Well, sitting here on a nice, cool, cloudy Saturday Afternoon.  I've got a chance to breathe and relax a bit; it's been a hectic week.  That's PAR for the course in the U.S. Army, but I'm Thankful right now to be Home with my Family and not Deployed.  Can't say where I'll be in a year - God knows, and Uncle Sam will tell me in a few months...

I regret not posting something for Veteran's Day.  God bless those who have served - and serve today - our Great Nation in Her time of need.  Freedom is NEVER Free, and the men and women who have sacrificed time away from families and friends in order to "stand guard over our Freedoms and Freedoms around the world" are the real Heroes in my book. 

In my opinion, Baseball Players - and even Hall Of Famers - pale in comparison to our Men and Women In Uniform since the beginning of the USA.  Of course, there are so many Patriots ballplayers from decades past who served, like Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller,Ted Williams, and so many more during WW2, Korean War, and more.  They sacrificed time - and stats - to serve our Country.  Joltin Joe might have gotten 3,000 hits had he not lost years of service - and nearly 450-500 HR, and Teddy Ballgame would have easily gotten well over 3,000 himself, and a few more battling titles.  600 Homers would have been possible, too.  Bob Feller would have easily notched 300 wins, and perhaps a Cy Young Award or two. 

The coolest thing about Mr. Feller - though I disagree with his stand against Pete Rose - He and countless other ballplayers like him have NO regrets in serving.  Bob Feller enlisted in the Navy right after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.  May GOD bless all Veterans, Soldiers - Past and Present - for their Sacrifices to Our Nation, and their families as well. 

I just made a little Breakfast/Brunch for my Sons - A Father's happy duty from time to time, and my teenage boys love it.   Lynne, my Wife, is picking up some groceries; she's great on making breakfast, but HATES eggs.  I'm sparing her this Sat. Morning fun. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you - yes, I'm early, but I am Thankful for so much that GOD (Yes, GOD) has blessed me and mine with.  Okay, I'm NOT including the Reds' losing streak, but I'm not blaming GOD for the actions of Reds' owners and management over the years.  Yes, I'm Thankful that my Thanksgiving this year is spent with my Family and not on Deployment.  I've spent plenty Holidays away, so I'm grateful that's not the case in 2009. 

I do get a little tired of the history revisionists that all but ignore the Pilgrims and their first winter/year on this new land.  They worked well with the Indians, for instance, but they were not saved by them.  Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation (from October 1863):

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln (William H. Seward, Secretary of State)

 May we always be Thankful to GOD for His Blessings to us - HAPPY THANKSGIVING, and GOD Bless America! 

I'll say this once more - - I'm HAPPY for Jerry Hairston, Jr...and his new team. 

Hairston could have had better numbers in Cincy this year, but it seems he gives his best to the games.  Now, he joins former Red Aaron Boone as a Yankee who came through in the clutch, and he is playing on a team that is very close to the World Series.  Yes, as a long-suffering (and dedicated) Reds fan, I'm very happy for Jerry.   

Comes down to this, folks, and it always will: Doncha think it's about time the Reds Management bring back a WINNER to Cincinnati?   Boone went to the Yankees when the Reds did their "Fire Sale" of Summer 2003, thus ending any chance of their making the postseason that year.  The team was in the midst of a rebuilding phase - how many of these must they go through til they have a winning season again?    

I'll hold my judgment on the Reds, their management, and their goals until after the Winter Meetings and the Free Agency/Trade Routes.  I do hope the team shows more concern and goes after a proven Veteran or two during that time.  We'll see.

As for now, I'll enjoy some of the MLB Postseason.  After that, I'll do my part supporting the bid to get the late, great Old Lefthander, Joe Nuxhall, submitted once more for the final three in the Ford Frick Award voting - for next year's Baseball Hall Of Fame.  That's a great travesty than the Reds Management failures in the past decade - Joe Nuxhall deserves to win this award and be in the that company of legendary Radio and TV Broadcasters.  Mr. Nuxháll worked with fellow HOFér Marty Brennamin from 1974-2004 on a full-time basis (he started with Reds baseball on WLW back in 1967), and Nuxie moniker at the end of his part of broadcasts was "This is the Old Lefthander rounding third and headed for home.  Goodnight, everyone." 

Add the fact that Nuxie is still the youngest player to ever play a MLB game - 15 years and some months old months back in 1944.  Joe worked hard to make it back to the Majors on his own, too - though it took nearly a decade, and he had a fine career with over 100 wins.   

To me, Joe Nuxhall IS the face of Cincinnati Reds Baseball and it's proud history.  High time for the Reds - and Reds Management/Ownership to be proud of it's future. 

New York Yankees' Jerry Hairston Jr. celebrates after scoring on a throwing error by Los Angeles Angels' Maicer Izturis during the 13th inning of Game 2 of the American League Championship baseball series Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in New York. The Yankees won 4-3 to lead the series 2-0.(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Reminds me of another Celebration depicted in the Reds Hall Of Fame - From the Celebration of the Reds Beating the Pirates, 3-2 in the 5th and Deciding Game of the 1972 NLCS.  Taken July 21, 2009.     

Towards the bottom of my article, I've added corrections - I'll save my tears for SPC Issac M. Nieves, SGT Christopher Webb, and 1SG Christopher Rafferty - three friends and fellow Soldiers of mine among the 4,000-plus who paid the Ultimate Sacrifice during the Global War On Terror.  

May GOD Always Bless, Support, and Comfort all the families who have lost loved ones on 11 September 2001, and in our War On Terrror since that day. 

Yes...We Must NEVER FORGET

 If you want to read a truly awesome article remembering 9-11, please read my friend Julia's article - - juliasrants - Very Touching...Can be found at -   http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/ 

 This entry won't cover the Reds - they did lose, but that's not important today.  Not by a long shot...

9-11-2001.  Army wise, 11 September 2001.  Eight years ago, and yet it seems like it was yesterday.   
 
I remember that morning, and where I was - I was just completing my first full year as a chaplain and serving the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Armored), out of 1st Cavalry Division (Fort Hood, Texas).  I had finished P.T. (Physical Training), speaking about the day's events with a fellow officer, when we heard the news on his truck radio concerning the first Twin Tower being struck by a jet.  By the time I got home, the other tower had been attacked, and pictures were starting to be displayed on the screen. 
 
I hurried my clean-up at home, grabbing toast on the way out the door.  I was in a rush, but could have lingered for a grand-slam breakfast at the local Denny's for the time I had remaining.  No, I wasn't hungry at the time.   It simply took me more than 2 hours to get back to the once free-flowing entrance on FT Hood.  Of course, the attacks at the Pentagon and the crash of U.A. Flight #93 occured as well.  FT Hood previously had limited 24/7 security at the manned entrance/exit gates daily, but that was a thing of the past.  Security was now there in full force - Soldiers, MPs, and Policemen from the City of Killeen were checking everything - bottoms of cars and trucks, many engines, all Military I.D.s and driver's licenses.  Our units (and many more) set up some barbed wire at key entrances, and most Soldiers stayed on post until nearly midnight before feeling secure enough to go home for the brief night. 
 
Within 2 mos, my unit (just back form brief 4-plus month mission in Kuwait) would be attached to a Brigade Task Force and sent to a newly constructed base of operations - our base was named Camp Pennsylvania - in tribute to the Victims/Heroes of U.A. Flight 93.  We moved out to Camp Penn on Thanksgiving Day 2001, and would remain there in support of Operation Enduring Freedom until March 2002.  Halfway through March, we returned Home.  By the way, we also had camps named after New York and Virginia - tributes to our 9-11 fallen as well. 

 
Security has tightened up greatly since that day, and you don't see many Soldiers without "Battle-patches" (unit designations below the Flag on their uniform), meaning they've been deployed at least once in a war-zone since 9-11.  I could interchange three different unit patches below my Flag, if I chose, and I know those who have been "downrange" considerably more often than I.  Yet, I and countless others chose our way of life - I'm aware there are times I have to be away from my family, and in Harm's Way, and that's not easy for me or my wife and boys...but I will always be PROUD to serve. 

Of course, there were thousands of civilians from all walks of life - never intending to go to war, kissed spouses, children, loved ones and went to their places of work on that September day, and many boarded planes for meetings and such...never to return home.  May we NEVER forget their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of NY's Firemen and Policemen who died trying to save them, and yes, those in our Nation's Service who have died since then...Freedom is Never Free. 

And...Freedom will NEVER be Free - not while evil exists.  And those terrorists, those cowards who kill innocents - they need to be defeated and stopped.  If it takes the loss of the lives of these murderers, you won't see me shed a single tear over them.  I'll save my tears for the victims of 9-11, and for the service of our fallen Policemen and Firemen, as well as our Men and Women bravely serving in Our Armed Forces. 

I'll save my tears for SPC Issac M. Nieves, SGT Christopher Webb, and 1SG Christopher Rafferty - three friends and fellow Soldiers of mine among the 4,000-plus who paid the Ultimate Sacrifice during the Global War On Terror.  May GOD Always Bless, Support, and Comfort all who have lost loved on the since 9-11.

 
Yes, this is truly one of those days when baseball seems so unimportant - it's just a game...
 
Thank you for your Patriotism, and Your Support.  God bless you and yours, and God Bless America...

__________________________________________________________________________________

"Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended."

"Great tragedy has come to us, and we are meeting it with the best that is in our country, with courage and concern for others because this is America. This is who we are." 

- George W. Bush (43rd President of the U.S.) 

9-11 -- NEVER FORGET!

Well, I expected my post-Cincy game to be considerably earlier than my latest entry.  It has been a long, long summer. 

19 July 2009 - Great Game - My first time in Cincinnati in 10 years, and my first game at Great American Ball Park.  The weather was great - Stayed cloudy outside, and the weather never approached 80 degrees.  Votto had two hits, Gomes got the game-winning HR, Phillips had a 2-RBI Double, and Weathers (gone) got the Win in Relief.  Hard to believe that this would be one of only eight wins for the month of July, and August would be terrible as well.  Things became so terrible, injuries, pathetic play, Etc., that the Reds briefly hit rock bottom in the N.L. Central on 23 August - barely one month after that great game in Cincy on 19 July.  Besides always being busy with helping to prepare trainees to become Soldiers, I just didn't have it in me to write another negative column.  I really am tired of being negative towards the Reds, so I chose to take a break.  One week became two, two became four, and...

The Reds seemed to die for quite some time after that great July win.  For days and weeks after, I wondered if my appearance at GABP had jinxed the team.  Well, I don't really believe in jinxes, unless you count what Reds Management has done to the team over the last decade. 

Hairston went on the Yankee-Land, and is now excited to be with a team who looks to be going to the Playoffs.  I have to say that, even though I was disappointed in Hairston's season in Cincy, I'm happy that he's on a winning team now.

I am grateful to see the Reds in a Winning Streak right now - 7 in a row.  Sorry for their injuríes and Votto's continued SLUMP.  I'm NOT sad to see EE playing poorly for another team now - now - the underachieving Third Baseman is with the Blue Jays now, and is NOT missed.  Sorry, EE...

Right now, I'd say that Mr. Phillips is on his way to earning the overall MVP of the team right now, as Mr. Votto has been in a prolonged horrendous slump.  Heré are the numbers on Brandon Phillips, whose bat has been about as hot as the Reds recent winning and good pitching streak:

Before All-Star	Cincinnati Reds	81	301	46	81	15	3	14	60	144	31	34	12	6	.336	.478	.269
After All-Star	Cincinnati Reds	46	178	21	50	11	0	5	25	76	8	24	11	3	.317	.427	.281
Season Totals		Cincinnati Reds	127	479	67	131	26	3	19	85	220	39	58	23	9	.330	.459	.273
Next Splits >>

Phillips' power is down a bit, but his average and speed is up. 

As for Votto, his .301 BA with 21 HR, 67 RBI looks great on the surface, when you figure his time out on the DL, Etc.  Unfortunately, Votto is a poor impersonation of himself  - to say the least - during the second half.  The numbers don't lie:

Before All-Star	Cincinnati Reds	57	202	33	71	14	1	11	42	120	27	43	2	1	.433	.594	.351
After All-Star	Cincinnati Reds	47	174	29	42	8	0	10	25	80	27	46	2	0	.348	.460	.241
Season Totals		Cincinnati Reds	105	376	62	113	22	1	21	67	200	54	89	4	1	.393	.532	.301

Thus far, Votto has only 2 hits in 11 at-bats for September.  Wake up, Joey!  

So much more to write about - Yes, the Reds have Won 7 games in a row and 12 of the last 14.  Their record is now 63-73 - - Still, the team has to win 19 of their last 26 games to have, in my opinion, a successful season.  Anything less is not Winning, and Not successful.  Remember - Less than .500 means the 9th LOSING Season in a row. 

The Reds had a 3-1 lead over the Rockies today, but relief pitching blew the lead.  The Rockies now lead, 4-3 in the last of the 8th Inning. 

By the way, I had trouble uploading pictures for this, and the photos will hopefully be on this site ASAP.  Any suggestions on how to fit 3252 x 2027 (1.39 - 2.4 MB) photos on here?  Told you all I wasn't computer lit!  :-)  Well, it was a memorable, and triumphant return to Cincy for me - 32 years removed from the last time I got to see the Original Big Red Machine play (July 1977). 

I'm hopeful that the Reds will pull out this win with the Rockies, and go on to a Winning 2009 - that would be Very Rewarding in light of the injuries, frustrations over the 2009 Season. 

SUNDAY, 19 JULY 2009 - REDS WIN 5-3

Box Score Recap Courtesy of http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN200907190.shtml

Milwaukee Brewers            AB   R   H RBI   BB  SO    BA   OPS  Pit  Str   PO   A  Details
C Counsell 2B                 4   0   1   0    1   2  .280  .758   18   11    4   2   CS
M Cameron CF                  4   0   1   0    0   0  .264  .842   13    9    2   0   
R Braun LF                    4   1   0   0    0   2  .306  .910   21   12    1   0   
P Fielder 1B                  4   2   3   2    0   1  .314 1.062   16   13    6   0   HR,2B
C Hart RF                     3   0   1   0    0   1  .261  .756   14    8    2   0   HBP,GDP
M Gamel 3B                    4   0   1   0    0   2  .239  .743   14   10    0   1   
J Hardy SS                    4   0   0   1    0   1  .229  .675   17    9    1   2   
J Kendall C                   4   0   2   0    0   0  .244  .616   17   11    8   2   
Y Gallardo P                  2   0   1   0    0   1  .147  .495   11    9    0   1   SH
  S McClung P                 0   0   0   0    0   0  .000  .000              0   0   
  F Catalanotto PH            1   0   0   0    0   0  .255  .671    1    1    0   0   
Totals                       34   3  10   3    1  10              142   93   24   8

Cincinnati Reds              AB   R   H RBI   BB  SO    BA   OPS  Pit  Str   PO   A  Details
W Taveras CF                  4   1   2   0    1   1  .250  .592   22   16    0   0   SB
J Hairston SS                 5   1   1   0    0   2  .252  .694   21   14    1   2   2B
J Votto 1B                    4   1   2   0    0   1  .347 1.019   17   11    7   0   
B Phillips 2B                 4   0   1   2    0   0  .265  .795    9    8    4   2   
E Encarnacion 3B              2   0   0   0    2   0  .217  .733   22    9    1   4   
C Dickerson LF-RF             3   1   1   0    1   1  .272  .745   15    9    3   0   
J Gomes RF                    4   1   2   3    0   1  .310  .962   18   12    0   0   HR
  F Cordero P                 0   0   0   0    0   0                          0   0   
R Hanigan C                   4   0   1   0    0   2  .327  .808   15   12   10   2   
J Cueto P                     1   0   0   0    1   0  .125  .325    9    4    0   1   SH
  N Masset P                  0   0   0   0    0   0                          0   0   
  D Weathers P                0   0   0   0    0   0                          0   0   
  L Nix PH-LF                 1   0   0   0    0   0  .250  .780    3    3    1   0   
Totals                       32   5  10   5    5   8              151   98   27  11

Milwaukee Brewers             IP     H   R  ER   BB  SO  HR    ERA   BF  Pit-Str  Ct·Sw·Lk   GB·FB·LD· ?   GmSc  IR-IS   LevI    WPA
Y Gallardo                     6     7   3   3    4   7   0   3.28   29  113-72   38·10·24    6·12· 8· 0     49    -     1.25   0.05
S McClung, L (3-3)             2     3   2   2    1   1   1   4.79    9   38-26   18· 3· 5    3· 4· 3· 0          0-0    1.15  -0.22
Totals                         8    10   5   5    5   8   1          38  151-98   56·13·29    9·16·11· 0           -  

Cincinnati Reds               IP     H   R  ER   BB  SO  HR    ERA   BF  Pit-Str  Ct·Sw·Lk   GB·FB·LD· ?   GmSc  IR-IS   LevI    WPA
J Cueto                        6    10   3   3    1   5   1   3.67   28  108-68   39· 7·22   12· 9· 5· 0     44    -     1.25   0.05
N Masset                       1     0   0   0    0   2   0   2.37    3   13-11    6· 4· 1    1· 0· 0· 0          0-0    1.17   0.09
D Weathers, W (2-2)            1     0   0   0    0   2   0   3.16    3   13-8     3· 2· 3    0· 1· 0· 0          0-0    1.44   0.11
F Cordero, S (22)              1     0   0   0    0   1   0   1.66    3    8-6     2· 0· 4    1· 1· 0· 0          0-0    1.04   0.08
Totals                         9    10   3   3    1  10   1          37  142-93   50·13·30   14·11· 5· 0           -  

(In Tribute To "Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio")

I shouldn't take it as seriously, but it sure would be nice to see the National League win one All-Star Game this decade.  Last night's game was frustrating for an older NL Fan to watch, and past OLD.  Just like watching the Reds have losing seasons since 2001. 

The National League, with Pujols, Wright, and Utley starring, as well as a strong Reserve unit including Howard, Beltran, Tejada, and McCann, look better on paper, BUT they played inferior baseball in a 4-3 loss to the American League - the 13th Straight LOSS to the Junior Circuit.  Needless to say, the AL has owned the NL...since my eldest son was still one year shy of beginning Head Start in school - age 4.  My son will turn 18 in December, during his Senior Year of High School.  Yes, the NL hasn't won an All-Star Game since...1996.

As much as I highly respect Mr. Pujols, he failed to get anything done at the plate, and despite two solid plays at 1B, he also made a costly error that led to a run.  Albert, unlike Pete Rose's Cincy game in 1970, didn't provide any heroics at the plate during his game before his St. Louis crowd.  

The Mets' David Wright had a hit, and a decent play or two, but he made a costly throw that pulled Pujols off 1B in the AL's 2-Run 1st Inning.  The Brewers' Fielder had an RBI double in the 2nd Inning, which capped the NL's resurgent 3 run inning that gave them the lead.  Unfortunately, Fielder was a pinch-hitter, and his evening was over, while there were several oh-fers to take over. 

Some NL players rose to the occasion at the plate, and many did the same on the mound.  The Reds' relief ace Francisco Cordero took only nine pitches in the top of the 7th Inning to retire the AL in order, doing the Reds proud.  Unfortunately, two West-Coast pitchers last night choked, giving up the NL Lead, then the game (Billingsley plays for the Dodgers, Bell for the Padres). 

By the way, doesn't last night's loss from a Padres pitcher make it two ASGs where Padre pitchers have been tatooed by the AL at the All-Star Game in the last several years?  Maybe they need to send some backups fielders in 2010.     

Carl Crawford of the Rays made the HR-Robbing catch, and was 1-for-3, earning the ASG's MVP.  I remember when NL Players stood out like that...many years past.   Last night's offensive numbers for the NL Stars: 3 Runs (1 unearned) on 5 hits...in the whole game.  It just seemed the NL didn't try as hard, and the losses are past old. 

I also remember when the National League dominated the All-Star Game - in the 1960s-1970s.  The late Warren Giles (1896-1979) deserves a lot of credit for that. 

Mr. Giles served as the President of the National League from 1951 to 1969.  Giles saw expansion, and a great infusion of Black Americans as well as Latin Americans in the NL.  Giles was a revolutionary, to say the least.  Of course, he was concerned about the Senior Circuit's standing, especially during special events, such as the All-Star Game. 

"In clubhouse meetings before the midsummer classic, Giles famously would exhort the NL players to uphold their league's honor..." 

The following is part of an article written by Alan Schwarz, who pointed out the influence of Giles, as well as a certain Cincinnati playing legend, in a online Special to ESPN.com back in 2006.  Schwarz had this to say in an article called "AL Dominating NL, But Why?":

(From) 1963-82, ...National League won 19 of 20 All-Star Games. Perhaps it is no accident that this run coincided almost exactly with the career of Pete Rose -- and was aided, most symbolically, by Rose's shoulder-separating slide on Ray Fosse in 1970. The National League president prior to that was Warren Giles, who made it a point to exhort his troops before every face-off with the hated Americans.

"He (W. Giles) really wanted to win the World Series every year, win the All-Star Game, draw more people than the American League, and at every All-Star Game he would go in the clubhouse and give the players a real pep talk about beating the other league," said Giles' son, Bill, later the controlling partner of the Phillies. "Even during the World Series, when we were flying charter flights in those days with executives from each league, he wanted the National League plane to take off first and land first."

By the way, apparently Ichiro Suzuki pulls a "Giles" for his AL Team, exhorting his fellow All-Stars with a big pep-talk before every All-Star Game; he has a perfect record thus far.  You don't hear of an NL Star giving any pep talks today, though.   

Additionally, I saw some AL Stars as the game was closing, laughing and smiling.  Derek Jeter was one of the All-Stars - he had every reason to be smiling.  Then, I saw the NL's David Wright, player of several All-Star Games with NO wins to speak of yet.  The game was almost over, and Wright was laughing and smiling.  When you would see frustration on past stars, such as Hall of Fame great Reggie Jackson during countless AL losses to the NL, well, Wright's reaction seems Pathetic - That's my opinion...

I believe, as the old saying goes, Warren Giles would be rolling over in his grave in watching last night's game.  I think I'll choose to miss the 2010 All-Star Game.  I'll choose instead to find some old footage, videos of All-Star Games in the 1970s, Etc., when the NL seemed to really care about Winning the game...then they went out and got it done.   

I recall Oldsmobile commercials from several years back - The Slogan included words such as "This is not your father's oldsmobile." Well, this is NOT my National League. 

WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, NATIONAL LEAGUE???

Rose/Fosse Collision - 1970 All-Star Game, Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium - When It Seemed the N.L. Players cared a little more about winning the Mid-Summer Classic.

FINAL NOTE: I'm not wishing for ballplayers to have their careers threatened or ruined during this Mid-Season Classic.  Of course, Pete Rose has been plenty villified for his bowling over then-Cleveland's Ray Fosse to score the winning run in the 1970 ASG. 

Frankly, I'm tired of Mr. Fosse continuos "whining" about the injury 39 years later, and Rose's getting negative press over it.  Mr. Fosse shouldn't have blocked the plate from Rose, who wanted to slide.  Fosse should have had another Doc look at his shoulder instead of starting the very next game, and he should have gotten more help - - Still, Fosse didn't even miss any games right after the 70 ASG.  Charlie Hustle, however, missed 3 games. 

Finally, the Home Run Derby, as a prelude, holds no fascination for me.  Lots of HRs during the contest, then little to nothing during the ASG.  For those who enjoy this exhibition, have at it.   

Okay...enough said.  Back to talking regular Reds baseball tomorrow.  Adios...  

Nobody said 2009 would be easy - Not by a Long Shot.  The craziness of it all is, if the Reds could have put together a truly GREAT month in June - 18-20 wins, that is - they would have a lead in the N.L. Central by several games.

Sure - The Reds have had a more promising start in 2009 than in most of the seasons since 2000.  Mr. Votto is back, and we know now that he's been getting help in dealing with the grief over the loss of his father last year.  We're truly thankful to have him back, and that Joey is getting help for his grief.  Joey is hitting like a true natural as well - I hope he can help Jay Bruce add at least 30-40 points to his poor batting average.  Thankfully, Bruce is hitting better in the past week (.300 BA 1 HR, 2 RBI) - Reds fans trust this will continue.  Several hitters have improved their performance at the plate, since Votto returned.  Mr. Votto plays a HUGE Role in trying to help the Reds Win in 2009. 

Still, inconsistency has played a large role in the Reds being stuck at .500 ball.  Pujols killed them last night, leading the Cardinals late rally - 7 runs in last two innings - with a grand slam HR.  The Reds lost, 7-4, blowing a 3-0 lead with 1.5 innings to go. 

I have to say this - the relief pitching, while great overall - blew the save last night,  and YES - Dusty Baker played a big role in the loss as well.  Weathers gave up the grand slam to Pujols - WHY did Manager Baker even put him out there against Pujols?  Pujols was hitting .500 against Baker coming into the game (9-for-18).  Couldn't Baker have chosen someone else?  Weathers always seems to pitch great...until a huge game is on the line.  David certainly BLEW this game in a big way.  Homer Bailey's second great outing - and a 2nd win in the early season - was wasted, big time.  Thanks Weathers, Manager...

I know - I sound like the type of fan who doesn't understand giving a pitcher another chance, Etc.  I'm NOT a former MLB player, coach, or what have you - I'm a fan simply tired of LOSING.  Dusty Baker simply seems to make bad choices time and again, staying with players who would start in other MLB Lineups.  Mr. Baker has lost at least 5-6 games this year alone with his decisions?  I wonder how many he lost by putting in ballplayers who should have been sitting on the bench, if not in Minor League Ball. 

Another thing: Where's the Aggressiveness, the Hustle?  The Reds had only ONE stolen base this past week, and have stolen 14 bases in 20 attempts over the past 30 games.  If I'm correct, the team has something like 49 stolen bases ALL year, against 19 times being caught.  That's a .720 stolen base percentage - not too bad, and certainly deserving of more attempts. 

Yes, the Reds have had two ballplayer hurt diving headfirst into bases recently, and that's cause for concern from the manager.  Even Pete Rose usually didn't try too many headfirst dive into home plate, due to the catcher, shin guards, and more.  Still, the Reds need to hustle more, tear around the bases, stop seeming so...timid on the base paths and in the games.  Mr. Baker needs to concern himself MORE with that...

I was one of the many calling for Janish to get more playing time as well - I believe Baker didn't help by playing him so sparingly when he was producing.  It took an injury to Gonzo for Janish to get more playing time, but he's slumping now.  Wake up, Janish - I'm concerned you're going to play yourself back to the minors like Mr. Rosales did.  Several Reds had poor performances during June, but seem to be playing well again. 

I want to believe Mr. Baker can be a good manager for the Reds, and have several more years at the helm.  His poor judgment in the past, and the defeats that he seems to help pull out of the jaws of victory simply testify against him, time and again.   The Reds need to hustle, they need to hit with more success and consistency, and they need to WIN. 

My opinion...for what it's worth: IF the Reds don't have a Winning Season (82-80) after the last out is made, Etc., Mgr. Baker certainly needs to go.  He has made too many mistakes in his time here.  The Reds need to demand a better return in their Manager, and Mr. Baker needs to give that return...or find another team.  The team cannot be fired, and a bright future is very possible - With the Right Man at the Helm.  The Jury is still OUT on Dusty Baker, and the verdict is "up in the air" at best. 

I hope for the Best for the Reds, Baker for all of 2009 - That will happen only with a Winning Season. 

Nice pitching, Homer - But you KNOW I must lose the game now...

The Reds' Greatest Manager of All-Time: George "Sparky" Anderson (with Reds' Captain Pete Rose: April 1973, Opening Day - Riverfront Stadium)

WARNING: Complaints, Fault-Hunting, Finding Ahead...

As I'm writing this, the Reds and the Royals are tied, 1-1 - going to the bottom of the 3^rd Inning.  Reds actually scored first; being the good sports on this road trip, however, they gave the run right back...and the offense is falling back to sleep again.  Okay, gotta ask - Where's the Logic in batting good field-little hit Gonzalez 2^nd in the lineup...again?  Okay, he's hitting a little more lately, but that much.  When you see him in the #2 spot in the lineup...that's desperation. 

From the department, called Great job, NOT...Hairston just made his second error of the day; now, the Royals have runners on 1^st and 3^rd - Nice...Oh yes, the Reds' gloves are pretty poor these days, too.  Oh-oh, Umpire just called a runner safe on attempted double-play, and Manager Dusty Baker is coming out to argue - Get tossed, Manager!  Do an Earl Weaver or Bobby Cox, and get your team in the game.  No...Dusty won't do that.  Give me a break! 

Phillips swings on 3-0, takes heat from Baker - I see that's the reference on Reds.com for Baker's being mad at Phillips in last night's game.  Maybe, just maybe Mr. Baker should give heat to the whole team; seems he's good at coddling 1-2 of them at least.  More about Phillips in a moment...

Now, Jay Bruce just dropped a triple that he had actually caught.  Now, 4-1, Royals.  Hey, can you say, "Sweep, Royals, Sweep?"  Yes, you can - along with "Sleep Redlegs, Sleep."  Wake me up when the nightmare is over.  I just heard Marty Brennaman, and he sounds really sick and tired; you're not alone, Marty.  Maybe the Reds should have just phoned a LOSS in...Okay, NOW it's 5-1 Royals, and the Reds have been O-for-11 since getting 2 singles in their first 3 at-bats.  WAKE UP, REDS!!!  WOW - Jay Bruce just got the Reds' third base hit of the game - they're smoking.  Forgive the sarcasm...

As any Reds Fan who following the team even half-heartedly, leadoff hitter Willy Taveras is in a career worst 0-for-32 skid.  Taveras' batting average is down to .229 with a .283 on-base percentage. He hasn't scored a run in the last eight games he's played since May 27.   That doesn't say much about the player who is supposed to be the sparkplug, the guy to get on base, make things happen, and score.  Nice to see him sitting today. 

Frankly, the Reds haven't done much of anything right lately, and they've been in pretty BAD shape over the month of June.   I would post the averages of all the ballplayers in the past week, and in the month of June, but the results are too sad to comprehend.  Yes, there's still lots of baseball to play, but without the return of a healthy Joey Votto, along with continued "Wash-Woman" hitting...Well, 2009 is starting to look like another possible disastrous season for Reds Baseball.  Again, let me state my definition of a successful year in Cincy Baseball versus another disappointing year: A year that ends up with MORE WINS than losses is Success for the Reds.  81-81 or less in my book is FAILURE; Remember, the Reds haven't had a Winning Season since 2000. 

Now, to my "Wash-Woman" explanation, dare I be called a sexist - I'm not, and the joke, used often by kids I knew on ball diamonds, was innocent.  When a player often came to the plate - in a softball game at High School P.E. Class, Etc. - often some of the opposing team would yell "Wash-woman!" at the guy preparing to hit, as if he or she were swinging wet rags at the pitches.  This was usually reserved for run-scoring opportunities, and done in adolescent-but-innocent humor.   All the hitters would be subjected to this "rites-of-passage", whether they could hit or not.  Actually, I didn't hear this much when I was hitting - I could play a mean game of softball in my day.  As for my talents on the baseball field...that's why I'm writing about a baseball team, not playing on one.  J

Unfortunately, the Reds of the past couple of weeks would be hearing "wash-woman" when coming to the plate, with much of this NOT in good humor.  The Reds hitters are making everyone facing them look like Cy Young, Steve Carlton, Tom Seaver, and Greg Maddox...need I continue?  Let's throw Dennis Eckersley and Tug McGraw in there for good measure in the late innings.  With all due respect to their getting to the Big Leagues, and to their futures in MLB, Royals pitchers Hochevar (7.85 ERA), and Davies (5.13 ERA) just don't fit the bill of pitching legends coming in to face the Reds.  

The Reds lost to the Royals on Friday and Saturday, 4-1 and 7-4, respectfully.  The washed-up offense has a combined tally of 5 runs on 9 hits.  As Mark Shelton, the Reds' official blogger points on his MLB.COM column, "The Reds, now one game over .500 at 31-30, are hitting .177 as a team in the last nine games and have been held to three runs or less in seven of them."  Before I go further, I want to "doff my cap," so-to-speak, to Mr. Shelton - he does a fine job covering the Reds, especially at a difficult time right now.  Mr. Shelton, how are you at hitting and playing the infield - this team REALLY needs your help...

Brandon Phillips has played MUCH better baseball since his slump early in the season.  I can understand Manager Dusty Baker's frustration with his swinging at a 3-0 count in the 5^th Inning, with two runners on via bases on balls, and the five walks Davies had during the game, BUT I can understand Phillips frustration, too, and the Reds pathetic hitting - they had all of two hits up to that point. 

Still, Phillips is a Veteran who should set the example, and he hasn't swung a great stick for the Reds lately.  I wonder, though - are there any Reds on this team who can be entrusted to hit much on their own?  Looking at the stats, I seriously doubt it.  I don't remember much about Rose, Bench, Morgan, and Perez having to take all their instructions from the tower, so-to-speak, but they're all (Rose should be) Hall of Famers.   At least, Phillips said what every fan knows, that the Reds offense "Stinks right now."  I appreciate Mr. Phillips candor there...

Hey, Mr. Baker - I'll grant you the argument with Phillips, AND I'll agree with Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News on this one - I agree with Mr. McCoy quite often, and bow to the Hall Of Famer's knowledge and wisdom here.  Hal's great column on the Reds can be found here:   http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/cincinnatireds/index.html - his talents are more than worth the read. 

Manager Baker:  O, Manager, my Manager!  Can Mr. Janish get more playing time?  Are injuries keeping him from playing more?  If not, having him bat 1-2 times every two weeks isn't doing him any favors.  Play Dickerson more - he's not heating up anything right now except the bench (when he's not playing), but he's doing something Taveras is NOT doing - getting on base.  As far as Taveras is concerned, looks like he needs to sit a game or two and fully recover.  Can Janish be taught to play other positions as well?  How about Rosales?  Just how much batting practice are these guys getting, and do they have to practice more, to include an hour or two during off days?  These players don't have to be gold gloves at other positions, but it would be nice getting more strength, experience from within the team. 

Sidebar time here, with regular reference to Pete Rose and/or Big Red Machine (as usual): I seem to remember Mr. Rose moving from his All-Star position of 2^nd base to around the outfield (1967), to 3^rd base (1975), and finally, to 1^st base (Phillies, 1979), in order to accommodate the teams he played for.  Rose was the ultimate team player in so many aspects of the game, to include moves that put Tommy Helms at his best position in 1967 throughout the rest of his career - 2^nd Base.   

Rose's 3B move in 1975 (Thanks, Sparky!) helped pave the way for George Foster becoming the everyday LF - setting the final cog for the Big Red Machine in their World Championship years of 1975-76.   Of course, Rose's move to 1B in 1979 was the more logical move...since HOF-to-be Mike Schmidt was the Third Baseman on the Phils.  Did changing positions to help the team go out the door with Rose?  Yes, I know they've moved Rosales around some, and another player or two.   Are there any other Minor Leaguers burning up Triple-A Baseball right now?  Perhaps it's time to give someone else a chance? 

Yes, Mgr. Baker just might be too supportive of his players at times - Mr. Taveras needs to sit and learn for a game or two.  Maybe he can fully recover from injuries as well - his Oh-for-June is NOT helping the team right now, and the Manager's allegiance to him is drawing comparisons to his seemingly almost-blind-support of what's-his-name (Peterson) during the 2008 Season. 

While the hitting has been missing, the Reds have stayed afloat on the backs of the rotation, which had a 2.28 ERA over the previous nine games. Yesterday, Bronson Arroyo's pitching was about as LOUSY as the Reds' bats.  Today, it seems the pitching and fielding is pretty bad, too.  Hairston's line in KC today - So far, O-for-1, and TWO Errors...leading to all 5 KC Runs.  Not much of a welcome back for the lad.  Maybe he should have stayed out of the KC Series entirely? 

Hey, a Real Team Effort...just not the kind Reds fans deserve.  By the way, I'm reversing myself on Edwin Encarnacion - I'm ready to see him come back and try to get his swing, Etc., back.  He CAN'T do much worse than most everyone else on the team.  Of course...his injury still must run it's course, as he's not ready for rehab games in the Minors yet.  

REDS:  PLEASE, PLEASE give me something POSITIVE to write about.  Okay, here's a positive story...from 1978. 

31 YEARS AGO TODAY:  June 14, 1978 - Pete Rose begins a 44-game hitting streak with two hits against the Cubs - part of that Great Summer of 1978, along with the reshowing of Star Wars one year after it's release.

Rose began his streak on 14 June with a 2-for-4 game, and would get his 44th and final game with a 1-for-4 game against Braves' HOFér Phil Niekro on 31 July of 1978.  What a Streak, and Charlie Hustle did NOT disappoint. 

* August 7, 1978 Cover Reproduction - Courtesy of Sports Illustrated Magazine (CNN/SI.COM)