A Press Box View

Volquez happy, hairless

2011-06-08T19:58:00.009-05:00

Edinson Volquez is one of the happiest people I've ever met, as evidenced by his cheeky grin that not even 40 walks and a 5.74 ERA in 58 innings could completely diminish.

But frustration has its limits. And following a particularly dreadful outing, the previously dreadlocked Reds right-hander decided to throw his team under the bus, saying they needed to score more runs. Shortly thereafter Volquez boarded a figurative bus bound for Triple-A Louisville.

But Volquez, whose mental toughness has been repeatedly questioned dating back to his days with the Rangers, made the most of his minor league stint. He worked, he listened, he shaved his head.

Volquez returned to the big leagues on Tuesday - sans dreadlocks - and delivered one of his strongest outings of the season, allowing one run in seven innings in a victory over the Cubs. It was the first time this season that Volquez had reached the seventh inning, largely due to a series of first-inning meltdowns that exhausted his pitch count.

History shows that pitchers coming off Tommy John surgery perform better during their first full season back. But Volquez' issues aren't as much related to velocity and arm strength as they are to command and confidence. Want to predict how Volquez will fare on a given night? Just check the body language.

Beneath Volquez' happy-go-lucky exterior lies a fierce competitor who wants badly to succeed. Some guys harness this and channel it into concentration and intensity. Others sulk. No pitcher has his best stuff every time out. The great ones make do without. Volquez has much to learn in this regard.

While pitching is the key for most teams it's particularly so for the Reds whose NL Central Division title 'peat hopes rest on the live young arms of Volquez, Travis Wood, Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, and to a lesser extent Mike Leake.

On Wednesday morning Volquez proudly displayed the clutch of hair previously attached to his head. CBSSports.com's Trent Rosecrans snapped a photo.

"It was too hot," Volquez said. So far he's been able to withstand the heat.

Two months in, suppress panic button Reds fans

2011-06-03T09:31:00.003-05:00

It's hard to imagine that the 2011 baseball season is just one-third complete, particularly if you're a Reds fan. In two months Dusty Baker's club has endured a season's worth of injuries, slumps, slides, streaks and adversity. And yet they've managed to remain above .500 and in the hunt for first place in the NL Central division.

The Reds, much like they did during 2010's championship season, have offered up their share of surprises, some mostly unpleasant but not all unanticipated.

I didn't expect:

-- Opening Day starter Edinson Volquez to lose his command and be demoted to Triple-A. Especially since pitchers who undergo Tommy John surgery typically perform better in their first full season back from injury.

-- The first inning meltdowns by Reds starters which have become a disturbing trend involving nearly every member of the rotation at one time or another.

-- Injuries are part of the game. But not 15 transactions involving pitchers during a one-week stretch.

I had a hunch:

-- Scott Rolen would have a difficult time playing a full season. It's just a product of age, but the Reds are a different club with Rolen in the lineup and at third base.

-- Jonny Gomes would struggle. Like Rolen, his presence is important for this team. But not when he's batting sub-.200 and offering little from the defensive end.

-- Joey Votto would play like the reigning MVP.

Shocked the heck out of me:

-- Jay Bruce in May. Not sure I've seen a better month from a Reds hitter. It's easy to forget that he's still just 24, and still in the midst of making adjustments. Whatever alterations he made in late April are beginning to pay off in a big way.

-- That Drew Stubbs, for all the improvements he's making as a youg player, still cannot manage the strike zone. He's not long for the leadoff spot.

-- That Edgar Renteria, last year's World Series MVP, has provided little if anything offensively. Same for Paul Janish. I don't buy into the notion that you need offense from certain positions but the Reds have gotten nothing from shortstop.

This all adds up to 29-28, and 3 1/2 games behind the injury-riddled Cardinals. The NL Central is up for grabs. While the Reds' schedule in June is rather brutal, it lightens up after the All-Star break. The organization has enough depth to entice Walt Jocketty and his bosses to pull the trigger on a deadline deal or two.

Two months in, still much to be determined.

Target Field or Bullseye Ballpark?

2011-06-02T20:36:00.002-05:00

The Minnesota Twins' ballpark is aptly named Target Field, for the one seemingly placed squarely on their backs.

Ron Gardenhire's club owns baseball's worst record, and with eight players currently on the disabled list it doesn't appear the season will be turning around any time soon. The latest casualties are designated hitters Jim Thome (strained quadriceps) and Jason Kubel (sprained foot).

Thirteen Twins players have spent time on the DL this season including last year's AL MVP Joe Mauer, starting pitchers Francisco Liriano and Kevin Slowey and closer Joe Nathan.

"I don't even count any more," Gardenhire said.

My first trip to Target Field is set for the first weekend of August. Twins/White Sox was expected to be a late-summer clash for first place in the AL Central. As it stands, both teams could be out of the race by then.

May belongs to Jay (Bruce)

2011-06-02T20:24:00.003-05:00

Reds outfielder Jay Bruce has been named the Budweiser Presents National League Player of the Month for May.

In 28 games last month Bruce slugged a Major League-best 12 home runs with 33 RBI, while leading the National League in runs scored (23), slugging percentage (.739) and extra-base hits (19). His 38 hits were tied for third in the NL and his .342 batting average was tied for fourth.

Bruce's home run and RBI totals were the highest in a calendar month by a Reds batter since Adam Dunn’s 12 homers in July 2008 and Greg Vaughn’s 33 RBI in September
1999.

Bruce leads all NL batters with 32 home runs since August 2010.

"You can't wait to get to the ballpark," said Reds manager Dusty Baker of Bruce's hot streak. "You're seeing the ball like a beach ball instead of a golf ball, and you're very confident. The main thing is just don't try to figure out when it's going to stop."

Odds & Ends

2011-06-02T19:45:00.004-05:00

Diamondbacks pitcher Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce have made amends. They shook hands at home plate the day after Joyce's incorrect call at first base cost Galarraga, then a member of the Tigers, a perfect game. They've even co-authored a book together. But one year after the "Call" they've yet to work in the same game. And won't, says Major League Baseball. "The reason it was done was so that there wasn't any appearance of impropriety," MLB spokesman Pat Courtney told USA Today.

Rockies hurler Ubaldo Jimenez was 10-1 with a 0.78 ERA on this date last year. Just last night Jimenez earned his victory of the 2011 season.

The home plate collision between the Marlins' Scott Cousins and Giants catcher Buster Posey remains a hot topic of debate. The hit ended Posey's season. On Thursday Giants general manager Brian Sabean fanned the flames. "If I never hear from Cousins again or he never plays another game in the big leagues, I think we'll all be happy," Sabean said.

The Sporting News, once dubbed the "Bible" of baseball, has released its list of the top 50 current MLB players. Here's their top 10:

1. Albert Pujols
2. Troy Tulowitzki
3. Felix Hernandez
4. Joey Votto
5. Tim Lincecum
6. Roy Halladay
7. Evan Longoria
8. Miguel Cabrera
9. Joe Mauer
10. Josh Hamilton

The Yankees and Red Sox had the most players on the list with five each, followed by the Phillies with four, and the Brewers, Cardinals, Dodgers and Rockies with three apiece. The annual list was voted on by a panel of 21 current MLB executives.

Hey, at least it was a short trip. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim's charter flight had to make an emergency landing when the plane had hydraulic issues. The Angels landed at LAX, quickly surrounded by emergency vehicles. The team took a bus to their intended destination, John Wayne Airport in Orange County. "Nothing like an emergency landing at LAX to scare the crap out of us," said Angels broadcaster Victor Rojas.

Praying for the enemy

2011-05-28T19:45:00.004-05:00

I loathe the 1986 New York Mets. Or at least I did. They were arrogant, brash, the epitome of the Big Apple. They celebrated a division title in the face of my beloved Cubs. They had Hernandez, Dykstra, Gooden, and that catcher. What was his name? Carter, yeah Gary Carter.

I still recall my father waking me up mid-dream, excitedly nudging me. "The Red Sox are going to win the World Series!," he said. I catapulted out of bed only to watch in horror as the Mets rallied to win on Bill Buckner's error. At the center of the celebration was Carter. Yeah, Carter. Ugh.

Years later, having shed my fan card in favor of a career in sports journalism, I was walking out of Cinergy Field following a game and found myself strolling alongside my longtime nemesis. Carter.

Only he wasn't arrogant, or brash, or anything resembling the Mets catcher I had once despised. He was pleasant and polite, insightful. We chatted briefly about the game before going our separate ways down the steps toward Second Street.

Earlier this week I learned that four small tumors had been found on Carter's brain. A few days later it was reported that the tumors were likely malignant, according to doctors at the Duke University Medical Center. Once the pathology report is complete Carter's doctors will discuss treatment options.

Perspective changes as you grow older. Or at least it should. It has certainly changed for me as I've made the transition from paying customer to paid observer.

In the fall of 1986, Carter was the enemy. Today Carter is a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest catchers of my generation. Above all he's a human being facing one of life's great challenges. Today, I'm rooting for him.

Clemente's death brought life to Pirates' Walker

2011-05-24T11:53:00.009-05:00

Neil Walker, who plays for the surging Pittsburgh Pirates, is a fan of Pirates legend Roberto Clemente. Walker is getting married in December. The rehearsal dinner is being held at the Clemente Museum, adorned with artifacts from Clemente's life and career.

None of this information, which appeared in a story by Bob Nightengale in Tuesday's USA Today newspaper, seems out of the ordinary. But one quote from Walker stood out. "I owe everything in my career, really, my whole life to Roberto Clemente," Walker said.

Clemente died more than a decade before Walker was born. But here are the chilling details of how the lives of Walker and Clemente became unequivocally linked.

On Dec. 31, 1972, Walker's father, a former major league pitcher, was in Puerto Rico helping Clemente load relief supplies on a plane bound for earthquake-stricken Nicaragua. When Tom Walker began to board the plane, Clemente told him to stay behind and enjoy the New Year's Eve party.

The plane never made it to Nicaragua. It caught fire in midair and crashed, killing Clemente and four others.

"If not for (Clemente), I wouldn't be here today," said Walker. "I'd sure love to make him proud now."

Clemente's gesture saved Tom Walker's life, and 13 years later his son, a future major leaguer, was born. The fact that Neil Walker now wears a Pirates uniform ... makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Interleague interlude?

2011-05-18T12:12:00.005-05:00

In preparation for this weekend's laptop-less trip to Cleveland for the Reds/Indians series at Progressive "It will always be Jacobs" Field, I was amazed at the ease by which I purchased tickets. Sections 151 and 153, within a stone's throw of home plate. Point-click, done.

Didn't use to be this easy. There was a time when Tribe/Redlegs was a tough docket, a virtually assured sellout.

Now, this was a month or so before the first-place Indians forgot they were supposed to be the last-place Indians. But enthusiasm for the home-and-home 'Battle of Ohio' series has largely fizzled.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland summed it up recently.

"It was a brilliant idea to start with," said Leyland of interleague play. "But it has run its course."

I tend to agree. Unless it's Cubs/Sox or Yanks/Mets, interleague play has lost its luster. Not to say it wasn't a good idea, if not great. But perhaps it's time to revisit.

As it stands the Reds have six games against Cleveland, just two fewer than against Philadelphia, a potential NLDS opponent.

In one stretch the Reds play 15 consecutive interleague games, including a six-game roadie to Baltimore and Tampa Bay. Not the best way to prepare for a key seven-game pre-All-Star break trip to NL Central rivals St. Louis and Milwaukee.

Slight overkill.

It seems the Reds and Indians both will enter this weekend's series in first place and they're anticipating raucous crowds throughout. Great American Ball Park will be jammed when the Bronx Bombers visit in June, probably not so much for the Blue Jays.

I'd trade interleague play for more games against the inter-division rival Cardinals, packaged with a prize fight between Marty Brennaman and Dave Duncan.

More Killebrew reax ...

2011-05-17T13:37:00.002-05:00

“It is with profound sadness that we share with you that our beloved Harmon passed away this morning. He died peacefully surrounded by Nita and our family. He will be missed more than anyone can imagine but we take solace in the fact that he will no longer suffer. We thank you for your outpouring of support and prayers and take comfort in the fact that he was loved by so many.” – The Killebrew Family

“We all loved Harmon so much. Harmon was a great man, on and off the field. He was a bigger Hall of Famer off the field. Everyone that Harmon ever came in contact with has a story about what a class man he was.” – Bert Blyleven

“He was just a fierce competitor and a perfect gentleman at the same time. You don't see that a lot. Sometimes you get fierce competitors who are bad people. You see guys that are not fierce competitors but nice guys. You don't see the two of them together very much." – George Brett

“This is a sad day for all of baseball and even harder for those of us who were fortunate enough to be a friend of Harmon's. Harmon Killebrew was a gem. I can never thank him enough for all I learned from him. He was a consummate professional who treated everyone from the brashest of rookies to the groundskeepers to the ushers in the stadium with the utmost of respect. I would not be the person I am today if it weren't for Harmon Killebrew. He was a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word." – Rod Carew

RIP Harmon Killebrew

2011-05-17T10:42:00.002-05:00

Harmon Killebrew passed away this morning at his Scottsdale, AZ home. He was 74.

Killebrew had been battling esophageal cancer, and he announced last week that his battle was coming to an end. Killebrew died peacefully, with his wife, Nita, and their family at his side.

Some reaction:

“Harmon Killebrew personified Hall of Fame excellence in every aspect of his dynamic life. He will forever be remembered for his 573 career home runs and as the 1969 American League Most Valuable Player, and as one of the greatest hitters of his era. Since joining the Hall of Fame family in 1984, Harmon was a beacon of light among his fellow Hall of Famers, always smiling, always enjoying every moment that life delivered to his doorstep. We have so many fond memories of this wonderful baseball hero, and we will miss him enormously.”

– Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

“Harmon was a Hall of Famer on and off the field. He was baseball's version of Paul Bunyan, with his prodigious home run power, leading by example in the clubhouse and on the field. Off the field, he emanated class, dignity, and warmth, and he was a great humanitarian. He was so down-to-earth, you would never realize he was a baseball legend. It’s ironic that his nickname was ‘Killer,’ as he was one of the nicest, most generous individuals to ever walk the earth.”

– Jeff Idelson, Hall of Fame President

“No individual has ever meant more to the Minnesota Twins organization and millions of fans across Twins Territory than Harmon Killebrew. Harmon will long be remembered as one of the most prolific home run hitters in the history of the game and the leader of a group of players who helped lay the foundation for the long-term success of the Twins franchise and Major League Baseball in the Upper Midwest. However, more importantly Harmon’s legacy will be the class, dignity and humility he demonstrated each and every day as a Hall of Fame-quality husband, father, friend, teammate and man. The Twins extend heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the Killebrew family at this difficult time.”

– Dave St. Peter, President, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

John Allen to assist MLB in Dodgers operations

2011-05-16T11:32:00.002-05:00

Former Reds CEO John Allen, one of the true good guys in baseball whose vision helped produce Redsfest and laid the foundation for a successful Reds franchise, is back in baseball.

Tom Schieffer, who was appointed to monitor the struggling Los Angeles Dodgers franchise by commissioner Bud Selig, has selected Allen to assist in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the club.

Allen was involved in all aspects of the development and construction of Great American Ball Park prior to its 2003 opening. Before joining the Reds, he worked for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers as director of business operations.

“As a longtime baseball executive John provides a wealth of acumen that will be very beneficial as we continue forward in this process to help the Dodgers,” said Scheiffer.

The Cuban Misfire

2011-05-15T19:11:00.006-05:00

The Reds invested $30 million in a "Missile" and lately it's been misfiring. Cue the collateral damage.

Left-hander Aroldis Chapman, the 23-year old owner of a rich contract and at times a 105-mph fastball, couldn't locate the strike zone with Google maps and a GPS.

Manager Dusty Baker insists Chapman can work out his troubles at the Major League level, and what better time to test the waters than with the Reds ahead 9-2 in the ninth inning on Sunday.

Twenty three pitches. Five strikes.

Chapman faced five batters and walked four, quickly turning a rout into a nail-biting 9-7 victory.

"We just have to figure out what's wrong with Chapman," Baker said. "You've got to work and that's what he's been doing. He's working before the game ... trying to find his release point. We just have to go back and try to figure out what we're going to do at this point. We don't know."

Chapman has walked 20 in 13 innings and owns a 6.92 ERA in 16 outings.

"The word is getting around the league now because they were just up there taking," Baker said.
The Cardinals had no intention of swinging. Not down by seven runs in the ninth. Not knowing that the book on Chapman is that the home plate umpire takes a coffee break when he comes trotting in.

It would seem the Reds have enough depth in pitching that it isn't necessary to sap Chapman's confidence at the Major League level. Baker said Chapman won't be demoted, although he does have options.

Chapman's problems are mechanical and can be fixed, so says Reds pitching coach Bryan Price, a.k.a Missile repairman.

You always want guys who are more pitchers than throwers. Chapman's issue right now is far worse. He's an aimer.

Charlie still hustling

2011-05-15T12:14:00.015-05:00

Pete Rose was known for head-first slides and an all-out effort which led to his record 4,256 hits. But when it comes to pursuing his reinstatement, Rose is out standing up.

I covered Rose's appearance last night at the Ohio Justice and Policy Center's inaugural gala at the National Underground Railroad and Freedom Center, just steps from Great American Ball Park.

The theme of the gala was redemption. But for every time Rose took responsibility for his actions, there were two or three other occasions where he felt baseball and the public owed him something.

Rose also made clear his desire to manage again in the big leagues. Here's a link to the story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=6550900

Clubhouse culture ... is it real?

2011-05-14T16:39:00.003-05:00

Yes, says Cardinals right fielder Lance Berkman. I spoke with Berkman at length today on a variety of topics for a project on baseball intangibles. We were in agreement on the existence of clubhouse cultures in baseball and its impact on team success.

Through my work with MLB.com I've spent significant time in the visitors clubhouse at Great American Ball Park. There is a difference in how teams go about their day to day routines.

Established winners like the Yankees, Cardinals and Braves tend to be more business-like in their approach. Young clubs more loose, veteran teams more subdued. Some teams have more card games than others, some more practical joking. Some clubs watch more film, spend more time in the cage, while others crowd the couches and peruse the CDs and DVDs.

There isn't always a direct correlation between a professional clubhouse and winning or losing. Some of the more successful Florida Marlins clubs, for example, had a very raucous clubhouse.

As Berkman suggested, veterans and stars often dictate clubhouse culture, for better or worse. Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn set the tone in the Reds clubhouse during their tenure here, not always for the betterment of the club. Young players followed their lead.

There was a noticeable shift in the tone of the Reds clubhouse once Griffey and Dunn departed. And despite being a relatively young ballclub, last year's NL Central Division champions conducted themselves more like a veteran team.

But over the course of a grueling six-month schedule there's always time for some clubhouse levity. Today's DVD selection in the Cardinals clubhouse - Ace Ventura, Pet Detective.

La Russa's pain is 700 WLW's gain?

2011-05-14T08:53:00.004-05:00

It's radio, where shock value sells. So you have to consider the source. But 700 WLW's latest promo pushes the envelope of good taste. Here’s the text:

"Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has shingles, so we want to give you a chance to win some Tony La Russa shingles of your own! The Reds and Cards clash this weekend at GABP and we’re backin’ our Redlegs by giving you a shot to win Tony La Russa shingles courtesy of Ray St. Clair Roofing!".

La Russa is missing this weekend's NL Central Division clash at Great American Ball Park while he recovers from shingles, which can be a very painful condition.

I respect the nature of rivalries but this sort of thing is best reserved for fan blogs and bar stool fodder. It's also a bit disconcerting that Ray St. Clair Roofing bought in.

The Reds agree. Chief Executive Officer Phil Castellini issued the following statement:

"The Reds were not aware WLW was putting together this contest. It is in bad taste and does not reflect the spirit of respectful competition the Reds and our fans have toward Tony LaRussa and the Cardinals. We are disappointed our rights partner would execute such a contest and fail to consult us in advance so we could have prevented it from happening. Reds ownership has asked WLW to remove the page, and they are cooperating".

Brandon Phillips: Second baseman, PR machine

2011-05-13T19:22:00.003-05:00

If Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips has political aspirations he's off to a good start.

After asking his Twitter followers how to spend Thursday's off-day, Phillips received a response from a fan who said he should come watch the Cincy Flames, a 14-and-under baseball team. Phillips asked for the address and actually showed up, watching the Flames' 13-2 victory and posing for photos with players.

The fan-friendly Phillips has been connecting with the public via his ever-popular Twitter page DatDudeBP. He's well-regarded as a willing autograph signer and rarely turns down a photo-op.

But other aspects of Phillips' personality remain a mystery. He's a relative loner on the team. There are media members he hasn't spoken to in years, although I hear he's better this season. Then there's the "I hate St. Louis" diatribe which, by the way, was provided to Hal McCoy and FOX Sports' Jim Day completely without provocation.

The only thing I'm certain of when it comes to the Reds second baseman is that he's immensely talented and a wizard with the glove. But DatDude is a strange dude.

Will the real No. 4 please stand up?

Blog fodder from STATS.Inc.

2011-05-13T14:34:00.007-05:00

The Los Angeles Angels lead the American League with a .270 batting average, thanks in part to their success with two strikes. The Angels are batting a major league-high .224 in those situations. While major leaguers are batting a collective .173 in two-strike counts, six Angels are hitting higher than .250. Maicer Izturis has 24 two-strike hits, the most in the majors, and Howie Kendrick is second with 22. Among all players with at least 10 hits with two strikes in 2011, Izturis is one of six Angels in the top 30 in batting average:

Highest Batting Average in Two-Strike Counts, 2011
(minimum 10 hits in two-strike situations)

Hitter Hits AVG

1. Jason Bourgeois, HOU 10 .435
2. Casey Kotchman, TB 13 .394
3. Maicer Izturis, LAA 24 .348
4. Matt Holliday, STL 21 .339
5. Pablo Sandoval, SF 12 .324
14. Hank Conger, LAA 11 .289
18. Erick Aybar, LAA 13 .265
24. Torii Hunter, LAA 19 .260
25. Howie Kendrick, LAA 22 .259
27. Alberto Callaspo, LAA 12 .255

The Cardinals’ Matt Holliday is 7-for-17 with two doubles, two homers and three walks in plate appearances that have started with two consecutive strikes. Among the 256 major leaguers who have started 0-2 at least 15 times this season, Holliday’s
.412 average and .500 OBP are the highest.

On Thursday, when the New York Yankees lost an 11-5 decision to the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, not a single New York batter struck out. It was the first time the Yankees had gone an entire game without striking out since July 8, 2009, when they defeated the Twins during their final trip to the Metrodome. The last time the Yankees lost a game in which they didn’t strike out was a 7-1 defeat in Detroit nearly a decade ago -- on July 19, 2001. The last time they lost at home without striking out was June 17, 1994, in an 8-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Phillies closer Brad Lidge has yet to pitch in 2011, and his replacement, Jose Contreras, has joined him on the disabled list. Still, the Philadelphia Phillies have the highest save percentage among all big league clubs. The Phillies bullpen has converted 11 of 12 save opportunities, good for a 91.7-percent conversion rate. Contreras was 5-for-5 before going down with a sore elbow, and Ryan Madson is 5-for-5in his stead.

April was a difficult month for the Chicago White Sox’s bullpen, which blew six of nine save chances and posted a 5.55 ERA. It looked as though more of the same was likely in May, after White Sox relievers allowed 14 earned runs in the final three days of April, but the bullpen has been much better this month:

White Sox Bullpen, 2011

IP ERA OBA HR SV-OPP
April 73.0 5.55 .281 9 3-9
May 21.0 1.29 .171 1 2-2

With a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates improved to 18-17, marking the latest point in the season that they’ve been above .500 since they were 23-22 on May 29, 2004. The Pirates, with 18 consecutive losing seasons heading into 2011, have been above .500 in the second half in only two of those 18 seasons -- the last time in 1999. In five of them, the Pirates never were above .500. In fact, they failed to surpass the .500 mark for nearly three full years, from May 2004 until April 2007.

Among the 176 relievers who have appeared in at least 10 games in 2011, only two have yet to allow a first batter they’ve faced to reach base. San Diego’s Mike Adamshas retired all 18 of his first batters, and the Angels’ Rich Thompson has set down 13 in 13 games. First batters have gone 0-for-18 against another Padre, Chad Qualls, though he has given up a walk for a still-stingy .053 opponent OBP. Washington closer Drew Storen has the same opponent OBP, limiting first batters to one hit in 19 at-bats.

No team walks less frequently than the Chicago Cubs, who are averaging one walk per every 14.7 plate appearances. Four Cubs are among the most unlikely major league hitters to draw a walk:

Cubs Hitters – Walk Rates, 2011
(with ranks among 193 qualifiers in MLB)

Darwin Barney 1 per 33.5 PA 188th
Alfonso Soriano 1 per 33.3 PA 187th
Starlin Castro 1 per 31.6 PA 184th
Marlon Byrd 1 per 30.6 PA 183rd

The lowest walk rate among batting qualifiers belongs to Oakland leadoff man Coco Crisp, who has drawn just two walks in 30 games -- an average of one walk per 62.0 plate appearances. As a group, leadoff hitters in the majors are drawing an average of one free pass for every 12.6 PAs, walking nearly five times as often as Crisp.

Killebrew succumbing to cancer

2011-05-13T11:45:00.003-05:00

Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, who hit 573 homers in 22 seasons, is losing his battle with cancer. Killebrew earned 1969 AL MVP honors after hitting 49 homers with 140 RBI. He released the following statement today:

“It is with profound sadness that I share with you that my continued battle with esophageal cancer is coming to an end. With the continued love and support of my wife, Nita, I have exhausted all options with respect to controlling this awful disease. My illness has progressed beyond my doctors’ expectation of cure.

I have spent the past decade of my life promoting hospice care and educating people on its benefits. I am very comfortable taking this next step and experiencing the compassionate care that hospice provides.

I am comforted by the fact that I am surrounded by my family and friends. I thank you for the outpouring of concern, prayers and encouragement that you have shown me. I look forward to spending my final days in comfort and peace with Nita by my side.”

Pete Harnisch would be proud

2011-05-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

The former Reds pitcher regularly biked to the ballpark. Now the Reds want fans to do the same.

Here's the press release:

Fans encouraged to ride bicycles to the May 15th Reds vs. Cards game

CINCINNATI (May 11, 2011) – The Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Cycle Club and Reser Bicycle Outfitters have teamed up to encourage area bicycle enthusiasts to ride to the ballpark and get discounted tickets to Sunday’s Reds vs Cardinals game.

The second annual “Bike 2 Baseball Day” is Sunday, May 15 as the Reds take on the St. Louis Cardinals at 1:10 pm at Great American Ball Park.

This event kicks off Bike to Work Week in Cincinnati and is right in the middle of National Bicycle Month. Reds Riders have the option to join two organized rides to the game.

For details of the two rides and to purchase game tickets online visit: reds.com/bike2baseball.

To receive the special discount, tickets must be purchased by Saturday, May 14. Tickets for this offer cannot be purchased at the box office on the day of the game.

Riders will have the option of choosing between Sun/Moon Deck or the View Level tickets, with everyone sitting together in each section.

Reser Bicycle will provide bike racks on the southeast corner of Main Street/Joe Nuxhall Way and Second Street. Riders are strongly encouraged to bring their own locks as the bikes will not be monitored.

For questions about Bike 2 Baseball Day, contact Shannon Senger at ssenger@reds.com or (513) 765-7105.

Bill Bergesch dies at 89

2011-05-12T08:19:00.000-05:00

Press release from the Yankees:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YANKEES MOURN THE PASSING OF BILL BERGESCH

The New York Yankees mourn the passing of Bill Bergesch, who died on Tuesday at a retirement home in Stamford, Conn., at age 89.

Bergesch first joined the Yankees organization as the club’s traveling secretary and stadium manager from 1964 through 1967 before returning to the Yankees in 1978 as director of scouting. In 1980, he was named vice president of baseball operations and remained in the post until resigning in October 1984. From 1991-92, he was Yankees assistant general manager under Gene Michael before becoming a senior advisor in the Yankees baseball operations department from 1993-94. Since that time, Bergesch was a regular fixture at Yankees spring training and an advisor to the organization.

Bergesch was born on June 17, 1921, in St. Louis Mo., and graduated from Washington University in 1946 after serving three years in the U.S. Army from 1942-44 and receiving a Purple Heart. He began his baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 1947, serving as general manager for farm teams in Albany, Ga.; Winston-Salem, N.C.; Columbus, Ga.; and Omaha, Neb. In 1959 and ‘60, he served as the Cardinals’ scouting coordinator based in St. Louis.

During the 1961 season, Bergesch served as the assistant general manager of the Kansas City Athletics, working for owner Charles O. Finley. In November of that year, Bergesch joined the Mets organization and was named farm director by then-Mets general manager George Weiss. In that capacity, Bergesch was responsible for setting up the farm system and hiring scouts prior to the Mets’ inaugural 1962 season. After spending approximately two years with the Mets and working for the Yankees from 1964 through February 1967, Bergesch began a two-year stretch as general manager of the New York Generals franchise in the National Professional Soccer League from 1967-68.

From 1969 through 1977, Bergesch was in the venture capital business. After returning to the Yankees from 1978 through the 1984 regular season, Bergesch was the general manager of the Cincinnati Reds from November 1984 until October 1987.

David Dewitt Bailey

2011-05-11T08:10:00.003-05:00

Homer Bailey and I had a bonding moment last season, following a rookie-like mistake on my part.

I approached the Reds pitcher prior to a late-season contest while working on NLDS preview stories for the Philadelphia Inquirer. I wasn't covering the Reds game that day so I had not glanced at the lineup. Bailey declined the interview, rather politely. I asked again stating that I just needed a moment of his time and Bailey again declined, this time less politely.

I finished up my other interviews, waltzed up to the press box and when I passed by the white board with that day's lineups I realized what I had done -- Bailey was the Reds starting pitcher. I had broken rule Numero Uno -- never talk to that day's starter. It was something I hadn't done in 16 years of covering baseball.

The next day I apologized to Bailey and we both got a good laugh out of it. "You probably thought I was one big SOB," Bailey said. "I was pretty sure you didn't know I was pitching".

The newest version of Bailey is in stark contrast to the one who at times was dubbed arrogant , stubborn, and uncoachable. It was the classic case of a young kid with immense talent who spent his life being told how great he was. A No. 1 draft choice with cash in his pocket and plenty of adulation to go around. This attitude bled into his pitching too. Behind in the count in a tough situation, 'Hmm, I think I'll just blow you away with my fastball. Worked in high school'.

But Bailey's two starts since being reinstated from the disabled list are a clear indication of his maturation. He doesn't have his best fastball, so he's adjusting. He's slowed his mechanics, and calmed his demeanor on the mound. He's a pitcher now, not a thrower.

And he's listening, mostly to Reds pitching coach Bryan Price. The advice is paying off. Bailey's arrogance has evolved into confidence and resolve. And the Reds are the benefactors.

Torre to players: Shut up!

2011-05-10T19:28:00.004-05:00

As a manager, Joe Torre won four World Series titles, six pennants and more than 4,300 games. He was a consummate professional, engaging, pleasant to deal with from a media perspective, and the game's definition of a winner. But in one of his first initiatives since becoming Major League Baseball's czar of on-field discipline Torre has swung and missed.

Torre is looking to curtail fraternization among players during games, more specifically once fans have entered the ballpark. Greetings from first basemen to opposing arrivals? Nope. Chats between second basemen and base runners? Never. A quick hello from batters to backstops? Not a chance. All a thing of the past, says Torre.

The insinuation is that the game has become too friendly. That the spirit of competition, intensity and focus is lacking in the eyes of the fans. Question is, who's clamoring for this? I've yet to hear one fan bring it up, or player, or manager for that matter.

Certainly there are players and managers, particularly those of previous generations, who frown upon the in-game chatter. There are more than a few current players who keep their on-field friendships to a minimum. But for every one of them there are a few more like Sean Casey or Brandon Phillips who are regular chatterboxes.

Does it lessen their competitive drive on the field? There's no evidence to support that assertion. In most cases it's simply a matter of personality. Joey Votto doesn't whoop it up with opposing players, but the Reds first baseman isn't the most dynamic personality on most days.

Point is, who really believes this is a big deal? Aren't there more pressing issues confronting the game? How about declining attendance? I doubt Phillips asking Albert Pujols about last night's dinner is causing fans to reverse the turnstiles.

Decade of the pitcher?

2011-05-09T11:04:00.002-05:00

The 2010 MLB season was dubbed the 'Year of the Pitcher', suggesting it was an aberration, a blip on our National Pastime's radar.

But more recent events indicate we might be in the midst of a trend.

Justin Verlander tossed his second-career no-hitter last week just days after the Twins' Francisco Liriano turned the trick. The pitching mastery flowed into this past weekend with a trio of pitchers taking no-hitters into the seventh inning on Friday and the Marlins' Anibal Sanchez doing the same on Sunday.

According to USA Today the eight complete games of two hits or less recorded this season are the most through May 7 since 1992.

Skeptics will say, "See, Steroid Era over, pitchers dominate". But there's surely more to it than than. I'm not seeing any greater frequency of warning track fly ball outs that would've reached the seats with PEDs. In fact, I'm seeing more and more hitters struggling to hit the ball at all.

More likely it's an increased initiative by organizations to develop and retain good pitching, which has always made sense. And, historically pitchers have been ahead of hitters in April and May, partly because of weather conditions being more conducive to pitching.

We'll take a wait and see approach on this. But it appears the 'Year of the Pitcher' could instead signify an overall maturation of the game. Thoughts?

Emptying the notebook - pre-Mother's Day edition

2011-05-07T21:41:00.002-05:00

Been awhile. Give us some time to recharge the engines.

Fox broadcaster and former MLB catcher Tim McCarver on this afternoon's Reds/Cubs telecast was clever enough to mention that Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro is the only player named Starlin to ever play in the Major Leagues. He also pointed out that the Cubs' Darwin Barney was just the second Darwin to ever play in the big leagues, the last being right hander Darwin Cubillan who pitched for the Expos, Rangers, Orioles and Blue Jays from 2000-2004.

McCarver neglected to mention that Cubs right fielder Kosuke Fukudome is the only Major Leaguer to be named Kosuke. Guess he figured that was belaboring the obvious. How soon before 'A Starlin is born' and 'The evolution of Darwin' headlines get old? Already done.

There were two no-hitters thrown this week with varying degrees of cleanliness. Today the Tigers' Justin Verlander tossed his second-career no-hitter at Toronto allowing just one baserunner on a one-out walk in the eighth. Ealier this week the Twins' Francisco Liriano no-hit the White Sox but issued six walks in the process.

Today's list

Best Reds managers to work with (since I joined the beat in '99)

1. Dusty Baker
2. Jack McKeon
3. Dave Miley
4. Jerry Narron
5. Pete Mackanin
6. Bob Boone

Happy Mother's Day to all.

'Cool Hand' Leake

2010-04-12T09:43:00.012-05:00

On the right-hand side of the Reds clubouse there are three lockers separated from the rest by a dividing wall and a doorway that leads to a conference room and manager Dusty Baker's office.

It is no coincidence that the lockers are reserved for a trio of starting pitchers. It's also seemingly no accident that this threesome has one personality trait in common.

Actually, three -- Calm. Cool. Collected.

First, there's the Reds' five-time Opening Day starter Aaron Harang -- the ballclub's resident gentle giant, soft-spoken, unflappable.

To Harang's far left is the golden-locked Bronson Arroyo -- part-time rocker, full-time innings-eater, and Key West native.

The newest addition to the Corner of Coolness is rookie right-hander Mike Leake - the long-haired Southern California native who Baker likened to a "little surfer".

Leake, of course, became just the 21st player since the first-year player draft was instituted in 1965 to make his Major League debut without appearing in a minor league game when he started against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday afternoon at Great American Ball Park.

Leake calmly escaped a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam in the first inning then cruised through 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits. He struck out five and walked seven, the most he's ever issued in a game.

"I should've kept the ball from my seventh walk as a souvenir," said 'Cool Hand' Leake.

While family and friends sweated through Sunday's outing in Section 125 behind home plate (particularly his mother who was visibly nervous), Leake kept his composure.

Had Leake buckled under the pressure and folded amid the magnitude of his moment, he would've been asked to turn in his membership card in the Reds' Joe Cool Club.

As it stands, the 22-year old is stuck between Harang and Arroyo, making him a fixture in the Laid Back Wing.

http://tinyurl.com/y766un6

Emptying the notebook ...

2010-04-06T19:19:00.015-05:00

-- It's a long way from Holquin, Cuba, but Toledo, Ohio is where 22-year old Reds right-hander Aroldis Chapman will make his American pro debut.

Chapman will make his first start for the Triple-A Louisville Bats against the Toledo Mud Hens on Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Cuban Cannon posted a 1.69 ERA in five Spring Training games, walked seven and fanned 15 in 12 2/3 innings. Back spasms ended Chapman's bid to earn the No. 5 spot in the Reds starting rotation.

Last year's No. 1 draft choice Mike Leake, who beat out Chapman for the 5th spot, likely will make his big-league debut Sunday as well, at Great American Ball Park against the Chicago Cubs.

http://tinyurl.com/yeonbzs

-- Kudos to Yankees president Randy Levine who blatantly called out Brewers owner Mark Attanasio for "whining" about the Bombers' payroll.

Competitive imbalance, yeah I get it. But the Yanks have been lining the pockets of purported small-market owners for years. Hey Attanasio, don't spend your portion of the Bombers' $175 million gift and shared TV revenue all in one place.

http://tinyurl.com/ydz5wc6

-- Include me among those who believe Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski got it right.

Sure, his decision to intentionally miss a free throw with three seconds remaining gave Butler a chance to win the national title with a half-court heave. He could have made the free throw giving the Bulldogs an opportunity to just tie the score, but with a higher-percentage shot. Funny, nobody questions Coach K's move if Howard's attempt doesn't glance the rim.

Best-ever NCAA Tournament? It's close.

-- For freelance writers, it's all about the clips.

A last-minute decision to accept a work opportunity on Easter Sunday landed me a keeper for the portfolio.

A C1 piece on Aaron Harang's pressure-packed Opening Day start:

http://tinyurl.com/y9otj9s

-- While we were waiting to speak to Dusty Baker prior to Sunday's pre-Opening Day workout, a local TV reporter and I were discussing the location of Brandon Phillips' locker. And, we're not the first to question it.

When they give tours of the Reds clubhouse, I wonder if visitors need to catch a shuttle bus to view No. 4's cubbie?

It's situated at the far end of the clubhouse with a dividing wall between Phillips and his nearest teammate. The lockers to Phillips' left are vacant, usually until September callups.

It's telling.

As was Phillips' decision to snub the Enquirer's John Fay during Spring Training with a "How come you haven't written about me?" diatribe. Phillips likes to smile for the cameras and for the fans, but when it comes to maturity and leadership ...

Reds delay Chapman, avoid circus

2010-04-01T08:55:00.002-05:00

Kudos to the Reds for not parading Cuban fireballer Aroldis Chapman out to the mound at Great American Ball Park in order to seize a "Look who we got!" moment.

This would've been too easy.

The Cuban Cannon throws 100-plus mph. Chapman most certainly would've generated a considerable spike in ticket sales, widespread media attention and more than likely help ship a few of his jerseys off the shelves.

Instead, the Reds did what's right. Or, it could be viewed as doing what's necessary since Chapman was shelved with back spasms late in spring camp.

The acquisition of Chapman and his corresponding mega-contract raised eyebrows throughout baseball, mostly because it was the small-market bottom-feeding Reds who worked the deal.

Chapman likely will make his much-ballyhooed debut at some point this season.

But, for now, the 5th spot in the rotation appears to hinge on Travis Wood or top draft choice Mike Leake. Here's betting on "Smoky" Travis Wood.

In Chapman's case, the Reds made a baseball decision in lieu of business.

No cheerleaders, exploding scoreboards and multiple mascots needed this time.

These Reds are intent on winning. Many experts believe they're on the right path toward doing just that.

A decade's worth of clutter

2010-03-31T20:42:00.005-05:00

There are two file cabinets in my basement office containing much of what I need but mostly what I don't.

After 10-plus years covering Reds baseball, a reporter can amass quite a collection of "stuff". Of course, one person's clutter is another's treasure.

In need of some space for, you know, more junk, I decided to take advantage of a rainy spring day and clean out my closet, so to speak. But what actually transpired was a trip down memory lane. For me, it became a scenic Sunday drive.

The press release from the Ken Griffey Jr. trade - ah, remember it well. Feb. 10, 2000, a cool, drizzly afternoon throughout which this reporter prayed that the much-rumored deal would wait for another day. With a spiking fever and horrible virus, the last thing I wanted to do was venture down to Cinergy Field into a sweaty jam-packed media room to discuss the deal of the decade. But, that's what I did.

Not to be morbid, but several Reds notables have died while I was on the beat, most notably Marge Schott - I still have the funeral announcement. That was another rainy day, by the way (why do I always recall the weather?) - , Joe Nuxhall, and Glenn Sample.

Scorecards, why do I keep them? I didn't. Tossed a stack of 100 or so. Kept only those that recorded notable events or achievements. Made certain to keep any scorecards and game notes from the first game at Great American Ball Park and last at Cinergy/Riverfront.

Lots of Great American Ball Park stuff, mostly construction docs and opening game items. Kept very little. I recall writing stories for a construction newsletter, everything from the seats to the scoreboard.

Found my media credential from the Cinergy Field implosion. That was an early morning. Hal McCoy and I consumed a great deal of caffiene before the Big bang.

The sheer number of press passes found in my files convinced me of one thing: I spent far too much time away from home. Sorry, honey.

Weird stuff: the police report from Ryan Freel's DUI arrest and some legal documents/police reports from Dernell Stenson's murder.

In the end, it's all just paper. Memories can't be pitched, at least not voluntarily.

New coach, mostly same 'Cats

2010-03-31T20:29:00.006-05:00

My first University of Cincinnati spring practice report has been filed to Sports XChange:

Initial impressions of first-year Bearcats head coach Butch Jones:

A no-nonsense football coach. Not the salesman/politician combo that was Brian Kelly, but more of a bare-bones guy. Players seem to like his open-door approach. Practices are just as spirited as they were under Kelly, and perhaps a bit more fast-paced. Jones' offensive philosophy is similar, although look for the running game to be more of a factor next season.

On a sunny, spring-like day at Nippert Stadium, you could almost smell fall.

http://tinyurl.com/ycgveo5

10 weeks for 19 seconds

2010-03-31T20:03:00.009-05:00

University of Cincinnati senior swimmer Josh Schneider, about whom I wrote two stories for the Cincinnati Enquirer in the past couple months, wasn't about to let this opportunity slip past.

With Olympic sponsorships at stake and still stinging from a poor finish at last year's NCAA Championships, Schneider chose to forgo his vices - no drinking, no late nights, no fast food, and no motorcycle riding.

For 10 weeks in preparation for the NCAAs in Columbus, Schneider "disconnected himself from the world". Talk about commitment.

The strategy paid off. Schneider, the top-seed in the 50-meter freestyle, won the event with a record clocking of 18.93.

"I feel complete" he said afterwards.

The victory could net Schneider enough sponsorship cash to allow him to train full-time for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Good luck in London, kid. I'd keep that motorcycle at your parents' house until '13.

http://tinyurl.com/yh3oh36

Moments of magnitude

2010-03-30T20:06:00.007-05:00

Perhaps for a moment, or two, Dee Dee Jernigan considered the magnitude of what she was about to accomplish.

It was a layup, a shot she'd made countless times during her college basketball career, in high school, on the playground, or by just tossing a wad of paper into the nearest receptacle.

But this was more than just a layup, or two.

It was a chance to clinch a signature victory over top-seed Stanford in the Sacramento Regional final, thus sending the Musketeers to their first Final Four.

But, instead of instinctively placing the ball into the basket like she'd done so many times before, Jernigan guided it. No, she Google mapped it and printed directions.

In the waning seconds of Monday night's game, Jernigan found herself alone under the basket. Not once, but twice.

She missed. Both times.

Then, in an almost pre-scripted result, Stanford's Jeanette Pohlen raced the length of the court for a buzzer-beating layup to give the Cardinal a 55-53 victory.

Pressure is part of the game. It's an obstacle to be overcome, like a 1-3-1 zone that seems impenetrable.

If it was easy, those 4-foot putts at Augusta would find the cup without fail.

Xavier's gut-wrenching defeat reminded me of another local moment of magnitude - last year's Frozen Four title game between Boston University and Miami University.

The Redhawks led 3-1 with less than one minute remaining, a seemingly insurmountable deficit in hockey terms. But the battle-tested Terriers rallied for three unanswered goals to win the national title in overtime.

Redhawks goalie Cody Reichard, who surrendered BU's winning goal as a freshman, has helped lead Miami back to the Frozen Four.

The next time he's thrust into a game-saving situation, Reichard will understand. He'll brush pressure off his red sweater like a speck of lint.

Unfortunately, Jernigan's college career is over. She won't get a chance to atone for Monday night, at least not on the basketball court.

I bet the next time the East Chicago, IN native attempts a layup, she'll drain it.

When life requires a greater degree of difficulty, Jernigan will be better prepared. She now knows what it takes, to hit or miss.

Hal McCoy: link to a golden age

2009-08-07T09:01:00.006-05:00

To my far right in the Great American Ball Park press box sits one of the last great newspapermen, a link to the golden age of baseball beat writing.

As Hal McCoy chomps on his cigar and taps on his laptop keys I can almost picture him sitting in a smoke-filled press box at an old ballpark pounding out prose on a typewriter then hopping on the train to the next town.

After 37 years on the Reds beat, the longest current tenure of any Major League beat writer, McCoy is calling it quits. Only it wasn't entirely his call.

McCoy's "early" retirement from the Dayton Daily News came in the form of a buyout. He hopes to continue to write for the DDN in some capacity, but the paper will no longer cover the Reds as a beat.

McCoy, who has continued to cover the team despite being declared legally blind, doesn't welcome the change. But, he and his lovely wife, Nadine, are looking forward to the dawning of a new life.

McCoy's ouster isn't entirely surprising.

The DDN had upped his time off each season since his illness. In the beginning, he was backed up by DDN staffers, then a stringer. This season, and most ominously, the paper has chosen to run AP wire stories for its Reds coverage. I assume this practice will continue next year.

As a know-nothing rookie stumbling my way through the clubhouse and press box roughly 10 years ago, McCoy took me under his wing. He had no reason to.

Why would a then-future Hall of Fame beat writer of more than 30 years bother to help a cub reporter writing for a weekly paper? Because that's just Hal.

McCoy's influence benefited my writing career more than even he realizes.

I learned by watching how he interacted with players and managers, how he targeted his questions in interviews, how he conducted himself in the clubhouse, press box and at batting practice.

On several occasions McCoy Hal took time to compliment me on stories I wrote. He never hesitated to answer questions, or to offer unsolicited suggestions on how to best handle certain situations.

But, the best tribute offered to McCoy was from the players -- respect. In this age of adversarial relationships between athletes and media, McCoy managed to bridge that gap.

This post reads like an obit. It is not, of course.

Hal has nearly two months remaining on the Reds beat. After that, he and Nadine can jet to their favorite haunts -- Aruba, Key West or elsewhere. They can hang on the back porch at home, savor life, make new memories.

Hal's departure isn't nearly as sad for him (he's pushing 69 years of age) as it is for the business of sports writing.

One must wonder in this age of economic downturn and new media if the role of baseball beat writer is going the way of the dinosaurs. Is Hal McCoy among the last of a dying breed? Let's hope not.

Cubs: The Un-Lovable Losers?

2009-08-04T13:51:00.008-05:00

"I hate the Chicago Cubs," goes the oft-uttered refrain these days.

For what, squandering a century?

"No, no, let me explain," goes the popular retort. "It's their fans that I hate."

For what, being miserable? For having their hopes, dreams and aspirations crumbled annually like plastic beer cups in the Wrigley Field bleachers?

For having no better excuse for their team's ineptitude than a black cat wandered in Ron Santo's path, or a goat owner cursed them, or a Notre Dame graduate wanted a souvenir?

For enduring '69, '84, '89, '03, '07, '08 or insert season since 1908?

On the surface, disliking Cubs fans makes little sense. Pity them, yes.

That is, unless you spend time with them of course.

I know, I'm one of them.

It's not by choice, really. The Cubs are a family curse.

Before I entered the business of professional sports writing, the job where's there's no cheering, no team or player allegiance and no healthy food, I was a card-carrying Die Hard Cubs fan.

I was that blue-clad, beer-chugging, 7th-inning stretch-singing Cubs fan, who strutted into your ballpark proclaiming himself a superior fan because his team sucked for 100 years and he still cheered for them, bought tickets, souvenirs and willingly lined the players' pockets and inflated the owners' coffers despite their chronic failings.

I was that guy.

Oh, and I drank a lot. A lot. How else can you explain the aforementioned behaviors?

To be honest, I've just described the new breed of Cubs fan.

Not my generation, I'm referring to the ones so naive (and I can only assume young) enough to believe that division titles occur at 1060 W. Addison as frequently as snow in January.

The old guard, a.k.a. Me, knows this isn't so.

Which is why for the first time in my baseball life I took some solace, just a wee bit, in the Cubs being swept out of the playoffs the past two seasons.

That's how it feels, my Cubs brethren.

In order to be a true Cubs fan, you have to feel the pain, the hurt, the emotional heartache.

Humility comes swift and sudden for us, or at least it should.

So, while you're guzzling your (insert quantity) beers this week at Great American Ball Park doing your best to annoy the Reds fans around you, please consider this:

It's OK to be proud. But, arrogance has no justifiable space in Cubdom.

Despite no World Series titles since '08, the Cubs do boast a tradition like no other, aside from the Yankees.

Cubs fans have Wrigley Field, a baseball experience like no other.

We've had Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance, Hartnett, Wilson, Banks, Williams, Jenkins, Sandberg, Maddux, Sosa (yes, him) et al. (Notice I didn't mention Roy Smalley).

The Cubs have won a few World Series too, just none since the automobile took hold.

Humility has a number: 101. That's years, folks.

So, New Breed, as you rock GABP with your "Here we go Cubbies, Here we go ..." chorus, does the pain of the past 10 decades-plus eat at your very soul? It does mine.

See, the true Cubs fan doesn't look at the glass of water and judge it to be half-full or half-empty.

The true Cubs fan asks, "When's it going to spill?".

Baker bashing misdirected

2009-08-04T09:19:00.002-05:00

The backlash was almost immediate.

Seconds after the release hit the wire announcing the Reds' hiring of Dusty Baker as their new manager the naysayers went to work, "Baker wears out pitchers, look what he did to Mark Prior and Kerry Wood", "Baker coddles veterans", "Baker (insert beef)".

Please understand, this isn't my personal Dusty Baker = Connie Mack diatribe. I do enjoy working with Baker. He's accomodating, professional and the most quotable and articulate Reds manager since, well ...

There are plenty of times when scribes in the press box are left scratching our heads about his in-game decisions. But, Reds fans need to look in the mirror, and take a closer look at their team.

For the first three months of the season, Baker had largely a Triple-A club hanging on in the NL Central race. Injuries have riddled this club, as did a 50-game absence of the club's best player - Joey Votto.

When Baker was hired he arrived with the most impressive big-league managerial resume of any newly-hired Reds skipper in recent memory, and that includes Sparky Anderson who had virtually none.

"Well, Baker had plenty of talent on those teams".

Isn't that the point? Find me a manager with a record worth its salt who didn't.

"Yeah, but look what he did to the Cubs ...".

Yep, he had them 5 outs from the World Series. The Reds could be so lucky.

Is Baker the man to guide the Reds to the promised land? Maybe, maybe not. He's guiding a .500 or worse ballclub currently. Not even Tony La Russa's self-proclaimed genius could change that.

Which begs the question: why is Baker getting the heat for the Reds' current condition and not GM Walt Jocketty and/or Bob Castellini?

Reds choose to Rolen over

2009-08-04T09:01:00.005-05:00

It's not often that trading two unproven pitching prospects and a maligned third baseman for a career .284 hitter, five-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove Award winner would be a bad deal. But, such is the case with the Reds' acquisition of Scott Rolen.

It's so much the trade itself, but the timing. Count me among those who are scratching their heads.

Dealing for Rolen made a great deal of sense in early June when the Reds were clinging to contention in the NL Central race. But, not now.

Rolen is a great clubhouse guy, and a veteran presence that should help provide proper influence to the Reds' youngsters. He's playing close to home (Jasper, IN) and likely will have a couple more productive years before coasting into retirement.

But, this benefits the Reds how?

The Reds were relieved of a portion of Rolen's contract for next season, but not all. Add to him the contracts of Aaron Harang, Francisco Cordero and Bronson Arroyo, and the Reds are financially strapped for next season.

Edinson Volquez will be unavailable until late 2010 following Tommy John Surgey. Wait 'til next year just got postponed.

Most disturbing of all is the inclusion of Zach Stewart in the Rolen deal. The young hurler is quietly mentioned by scouts as the Reds' best pitching prospect.

Hours before the trade deadline the Rolen-to-the-Reds deal was reportedly dead. Perhaps that was just wishful thinking on the part of many at 100 Joe Nuxhall Way.

Baker rips Padres, er, I mean Reds.

2009-07-30T14:54:00.004-05:00

It seems Dusty Baker can do little right these days.

So it should come as no surprise that the Reds skipper failed mightily Wednesday night in an effort to lamblast his struggling team.

Following a 7-1 loss to last-place San Diego before 17,201 fans on Ladies Night at Great American Ball Park, a game in which the Reds offense produced one hit and had just three base runners, Baker offered this:

"They're not a good club," Baker said, referring to the Padres. "If they're not a good club and they're beating us like this, what does that make us?"

Well, not very good, although the comment probably did more to tweak San Diego's fragile ego than the Reds'.

The Padres are bad, real bad. But the last thing Baker needed to do was to help motivate an opponent, whether he intended to or not.

Less than 24 hours after Baker's comments, the Padres improved to 41-62 by beating the Reds yet again and taking three of four in the series.

"What does that make us?," Baker wonders.

Workmanlike Reds appear resilient

2009-05-18T14:34:00.004-05:00

These Reds know their business.

But, let me first preface the forthcoming observation with two points:

One, this is not meant as a criticism of Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr. or any former player, or coach for that matter.

Two, while I have extensively covered this team for the past 10 years, I have a limited workload this season which has sent me to the Reds clubhouse only sparingly.

That said, during my first few visits to the home clubhouse at Great American Ball Park, I've been impressed with the professional approach of this young Reds ballclub.

While I enjoyed the pre-game banter, practical jokes and colorful personalities of the past, it is refreshing to watch the '09 edition of Baker's Boys go about their day to day work.

Fewer players hanging out at their lockers, even fewer parked on the leather couches. More getting in their work in the cages, training room, and on the field. Unlike most young teams, they play on an even-keel, to this point avoiding the emotional roller-coaster of a 162-game slate.

The atmosphere in the Reds clubhouse has a similar feel to that of the Cardinals and Braves, perennial winners which I've covered in recent years.

I've been told the Reds' players also get along well off the field, which is important if you believe in the benefits of team "chemistry".

This is a tight-knit team, exactly the kind of ballclub capable of withstanding the inevitable speed bumps of a six-month season, such as this past weekend's three-game sweep in San Diego.

The Reds still need to improve defensively, develop more consistency, and avoid injury.

But, I get a sense from this team. If I'm a Reds fan, I'm still feeling pretty good about this season. And, it's not yet summer.

Cueto: "Hablo un poco en ingles"

2009-05-04T09:37:00.004-05:00

Barry Larkin wouldn't stand for this.

The former Reds shortstop, and team captain, was known for being fluent in Spanish.

Larkin would often communicate with Hispanic teammates in their native language and, on occasion, help translate during interviews. But, for Larkin there was a limit.

No. 11 would often refuse requests to translate, particularly for rookies. He was a firm believer that Hispanic ballplayers should put English to practical use, that the only way for them to learn the language was to take the initiative for themselves.

Johnny Cueto needs Barry Larkin.

If the Reds right-hander continues to drop eight scoreless as he did Sunday in a 5-0 victory at PNC Park, he needs to buck up on his English and talk about it. Instead, he uses a translator, often catcher Ramon Hernandez.

Truth is, Cueto knows English, at least enough to form cliches. Still, he refuses to speak for himself.

When a player talks through a translator, you never know what you're getting. Not that the translator is making things up, but the information is being delivered second-hand regardless.

Cueto seems bright and personable. He also is immensely talented. Reds fans, not just reporters, a.k.a. the messengers to the public, deserve to hear and read the words of this pitching stalwart.

Instead, Cueto smiles and nods, while a teammate plays he-said he-said.

Reds rotation revives Baker's Boys

2009-05-03T19:11:00.006-05:00

There's a common misconception that good pitching wins games. Not entirely true. Good pitching puts a team in good position to win games.

Deep starting rotations, even those minus a legitimate No. 1 starter, also help clubs avoid lengthy losing streaks.

The Reds have lost two consecutive games three times this season, but never three. They have won all four road series.

The reason? Pitching. Plain and simple.

Within every four-game stretch, someone is going to deliver a quality start.

"They've got a good rotation," today said Pirates manager John Russell, the first opposing skipper in recent memory to utter such an observation of the Redlegs.

Russell's quote came shortly after Johnny Cueto tossed eight scoreless innings in a 5-0 victory Sunday afternoon at PNC Park.

There's a reason the Reds are 13-10 and tied for second with the Cubs, and yet batting just .241, one up from the bottom in the NL.

Harang, Arroyo, Volquez, Cueto, Owings, and pray for rain, or something like that.

There isn't a Koufax among them. But, the Reds rotation is the perfect stew.

Harang and Arroyo eat up innings. Volquez and Cueto eat up K's. Owings is a workhorse, when he's not doing his best Babe Ruth imitation.

All five guys can get rocked, then the next trip out deliver seven scoreless.

They also are a mixed-bag of personalities. The soft-spoken Harang, the guitar-wielding rocker Arroyo, the ever-so-happy Volquez, the introspective Cueto, and the gentlemanly Owings.

For now, the only stat that matters is second place. That, and the Reds ranking fourth in the NL with a 3.91 ERA.

A "good" rotation, indeed.

Elias on Edinson

2009-04-30T10:06:00.001-05:00

From our good friends at the Elias Sports Bureau:

Edinson Volquez allowed only one hit in eight innings in his 3–0 win over the Astros on Wednesday, after giving up just one hit (while walking seven) in five innings in a loss to the Braves in his last start.

The last pitcher with consecutive starts of five-plus innings and no more than one hit allowed was the Nationals’ Shawn Hill, who did it spanning a trip to the disabled list in 2007.

The last Reds pitcher with consecutive starts like that was Ron Villone in 1999; the last before him was Johnny Vander Meer, who had consecutive no-hitters in 1938.

Miller incentives tell tale

2009-04-08T12:53:00.003-05:00

Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty got his hands on the details of former Xavier coach Sean Miller's deal with Arizona.

Included within Miller's reported seven-year, $18 million deal is a host of bonuses, a few of which highlight the disparity in values between a Pac-10 power with national championship aspirations and Xavier's program from the Atlantic-10.

Miller would earn $675,000 if the Wildcats won a national title. He gets $25K for a first or second-round NCAA Tournament win, $50K for reaching the Elite Eight, and $175K for a Final Four appearance.

A top-10 finish in the AP Poll earns Miller $30K, or $20K for Top 20. If he's named Pac-10 Coach of the Year, an additional $20K comes his way.

Regardless, Miller will get two cars, 20 basketball season tickets, 8 football season tickets, and 30 private jet hours a year.

As a non-descript throw-in, Miller would get $25K if 42-percent or more of his players graduated. Just 42-percent, less than half.

At least Miller no longer has to concern himself with such trivial matters as an education.

Reds welcome power trio - Aaron, Cosby and Ali.

2009-04-07T18:14:00.002-05:00

Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Cincinnati Reds today announced the MLB Beacon Award recipients at a press conference today at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.

The three honorees are Bill Cosby for the Beacon of Hope, Hank Aaron for the Beacon of Life and Muhammad Ali for the Beacon of Change. The MLB Beacon Awards recognize individuals whose lives are emblematic of the spirit of the civil rights movement.

The announcement was made in preparation for the Civil Rights Game, which pays tribute to one of our country’s most significant eras of social change and honors Major League Baseball’s involvement in the historic struggle through which legendary African-American players broke barriers and made important contributions to American society.

The game is June 20th between the Reds at Chicago White Sox at Great American Ball Park. This will be the first regular season Civil Rights Game and the first in Cincinnati since the inaugural Civil Right Game in Memphis, TN in 2007.
“Cincinnati has a rich baseball history and has played a significant role throughout our country’s journey towards civil equality,” said Bob Castellini, Reds President and CEO. “We are working with the City of Cincinnati and many of our community partners and sponsors to make this a weekend to remember.”

In addition to the Civil Rights Game on June 20, there will be a series of weekend events commemorating this special occasion. On Friday afternoon, there will be a roundtable discussion at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which will be moderated by Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogeltree. On Saturday, the MLB Beacon Award winners will be honored at the MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon at the Duke Energy Center, and there will also be a youth summit that day.

Can't blame Miller, but bad timing.

2009-04-07T08:50:00.002-05:00

After days of rumor, innuendo and a couple changes of heart, Sean Miller is off to the desert with $18 million over seven years in his back pocket.

Now, on to Xavier, where the timing couldn't have been worse.

By most accounts, next year's Muskies were shaping up to be a preseason top-10 team with Final Four aspirations. Now, we wonder which recruits might bail and if any current players will file their transfer papers.

This possibility makes the coaching search tenuous. It also makes the selection of top assistant Chris Mack more enticing.

The 39-year old Mack might not be ready to take the reigns of a Division I program with two Elite Eights and a couple Sweet 16's in the past 5 years, but he's the one guy who might be able to execute the damage control.

For many recruits, Mack is the face of X. He has a strong relationship with present and future players, as evidenced by the endorsements he's already received from a number of key Muskies.

If you're Xavier AD Mike Bobinski, do you hold out for an external candidate, or do you hire Mack if only for the purpose of stemming the tide?

With one of its greatest teams just months from taking the court, Xavier is in a sticky situation. As Miller heads off to build a national championship contender at Arizona, he leaves a potential mess on Victory Parkway.

In a few short days, the best of times at Xavier became the worst.

No early returns

2009-04-07T08:31:00.008-05:00

A seven-year, $161 million investment did not pay dividends on Opening Day as the Yanks' prized pitcher, C.C. Sabbathia, was roughed up for six earned runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings in a 10-5 loss at Baltimore.

Most disconcerting for the Bombers was C.C.'s five walks and zero strikeouts. Too early to declare the honeymoon over, but a quick glance of this morning's back pages confirms C.C. isn't in Milwaukee anymore.

Missing it already

2009-04-05T15:51:00.004-05:00

On Opening Day 1999, this wet-behind-the-ears sports writer waltzed into the press box at Cinergy Field for the first time, knowing barely a thing about covering big-league baseball.

There are those who'd argue that remains to be the case, but I'd like to think that during the past 10 years I've grown as a writer and as a person having worked alongside some of the most talented scribes to grace the Reds beat, such as Hall of Famer Hal McCoy.

To be clear, this isn't a farewell speech. I'll be back. Soon I hope.

But, Monday, April 6 marks the first Opening Day in 13 seasons that I will walk into a Reds ballpark carrying a ticket rather than donning a credential.

Sunday's team workout was the first I'd missed since 2000, the first following the celebrated arrival of Ken Griffey Jr.

I haven't attended an Opening Day as a spectator since 1996. I'm anxious to see what I've been missing. I hear beer is in abundance.

The economy has hit hard. The weekly newspaper for which I worked as a columnist since 1997 folded this past winter. In addition, MLB.com, one of my feature writing clients, slashed its freelance budget in response to these difficult economic times.

As a result, my Major League Baseball writing assignments will be fewer. It remains to be seen how few, but I'm still holding out hope that I'll get to cover my share of big-league games at Great American Ball Park this season.

I'm encouraged that business still is good in the freelance writing game. The fall and winter has brought an increasing number of basketball and football assignments, both high school and college. I'd surely trade a handful of them to cover the game I love, as baseball is indeed my passion.

But, tomorrow I'll be shivering along with you, making the best of Cincinnati's most precious day amid the wintery conditions. I'll hoist a beer and hum along to 'Take Me Out To the Ballgame'.

I might even cheer. Shhh. Don't tell anyone.

XM to air entire MLB season

2009-04-03T12:26:00.001-05:00

NEW YORK – April 3, 2009 – SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that XM Radio will air every game of the 2009 MLB season live nationwide starting with Opening Night, April 5, when the World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies will host the Atlanta Braves at 8:00 pm ET at Citizens Bank Park. Listeners from coast to coast will hear the Phillies radio broadcast for the game, featuring legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas, Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen, on XM channel 175.

MLB Home Plate, SIRIUS XM’s 24-hour baseball talk channel, will broadcast live on Opening Night from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia prior to the Phillies-Braves game. Scott Graham and former Major League catcher and manager Buck Martinez will host a pre-game special from 5:00-8:00 pm, interviewing players and talking to fans around the country as a lead-in to that night’s game and the start of the 2009 season.

The following day, April 6, XM will carry all 13 games from MLB’s traditional Opening Day. Through the regular season and post-season, XM will air every game from all 30 Major League teams on XM channels 175 to 189. A schedule of upcoming MLB games on XM can be found at www.xmradio.com/mlb. Listeners can also get Spanish-language broadcasts of games on MLB En Espanol, XM channel 174.

On Monday, April 6, MLB Home Plate host and former Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox manager Kevin Kennedy will report live from Fenway Park in Boston before the Red Sox play the Tampa Bay Rays and from 1:00-4:00 pm ET, Seth Everett and former Mets GM Jim Duquette will host a special edition of their daily MLB Home Plate show, Power Alley, live from Camden Yards in Baltimore before the Orioles face the New York Yankees.

"Once again XM listeners will have access to every Major League Baseball game with no blackouts or exclusions,” said Scott Greenstein, SIRIUS XM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “So no matter where they live, fans won’t miss a game involving their favorite team. Plus, they’ll be treated to game calls from some of the game’s legendary voices like Vin Scully, Harry Kalas, Bob Uecker and others.”

In addition to live play-by-play coverage, SIRIUS XM offers baseball fans 24 hour coverage of the game on MLB Home Plate, the only radio channel dedicated to covering Major League Baseball seven days a week, 365 days a year. Now available to both XM and SIRIUS subscribers (XM channel 175, SIRIUS channel 210 with the “Best of XM” programming package), MLB Home Plate offers the most comprehensive radio coverage of the Major Leagues with a daily lineup of talk shows hosted by baseball experts and insiders like Cal Ripken Jr., Bill Ripken, Rob Dibble, Jim Duquette, Kevin Kennedy, Buck Martinez and others.

“MLB Home Plate offers both XM and SIRIUS listeners a true insider’s look at the game,” said Greenstein. “Our hosts provide the kind of perspective that can only be learned as a big league player, manager or front office executive. Listeners can hear compelling interviews with players and managers every day and fans can call in to talk about the topics that are on their minds.”

MLB Home Plate Daily Schedule: (All times ET)

Weekdays
· 7 – 10 am: Baseball This Morning with Scott Graham and Buck Martinez
· 10 am – 1 pm: Power Alley with Seth Everett, Jim Duquette and Billy Ripken
· 1 – 4 pm: Inside Pitch with Jeff Joyce and Kevin Kennedy
· 3 – 6 pm: The Show with Jody McDonald and Rob Dibble
· 6 – 7 pm: XM PreGame (Fantasy 411 6pm – 8pm Fridays with Mike Siano and Cory Schwartz)
· 7 - 10 pm: Game (8p-11p Fridays after Fantasy 411)
· 10 pm – 2am: MLB Live with Joe Castellano

Saturdays
· 8 – 10 am: Minors and Majors with Grant Paulsen
· 10 am – 1 pm: Talking Baseball with Ed Randall
· 1 pm – 4 pm: Game
· 4 pm – 7 pm: MLB Live Weekend with Casey Stern
· 7 pm – 10 pm: Game
· 10 pm – 2 am: MLB Live Weekend with Lee Hamilton

Sundays
· 8 – 10 am: Minors and Majors with Grant Paulsen
· 10 am – 1 pm: MLB Live Weekend with Holden Kushner
· 1 pm – 4 pm: Game
· 4 pm – 8 pm: MLB Live Weekend with Lee Hamilton
· 8 pm – 11 pm: Game
· 11 pm – 2 am: MLB Live Weekend with Joe Castellano

**This schedule is subject to change based on game schedule.

For more information please visit www.xmradio.com/mlb.

Fans to watch Reds BP in Dayton

2009-04-02T11:49:00.001-05:00

DAYTON, OH—The Dayton Dragons announced today that Fifth Third Field gates will open at the special time of 1:00 p.m. for Saturday’s 3:05 p.m. Reds Futures Game. Gates are opening one hour earlier than normal for this historic game to allow fans the opportunity to view pre-game activities.

“While we normally do not open the ballpark for batting practice, the Dragons feel that the significance of this event creates special circumstances,” said Robert Murphy, Dragons President. “If the Reds and the Futures Team are able to take batting practice, we want fans to have the opportunity to see it.”

The Reds and the Futures Team are both tentatively scheduled to take batting practice on Saturday. The special 1:00 p.m. opening would allow fans to be present for both rounds. However, batting practice for either team could be waived at the Reds discretion based on weather, travel and/or their arrival time to Fifth Third Field.

Tentative Batting Practice Times

Futures Team: 12:55-1:40 p.m.
Reds: 1:40-2:25 p.m.

The Reds Futures Game offers fans a unique opportunity to see the Reds Major League players along with their best minor league prospects from the Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A levels. Many current Reds players played for the Dragons including first baseman Joey Votto, outfielders Jay Bruce and Chris Dickerson, third baseman Edwin Encarnacion, and pitchers Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey. Many players on the Futures Team also played for the Dragons including infielder Todd Frazier, outfielder Drew Stubbs, shortstop Chris Valaika, and third baseman Juan Francisco.

The Reds Futures Game at Fifth Third Field is believed to be the first time that a Major League team has played a collection of its top prospects in the ballpark where many of those players once played.

A limited number of lawn tickets remain available for the game. Lawn tickets are $12.00. Lawn tickets can be purchased at the Fifth Third Field Box Office, by calling (937) 228-BATS (2287), or by emailing dragons@daytondragons.com. More information is available at www.daytondragons.com. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

An ode to ink on my fingers

2009-04-01T19:48:00.003-05:00

Stored inside a cabinet in my basement office are acid-free boxes designed to preserve history. If you believe everything that's been written and said lately about the demise of newspapers, the boxes protect living fossils.

Alongside clips of stories I've written resides my personal collection of historic newspapers.

One features the complete text of Abraham Lincoln's second annual message to the nation from December 1862, taking up one-third of the front and back pages.

Another from 1796 discusses the transfer of land which would one day become Dayton, Ohio, signed in text by then-President of the United States George Washington.

I have Civil War papers, World War II papers, sports pages from the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's, a Washington Times that tells the story of Babe Ruth's "called shot" in the 1932 World Series -- although Grantland Rice's tome doesn't mention that Ruth called the shot -- and an 1870 New York Times that recaps a game involving the Cincinnati Red Stockings of George and Harry Wright fame.

This is history, my friends.

Newspaper printed pre-1900 was composed of a mixture of cotton and linen making it virtually indestructible. A 1916 New York Times crumbles at the slightest touch, while papers from the 1700's are as prestine as the moment they were being read by Revolutionaries.

At my fingertips are moments in time captured in ink. Everything from the weather, to various aspects of daily life including classified ads, which most often are entertaining.

Some have fingerprints, coffee stains, cigarette or cigar burns. On December 2, 1862, who was reading the paper that I hold in my hands nearly 150 years later?

As I ponder the so-called "death" of newspapers, I often consider the journalistic loss, the disappearance of our last great democratic watch-dog. But, I also think about the romance that will be lost, the romance which drew me into this business in the first place.

Perhaps in a past life I sat on a train alongside Rice, Red Smith or Ring Lardner, in a smoke-filled cabin en route to the next town where I'll wax poetic in type-set about war, politics, or Ty Cobb.

Despite our difficult economic times, the historical significance of newspapers still is valued in this country.

When Obama was elected President, newspapers flew off the racks and from newstands throughout the country as citizens horded them as keepsakes. We didn't print off web pages and race to Hobby Lobby to have them framed.

From the Titanic to Pearl Harbor to 9/11, newspapers were our window to the world and its most tragic and celebratory stories.

I eat lunch in Downtown Cincinnati most days, and I always take a moment to scan my surroundings to see how many people are reading newspapers. In short, a lot.

USA Today, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Cincinnati Enquirer are the most popular.

The internet is the future, and newspapers are scrambing to keep up. There are many difficult challenges ahead. But, as we look forward to the future of newspapers and consider their value in present society, let's not forget what they've meant to us all along.

When my son, Benjamin, was born on March 3, 2009, I made sure to keep a copy of the Enquirer from that date. It's in an acid-free box in my office, not far from Abraham Lincoln.

What's new at Great American Ball Park?

2009-04-01T15:34:00.003-05:00

Reds fans can look forward to these changes at 100 Joe Nuxhall Way during the 2009 season:

$5 Tickets and Menu Items

- $5 Single Game Tickets: $5 Outer View Level tickets are back to give fans a great value throughout the season. Tickets are in sections 509-510 and 536-537 (corners of the upper deck) and are available in advance and on game days, if available. The $5 tickets are available for all regular season games except for Opening Day.

- $1 Menu Items: $1 hot dog, $1 12 oz. Coca-Cola sodas, $1 bag of peanuts, $1 popcorn, $1 ice cream cup...available at two concessions on the fi rst base side, in the Fan Zone and on the View Level.

- $5 14 oz. draft beer: Sold at all beer stands except in club and suite levels

- $7 adult value meal: Regular hot dog, 16 oz. Coca-Cola soda and small chips or snack (18 locations)

- $5 kids value meal: Kids hot dog, small Coca-Cola soda, snack and baseball card (10 locations)

New Ballpark Features:

- HD Scoreboard Displays: New 140-foot x 40-foot High Definition scoreboard/videoboard in left fi eld...new HD “out of town” scoreboard display on the left fi eld fence...768 feet of new digital ribbon boards that wrap almost all the way around the stadium...NL standings displays on the right field light towers.

- FOX Sports Ohio Champions Club: A renovated Club 4192 is now the all-inclusive FOX Sports Ohio Champions Club, featuring a buffet with everything from hot dogs and burgers to subs and pasta, plus unlimited non-alcoholic beverages...and the new Champions Club Boxes featuring “race track-style” boxes and an outdoor bar. Over 40 LCD HDTV’s are prominently displayed in the Champions Club.

- Toyota Tundra: A brand new, bright red, Toyota Tundra is back at GABP for ‘09...and this year there is a “Hit Me” sign located between the Power Stacks in right field. If a Reds player hits the sign, a lucky fan will win the Tundra.

- Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola is now the official soft drink of the Reds. There is a new Coca-Cola sign on top of the scoreboard, complete with the iconic Coca-Cola script logo in red and white.

Two new exhibits at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum:

- Crosley Field Remembered: Visitors to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum will be immersed in the sights, sounds and feel of Crosley Field, the ballpark the Reds called home from 1912-1970. Unique visual representations, artifacts and interactive elements combine to bring Crosley Field back to life.

- Negro Leagues and Cincinnati: Through images, fi lm and artifacts, visitors will be able to take a glimpse at a part of Cincinnati baseball often forgotten or ignored. Negro Leagues and Cincinnati will enlighten and remind you of the importance baseball played in Cincinnati to all people.

Reds Go Green

- Recycling: Comprehensive recycling program with Rumpke for all plastics and paper waste with over 100 recycling containers throughout the ballpark

- Carbon Credits: In partnership with Duke Energy, the Reds purchased carbon credits to offsets the estimated fossil fuel emissions associated with the game day operation of GABP for Opening Day and on April 24 in recognition of Earth Day. The purchased carbon emission offsets will assist funding of the Nuevo Chimbote Municipal Solid Waste Composting Project in Peru.

Gillette Civil Rights Game Celebration, June 19-21

- The Reds are honored to host the Gillette Civil Rights Game, with a weekend full of events June 19-21. Held as part of the Major League regular season for the fi rst time, the Civil Rights Game pays tribute and celebrates our country’s most significant era of social change and honors MLB’s involvement.

- An awards luncheon featuring national icons and a youth summit on Fountain Square are a few of the events scheduled for the weekend. The Gillette Civil Rights Game vs. Chicago White Sox on Saturday, June 20 at 7:10 p.m. will feature both teams wearing 1964 throwback uniforms.

After 58 years, Sheppard silenced

2009-04-01T15:03:00.008-05:00

When the New York Yankees are introduced on Opening Day at their new stadium, the crowd might not be listening to Bob Sheppard's voice for the first time in more than a half-century.

Sheppard, the venerable Voice of the Yankees who from 1951 to 2006 did not miss an Opening Day, is retiring, according to the New York Times.

Sheppard's resounding monotone style was a signature at Yankee Stadium, where he bellowed out the lineups for some of the Bronx Bombers' greatest teams.

"Now batt-ing for the Yank-ees, Number 2, Derek Jee-tah, Jee-tah", would echo throughout the cavernous confines of Yankee Stadium.

Sheppard's first announced lineup in 1951 included Mickey Mantle, Phil Rizzuto, Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra. Now, it appears the 98-year old Sheppard has had enough.

I've visited 30 Major League ballparks. What I remember most about my initial visit to Yankee Stadium is hearing Sheppard's voice for the first time.
He's a true baseball treasure who'll be sorely missed.

http://tinyurl.com/cgo4jm

Futures Roster Announced for Historic Game

2009-03-31T08:34:00.004-05:00

DAYTON, OH—An unprecedented collection of Major League prospects will appear at Fifth Third Field on Saturday as part of the historic Reds Futures Game.

The top five prospects in the Reds organization (based on Baseball America’s 2009 Top Prospects List) and most players on the Reds top 30 prospect list are scheduled to play in the game. The “Futures” will play the Cincinnati Reds in the Reds final pre-season game of 2009.

This is believed to be the first time ever that such a highly-regarded group of prospects has played against a major league team in a ballpark where many of the prospects once played on their climb toward the big leagues. Twenty-two (22) of the 29 players on the Futures Team roster have played for the Dayton Dragons.

Thirteen (13) of the top fourteen (14) position-player prospects in the Reds organization are scheduled to play in the game. Additionally, eight pitchers who are listed among the top 30 Reds prospects by Baseball America are scheduled to play. The Futures Team roster includes players from Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A.

Highlighting the Futures Team Roster is the Reds 2008 first round pick and the seventh overall selection of the 2008 draft, first baseman Yonder Alonso. Alonso is currently the top-rated prospect in the Reds organization. Infielder-Outfielder Todd Frazier (#2 prospect), outfielder Drew Stubbs (#3 prospect), shortstop Chris Valaika (#4 prospect), and outfielder Yorman Rodriguez (#5 prospect) are also scheduled to play.

Alonso was one of college baseball’s top players last spring at the University of Miami. He led the Hurricanes to the College World Series and was a 1st Team All-American selection. He hit .370 with 24 home runs and led the nation in walks. His swing produces power to the alleys and is considered a perfect fit for Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark.

“Alonso is the rare hitter who has both plus power and the swing and pitch awareness to hit for a high average as well,” said Baseball America.

Frazier, who played for the Dragons in 2008, was the Reds supplemental first round draft pick in 2007. Frazier first gained national attention in 1998 when he led Toms River, New Jersey to the Little League World Series title. In his first full-season of professional baseball in 2008, Frazier belted 19 home runs and batted a combined .291 between Dayton and Sarasota.

Stubbs and Valaika were both members of the Dragons in 2007. Stubbs was the Reds first round draft pick in 2006 and finished the 2008 season by batting .293 in Triple-A with Louisville. Valaika was the Reds 2008 Minor League Player of the Year when he batted .317 to lead all Reds minor league players. He also hit 18 home runs and drove in 81 runs as a shortstop.

Rodriguez is the youngest player on the Futures Team at age 16. He signed with the Reds last year and was given the largest signing bonus ever awarded a Venezuelan player. He will make his professional debut in 2009 and is considered to be a power-hitter with blazing speed.

Other top 10 prospects in the Reds organization who are scheduled to play are third baseman Neftali Soto (#7 prospect), third baseman Juan Francisco (#8 prospect), and catcher Devin Mesoraco (#10 prospect).

The remainder of the Futures Team roster includes shortstop Zack Cozart (#19 prospect); outfielders Chris Heisey (#22 prospect), Danny Dorn (#23 prospect), and Sean Henry; catchers Craig Tatum (#28 prospect) and Chris Denove; and pitchers Jordan Smith (#13 prospect), Josh Roenicke (#14 prospect), Zach Stewart (#15 prospect), Dallas Buck (#21 prospect), Carlos Fisher (#24 prospect), Pedro Viola (#25 prospect), Sean Watson (#26 prospect), Robert Manuel (#27 prospect), Misael DeJesus, Ramon Geronimo, Aguido Gonzalez, Daniel Ray Herrera, Curtis Partch, Mace Thurman, and Philippe Valiquette.

Roenicke, Viola, and Herrera are still in contention to make the Reds major league opening day roster.

Notes on Other Members of the Reds Futures Team

Neftali Soto
Soto had a huge half-season in 2008 when he batted .340 with 11 home runs and 47 runs batted in while playing in 67 games with the Dragons and Billings. He moved to third base in 2008 after being drafted as a shortstop in the third round in 2007.

Juan Francisco
Francisco is the top power hitter in the Reds organization. With the Dragons in 2007, he led the Midwest League with 25 home runs and then followed that with 23 homers at Sarasota in 2008 to league all Reds minor leaguers.

Devin Mesoraco
Mesoraco was the Reds first round draft pick in 2007 after earning the Pennsylvania High School Player of the Year award earlier that spring. Mesoraco was only the third catcher ever drafted in the first round by the Reds. He played for the Dragons in 2008.

Zack Cozart
Cozart was the Midwest League’s all-star shortstop with the Dragons in 2008 after being selected in the second round by the Reds in the 2007 draft. Cozart was also selected as the Best Defensive Infielder in the Reds organization by Baseball America.

Danny Dorn
Dorn has been an outstanding hitter over three seasons in minor league baseball. He has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the last two years and has posted a career batting average of .297. Dorn looks like a steal as a 32nd round draft pick in 2006 out of Cal State-Fullerton.

Robert Manuel
Manuel was honored by MiLB.com as the top relief pitcher in Minor League Baseball in 2008. He pitched in 52 games and allowed only 12 earned runs all season with a 1.25 earned run average, mostly with Double-A Chattanooga.

Zach Stewart
Stewart began his professional career with the Dragons in 2008 after being selected in the third round out of Texas Tech University. He fired 96 mile per hour fastballs in his first game and allowed only one earned run in 11 appearances with the Dragons, notching a 0.55 earned run average.

The $50 Million Dollar Man

2009-03-30T20:19:00.002-05:00

Stephen Strasburg is, by most accounts, not human.

The San Diego State pitcher averages 19.4 strikeouts per innings. Put into some semblance of perspective, this means he pushes the MLB strikeout record every 9-inning outing.

His fastball reportedly reaches 103-mph. He has knee-buckling off-speed stuff, which is grossly unfair. At last check he was 5-0 with a 1.87 ERA. So he can be scored upon, albiet rarely.

Not at all surprising is that fact that Strasburg is represented by Scott Boras, the one man willing to place an obscene enough dollar amount on what scouts have dubbed a once-in-a-decade talent. One report has Boras asking $50 million, give or take a million.

So, the Strasburg Watch begins. Will it be the Nationals, Rockies ... ? Which team will be bad enough to earn the opportunity to draft him? Which team will be brave enough to sign him on Boras' terms? Is Strasburg really this good? Is anyone, for that matter?

http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/032309aad.html

He's a funny guy

2009-03-30T09:22:00.003-05:00

During my 10 years covering the team, the Reds clubhouse has had its share of psuedo-comedians.

Pete Harnisch's thick Brooklyn-esque accent and incessant practical jokes.

Adam Dunn's self-deprecating humor.

David Weather's southern drawl and down-home metaphors.

But, none quite compare to resident funny man Kent Mercker.

Reds fans will get a taste of Mercker's comedic charm when he debuts on the Reds Radio Network this week, broadcasting spring training games Wed., Thur, and Sat. Mercker might also be part of the regular season Reds radio rotation.

Mercker, a Dublin, Ohio native, pitched for 18 seasons in the major leagues for the Braves, Orioles, Indians, Cardinals, Red Sox, Angels, Rockies, Cubs and Reds (1997, 2003, 2005-06, 2008).

You have to be present to win

2009-03-30T08:42:00.004-05:00

I'm not naive enough to believe Sean Miller will retire as Xavier's head basketball coach. The once-in-a-lifetime job he'd be crazy to pass up will one day come. But, the time is not now, and Kentucky is not that job.

Besides, Miller realizes that leaving XU now would be like exiting the party just before they hand out the door prizes.

Coaches always are looking ahead, and Miller sees the promised land in the nearby distance. Next year's Muskies could be scary good, and he knows it.

"Something special", Miller called it.

Two of the best players on the team didn't play this season -- Jordan Crawford and Mark Lyons. Incoming freshman small forward Kevin Parrom could be an instant contributor next year.

Crawford sat out this season after transferring from Indiana. Lyons was ruled ineligible due to courses at Brewster Academy, a prep school in Wolfeboro, N.H., that did not meet core NCAA standards. Both practiced with the team and were impressive, in particular Crawford.

Add to them returnees Derrick Brown, Jason Love, Kenny Frease, Terrell Holloway, Dante Jackson, Brad Redford, Jamel McLean and ... well, you can understand Miller's optimism.

It's hard to find a weakness.

Again, not to sound naive, but Miller is the first XU coach that I believe could be in town for the long-haul.

One, the University now is in position to compensate him fairly.

Two, he has top-notch facilities and an established recruiting base.

Three, Cincinnati is a city where his family feels comfortable.

One day the lure of a stronger conference and the opportunity to compete annually for a national title might steer Miller clear of Victory Parkway.

In the near-term, the spoils of success are his ... right here at Xavier.

For now.

A taste of spring

2009-01-12T16:24:00.002-05:00

With plummeting temperatures and snow in the forecast, why not warm up with a little baseball talk?

The Reds' Hot Stove League show will be broadcast live at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum’s Palace of the Fans Theater.

The broadcast is open to the public, with free admission to the RHOF after 5 p.m. The Hot Stove League show also can be heard on 700 WLW Radio and via the internet at Reds.com/hotstove.

Reds' Dickerson does his part

2009-01-12T15:58:00.005-05:00

Let me get this straight, there's a Major League Baseball Player who cares as much for the environment as he does about his stats and stock portfolio?

It's true.

Reds outfielder Chris Dickerson is a rare combination of speed, athleticism, and social consciousness.

Through his efforts, Dickerson has taken his "green" initiative beyond the Reds clubhouse to other MLB teams, pro athletes in other sports, and beyond.

Dickerson hit .304 with 6 home runs and 15 RBI last season in 31 games. In his spare time, he saves the world.

http://weplaygreen.org/

Results are in: Rickey runs into HOF

2009-01-12T14:32:00.004-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 12, 2009

Henderson and rice elected to hall of fame

COOPERSTOWN, NY) – Rickey Henderson, baseball’s all-time stolen bases and runs scored leader, and power-hitting outfielder Jim Rice were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in balloting verified by Ernst & Young. They will be inducted into the Hall July 26 at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Henderson and Rice will be honored along with former Yankees and Indians second baseman Joe Gordon, who was elected last month by the Veterans Committee. The July 26 Induction Ceremony will also include the presentation of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting to Tony Kubek and the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for baseball writing to Nick Peters.

In the BBWAA election, 539 ballots, including two blanks, were cast by members with 10 or more consecutive years of service. Players must be named on 75 percent of ballots submitted to be elected. This year, 405 votes were required. Twenty-seven votes were needed to stay on the ballot.

Henderson was listed on 511 ballots (94.8%) to win election in his first year on the ballot. He becomes the 44th player to be elected by the BBWAA in his first year eligible.

Rice was listed on 412 ballots (76.4%) in his 15th and final time on the BBWAA ballot. He becomes the third player elected by the BBWAA in his final year of eligibility, following Red Ruffing (1967) and Ralph Kiner (1975). Rice received seven votes more than the minimum needed for election.

This marks the 24th time the BBWAA has elected two Hall of Famers in the same year. The two new Hall of Famers bring to 289 the number of elected members of the Hall. Of that total, 202 are former major league players, of which 108 have been through the BBWAA ballot. Henderson and Rice are the 20th and 21st left fielders elected and the first since Carl Yastrzemski in 1989. No other position had gone longer without a new Hall of Famer.

Henderson, 50, is Major League Baseball’s career leader in stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295) and is second all-time in walks (2,190). He was named to 10 All-Star teams and was the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player with the Oakland A’s, with whom he won a World Series title in 1989. Henderson, who played for nine teams over 25 big league seasons, also won a World Series ring in 1993 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. He holds the Major League Baseball record for steals in a season with 130, which he set in 1982 with the A’s, and he holds the big league record of 81 home runs leading off games. Henderson received the 13th-highest voting percentage ever, finishing right behind Babe Ruth (95.1%) and just ahead of Willie Mays (94.7%)

Rice, 55, spent his entire 16-year big league career with the Boston Red Sox. The 1978 American League Most Valuable Player finished in the top five of the AL MVP voting five other times, finishing second to teammate Fred Lynn in the 1975 AL Rookie of the Year voting. He led the AL in homers three times, hit .300-or-better seven times and was selected to eight All-Star Games. He is the only player in history to post three straight seasons of 35-plus home runs and 200-plus hits. He finished his career with a .298 batting average, 382 home runs and 1,451 RBIs.

Andre Dawson (361 votes, 67%) and Bert Blyleven (338 votes, 62.7%) were the only other players listed on more than half of the ballots. Rounding out the top 10 were: Lee Smith (240 votes, 44.5%); Jack Morris (237 votes, 44.0%); Tommy John (171 votes, 31.6%); Tim Raines (122 votes, 22.6%); Mark McGwire (118 votes, 21.9%); and Alan Trammell (94 votes, 17.4%).

Players remain on the ballot for up to 15 years provided they receive at least five percent of the vote. Players who will return to the ballot next year include: Dawson, Blyleven, Smith, Morris, Raines, McGwire, Trammell, Dave Parker, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy and Harold Baines.

Tommy John, who received 31.7% of the vote in his 15th-and-final year of BBWAA ballot eligibility, will be eligible for Veterans Committee consideration in the fall of 2010.

Of the 10 newcomers to the ballot, Henderson was elected and nine others did not receive sufficient support of five percent or more to stay on the ballot.

The vote: Rickey Henderson 511 (94.8%); Jim Rice 412 (76.4%); Andre Dawson 361 (67.0%); Bert Blyleven 338 (62.7%); Lee Smith 240 (44.5%); Jack Morris 237 (44.0%); Tommy John 171 (31.7%); Tim Raines 122 (22.6%); Mark McGwire 118 (21.9%); Alan Trammell 94 (17.4%); Dave Parker 81 (15.0%); Don Mattingly 64 (11.9%); Dale Murphy 62 (11.5%); Harold Baines 32 (5.9%); Mark Grace 22 (4.1%); David Cone 21 (3.9%); Matt Williams 7 (1.3%); Mo Vaughn 6 (1.1%); Jay Bell 2 (0.4%); Jesse Orosco 1 (0.2%); Ron Gant 0; Dan Plesac 0; Greg Vaughn 0.

When does the NFL game begin?

2008-09-28T19:55:00.003-05:00

That was the running joke among reporters in the press box Sunday afternoon at Paul Brown Stadium.

For 60 agonizingly long minutes the winless Browns and Bengals bumbled and stumbled their way through four quarters.

More than 45 minutes had been played before the first touchdown was scored. The score was 6-3, at that point.

Bengals quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who attended Harvard, which means he's smart enough to choose an alternative profession, threw three interceptions in relief of the injured Carson Palmer.

Eric Wright had one of those interceptions. He returned it 23 yards, then fumbled.

Cue the calliope.

The two teams combined for 15 penalites, and seven turnovers.

Oh, by the way, Cleveland won the game 20-12. The Bengals are 0-4 for the first time since 2002.

What a difference six seasons makes? Well, very little, apparently.

How I spent my "off-day" Saturday ...

2008-09-28T19:50:00.005-05:00

Small, but not in stature

2008-09-28T19:29:00.004-05:00

Cincinnati Country Day and Summit Country Day are among the smallest schools I'll cover on my high school sports beat for the Cincinnati Enquirer.

CCD has 34 players on varsity, Summit 41. Add them up, and it's still nearly 50 fewer than Division I power St. Xavier.

With tuition costs ranging from $15,000 to $18,000, the kids at CCD and SCDS are the best of the best academically.

But, booksmarts and checkbooks don't mean a thing when these two schools hook up on the gridiron. Annually one of the area's most heated small-school rivalries, CCD/Summit is as good as it gets.

Friday night, CCD clearly was the better team, routing the Silver Knights 21-0.

Although I didn't intend to be, I was included in the post-game celebration when the Indians players decided to dump the celebratory ice bucket over head coach Tim Dunn ... while I was interviewing him.

Thanks for the cold shower. I needed that pick-me-up on deadline.

My Enquirer game story:

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080926/SPT030101/309260098/

Ballpark battered, shattered

2008-09-17T16:12:00.003-05:00

Shattered windows in the press box at Great American Ball Park serve as a lingering reminder of Sunday's hurricane-force winds. Still unsure whether the tattered glass could withstand an impact from a foul ball, some reporters, including your's truly, relocated to the second row.

It's an ill wind ...

2008-09-17T14:29:00.002-05:00

Well, we could tell it was windy Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

Debris was flying, footballs were doing dances in mid-air, and coaches, players and fans were doing their best to secure anything not nailed down.

But, it wasn't until phone calls from harried family members began pinging the press box did reporters at the Bengals/Titans game realize the extent of the situation's seriousness.

The remnants of Hurricane Ike, combined with a strong cold front, whipped up hurricane-force winds, causing more than 900,000 power outages and numerous reports of damage.

After watching the Bengals bungle their way to a 24-7 defeat, and their first 0-2 start since 2003, I fought my way through the gale and arrived at my car which was parked in a downtown surface lot.

My rear window was shattered, sirens blared as emergency vehicles raced past on streets littered with debris ranging from tree limbs to more substantial chunks of roofing. Then, the horrifying news that four people had lost their lives that day.

It's a Sunday afternoon few Cincinnati residents will soon forget.

Upset front and center

2008-09-17T14:15:00.005-05:00

Space in the sports page is often pre-determined, but more often events dictate where a story is slotted.

With Sycamore High expected to roll to an easy victory over Hamilton, no photographer was assigned to the game, and I was planning to spin my lede toward the following week, and the Aviator's much-anticipated clash with Colerain.

But, the Big Blue had other ideas.

Hamilton's 21-14 upset caused a change of plans, with me scrambling for a new angle, and the copy desk promoting the story to C1.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080912/SPT030101/309120076/

St. Excellent

2008-09-17T14:08:00.002-05:00

Few high school football venues provide the media with amenities on par with Cincinnati St. Xavier.

Printed rosters, running stats on our laptops, a live internet connection, press passes, assigned press box seat, and a pretty solid spread of food at halftime.

If reporters can survive the breathless excursion from the field to the press box, the lofty perch is well worth the trip.

First class.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080905/SPT030101/309050103/

Photography 101

2008-09-15T12:04:00.000-05:00

Fox Sports Aruba

2008-08-21T19:56:00.004-05:00

Ahh, Aruba. The ultimate get-away. An escape from the daily grind of the baseball season. Or, so I thought.

While vacationing in Aruba with my wife a couple years ago, we decided to sign up for a pub crawl.

Our plan: get away from the tourist traps, catch some of the local flare, consume a few Balashi's.

Near the end of our trip, and three-sheets beyond the wind, we arrive at a rickety destination in the outskirts of Paradise.

Tiny neighborhood pub with wood floors, oozing with island character, on an off-the-beaten path in Aruba, situated barely 15 miles from the coast of Venezuela.

And, what do I hear emanating from the television? No kidding, it was the all-too familiar chimings of George Grande and Chris Welsh.

Of all the satellite viewing options available to them, this random watering hole in Paradise chose Reds baseball on FSN Ohio.

For me, there is truly no escape.

Another Pulse Weekly revamp

2008-08-20T11:57:00.004-05:00

Through the years, Pulse Weekly Newspaper has survived a major name change, shift in ownership, economic downturns, and a revolving door at its editorial offices.

Now, it's about to undergo yet another transformation by the end of the year. More information to come.

For now, visit my blog/column section at the Pulse Weekly web site:

http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Category=6

As always, thanks for reading, particularly our loyal Downtown Cincinnati lunch crowd. What would we do without you?

Dunn's shrunken heads

2008-08-18T12:56:00.003-05:00

Hall of Fame beat writer Hal McCoy and I were milling around the Reds clubhouse Sunday morning waiting to speak to some players when we happened upon Adam Dunn's now vacant locker.

Dunn and his possessions have since departed for Arizona, but a few remain. Namely, some ominous African artifacts still affixed to the wall.

The Cubs have the goat, Red Sox the Babe. McCoy and I decided the Reds must have the curse of "the masks".

http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/cincinnatireds/

It's that time again

2008-08-18T12:01:00.003-05:00

I remember it well.

The time of year when the sweltering heat of two-a-days evolved into the eager anticipation of game nights.

The Enquirer today published its Ohio high school football preview.

Below is my feature on North College Hill standout Everett Horne, who became the University of Cincinnati's first commitment for the 2009 season.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080818/SPT030101/808180324/

Chris Gruler rights his ship

2008-08-18T10:52:00.004-05:00

Just think, you're a No. 1 draft choice fresh out of high school with a $2.5 million signing bonus burning a hole in your pocket.

Barely four years, and three shoulder surgeries later, you're walking through Home Depot when your cell phone rings.

The caller says, "You're finished".

Chris Gruler's story is a true baseball tragedy. But, he no longer sees it that way.

By Jeff Wallner/Special to MLB.com

CINCINNATI -- Chris Gruler was strolling through Home Depot one February afternoon in 2006 when his cell phone rang. The news wasn't good.

Gruler, a promising right-handed pitching prospect, had been drafted No. 1 (third overall) by the Reds in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. But after multiple shoulder surgeries and ill-fated comeback attempts, the Reds released him.

"It wasn't something I had planned for," Gruler said. "At first it was devastating. I felt like I let my family and friends down. I can't imagine how many hours my parents put into Little League and showcases."

At Liberty High School in Brentwood, Calif., Gruler wowed scouts with a 96-mph fastball and devastating overhand curve. As a senior, he went 4-3 with a 1.49 ERA in 11 games, including seven starts, striking out 135 batters in 66 innings.

The Reds rewarded Gruler with a $2.5 million signing bonus, amid much fanfare. Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench, working as a consultant to the Reds, compared Gruler to Hall of Fame hurler Tom Seaver, saying

Gruler had "a better changeup and breaking ball" than the storied Reds pitcher.

Barely four years later, Gruler was out of work.

"I had a hard time sleeping," he said. "Things were not good in my life."

Gruler, who never advanced past Class A, went 3-5 with a 5.08 ERA in 27 Minor League appearances. He struck out 71 and walked 57 in 92 2/3 innings between 2002 and 2006, sandwiched around three shoulder reconstruction surgeries.

Gruler used acupuncture and both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing exercises to regain strength in his shoulder, but to no avail.

Following his release from the Reds, Gruler threw for a couple of teams in Tempe, Ariz., but his shoulder couldn't withstand the strain.

"I tried everything in the book," he said. "You tend to believe what you read about guys being overworked when they're young. But, you know, I wanted to pitch. I wanted to show my stuff. There's no right or wrong. I won't play the blame game. That's not me."

Gruler, who currently resides in Scottsdale, Ariz., channeled his disappointment into a new business venture.

He has teamed up with pal Erik Averill, a former big league pitcher, to form Protégé Branding, which helps professional athletes develop and strengthen their personal brand. Protégé lists ex-Major Leaguer Roberto Alomar among its clients.

Gruler had some advice for this year's No. 1 Draft choice Yonder Alonso, whom the Reds signed late Friday.

"You have to understand baseball is a business," Gruler said. "Appreciate the opportunity that's been given to you. I had to learn the hard way."

Gruler's in the process of writing a tell-all book about his experiences in the game, but says he harbors little bitterness resulting from his release.

"It would be easy for me to say the Reds could have done more," he said. "That would be selfish. A shoulder is such a complex surgery. They did as much as they could."

"Dude" is a Diamondback

2008-08-13T19:57:00.005-05:00

Early in his career, Adam Dunn's frequent use of the word "Dude" became a friendly joke among Reds beat writers. Dunn's perceived lackadaisical approach to the game and frequent defensive lapses were less amusing for Reds fans.

Truthfully, the Big Texan was his own harshest critic. Never have I encountered an athlete so self-deprecating.

I recall an interview in which Dunn was describing a sequence of pitches in a particular at-bat.

"I swung and missed," said Dunn. "Go figure."

Dunn considered himself to be an expert on few subjects - football and fishing being among them.

Side note: had the Texas Longhorns not chosen to move Dunn to tight end, he might have been playing quarterback on Sundays.

Don't misread, Dunn was bright, he just managed to stumble over his words at times.

In the visitors clubhouse in Cleveland a few years ago, Dunn overheard a teammate discussing Paris, France. Dunn bellowed, "Hey, does the Eiffel Tower really lean like they say it does?"

Realizing in an instant that he'd just confused the Eiffel Tower with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Dunn put a pillow over his face and hid in shame. Amid much laughter, of course.

Dunn's lumbering style and prodigious power is now on display in Arizona, where he will, much like his old teammate Ken Griffey Jr. in Chicago, try to take the Diamondbacks to the postseason.

Dunn's offensive production cannot be replaced by one player, certainly not via the Reds' budget. His presence in the clubhouse, both personally and professionally, also will be missed.

The Reds are in rapid rebuilding mode. When they return to Great American Ball Park this weekend, I won't be the only reporter asking, "Who are these guys?".

Griffey departure leaves void

2008-08-01T09:23:00.003-05:00

When the Reds return home Monday, the double-wide locker in the rear left-hand side of the home clubhouse will sit eerily empty.

For the first time since Great American Ball Park opened, Ken Griffey Jr.'s massive storage trunk and mountains of shoe boxes will be absent.

No longer will the future Hall of Fame outfielder sit at his locker and hold court (off the record, of course) with reporters and teammates, discussing life, family, and only on occasion baseball.

From that aspect, Griffey will be missed.

For the Reds, it was clearly time to move on.

Dunn, Hairston, Bruce makes more sense than scuffling a 38-year old outfielder to right field, and peering closely to uncover signs of his once glorious past. It makes more sense than picking up $16 million as a retirement option.

Griffey had earned the chance to chase his lone remaining goal - a World Series ring.

Griffey's body broke down, to no fault of his own, and the Reds failed in their promise to build a winner around him, but his eight seasons in a Reds uniform were historic nonetheless.

We saw Nos. 400, 500 and 600, and numerous other milestones.

We won't see him catch Sammy Sosa for fifth all-time, that'll happen in a White Sox uniform.

Reds fans rarely saw glimpses of the happy go-lucky "Kid" who endeared himself to baseball fans with his signature wall-crashing, highlight-reel catches at Seattle's Kingdome.

Reds fans likely will remember his spats with broadcasters, media members and them, uniform number flaps, and numerous disablings.

But, when Griffey waltzes to the podium at Cooperstown, likely as a first-ballot entrant, Reds fans should remember this:

Albeit for only a brief period, you witnessed greatness. With all its flaws.

Farewell No. 3.

Moving Day

2007-04-18T08:33:00.001-05:00

Follow the Reds with me throughout the 2007 season at Pulse Weekly's web site.

Here's the link to my weekly columns and daily blog page:

http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Category=6

Please adjust your links accordingly, if you so choose.

Thanks,

Jeff Wallner.

Blogging elsewhere

2007-04-12T20:12:00.000-05:00

The transition from Press Box View to my blog on the Downtowner Newspaper's web site is nearing completion.

For those who aren't aware, I've been covering the Reds since 1999 for the Downtowner, a free weekly newspaper distributed in Downtown Cincinnati, Mt. Lookout, Oakley, Hyde Park, Clifton, Northern Kentucky and elsewhere.

This, in addition to my work for the Enquirer, MLB.com, Associated Press among others.

My season credential with the Reds has always read "The Downtowner", but until now our paper did not have a web presence, hence the birth of Press Box View.

In short, you are all invited, and urged, to follow me over to my Downtowner blog, where I'll be posting Reds game updates, news as it breaks and an interesting anecdote or two throughout the baseball season.

Here's the link:

http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Category=6

Happy pre-Opening Day

2007-04-01T20:09:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a hectic, whirlwind of a weekend ... and it's not even Opening Day yet.

Dot, dot, dot ...

-Big surprise, Fifth Third Field in Dayton was sold out for Saturday's Reds/Marlins exhibition game. Early this season, the Dragons will reach 500 consecutive packed houses - that's more than seven straight seasons.

-Think being a sportswriter is a cushy existence? Perhaps it is, until a foul ball shatters the glass window inches above your head in the press box at Fifth Third Field in Dayton. At least Dragons media relations guru Mike Vander Wood was sympathetic. "Good thing it's shatter-proof glass," he told me.

-If you go to a Dayton Dragons game, Brixx Ice house has a solid beer selection located just steps from the ballpark.

-Sunday's pre-Opening Day workout at Great American Ball Park was a hectic day for me, especially since I was chasing news on both the Cubs and Reds for MLB.com. But, it was also a chance to reunite with a few people I hadn't seen in months:

Old pal Steve Stewart is still pounding the pavement for broadcasting gigs. Steve tells me was a finalist for a couple of TV and radio jobs, including one in San Diego he felt was a lock. For the time being, he's doing around 30 pre-game shows for FSN Ohio and working in the speaker bureau at Great American Ball Park.

Paula Faris is in town covering the Cubs for her NBC affiliate. The former 9Sports favorite is doing well in Chicago. In fact, Paula and her husband, John, are expecting their first child in August. They are living in a neighborhood a few miles north of Wrigley Field. Paula told me today she's still getting used to the Windy City's blistering pace.

Passed by Joe Nuxhall in the tunnel leading to the Reds clubhouse on Sunday. The 'Ol Left-hander said he's feeling "better". It'll be nice to hear his voice on radio on Opening Day.

-In regard to the team, Wayne Krivsky admitted to us on Sunday he's going to pull the trigger on a roster move prior to Monday's game. Will it be made within the organization? Trade? Stay tuned.

-I'm not a conspiracy theorist by nature, but lower back spasms come at an awful convenient time for the Reds and Eric Milton. Eric, take some time off, get things worked out, help us justify your salary. In the meantime, can we have your roster spot?

-Bobby Livingston for fifth starter. He's earned it.

-Josh Hamilton has impressed me on many fronts. First, he's restored his life from the darkest depths. In addition to his breadth of skills, did you know Hamilton could be the fastest player on the team? Met him formally for the first time Saturday in Dayton. He's personable, polite and relates well with his teammates. Hamilton spent more than a few minutes signing autographs following Sunday's workout. A beat writer told me Hamilton did the same thing at spring training.

Play ball!

The catcher(s) in the rye

2007-03-30T20:57:00.000-05:00

Even if Chad Moeller comes north, do the Reds really have three catchers?

David Ross is the Reds' starting catcher. Moeller is an adequate back-up.

Javier Valentin is a catcher by trade, but in reality he's a back-up first baseman and the club's top pinch hitter leading them in pinch-hits (12), pinch-homers (4, one-shy of the club record) and RBI (12) last season.

Late-spring injuries forced the Reds' hand in this respect.

Besides, I think too much is made about which players make the Opening Day roster. The Reds roster in April likely will be barely a shadow of itself by August.

Gia Farrell to perform on Opening Day

2007-03-30T19:46:00.000-05:00

I consider myself to be a knowledgeable music buff, but there are two genres I simply don't know much about. One is country. The other is the dance-pop-Christina Aguilera-Britney Spears ... well, you know the one.

While doing a little research for the festivities for Opening Day a question arose - who is Gia Farrell and why is she singing the National Anthem on our hallowed day at Great American Ball Park?

Turns out, Farrell is an 18-year old Atlanta Records recording artist from New York. Her song "Hit Me Up" reached No. 6 on the Australian charts and was featured in the animated film 'Happy Feet'.

Farrell is also a very lovely young lady, so gentleman keep your eyes on the flag.

Here it all starts ...

2007-03-30T19:32:00.000-05:00

Our Downtowner Newspaper site (www.pulsedt.com) and my subsequent blog remains a work in progress, so we'll keep Press Box View going for some time to come.

While the full-time Reds beat writers have already been going at it for a month or so, my work begins in earnest tomorrow with the start of a 72-hour MLB.com marathon, of sorts.

I leave for Dayton at around 9 a.m. to cover the Reds/Marlins exhibition game.

On Sunday morning, it's off to Great American Ball Park to pen notebooks on both the Cubs and Reds from the pre-Opening Day workouts.

Then, it's an early rise on Monday to spin a story on the Findlay Market Parade and all of the festivities, pomp and circumstance surrounding Opening Day before settling in for the game itself.

I'll link the stories as they are posted at Reds.com.

I must say, I was, and continued to be, impressed by the participants in the Reds blogosphere during this past offseason.

You provide hope that beneath the sparse attendance figures at Great American Ball Park and perceived apathy, there exists a knowledgeable and passionate base of Reds fans which is hungry for a winner.

Play ball!

Big changes at small paper

2007-03-21T07:39:00.000-05:00

The Cincinnati Downtowner Newspaper has been treading water for years as a free weekly paper distributed in the immediate downtown area. I've been serving as a sports columnist for the Downtowner since 1999, with Reds coverage being our bread and butter.

Well, big changes are afoot at our little weekly.

A managing editor and staff reporter have been hired, and the Downtowner announced this week that it is nearly tripling its editorial staff, expanding the paper with a new look, launching a web site and extending the distribution footprint beyond downtown into Northern Kentucky, Clifton and the eastern suburbs.

Since all Downtowner columnists will be maintaining blogs on the new web site, which will go live on March 28, Press Box View will ultimately vanish.

My new blog will be linked to my weekly Downtowner Newspaper column, which had no prior web exposure. I'll be adding live in-game reports and breaking news as it happens. Exciting stuff.

Here's the link to the new site (it'll be up in a week or so):

http://www.pulsedt.com/

The timing of the new Downtowner Newspaper's introduction coincides with our Opening Day issue/Findlay Market Parade insert, annually our most popular edition.

Change is good. Once the new blog is up and running, I'll pass along a link to my loyal readers and bloggers, particularly those in Reds land.

For those of you who work or reside within the Downtowner's new distribution area, pick up a copy. I think you'll be pleased with the new design and format.

Right of center

2007-03-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

Ok, it's official. When the opposing team's at bat this season, Ken Griffey Jr. will be standing a few steps to Ryan Freel's left.

I realize it's newsworthy that Griffey, in his prime considered one of the finest centerfielders of this era, is moving to right field.

But, it's not like Carson Palmer is being moved to wide receiver. Now, that'd be front page above the fold.

So, Reds manager Jerry Narron has spilled the beans. Now, Griffey will be probed and prodded to see if he's happy with the move. And, every time he sneezes in right field, the move will be documented and dissected to determine how well Griffey's adjusting to his new position.

Forget right field, can Griffey stay healthy enough to play a full season at any position?

Charlie "hustle"

2007-03-15T10:09:00.001-05:00

This was a common argument early in the Pete Rose saga - if he bet "for" the Reds to win, it's ok.

Rose was a habitual gambler, probably still is. Those addicted to gambling don't bet to lose. If they do, their bookies, or other shadowy figures prominent in their lives, are eventually going to come calling for their payday. That spells real trouble.

It all breeds corruption and, if let unattended to, results in another Black Sox scandal, which would make steroids look like baby aspirin by comparison.

So, less than 24 hours after the Reds Hall of Fame opened an exhibit in his honor, Rose again succeeded in dishonoring himself, his city and his hometown team.

He's proclaimed his love for the Reds by admitting during an ESPN Radio interview that he bet on his team "every night".

Great. Good form Pete.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070315/SPT04/703150351

Not a betting slip to be found

2007-03-14T18:22:00.000-05:00

For once, there's a place where Pete Rose can be remembered for milestones achieved on the field and not his missteps off it.

The Rose exhibit at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum opens on Saturday and continues until 2008.

Covered the press conference and exclusive preview event for MLB.com last evening.

Regardless of your feelings regarding Rose's reinstatement to baseball, Greg Rhodes and the entire staff at the Reds Hall of Fame deserve kudos for giving the playing career of baseball's all-time hits leader its just due.

Although, I'd like for Pete to get through a press conference without mentioning Las Vegas, dog tracks or horse racing, just once.

If Rose didn't have half a brain, he'd have half the hits.

Great American smoke out

2007-03-08T21:53:00.000-05:00

Hal McCoy can chew on his trademark cigar, but not light it. The Ol' Left-hander will need to find a new pastime while lounging in the home dugout during BP. Reds fans can smoke 'em if they've got 'em, but they must do so prior to entering the ballpark.

Good thing this didn't come down while Jack McKeon was managing.

Great American Ball Park is smoke free:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070308/BIZ01/303080046

Ohio's smoking ban is (in the process of) being enforced. The Reds are complying in the most efficient manner possible - a widespread, unconditional smoking ban applied throughout the facility.

With the notable exception of the Pepsi Power Stacks in centerfield, of course.

Xavier women punch first ticket

2007-03-06T21:16:00.000-05:00

The men's and women's basketball teams at Xavier share more in common than uniforms adorned with a blue 'X' and a home court at Cintas Center.

They both are led by top transfers - Drew Lavender and Joei Clyburn.

They both have a strong core of seniors - Justin Doellman, Justin Cage, Brandon Cole for the men, and Michelle Miller, Suntana Granderson, Miranda Green, DeAnna Mason for the women.

They both have young head coaches - Sean Miller and Kevin McGuff - who were top assistants at Xavier and elsewhere.

In just a few days, they'll share something else - an NCAA Tournament berth.

Xavier's women got it done Monday night with a 65-59 victory over St. Joseph's in the Atlantic 10 Tournament championship game at Cintas Center.

With XU beat reporter Dustin Dow swamped as he prepares for coverage of the men's A-10 Tournament which begins Wednesday in Atlantic City, I was pleased to fill in on covering the women's A-10 tourney semis and finals.

Link to my Enquirer story this morning:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/SPT0102/703060328/1065

March madness, sadness for some

2007-03-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

Just back from covering Xavier's womens hoops team in the Atlantic 10 conference tournament at Cintas Center for the Enquirer.

The Muskies overcame a 3-for-13 shooting performance from Amber Harris, their leading scorer and A-10 Rookie of the Year, and rallied to beat Temple 54-53.

Xavier will play St. Joseph's in Monday's championship game at 5 p.m. with the winner earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

St. Joseph's semifinal win today over George Washington, ranked No. 8 in the nation and on a 19-game winning streak, came as a surprise to most in attendance, including those close to the team. The upset loss left a Washington Post beat reporter and team officials scrambling to change flights and hotel arrangements.

As maligned as the A-10 has been among mens' basketball conferences, it's a pretty strong womens' league. In fact, if St. Joe's topples Xavier on Monday, the A-10 will likely get four teams into the NCAA Tournament - Xavier, GW, Temple, St. Joe's.

As for the Xavier mens' NCAA chances, these comments just in from ESPN:

Should be in: Xavier [23-7 (13-3), RPI: 32, SOS: 86] I've probably undersold Xavier in past editions of D65. Now that X is the co-champ of the A-10 after eight straight wins to close things out -- to go with nonconference wins over VCU, Villanova, Illinois and K-State -- the profile looks very solid for an at-large. The Musketeers need to avoid a quarterfinal A-10 flameout, but I like their chances a lot right now.

No inductee? No problem

2007-02-27T18:51:00.000-05:00

Aside from Cooperstown, New York's need for tourism dollars and Major League Baseball's own private initiatives, who's to say there has to be an induction ceremony at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum every summer?

Perhaps the Veterans Committee is sending the proper message but being overly stingy with its voting, failing to elect a single player in three consecutive votes.

Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark feels the committee's apparent lack of "cooperation" merits an investigation, of sorts.

"We are disappointed that no one has been elected in the three voting cycles," Forbes Clark said. "We will be evaluating this process and its trends at our next meeting ... and discussing whether there should be any changes."

What, like uncovering a new crop of more deserving candidates?

In my opinion, the National Baseball Hall of Fame was built for the likes of Ruth, Mays, Cobb and Aaron not Craig Biggio, who with his 3,000th hit this season will likely earn serious consideration.

The most unfortunate part of Forbes Clark's argument is ... she's right. The criteria for Hall of Fame candidacy has been diluted to the point where an argument can be made for virtually any player if you use the dreaded "if he's in, then he should be in" formula.

I, for one, would love to see former Cubs third baseman Ron Santo get his just due, based on the criteria the writers have set forth. Perhaps the veterans have other ideas.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2781628

Perez wins health battle, now back to baseball

2007-02-26T21:05:00.000-05:00

How could I forget perhaps the best budding comeback story of spring camp - Miguel Perez.

Perez, an eloquent minor-league catcher and accomplished violinist, is trying to recover from a blood clot which required the removal of his right rib to relieve pressure on an artery. Shortly thereafter, Perez developed internal bleeding from an infection resulting from the surgery.

Perez, 23, is finally starting to concentrate on baseball again. The ever-articulate backstop says he's gained a new prespective on baseball and life as a result of his recent health issues.

"You're here today, but you don't know if you'll be here tomorrow," Perez said. "That's what I learned from this experience."

Best news of camp ... thus far

2007-02-26T20:41:00.000-05:00

It's uncertain whether Paul Wilson will be a major contributor for the Reds this season, but just hearing some positive news in regard to the right-hander's progress will do for now.

It was sad to watch Wilson, one of the true gentleman in the game, become increasingly frustrated during his rollercoaster rehab last season.

I was among the throngs of media who ventured to Dayton to watch his encouraging rehab start with the Single-A Dragons only to see it all unravel for him soon after.

Wilson is a freak when it comes to physical conditioning. Not sure if there is a more physically-fit pitcher in the big-leagues, but even Wilson admits that he can overdo it at times.

Several observers at spring training camp in Sarasota say the early returns on Wilson are outstanding. But, live game-action still awaits as do many other hurdles and obstacles that will test Wilson's mettle.

One thing about this year's Reds, they have a laundry list of guys worth rooting for this spring. Among them are Wilson, Josh Hamilton, and Eddie Guardado who are trying to make comeback bids, and Homer Bailey who is looking to make his much-anticipated debut.

Plenty of storylines to go around.

Nuxhall misses pitch to Hall

2007-02-23T20:32:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess if you have spent 35 years broadcasting Kansas City Royals games, you deserve something.

Better luck next time, Ol' Lefty.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2775431&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

Columbus covers the Reds ... too

2007-02-18T17:47:00.000-05:00

Beginning January 1, the Columbus Dispatch stopped charging a fee for access to its web site.

After being largely invisible to most area fans who could point and click to the Enquirer, Post and Dayton Daily News sites for free, the Dispatch is now a more easily-accessible outpost for Reds news and opinion.

The Dispatch's Jim Massie has been covering the Reds beat for many years, and he does one heck of a job. Massie fills in on the Ohio State womens basketball beat during the baseball offseason, but he'll be picking up full-time Reds coverage shortly.

If you have room in your links, I suggest you add the Dispatch prior to Opening Day.

What, no hot tub injury?

2007-02-18T17:30:00.000-05:00

Unlike the Chicago Cubs' reckless right-hander Kerry Wood, the Reds' rumored-to-be right-fielder Ken Griffey Jr. maintains a rather mundane lifestyle off the field.

Speculation ran rampant about how he suffered a broken right hand this winter, but Griffey cleared the air for Reds beat writers yesterday in Sarasota.

Griffey's injury didn't occur in a barfight, during a 100-mph motorcycle romp or, like Wood, falling out of a hot tub. Griffey, 37, said he got into a wrestling match with a 13-year old ... and lost.

"I was wrestling with my kids, starting with the youngest (Tevin)," Griffey told Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News. "We were wrestling and the other two (Taryn, Trey) jumped on. The oldest (13-year old Trey) rolled over on me and I lost my balance. I used my wrist to try to avoid falling on the other two. Trey felt really bad about it."

Did I say "mundane" lifestyle? Griffey's injury occured on his yacht. Trust me, it ain't no bass boat.

From hospital to Hall?

2007-02-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

That's the hope for Joe Nuxhall.

Not there's ever a good time to be hospitalized, but for the Ol' Left-hander this couldn't have been worse timing - the first week of spring training and just days before the announcement of this year's Ford C. Frick Award winner.

Nuxhall, 78, is currently residing at Sarasota Memorial Hospital where he's being treated for a recurrence of lymphoma.

"The treatment is going well," said Nuxhall's son, Kim, yesterday. "He was up walking, which is good. The next thing are the spots on his leg, how they're going to treat those. If he has chemotherapy, he'll come back home, if they think that's best. If he has radiation, he'll stay (in Sarasota)."

Nuxhall is among the finalists for the Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award given for broadcasting excellence. The winner will be announced on Thursday.

First things first, Joe. Get well. The Hall of Fame comes second.

Yes, I cover girls basketball ...

2007-02-16T16:23:00.000-05:00

When you're coaching girls basketball players who are more likely to become doctors, lawyers or corporate executives than play college hoops, all you can do is have fun.

Such is the case with Indian Hill High School head coach Don Ulmer.

"We get up and down the floor well," Ulmer says of his team. "And, sometimes we remember to take the ball with us."

For those not aware, kids at IHHS generally aren't lacking financially or intellectually.

But, last night Ulmer's Braves were outsmarted - go figure - by Western Brown head coach Jon Crall who drew up a new defense at halftime to help rally his team to a Division II sectional win:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070216/SPT0301/702160428/1068/SPT

Trust me, covering prep girls basketball can be entertaining at times, sans dunks and vertical leaps measured in feet, of course.

Sir Albert the Citizen

2007-02-10T13:38:00.001-05:00

Albert Pujols, who was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, became a U.S. citizen this past week.

The Cardinals slugger's new-found citizenship is an admirable achievement, but the means by which he attained the title is even more impressive.

Pujols aced the citizenship test in much the same manner in which he has bashed NL pitching for the past five seasons - with a perfect score. Yep, Pujols got 100-percent of the questions correct.

Sure, he was given the standard study guides, but it's still an impressive feat. Here's a copy of the test. Give it a try. Don't cheat.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/blinstst.htm

Standing in line is sooo 2005

2007-02-09T22:24:00.000-05:00

I remember how much fun it was to take the train to Wrigley Field and "camp" outside the ballpark for bleacher seats which were sold, not in advance, but day of game only.

Bleacher seats cost $2 then. A gallon of gas cost less. Some traditions die hard.

With increasing demand to buy online, the age-old custom of camping out to purchase seats for concerts or major sporting events is becoming, well, a thing of the past.

Innovations such as Tickets.com and ticket bundling marketing strategies have made standing in line and speed dial a passing fancy. Nowadays, all you need is a broadband connection and a credit card and you can snare any ticket you wish.

Last year, some fans camped out for a week for Opening Day tickets. Do the words "wind chill advisory" mean anything to you?

Anyway, the attached Enquirer story uncovers how the Reds are out to spoil your fun ... so to speak. Opening Day tickets are no guarantee, unless you're a season ticket holder.

So stay inside, before you catch a death of cold.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070209/SPT04/702090447

Arroyo: "The fans have embraced me here"

2007-02-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

Last spring, Bronson Arroyo was anything but happy to be in a Reds uniform. He was in the process of building a house not far from Fenway Park when his beloved Red Sox traded him to Cincinnati in exchange for Wily Mo Pena and cash. Arroyo's bitterness still lingered when he joined the Reds in spring training.

But, after a stellar 2006 season in Cincinnati, Arroyo began to feel more at home. Today, the 30-year old right-hander signed a deal that will, in principle, keep him in the Queen City for several more years.

"I still have fond memories of Boston," Arroyo said. "But, the fans have embraced me here. Obviously, I wouldn't be signing a deal that keeps me here for another five years if I didn't enjoy myself. Locking up a deal like this is once in a lifetime."

For the Reds, who inked Aaron Harang to a long-term deal on Tuesday, it's more like twice in a week.

Dynamic duo inked through 2010

2007-02-08T13:10:00.000-05:00

When the Reds acquired right-handed pitcher/musician Bronson Arroyo from the Red Sox last spring, comical reliever Kent Mercker said, "Well, our karaoke just got better."

The Reds starting rotation improved as well.

The Reds today rewarded Arroyo with a two-year contract extension through the 2010 season with a club option for 2011. On Tuesday, right-hander Aaron Harang avoided arbitration by agreeing to a four-year contract through the 2010 season with a club option for 2011.

Last season, Arroyo and Harang became the first duo in Reds history to produce at least 200 innings and 184 strikeouts each. They tied for the major-league lead in starts. Arroyo ranked first in the majors in innings pitched (240.2). Harang finished third in the NL in that category (234.1).

Arroyo, 30, last season was a National League All-Star and was voted by the Cincinnati chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America the winner of both the Johnny Vander Meer Award as the club’s Most Outstanding Pitcher and the Joe Nuxhall Good Guy Award.

On March 20, Arroyo was acquired from the Red Sox in exchange for Wily Mo Pena and cash.

Thou shalt covet pitching

2007-02-07T20:30:00.000-05:00

When it comes to right-hander Aaron Harang, ‘Thou shalt not covet’ is one commandment the Reds have chosen to ignore.

The Reds yesterday signed Harang to a four-year contract worth more than $36 million. The new deal virtually assures he’ll be a Red through the 2010 season with a club option for 2011.

Harang went 16-11 last season with a 3.76 ERA with a NL-leading 216 strikeouts and six complete games, becoming the first Reds pitcher to lead the league in both victories and strikeouts since Ewell “The Whip” Blackwell did it in 1947.

Fans frustrated with the Reds’ inactivity in the free-agent pitching market can take some solace in the club’s decision to reach into the coffers to retain Harang. It’s a move for the future, not the quick-fix strategy we’ve seen all too often.

“We couldn’t be more excited about getting a deal done,” said GM Wayne Krivsky at Tuesday's press conference at Great American Ball Park. “This sends a heck of a message to our fans and our players. It shows a commitment by ownership to step up and keep Aaron here for the foreseeable future.”

Did you hear the one about the ... Chargers?

2007-01-31T20:21:00.000-05:00

SAN DIEGO -- Chargers strong safety Terrence Kiel was cited for urinating in public last month, his second run-in with the law in less than three months and the eighth by a San Diego player since April.

So, let's cue up the most popular Bengals jokes and make them applicable to the Chargers:

1. What do you call a drug ring in San Diego? A huddle.
2. Four San Diego Chargers in a car, who's driving? The police.
3. Why can't Terrence Kiel get into a huddle on the field anymore? It is a parole violation for him to associate with known felons.
4. Coach Marty Schottenheimer has adopted a new "Honor System" for his players - "Yes your Honor, No your Honor".
5. The Chargers knew they had to do something for their defense, but they couldn't get the defensive coordinator they really wanted: Johnny Cochran
6. How do the Chargers spend their first week at mini-camp? Studying the Miranda Rights.

Nice for a change, huh Bengals fans?

The young and the Mayo-less

2007-01-31T20:05:00.000-05:00

NORTH COLLEGE HILL -- Things are back to normal at North College Hill High. Well, almost.

Like two roving marauders, O.J. Mayo and Bill Walker swept into and out of this sleepy village just north of Cincinnati, leaving in their wake two state titles, a wealth of national attention and a load of controversy.

The thousands of fans who watched Mayo, Walker and Co. play hoops in college-sized arenas the past two seasons have been reduced to a couple hundred well-wishers at the tiny but adequate gym adjacent to the high school.

Mayo is tooling up for USC at a high school in Huntington, WV. Walker is playing for Bob Huggins at Kansas State. Meanwhile, NCH is getting by without them.

Returning contributors Damon Butler, Nathaniel Glover and Alphonso McPherson are beginning to gel just in time to make a run at another state title. While in the category of a miracle, a third-straight crown won by the Trojans without the Big Two would be some story.

Got my first chance to see NCH play basketball with homegrown talent last night, and they weren't bad:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070131/SPT0301/701310386/