Five ways to fix the Reds
If a disappointing April is to become a red-hot May, the time to start is now.
Comment: What do you think the Reds have to do to turn things around?
Friday, May 02, 2008
ATLANTA — Five things the Cincinnati Reds must do to go from 12-17 in April to 17-12 in May as they open a three-game series against the Braves tonight, May 2:
1 Call it what you want, the big blast, the big bop, the big stroke or simply the big hit, but the Reds must start getting important hits that drive in runs from the guys batting in the Nos. 3, 4 and 5 positions — Ken Griffey Jr., Brandon Phillips and Adam Dunn.
Extras
Get latest headlines via RSS feedsOr change the lineup and batting order, even though manager Dusty Baker has tried that and it hasn't worked much.
2 When you pay a guy $46 million, you want to use him. In the first month, closer Francisco Cordero had only four save opportunities and converted all four.
The Reds must get themselves in save situations for their big closer, who didn't do much more in April than be a companion/father confessor for fellow Dominican pitchers Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto.
3 When Aaron Harang pitches, the Reds must imagine that Volquez is on the mound. Harang was 1-4 in April with a 2.98 earned run average, which means he could go 6-24 and win the ERA title. The offense averages 3.1 runs when Harang pitches and 7.0 when Volquez pitches, including 27 in his last three starts.
Maybe the Reds can have all starting pitchers wear Volquez's No. 36.
4 Corey Patterson is hitting .214. Ryan Freel is hitting .321. Who should bat leadoff and play center field — even though both seem to need anchors or ankle bracelets when they run the bases?
5 Make trades for Milwaukee's Bill Hall, Houston's Lance Berkman, Chicago's Derek Lee and St. Louis' Rick Ankiel. If they are going to beat you, let them join you.
An April to forget
Highs and lows through the season's first month:
Record: 12-17
At the plate: The Reds are 10th in the NL in runs (124), eighth in batting average (.256) and on-base percentage (.328).
On the mound: Cincinnati's 4.37 ERA ranks 12th in the NL, and the Reds are tied for last with just four saves.
Biggest downer: Corey Patterson, batting .214 with a .280 on-base percentage.
Best surprise: Edinson Volquez, 4-0, leads NL with 1.23 ERA.
Contact this reporter at hmccoy@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By Thomas Gargan
May 9, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Two ways to fix the Reds: Homer Bailey and Jay Bruce. Look at the successful youth in Votto, Encarnacion, Cueto, and Volquez. Its time for the call.
By Javier
May 5, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
The Reds need to trade or released this players. Griffey-will never have numbers like he had in seattle, Trade him. Dunn - strikes out alot, not a consistence hitter, maybe if had a guitar to swing he might make some contact. Trade him Patterson-Baltimore and Chicago let him go for a reason, why pick up trash that is left over. Released him never has been impressive. Fogg- He always had a high ERA. Waste of money. Released or trade him Friel- inconsistant hitter, strikes all alot. Trade him
By Javier
May 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
The Reds need to trade or released this players. Griffey-will never have numbers like he had in seattle, Trade him. Dunn - strikes out alot, not a consistence hitter, maybe if had a guitar to swing he might make some contact. Trade him Patterson-Baltimore and Chicago let him go for a reason, why pick up trashed that is left over. Released him never been impressive. Fogg- He always had a high ERA. Waste of money. Released or trade him Friel- inconsistant hitter, strikes all alot. Trade him
By keldawg
May 5, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Adding to my previous post. If you don’t want Cordero we’ll (Cubs) take him. I don’t understand the hate.
You mention “his saves came against NL Central teams” well if you haven’t noticed that’s the division you are in, so I would think that would be a good thing.
Secondly I looked, he had 44 saves last year and 19 were against Central teams so he actually had more (25) saves against teams out of your division for what its worth.
Numbers don’t lie. Good luck this season!
By keldawg
May 5, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, I’m actually a Cubs fan but I’m not a Reds hater, I save that for the Cardinals. I will say that as long as you have Dusty and Patterson in your dugout you are in for a long year—been there done that.
I would be excited about the prospects you have which seem deeper than most teams. Bruce & Votto seem like they have a great future and Volquez, Cueto and Bailey have great arm (as long as Dusty doesn’t destroy them (see Wood and Prior).
BTW visited last year and really liked your park.
By Bob
May 5, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Dunn is the poster child for this team! He loafs, poor defense, strikes-out a ton (especially with runners on), and he is very inconsistent ay the plate. He has yet to put together a FULL year at the plate, and if he leaves and does it somewhere else, so be it! It’s obviously not happening here. The bigger problem, I think, is Dunn rubs off on others. Griffey makes no sense past this year also, and there are a few others to ditch. Hopper deserves the chance Kep. has gotten. He plays hard!
By Drew S.
May 5, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Again, like my other posting I have my own radical opinion. 1. faith- remember it’s only the 5th of May. 2. Griffey is still Griffey, let him get hot before you bury his career. 3. Trade Adam Dunn, very poor fielder, poor average, and strikes out more than Kingman!! 4. Patterson had his chance, bring up Bruce and let him develop. 5. Votto, Bruce, and other young players will help bring some energy. And why all this talk of Griffey being done, it’s only May people.
By alan
May 5, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
bottom line…i’m afraid players will be moved, and the wrong ones…dunn is a core player and will produce…junior does need to go, even though i like him…patterson can go…but i’m afraid it’ll be guys like dunn and belisle that get traded, and the problem is simple…the reds haven’t had any direction for years…i don’t want to see the big improvements cut short…we need some help, sure, but not anything major…
By alan
May 5, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
arroyo has a problem, and i agree he’s not a number 2 at all…harang is a legitimate number 1, though, and with a little offensive support would have won at least 5 games by now…belisle is showing good things in his comeback from the DL…encarnacion will be an all-star at third before long…votto is doing well and he is always working to improve…junior is slower, not going to last much longer…cordero can’t save games in non-save situations…
By alan
May 5, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
amazing…i don’t mean any offense, but comments about bringing up the AAA team from sarasota and replacing the reds…lol…sarasota is a A team…louisville is the AAA team… and trades won’t make much of anything better…the guys are pressing at the plate, and pitchers take advantage of that…the reds are a good team and just need to focus within their abilities… dunn isn’t slow or bad in any way…he’s not great in the field, of course, but he’s coming on overall…
By John
May 4, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
There are too many Major League Teams and not enough major league players to fill them.
Many players playing today in the major league are really minor leaguers, playing to fill a major league team.
They really are doing the best they can do in a day in day out situation.
We shouldn’t be overly concerned, just enjoy the entertainment.
By Johnny G
May 4, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
If I were manager, I would try switching the lineup to: 1. Keppinger 2. Votto 3. Phillips 4. Dunn 5. Encarnacion 6. Griffey, Jr. 7. Freel 8. pitcher 9. Bako or Valentin
Corey Patterson on standby where needed. Trade Arroyo ASAP, assuming that someone reasonable can be acquired. Lose Belisle & Weathers. Put Freel in centerfield. Griffey will leave eventually, but it’s not going to happen this season. When he does, put Hairston, Jr. in right field. Any thoughts out there?
By Beau
May 4, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Dunn always been ovrtd.270 lbs and thinks must still swing with all his might.refuses to develope like Pujols did and came up at same time.harang a solid 2 but Reds lie to us thinking he’s a 1.No other team thinks that.They just don’t want to pay a Santana and have a solid 2,3,4.A dominant lefty like Johan would be great with our short RF also a reason Dunn can ease up.Red Sox knew Arroyo was a 5 we can get by with him at a 4.Cordero?How many of those saves were agnst weak NL Central last yr?
By Beau
May 4, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
See things for what they are. Harang is good but let’s not be satisfied with that.He is a very good two. Don’t be stretching it/cheaping out or what ever and try to convince us he’s a one. He’s good but no one wins divisions without a number one. Cordero was a waste of money.More money than Mariano Rivera or any releiver that has ever played the game?He put up big save numbers last year with many of them coming against teams within his didvision, the worst division in baseball or sports.
By larry b.
May 4, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Go ask either Pete Rose or Johnny Bench and compromise there suggestions and if that dont work bring up the AAA team from Sarasoto,Florida. Get Er Done
By Greg
May 4, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Jr is in the last year of his contract we finish the season with him in right but as far as Dunn he is gone we cannot afford that slow of outfeilders on both of our cornors. And Dunn isn’t there to walk it is to hit home runs( never been a Dunn) fan he is terrible.Patterson moves into utility role or is traded,Freel/Hopper in center.Bailey who is slaying minor leagues becomes our 5th in rotation.Gonzalez traded or put out on assignment.Keep J Bruce down(least for now)1 more season is not going.
By nick m
May 3, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Let me ask you all something. Tell me if its just me, but every single time the Reds trade someone, that person has a great next year. We are having trouble scoring runs, but Josh Hamilton leads the MLB with 36 rbi. I know we got Volequez, but could we have gave them Norris Hopper, or someone else? HELL. Id give Adam Dunn for him if we could get him back.
By aaron
May 3, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Place the Reds on a Minor League schedule. Maybe then they can muster up a few more wins.
By David Gross
May 3, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
1.The new manager has not made a difference other than spending 3 million with the same problems of past managers -not winning. What a waste of money for a small market team. 2.How many outfielders does a team need? A. Dunn, K. Griffey and C. Patterson need to be traded as soon as possible before their stock goes any lower. 3. A. Gonzales should be traded since Kepp is capable of playing the position. 4. Bring in some of the youth from the farm team that wants to play. 5. Owner who is not satisf
By tom
May 3, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
1 get rid of alex gonzales he cant hit and he is always hurt what a waste of 14,000,000 whoever made that deal get rid of them
By Mike A
May 3, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Build team around pitching, defense and youth
Every position player should be above average defensively and a good contact hitter — .275 and higher (good defensive catcher is only exception)
Trade Ken Griffey, Jr. to contender so he can enjoy pennant race and trade Adam Dunn
Put Jay Bruce in right field, Freel/Hopper in center field and Encarnacion in left field
Bring back Wayne Krivisky. He is an excellent judge of talent who really improved the Reds’ talent base.
By Don
May 3, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
I will forever be a reds fan, but we need some stars bought from some other teams, spend the money and get us a team. Every year we fall so far behind and then everyone starts playing like they make millions of dollars, and we get back in the race, lets start now and get a few players stay in the race and lets see some post season fun.
By Will
May 3, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Fire Dusty. Call up Jay Bruce.
By Sally
May 3, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
By Ridnaway
May 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Dunn has to go. Patterson has to go. Hopper to LF. Bruce to CF. Let Junior ride out the 600 wave then send him to a contender. Oh, did I forget to mention Dunn has to go? He’s an inflamed boil on the buttocks of baseball. He’s a great player as long as you don’t need him to hit, field, run, throw, make contact or have a good attitude. He’s a cancer on this team and contributes to the unbalanced, too heavily left-handed lineup.
By Ridnaway
May 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
The biggest problem with the Reds offense has always been, and will continue to be Adam Dunn. There simply isn’t anywhere in the lineup to put him. The enfatuation that the very young (little leaguers) and the very old (rosy reds) have with waiting for this dufus to crack one out every 30 at bats does nothing but hurt the team. When you’ve got a person batting in the 4 or 5 hole that person is expected to get RBI’s. Well, before you can get an RBI you’ve got to make contact.
By Matt
May 3, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
I find it laughable that the default position for losing teams’ fans is to trade away the stars and bring up the AAA players(Bruce, Bailey, etc.) as if they are the saviors of this franchise. Just remember, this is only the beginning of May and I do not foresee any central division teams running away with it. Be patient and see how this team does in the next few months. Also, just because Ryan Freel plays hard, it does not make him a good defender. I also think Adam Dunn will start to hit.
By alan
May 3, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
last…in ‘99 our reds had a cinderella year, played about 20 games better than they were, and almost got to the postseason…they needed pitching badly, but went with getting junior…i screamed and moaned then and still do…i love the guy, but even without injuries, and even if he’d hit 60 homers a year and batted .325 and drove in 150 runs a year, this was still a team finishing 4th in the division…trading dunn won’t bring that much help…we need direction and focus here…
By alan
May 3, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
lots of people will object to kepp in the five hole, but remember, this guy was a #3 in college and signed as a power hitter by the pirates…he’s made himself into a solid contact hitter, but shows good pop…this makes him ideal to hit with the anemic guys like freel and patterson behind him, and having bako hit with either votto or encarnacion behind him should give him good opportunity to continue showing his ability at the plate… as for all the rest, it’s just silly…trades, demotions..
By alan
May 3, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
and yeah, the team needs a leadoff hitter…they just don’t have one…patterson is abysmal, freel streaky and gets tired and talk about too many Ks!! i’d suggest something a little different…use votto and encarnacion in the one and eight holes, depending on who starts for the other team…both would then give the reds a good OBP while also having an opportunity throughout the game to drive in runs…use dunn in the two hole, then phillips, griffey, then keppinger, freel/patterson, bako…
By alan
May 3, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
and then there’s all this about the overall direction of the reds…i personally believe letting krivsky go in favor of jocketty was a boneheaded idea…for the first time in about 20 years, the team was building, it’s farm system fattening, it’s big league roster full of proven players, some of whom are or will be stars…krivsky was a builder, jocketty is a renowned big-splash trader and free agent guy…i do believe in his philosophy of never standing pat, but other than that…
By alan
May 3, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
second…dunn hitting 2nd is a great idea…he likes it, has a very good OBP, and having the heart of the lineup behind him would get him better pitches, especially if the leadoff hitter gets on base…his Ks have gone down, and last year he had about 35 less than ryan howard of the phillies, who is big-time respected
third…all these trades people want…try to remember, such things depend on what other teams want to do, who they’ll let go…just because you want a starter for dunn, well…
By alan
May 3, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
wow…lots of comments, little of substance… first…dunn isn’t a five-tool player, as we all know…but he’s not so slow that he doesn’t steal bases at a better rate than freel, who, by the way, is about on a par, percentagewise, with most top theft artists…and dunn doesn’t make the baserunning gaffes freel does throughout a season…defensively, dunn isn’t a master, to say the least, but he makes less errors than either freel or griffey, goes into the gap well and pretty much gets it all
By wildrex
May 3, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
when i first saw they picked up patterson I said why? hes never done anything Dunn he doesnt do anything should have been dunn for volquez Not Hamilton an Hamilons not a risk he leads the al in rbis ill take that risk freel is a role player the future is bruce dusty hasnt a clue he wanted hatteberg to be starin at first it wasnt until votto kept hittin that forced dusty to make him a starter Dusty thats another story .
By MAC
May 3, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
Leave Dunn in the 5 hole w/ nothing behind him and he’s likely to draw more walks because no opposing pitcher will give him anything to hit and or strike out more trying to do too much w/ marginal pitches. As long as we have him, put him 2nd or 3rd. If someone get’s on in front of him, he has more holes to hit through and opponents are more likely to pitch to him…they won’t want to put him on in front of our 3,4,5 hitters. Sure, he’s no speed demon, but what good is speed if you never get on?
By mick
May 3, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
There is absolutely no excuse for the way this team performs. And you cant blame Baker, baseball is a team game, and they are not a team. Demote some BIG NAMES to make everyone else wake up, along with those “Veterans” you have demoted. And if pitchers are going to walk Dunn make them do so with more of a threat behind him! IF the rest of this team played with the heart Freel has the record would show. They have become complacent! THere is no one right answer other than if you dont produceyousit
By Richard L
May 3, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
McCoy’s article hits it right on. Griffey, Phillips, Dunn are not as productive as they should be and definitely not in sync. There is always one or two guys out of funk and Baker is being paid to get it right. Votto is hitting well and I would hit him after Dunn to keep the pitchers honest with Dunn. Baker must be fair to all his players and play Freel if he is hitting and playing well. Patterson just have to be ready when he is called upon. It’s early season so let’s go with 5 to 6 starters.
By jo null
May 3, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
Move Dunn to first base even if he doesnt like it, find a great player in left field with speed. This way Dunn can concentrate on hitting( should have been done ions ago)You would be surprised what a difference this move would make, otherwise trade him for two known good pictures.
By DON
May 2, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Although the Reds need “fixing”, this article offered absolutely NOTHING to improve the team. The writer offered NO SOLUTIONS, NO TRADES, NO RE-VAMPED LINEUPS, NO SUGGESTED CALL-UPS, ETC! If MCCOY is going to criticize the slumping Reds, he needs to offer some definite plans for improvement. Get with it Hal McCoy!
By Sigh Yung
May 2, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
May I have an excedrin?
By Uncle Carl
May 2, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
As long as we have Dunn and Griffey plodding around in the outfield the Reds will never get anywhere. Jay Bruce is apparently a corner outfielder so he clearly stays in AAA until one of them is traded or hurt. We should be able to move Dunn in June, and Griffey will surely get hurt at some point, so maybe we’ll see Bruce at some time this season. I agree that Freel should be in center, but Dusty will probably keep his buddy out there to justify the $3M salary.
By rob johnson
May 2, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
all i’ll say is PAGING JAY BRUCE !!! , MR JAY BRUCE PLEASE RO REPORT TO GABP !!!!
By rob johnson
May 2, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
all i’ll say is PAGING JAY BRUCE !!! , MR JAY BRUCE PLEASE RO REPORT TO GABP !!!!
By BOB DUERSTOCK
May 2, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Nobody will take Griffey . Sorry the reds are stuck with him!!!!
By d-town
May 2, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
WOW! Great insight and analysis, Hal!! The Reds need to play better and make trades that will never happen in order to win. Thank you Mr. Obvious, maybe if you had some real ideas on how to fix the team, you would be coach. Do they actually pay you to write this stuff??
By Jims Idiotic
May 2, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Jim how can you say Ryan Freel cant play defense. Do you even watch any of the games. The reason he got his contract was because of his defense in center field two years ago when he played everyday. The only person on the team that may have made more GREAT defensive plays on the team is Phillips. By the way if you have watch any games this year the Reds need offense not defense. If you take away EEs 8 errors at third the Reds look pretty good defensively on paper.
By Luke
May 2, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
These guys need to get it in there heads to play baseball this is not some random softball league where your trying to figure out what to do. The lackadaisical approach of Dunn and Griffey start to rub off on guys like Edwin and Keppinger. Jockerty needs to find guys who WANT to play, who hustle, who have the killer instinct who have heart and a love for the game. Half the guys on the team seem not to care if they win or lose, and that’ll make guys like Harang want to leave!
By Bill Miller
May 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
A good start to fixing their woes would be to fire Dusty Baker(then release his buddy Corey Patterson,and insert Ryan Freel,as you pointed out).
By Stephen
May 2, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
I think the Reds should sign myself. I pitched in the low 90’s in High School. Went to college and gave up on baseball. I know I can pitch better then most of the pitchers that have thrown for the Reds. The reason being is I have confidence in my ability. That is what they need to do is just believe in them selves. Another big thing is trade Dunn, big mistake getting rid of Hamilton. Jay Bruce would be a good call up, along with Homer Bailey. Also Chad Johnson might be looking for a job.
By rusty harris
May 2, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
trade dunn to the padres for kevin kouzmanouff , clay meredith , and 1 or 2 prospects , trade griffey to seattle for vladimer balentin , realease fogg , bring up bailey , realease patterson , bring up bruce , promote drew stubbs , josh roenicke , chris valaika , and daryll thompson to aaa in hopes of a september call up to see what they can do in the big leagues and new lineup goes as follows
kepp , votto , phillips , bruce , ee in lf , kouz on 3rd , balentin , somehow get bengi molina
By Tom
May 2, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Get a manager and about five starting pitchers and three good relievers. AND, if a pitcher is doing well after he throws 100 pitches, LEAVE HIM IN! If a guy can’t pitch nine innings, he shouldn’t be in baseball, let alone the major leagues.
By Michael
May 2, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
I would fire Baker and put Freel in as the new manager. That is the only position he hasn’t played yet and since he’s mastered all the others I bet he would be an excellent choice? This is the best I could come up with since all the other suggestions aren’t any better.
By Mason
May 2, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
It is quite simple-bring up JAY BRUCE. He is already a better option than Dunn or Patterson will ever be. It is May and he will have a good shot at Rookie of the Year, if he gets up here this month. The Cubs are the only decent team ahead of us.
By Mike
May 2, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
What is all this about Dunn batting 2nd??..If he did walk ( or once in a great while gets a hit..78% of the time he doesn’t ) say he was the lead runner (batting 2nd )..and #3 Griffey or Phillips got a 2 base hit behind him..it’s like having a double tandem semi truck in front of them chuckin up a hill…BASEBALL is about speed especially at the top of the order..batting him 2nd is only 2nd to Bob Boone batting him first!!..Dunn is #6 or #7..no higher.
By Dennis
May 2, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Wake up Dusty. When asked about stats, he acts surprised and says he didn’t know that. He didn’t know Patterson was in a 1 for 27 slump. Put Freel in center and hit him first. Put Dunn in the 2 hole and if he doesn’t produce there send him to the pines. With runners on base, he is a lifetime .222 hitter. He was a minor league power hitter. Lose Ross. He hasn’t done anything for 2 years now. Tell Bailey to lose the attitude and concentrate on baseball then being him up. Bruce needs to be here.
By Jeff- From earlier
May 2, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
The Reds have no more time to invest on Dunn being a great hitter. Is is never going to happen. How many more hitting instructors need to lose their job because of him? What did Bonds say about Dunn? I don’t remember. I try not to listen much to Bonds.
By Jeff- From earlier
May 2, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
The Reds have no more time to invest on Dunn being a great hitter. Is is never going to happen. How many more hitting instructors need to lose their job because of him? What did Bonds say about Dunn? I don’t remember. I try not to listen much to Bonds.
By samuel
May 2, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
and almost everyone wants adam dunn to be traded? look at his walk to strikeout rate. this is a trend going back to the second half of last season. he’s finally becoming the great hitter everyone complained he wasn’t, and now nobody is willing to be patient. remember what barry bonds said about him.
By Jeff- from earlier
May 2, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Jim- Finally somebody agrees with me about Patterson. He is an awesome CF. Gets good reads on the ball. Nobody wants to play corner outfield with Freel in Center. He is a danger to himself and everyone around him. And no more of this Bruce in Center and LF. He is a Right Fielder. He was going to play Center because RF was taken. Don’t bring Bruce up until JR is gone. Besides Bruce, please no more left handed hitters. Jocketty, we have enough! I’m just not sure yet on Weathers
By samuel
May 2, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
josh hamilton is a huge risk even now; getting a team’s top pitching prospect for him, considering this team’s situation with left-handed hitters and outfielders and a lack of pitching, was a fantastic trade. someone said fire dusty baker? he handles the bullpen masterfully and consistently makes smart, high-percentage deicisions. he’s the first reds manager since jack mckeon who actually knows what he’s doing.
By Adam
May 2, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Fix whatever is wrong with Griffey and Dunn. Griffey tries to pull everything and Dunn needs to swing more. Bring up Bruce and eat the ridiculous money being paid to corey patterson.
By David
May 2, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Three very simple moves: 1. Homer Bailey in the rotation. Cueto and Volquez are here, time for Bailey too. Harrang/Volquez/Cueto/Arroyo/Bailey as the starting 5.
Jay Bruce in the lineup everyday, either LF or CF. If he is going to hit .320 he should be here.
Leave Jr. in RF. With all the criticisms, he was the best RF in the NL last year and will end up close to .300/30/90. Can someone else do that.
By Jim
May 2, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
It always amazes me how fans seem to forget that defense plays a big part of winning baseball games. By inserting Freel into CF, for every run you may pick up, you’ll lose a run with Freel’s below average defense. This team is already bad defensively, especially in the outfield, making it worse certainly isn’t going to help. Patterson should be the starting CF, just not the leadoff hitter.
By Rev Drake
May 2, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Until they fix their attitude nothing will help them. Watching the players in the dugout, they are sitting there laughing and clowning around. Seems like if you’re being paid millions of dollars and 5 games under 500, you’d take the game a little more serious. It looks like they could care less. (and it shows)
By eric
May 2, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Dave, i would rather see Mercker go and keep Weathers. I think if he comes back healthy he is better than Mercker
By dave
May 2, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Get Phillips out of the 4 hole…hitting clean-up puts too much pressure on him. Trade Griffey…after he gets his 600 HR. He’s old and fragile and unreliable. Not only “what has he done lately?” but “what has he done at all?” Leadoff Hopper, then Phillips, Keppinger, Dunn and Griffey, Encarnacion, Votto and Bako. If Griffey is traded, move Hopper to right and put Freel in center. Waive Weathers. Move Fogg & Belisle to bullpen. Bring up Bailey and Bruce.
By Mike
May 2, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Release Patterson and inquire about an unhappy Juan Pierre of the Dodgers to bat leadoff.The Reds need more speed at the top of the lineup and a power hitting right handed bat who can hit in the clutch.
By NoDust
May 2, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Time to fire Dusty. Exceptionally poor judgement in signing old buddies Patterson and Hairston - and leaving better and cheaper players languishing in AAA.
By Andy
May 2, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
The bottom line is that the Reds have a bad mix of players on their roster. They have too many left-handed bats and no leadoff hitter. In center field Dusty needs to go with the hot bat which is Ryan Freel right now. Until Dunn, Griffey and Phillips start hitting you must break them up in the lineup. If I am Baker I might consider batting Phillips 2nd, Keppinger 3rd, Griffey 4th, Edwin 5th, Dunn 6th. Maybe try to trade Griffey and Dunn for a leadoff hitter and a power hitting righthander.
By Jeff
May 2, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Dunn can be traded before the 15th but the trading team would have to negotiate a new contract while he is with the reds so basically it would be a sign and trade. Griffey would leave in a heart beat for a chance at the playoffs. He has a list of teams currently so you know he would listen.
By Jeff
May 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
1- Pick a plan 2- Bat order before June 15th- Kepp, Phillips,Griffey,EE,VOTTO,DUNN,BAKO/ROSS,Freel/Hop/Patterson.
3- After Trades June 15th is Dunn’s day- Freel,Kepp,Philly,Votto,EE,Bruce,Bako/Ross,Hopper/Patterson. 4- Bring up Bailey. Rotation-Harang,Volquez,Cueto,Bailey,Belise -Trade Arroyo 5- Payroll=72 mill, after trades 53. Youth wins
By Jeff
May 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
1- Pick a plan 2- Bat order before June 15th- Kepp, Phillips,Griffey,EE,VOTTO,DUNN,BAKO/ROSS,Freel/Hop/Patterson.
3- After Trades June 15th is Dunn’s day- Freel,Kepp,Philly,Votto,EE,Bruce,Bako/Ross,Hopper/Patterson. 4- Bring up Bailey. Rotation-Harang,Volquez,Cueto,Bailey,Belise -Trade Arroyo 5- Payroll=72 mill, after trades 53. Youth wins
By Jeff
May 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
1- Pick a plan 2- Bat order before June 15th- Kepp, Phillips,Griffey,EE,VOTTO,DUNN,BAKO/ROSS,Freel/Hop/Patterson.
3- After Trades June 15th is Dunn’s day- Freel,Kepp,Philly,Votto,EE,Bruce,Bako/Ross,Hopper/Patterson. 4- Bring up Bailey. Rotation-Harang,Volquez,Cueto,Bailey,Belise -Trade Arroyo 5- Payroll=72 mill, after trades 53. Youth wins
By eric
May 2, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
i do not think freel’s arm is strong enough to play right. put bruce there till freel’s contract is up or they get a new left fielder.
By eric
May 2, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
i think griffey will accept a trade if it is the right team. ask him who he will go to and start looking. we know dunn can not be traned till the middle of June, but there is no hurt in seeing who may be interested by then
By Ed M in Louisville
May 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Well, the consensus seems to be get rid of Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. I will agree with that. But, most people probably don’t know that Dunn can’t be traded before the end of June (it’s in his contract), and Jr will probably be allowed to stay until he hits #600. The acquisition of Patterson was a “Dusty move.” He’s never proven he can hit, no matter what team he’s been with. Time to move him out. Bring up Jay Bruce and let him sink or swim.
By Mike
May 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
First of all..it’s incredible to even have the thought of batting Dunn 2nd…forget On base % and inconsequential HR’s…..qualifications for a #2 hitter…1. an agressive hitter…Dunn is complacent..takes too many strikes..doesn’t protect the strike zone..and certainly isn’t a contact hitter..much less a good bunter and has NO speed whatsoever and will be counterproductive to a game with speed at the top of the line up. Good place for Dunn..#6 or #7. He is what he is!
By Floyd
May 2, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Maybe some of you don’t read enough. Dunn can’t be traded until June 15th. Griffey can’t be traded unless he accepts the deal.
By John
May 2, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Hal, good start, but let’s go further. 1. Why play Freel in center when you’ve got Jay Bruce? Keep Freel handy for whoever goes down (hint: Griffey). 2. Put Belisle in the bullpen (see Eric, above), bring up Homer. 3. If the big boppers aren’t going to hit, move them down to the bottom of the order, move the producers up. 4. Trade Corey Patterson and Scott Hatteberg for some prospects. 5. Give Castellini some Valium so he’ll learn some patience. 6. Don’t let Dusty sign any more teacher’s pets.
By CannotCantu
May 2, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Well, now that the world has all of the answers…!
How silly tou are.
By CannotCantu
May 2, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Well, now that the world knows what the problems are…!
How silly you are.
By eric
May 2, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Trade Jr. & Dunn. Bring up Bruce. Cut Mercker and bring up Homer & put Belisle in the bull pen. move Keppinger to left and bring up the AAA short stop.( i can not think of his name) put freel in center. no one will take him in a trade. he makes too much$$$$$.
By Jeff
May 2, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Are these 5 steps serious? Sounds like an early morning article just to get something in? The number one plan is that Jockety and Bob Castellin need to come up with a plan. Personally I say they ditch the win now philosophy that castellini wants and follow the diamonback strategy.
By Jeff
May 2, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Completely agree! I would love to find an ideal Leadoff bat that could play CF or LF. Bruce is a right Fielder. Let Patterson play CF and bat 7th. I love his defense! Surely we could find a good everyday LF out of the Dunn/JR trade. It is important that we get more contact hitters in the lineup. These strikeouts in the 8th and 9th innings are killing me!
By DJ
May 2, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Dunn must bat 2nd!!!! He is not a clutch RBI guy. He is terrible at hitting with runners in scoring position. Get your head out of the box and figure it out - Dunn’s value is batting second. He has one of the best OBPs on the team, a big lefty will help your leadoff base stealing threats, the base stealing threats will help Dunn by messing with the shift, and more. He will hit those 40 solo HR hitting 2nd. Order - CF, Dunn, Phillips, Griffey, Encarnacion, Votto, Keppinger, C …
By Brian Markley
May 2, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Ryan - lets not make it personal (lol) the top suggestion in the article was to make a trade for hitting…which in hindsite (for some) we had
By Jeff
May 2, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
RM- not a bad idea, but until Dunn decides he wants to hit again, I put Votto in his spot. Votto could really be an RBI machine this year if in the right order of that lineup.
By Brian Markley
May 2, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Jeff, this is true…as so often in life…we are forced to pick our poisons. I was actually trying to make a point that trading Dunn or Jr. could conceivably have the same results. Thos players get hot for another team and perhaps we end up with good pitching
By Ryan
May 2, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Brian Markley; Dont be stupid. That was the best trade the Reds have made in years. For the past 10-20yrs people kept saying we need pitching, pitching wins games, sometimes you have to give someone up to get someone. Griffey and Dunn must start hitting, it is that easy. Votto, Encarnacion and Kepinger have done their part. Unfortunately, I think it is now safe to say that it is not a slump, the Reds are once again a terrible team. PLEASE CINCY, PROVIDE A WINNING TEAM SOON!!!
By Davius
May 2, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
1 month isn’t much time to judge a manager on. So calm down and give him a chance. You guys who are on the Ryan Freel bandwagon evidently don’t remember his career highlights. He will get hot for a week or 2 and then he couldn’t buy a hit. he is also INJURY prone. he is not the answer. As rare as Good,Young starting pitching is you have to make the Hamilton Trade. Hamilton is another guy that is an INJURY in the making. Look at his history. The Reds have alot of problems you can’t fix overnight.
By Jeff
May 2, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Brian- we did get a pitcher that is currently 4-0 and an ERA just over 1. Good pitching is hard to come by these days. I still make that trade, but I also see the sting in it as well. Hamilton and Volquez are both thriving at their position. Let’s look at it this way; we picked up Volquez for $50K. It hurts much less when you look at it that way. :)
By RM
May 2, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
By Brian Markley
May 2, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Lets trade BACK for Josh Hamilton…he is only leading the AL in RBI’s…amazing how last season there was so much talk from “experts” where they called for trading Josh in order to get better pitching. The so called experts obviously didn’t take into consideration that Josh Hamilton was one of the few offensive threats our Reds had.
By Bob
May 2, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
I know I constantly harp about Dunn and Griffey. Two stumble bums in the corner OF positions who can’t field or throw will win nothing but a last place finish, and neither are clutch hitters. The Baker/Patterson admiration society is a joke and will continue to guarantee last place. Baker is wonderful with the media and that helps to deflect heat. Put Freel in CF and leave him until Bruce is ready or bring him up now. His 4:1 ratio on K’s is not as bad as Dunn and he can hit RISP.
By Ted Lawson
May 2, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
Its time to move Jr and Dunn. Patterson isn’t the answer and in the long term Freel isn’t either. Trade for a lead off hitter. Bring Bruce up and insert him in the line-up. If there isn’t a lead off hitter available trade for prospects and groom one. One thing is certain we won’d do any worse than we’ve done in the last seven years. Its a shame to finally have some starters and they can’t win for inconsist hitting which in my opinion leads to bad pitching as witinessed last year.
By Jeff
May 2, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
I really liked the Patterson pickup, until I found out he is being paid $3M. I am sure Lofton would hav signed for more than that! That would have been your Leadoff Hitter. I’m still not sure that your CF is not Hopper. What has the guy done wrong? Put Freel in CF and showcase him. He has got to be traded. Dunn and Griffey has got to go. Will Dunn ever hit a HR that matters? His #’s are so overrated it isn’t even funny! Argue all you want on that, but it’s a fact!
By Keith
May 2, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
Not so crazy about having Freel bat leadoff. He is horrible on Defense. People seem to think because he runs hard after the ball he’s a good defender. In actuality he just gets bad jumps and is caught out of position. His success rate of stealing bases is lousy. He’s an overpaid backup. Let Hopper and his .330 avg leadoff—we know what we have with Freel, but Hopper and his bunting abilities seem to be something worth keeping.
By gap express
May 2, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
they do not want to play for rusty baker!!!!!!!!!
By Tyler
May 2, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this
This whole Patterson ordeal is very disturbing. Baker had the Reds pick him up because he knows him from the Chicago days. What is this, Little League where coach likes to play his favorites no matter how bad they are? The reds have a solid core of outfielders past Dunn and Griffey. Those two can’t produce and that’s that. Norris Hopper has done nothing but warm the bench after hitting the ball great last year, Hairston & Freel are playing well off the bench. Don’t forget about Jay Bruce.
By boxter
May 2, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this
Remove Griffey. He HAS never played on a winning team. He can not carry a team. He is all about getting individual numbers. His lack of running out ground balls should be enough to get rid of him. It might help also to get rid of George Grande. His man crush on Jr. is sad. “Sitting on 597” every time Jr. moves is geting old. “There’s a fly ball to right, Jr. sitting on 597 makes the catch” is a little too much.