positive things like, "it's still early and they will turn it around."

 
at 1:06 PM Blogger LittleRedMachine said...

Cantu sucks and to keep touting a guy who sucks and has no position to play on this team is lunacy.


Insanity is to keep posting the same stupidity and expect different results.

 
at 1:07 PM Blogger Arden Dulou said...

I know I based my thoughts on the Reds in the race becasue the other teams weren't much better. If the pack doesn't drift back, nothing will help.

The future is bright, the issue is not all of the future are in the majors. Look at the 60s Reds or Tigers/Indians. Just play the kids.

 
at 1:25 PM Blogger reaganspad said...

Love the panic. Let's face it, the slide was caused by the person who thought that he was improving the process: Owner Bob himself.

The guy is a businessman, but professional sports management is a little bit more than cutting 1500 people off your payrole to improve the bottom line.

MOMENTUM is huge in sports, and owner bob laid the proverbial unmentionable in the punchbowl with his firing of wayne prematurely.

He has done great things for the franchise in hiring of the best of broadcasters for both radio and tv. Unless wayne has done something unspeakable (which we may never know), you need to lay the current momentum poop right in bob's lap.

Lets face it, the Reds were better pre GM change than they are today. Momentum went from bad to worse. "Let the firings continue until the momentum improves"?

Bad move bob. you either make the change when you hire Jock in the first place, or you let the year go on as planned and judge the outcomes then.

This mid year walk the plank strategy of the Reds is exactly the problem. Be it the firing of managers or the mid season trades.

Somebody make a plan and work a plan. unfortunately, they have fired the last 2 guys who had a plan.

 
at 1:31 PM Blogger tom dunne said...

Sticking my head into the blog after a few weeks away... I see people are still throwing stones and calling out others by name. I would really enjoy a civilized, readable blog by a local beat writer; I'll cross my fingers and check in again in June.

 
at 1:33 PM Blogger MJ said...

Changes need to be made that is for sure. Extra batting practice wouldn't hurt as well. When do the moves begin to happen? Who goes? Man my brain hurts.

 
at 1:34 PM Blogger MJ said...

Sure Bronson needs time off to get himself together but using the DL to do it is wrong. The DL shouldn't be abused.

 
at 1:53 PM Blogger REddlegg in Colorado said...

I had ideas of traveling to a few different cities to see the reds this season,but now I'm not sure if I want to spend my hard earned dollars on this pathetic example of what some may call a "baseball team"!!! I has plans to come home to cincy too & use my families season tickets,that might get put on hold too.

I have plenty of interest's & why waste my time,energy, & money on watching this sorry excuse of a baseball team.Not saying I'm not a fan,just a un-excited one.

Yes,I was one of the optimistic fans early in the season,yet was still worried about the C spot(Which Bako has proved to be a solid Backup,at best).Please cut/demote Ross & Trade Javy,get a solid Catcher that plays solid Defense,hits at least .250, & has enough power to hit 15 Hr's.

I was still concerned about Dunngs lack of clutch hitting,low avg., Kout rate, & poor fielding.Just trade him for whatever,I'm tired of watching him kill this team with his slow, lazy, & I don't care tude

Griff(Whom I respect for his integrity) is nothing more than a "pay me" player that show's little to no emotion ,leadership, or clutch hitting.Please Trade him to Seattle & get the kinda of return they got for him.(Like that would happen,lol)

Keep Harang & Cordero.Gotta have something to build the pitching ranks around.Even AZ has vets in the rotation & in the bullpen.

I as far as I see you keep THESE starters BP,Votto,Kepp,& EE(Moved to outfield) & everyone else is suspect for a trade/released/DfAed/demoted.

 
at 2:00 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Listen folks - I was always a Griffey fan and have spend a lot of time defending him, same with Dunn. But I have to admit - they are a major sympton of what is wrong with this team. We need to get rid of them and find some veteran leadership.

I believe Griffey would do well somewhere that there are other players to take the leadership role (Yankees, Sox?), but he has never shown he can play when you get him out of his "comfort zone" - batting third, for instance. Believe it or not, I think one reason he struggled when he first came to Cincy is because he couldn't have his old number 24.

I believe Dunn would do better somewhere else as well. He doesn't want the spotlight - send him somewhere where the spotlight is on somewhere else. They both will probably do well somewhere else, but they aren't going to here.

I agree with calling up Bruce and playing him. Bailey as well. It can't be worse than what is going on now, and maybe we'll see some things called hustle and desire. I hope so. Right now I'd rather watch my niece's fastpitch softball game.

 
at 2:04 PM Blogger Gunner said...

John,

Have you considered permantently banning the offenders? You guys have their email addresses ... I'd send one warning after you remove a post ... if they do it again ... make it permanent. Yes, they can create a new account and a new name, but people who post like that cant behave long enough under their new name without reverting to form and can be banned once again. Just an idea.

 
at 2:11 PM Blogger REddlegg in Colorado said...

When will the reds figure out that BP is the leadoff guy.

Power & speed from the top.Stop chasing the other team & have them in the hole from the get-go.

My lineup would be:

1.BP(Need I say more)
2.Freel/Bruce platoon(Both freel/Bruce & BP bring a lot of speed at the top of he lineup)
3.EE(Drives in the runs,gets on base)
4.Griff(Hits for the fence)
5.Dunn(Hits for the fence,get's on base w/ a walk,kout's,moves over Griff)
6.Kepp(Drives in runs with a solid bat & gets on base)
7.Votto(He just keeps doing what he is doing)
8.Ross/Bako/Javy(Just get on base)
9.P(Get the bunt down,move runner over, & let BP drive them in)

Bench:
1.Hatty(PH,Def, sub @ 1st)
2.Hairston(Base runnin sub,Def. sub,& PH)
3.Freel/Bruce(PH,Base runnin subs, & freel can be utilized anywhere as Def. sub)
4.Ross/Bako/Javy(PH,Def. subs, & Javy can play 1st too)
5.Patterson(Base runnin sub & Def, sub strictly)

WOW, THAT COULD WORK.But what do I know,I'm just Joe fan.

 
at 2:28 PM Blogger Red Faced said...

Just so everyone will know, my other two screen names are going to officially be: Cara Roja and my Native American name which is He who roots for Reds.

As bad as the banter gets on this blog at times I must admit that it is slightly more enjoyable than actually watching the Reds play right now.

 
at 2:32 PM Blogger Unknown said...

Since we are already throwing in the towel and discussing next year, what do the Reds do in the outfield?

If both Griffey and Dunn are gone, then that frees up $25 million. Patterson and Freel are gone too. That's another $6-7 million.

Obviously Bruce takes a corner. Hopper gets center even though I don't think he's a long term answer.

Do the Reds go after one or two free agent OF's with that cash or do they move Votto or Encarnacion over there? Do they pursue a corner infielder in free agency?

Whatever they do should not include dumping Harang. He's a rock and appropriately priced to benefit the team.

As I look to 2009 I see a lot of holes on this team (not that there aren't holes now).

 
at 2:33 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

Id take Hamilton, Cantu and 4-0 Dempster in a heartbeat

 
at 2:37 PM Blogger Red Faced said...

Although I know we are not supposed to be mentioning names I thought I'd throw out three recent postings I agree with just to give you guys a pat on the back instead of the kick to the groan you usually get on here.

Reaganspad, I agree with you. Bob over-reacted much like he under-reacted when giving Narrow too much time last year before replacing him.

Reddlegg in Colorado, I agree with you on Dunn and Griffey and was in the same boat as you in regard to travelling to see this team play on the road which now will certainly not be happening. Unless things REALLY change big time. Not sure if EE can play outfield or not though I don't see what we have to lose just to try it out.

Biggymmac, Right on on Junior, Right on on Dunn, and a double right on in regards to Bruce and Bailey now.

Later.

 
at 2:42 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

John..

you might want to ban the one person whom comes in here under many names ( Rob Dicken..J Deezman.. et al) complaining about other posters.. This would solve many of the problems

 
at 2:43 PM Blogger Mr. Doom and Gloom said...

i don't know brad, i would expect a full house with the great cantu coming to town

 
at 2:54 PM Blogger Unknown said...

any word on the moves (if any?) that are (might/should) happen today?

 
at 2:54 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

you don't have "momentum" when you are playing bad..there is no momentum

the team was bad last year, the team was bad ten days ago, the team is bad now

 
at 2:55 PM Blogger wanderinredsfan said...

I was just looking over the Mariners who are currently in a pretty bad streak themselves. They seem like a perfect fit for a huge blockbuster trade, where we shed our bloated contracts for young talent who can slide into our lineup now.
Seattle is set to win now with Ichiro and company, and are not set up for the long haul. Plus they have proven that they aren't playing for the distant future (ex., Bedard and Silva). They need to win now....we can't.
How about this: Griffey and Dunn to Seattle for Clement, Morrow and/or Betancourt, plus a couple of lower level pitching prospects.
Seattle needs left handed pop, where Griffey slides into RF while Dunn is their DH. We get our catcher for the next few years in Clement, possibly Betancourt to cover SS, and other pitching help.
Of course, if we get Betancourt then Gonzo will have to be dealt and Kepp moved to LF. Plus, we will have to shed one of our catchers, but I'd prefer shedding two.

 
at 2:56 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

Susan..borrow the outfield of the University of Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky baseball teams

thank you ..JBA

 
at 3:02 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

If Bob undereacted with Narron..how the heck is Dusty Baker still here? And Dusty Baker has a 46 million dollar closer

For eighth months.. I have told ya we needed to get rid of Dunn, Griffey and their salaries..glad to see you all coming around..especially all the bloggers that were predicting a division championship this year

John set up a date lets all meet and go to a game. Id like to meet ya , CSA and Another Losing Season.

 
at 3:09 PM Blogger Cheviot Sports Authority said...

WOW! A simple offer to help John out and keep this blog moving is met with such a barrage of insults, name calling and accusations. I see what you put up, John.
St CSA

 
at 3:14 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

Dunn 13 mill, Griffey Jr 11 mill.. 16.5 mill option for next year, Arroyo 28.5 mill left on deal, Gonzalez 10.5 mill left on deal, Patterson 3-mill, Freel 7-mill left ..Cordero 46 mill


no wonder WK was fired

 
at 3:32 PM Blogger Bogey said...

I'm not for rushing the guys in AAA. Ya bring up a guy hitting .320 in AAA and he probably will hit in the .260-.270 range in the bigs. But wait, that's 60-80 points higher than the current 3-4-5 guys. Guess that ain't too hard to figure out.

And the money is gone anyway. In business we call that a sunk cost. Playing the duds every day ain't gonna bring one cent of that money back. Who's kiddin who?

 
at 3:48 PM Blogger Arden Dulou said...

I was hoping in Dunn and that he would grow into a prime player but this start shows he just doesn't want to. It is sad because it has always appeared he could do much better than this.

The worst part is, if trading stars is the solution, trading now is also a bad idea. To get maximum return on investiment we all might have to wait 1-2 months before the youth movement starts.

Anyway, here is one hoping for a sweep to sadden the Cubs fans and the manager the Reds should of hired.

 
at 4:00 PM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

"I'm sure what's really bothering you is I have been so right all the time. Isn't that what truly bothers you? It would me."

What bothers me is that the Reds are worse than ever.

Dont be delusional enough to think that your existance is even a blip on the radar of my everyday life, much less your opinions, right or wrong.

You are right and were right, but it doesnt make me wrong for feeling the way I did. Just wrong about the outcome of this season.

By the way, Lindy's picked the Reds to finish second in the central, so what you claim is so simple to figure out (in hindsight) was an opinion not universal in the world of baseball.

You were pretty much betting on the fact that the Reds still wont be good, not based on baseball intelligence, but based on "same old reds" mentality.

You claim this is the same team minus Hamilon?

Not even close.

3 of 5 starters different
Votto (full season)
Keppinger starting
Cordero
new manager

You had no new insights on the new players, you were just applying a cynical attitude to a historically (recently) bad team and it turns out you were right.

You know, I dont know squat about hockey but Im sure the panthers will suck next year.

See how that works.

 
at 4:02 PM Blogger Unknown said...

Blogs generally cater to the lowest common denominator...this one is without question the worst. It is sad because I actually think that John provides quite a bit of insight via the blog...too bad all of the background noise makes it intolerable.

Hasta La Vista

 
at 4:05 PM Blogger Another losing season said...

Challenge to John Fay and the rest of you calling us out.

We are not afraid to reaveal our identities. We have posted multiple times we are willing to meet yet John Fay wants no part of that. He has ignored our every invitation to do so. He would rather fuel the fire and speculation with his own innuendo and continues to break his own blog rules by allowing posters to attack the three of us. As long as it's us, it's open season. That in itself speaks volumes about what he represents.

We are willing to come out of the blog closet, why aren't the rest of you?

 
at 4:12 PM Blogger BATSFAN said...

Hey John, Any word on Arroyo? I hope hes not hurt but if he is I hope they can get him fixed because he is a better pitcher than what he is displaying right now

 
at 4:12 PM Blogger reaganspad said...

Dr. Mr. BlueAsh: With all due respect, momentum is everything in sports.

You say the team was bad last year, then how did they have a winning record in the second half?

Bad teams don't win like that. Winning teams have momentum in the pitching staff, at the plate and fielding. They execute in all phases.

This team is not as bad as you say, and could as easily win 7 in a row as play as bad as they are.

However, a team with no momentum will find a lot of ways to lose. Until somebody makes a play

These Reds are only the 62 Mets in this blog

 
at 4:14 PM Blogger Unknown said...

people keep bringing up the $46mil closer... key point guys & gals... you have to get to the closer in order for the closer to be effective.....

 
at 4:19 PM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

"John set up a date lets all meet and go to a game. Id like to meet ya , CSA and Another Losing Season."

This would be to prove that you are 3 seperate individuals?

I can think of a way to do it that doesnt involve John having to meet you.

If you are all three game (plus John) reply to this post.

It involves answering a question and could be carried out on this blog for all to see.

Your response, Im guessing,

"Lets stick to baseball"

Right?

 
at 5:03 PM Blogger Gunner said...

In response to Susan's question:

Here is a list of all potential free agent outfielders for 2009. Take you pick from the litter:

Left fielders
Moises Alou (42)
Garret Anderson (37) - $14MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Emil Brown (34)
Pat Burrell (32)
Adam Dunn (29)
Luis Gonzalez (41)
Raul Ibanez (37)
Kevin Mench (31)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09
Craig Monroe (32)
Jay Payton (36)
Wily Mo Pena (27) - $5MM club option or $2MM player option for '09
Manny Ramirez (37) - $20MM club option for '09
Juan Rivera (30)

Center fielders
Rocco Baldelli (27)
Mike Cameron (36) - $10MM club option for '09 with a $750K buyout
Jim Edmonds (39)
Jacque Jones (34)
Mark Kotsay (33)
Corey Patterson (29)

Right fielders
Bobby Abreu (35)
Casey Blake (35)
Milton Bradley (31)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Brian Giles (38) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Ken Griffey Jr. (39) - $16.5MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Bobby Kielty (32)
Brad Wilkerson (32)

As you can see, nothing but a bunch of aging vets and below league average players. Vlad might be ok for a couple of years but I dount he gets out of an Angels uni. Burrell is having a typing contract year and will probably revert to form once he signs a big contract next year. IMO the only way we will fill our OF positions for '09 if Jr & Dunn leave is if we make some trades before the deadline for some younger players.

 
at 5:04 PM Blogger John Fay said...

I'm just tired of it frankly.

I had 994 comments last week. I'm quickly scanning them and accepting or rejecting.

Nothing is preventing you from posting under your real name and email address.

I just got off 10-day road trip. I'm home for three days. Meeting people who post on my blog is not at the top of my list.

Maybe some other time.

 
at 5:05 PM Blogger Red Faced said...

Well for one thing Narron was 20 games under and had half a year under his belt. But I won't argue for Dusty's sake. Never liked that hire one bit although I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But that time has passed. Pete should have been kept on for a full season to prove himself and would have been a lot cheaper option for the club. Oh the money we'd save Bob with that move which would have also saved another 3 mil on Patterson that was WASTED.

I'm not arguing with you Jack, I'm in the same boat with you on Dusty, Jr and Dunn as well as stating Keppinger needed to play from day one. I just thought we'd be playing .500 ball at least and am surprised to the level of suckability this club has fallen to so soon.

For the record I will say I was dead wrong about Arroyo having a good year and I also thought that Belisle would make some progress and both have definitely NOT happened.

 
at 5:21 PM Blogger Red Faced said...

You take Vladimir Guerrero all day long for that money in my opinion. His arm is above avg and even though his power has dipped some he still bats for avg and drives in more runs than Dunn EVER will and doesn't strike out much.

 
at 5:40 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

the Reds had inherent problems for years..getting a closer was great ..but mainly our problem was in the 6th, 7th, and eighth innings. Bullpen still is marginal

Losing someone like Hamilton that would have helped us tremendously was big time.

Getting retreads like Fogg was no help..although some of you liked his "cool name"

Even the beat writer from Chicago just insinuated Patterson was marginal at best

I have never felt good about Arroyo

Thats how I knew this team would be bad..not scientific..just factual..If you dont change the players..you get the same results.. Yet, I did feel the team would hover around .500

John ,,anytime you want to get together at some point in the future to take in a game , just let me know.. I am sure you are tired after the road trip. Kevin no offense dude, I just would like to meet Mr Fay and a couple of locals that go to games.

We have gone to Lance outings John..they were fun

Red Faced..I feel your pain and appreciate that you love the team .. I think Jocketty will get em back on track

losing teams have no momentum..thats is except losing. the team had a losing record last year regardless of whether they had a good or bad second half..the season is 162 games

Mr Fay has repeatedly asked that you attack the posts..not the poster..

have a nice day

JAB

 
at 5:45 PM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

Only problem with Vlad is, he likes LA. His salary now, add 15 or 20% Thats what it takes to get him in Cincy. No Sale.

I dont think a FA is the answer, (looking at the list)more likely a trade + money to get a younger fella.

 
at 6:24 PM Blogger JackBlueAsh said...

It would be interesting to see what Texas would have taken to get Volquez..If I remember correctly they were really not that high on the dude

 
at 6:46 PM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

"It would be interesting to see what Texas would have taken to get Volquez..If I remember correctly they were really not that high on the dude"

Yeah thats why they gave him the Nolan Ryan award.

Do your homework!

 
at 12:08 PM Blogger Rob Dicken said...

Yeah thats why they gave him the Nolan Ryan award.

Do your homework!


It's really sad, isn't it? I've been posting on John Fay's blog since early last year, and I don't think I have seen a post from JBA (and his multiple other IDs) that actually stated any factual information. It's all sheer opinions that get proven wrong EVERY TIME he spews them.

Jack doesn't do homework...

He says things like "If I remember correctly," or, "What is is," and, "I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I." There's not an ounce of truth or factual information that comes from his mouth.

I hate to linger on the same subject of JBA, CSA, and ALS...but when John's blogs are consisting of 75% posts from them, it's hard not to say something. Every single blog post is being compromised by sheer opinion, insults, constant disregard to factual information, and non-stop negativity by one person and 3 different IDs. It gets OLD and quick!

 
at 1:57 PM Blogger Another losing season said...

John Fay...I don't know how old you are (I'd guess 45-50 by your picture) but you are old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. Grow up. Your lack of maturity for a man your age and a journalist to boot is appalling.

 
at 3:29 PM Blogger Rob Dicken said...

John Fay...I don't know how old you are (I'd guess 45-50 by your picture) but you are old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. Grow up. Your lack of maturity for a man your age and a journalist to boot is appalling.

Says the guy that tries to insult John Fay on his own blog! HAHAHAHAHA

 
at 5:19 PM Blogger John Fay said...

Another Losing: I'm 51. I assume you're judging my maturity level by the posts I reject. I was really immature, I wouldn't put up any of your posts.

 
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