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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2010 > February > 10 > Entry
The Saints, Flyers, Wilt and Taveras
When I told friends, acquaintances and strangers that I thought the New Orleans Saints would win the Super Bowl, many told me the Saints didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell.
Well, as I write this, outside my window there is 18 inches of snow on the ground and it is 18 degrees with a wind chill factor that freezes bone marrow. If that isn’t hell, I don’t know what is and I could make a million snowballs in my backyard.
So New Orleans wins, 31-17, and I’m telling folks smugly, “I told you so.” For proof that I predicted the Saints to win, check the Key West Citizen, a newspaper where my former sports editor Ralph Morrow still works. He asked me for a prediction and published it.
By the way, I sure wish I was writing this from Key West.
WAS FORTUNATE to score a ticket to last Saturday’s UD-Xavier basketball game at UD Arena and be part of the whiteout when nearly everybody wore white t-shirts. What? They didn’t think the whiteout outside was enough? To me, the MVPs that day were the snow plow drivers who cleaned the parking lot for the noon game.
UD’s 25-point win over Xavier was a stunner and, no, I made no such prediction on that one. Even though I’m a UD fan, I thought Xavier would win. Guess you’d call me a Flyer Unfaithful. I covered the Flyers for the DDN and covered the first game in UD Arena in 1970. And I’ve never heard it louder than I did Saturday.
AS MOST FOLKS know, I’m not a huge NBA fan, even though I covered the old Cincinnati Royals of the NBA when Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas were there. The Royals later became the Kansas City Kings and later became today’s Sacramento Kings. Cincinnati hasn’t had an NBA franchise since the Royals left town.
Even though I’m not much of a fan - and I hold no contempt or animosity toward those who are fans (to each his own) - I do try to watch a few Cleveland Cavaliers games just to catch the artistry and magic of LeBron James. The guy is basketball’s Incredible Hulk, with mixtures of Spiderman and Superman.
Saw him score 35 points against the New York Knicks in the first half the other night. While I think my Aunt Opal in her wheelchair could score at will on the Knicks, it still was a fantastic accomplishment - especially when he scored 24 points in a row.
It just goes to show how unbelievable it was when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the old Philadelphia Warriors against, yep, the Knicks on March 2, 1962. The game was played in Hershey, Pa., and there was no TV and apparently nobody took film of the game. So there is no visual record of it, but there is a radio tape.
I was also fortunate enough to cover a few games when Wilt the Stilt played against the Royals and I’m a tall guy at 6-foot-2. But when I stood next to the 7-foot-2 Chamberlain I felt like the Flatiron Building standing next to the Empire State Building.
OK, SO SPRING training is about 10 days away and we still don’t know who will play left field for the Cincinnati Reds. It looks as if it will be an open competition during spring training for anybody who wants to give it a try.
How about this: let’s guess. Give me your choice as to who will be in left field on Opening Day. I’ll put all the winning entries into a hat and draw a name and take that person out to dinner. Or if we can’t get together, we’ll come up with something as a prize.
The candidates, so far: Chris Dickerson, Chris Heisey, Wladimir Balentien, Juan Francisco, Todd Frazier, Jonny Gomes (if he signs), Laynce Nix - or name your own candidate.
Only once guess per person and use your correct e-mail address so you can be notified if you win.
DIDN’T TAKE long for the Oakland A’s to discover they had no need for Willy Taveras, did it? It took the Reds an entire season to figure that out. Just eight days after the Reds traded Taveras to the A’s, they released him. What’s that all about?
Immediately after making the trade, the A’s designated Taveras for assignment and even though they released him, they owe him the $4 million on his contract. The A’s have plenty of outfield talent, so why would they trade for Taveras in the first place?
All this time we thought the A’s were a pretty smart franchise, but this is one I can’t figure out? There has to be some photos somewhere.
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By Steve
February 22, 2010 7:22 AM | Link to this
I really like Francisco in LF, and we need to get him at bats somehow.
By Joel
February 16, 2010 11:30 PM | Link to this
Heisey looks like the best option, but I can see Frazier getting an opportunity if Heisey doesn’t take the spot.
By CFR
February 13, 2010 6:55 PM | Link to this
Dickerson
By Justin
February 13, 2010 11:03 AM | Link to this
Chris Dickerson on opening day but I’m sure it will be a platoon situation during the season
By Justin
February 13, 2010 11:01 AM | Link to this
Chris Dickerson on opening day but I’m sure it will be a platoon situation during the season
By Todd
February 12, 2010 4:13 PM | Link to this
Johnny Gomes
By Chef Rahn
February 12, 2010 11:48 AM | Link to this
I’ll guess Miles. No good reason, just a hunch.
By Jim
February 12, 2010 1:51 AM | Link to this
Dickerson
By Jim
February 12, 2010 1:50 AM | Link to this
Dickerson
By Bullpen Brian
February 12, 2010 1:06 AM | Link to this
Dickerson starts in LF. Dinner at The Saloon in Chicago?
By tim
February 11, 2010 10:53 PM | Link to this
Hi Hal, I think it will be Chris Dickerson, but I would be much happier with Jonny Gomes. Take care,
By louie
February 11, 2010 8:41 PM | Link to this
I`ll go with Dickerson Hal , where we eating??
By Wizard
February 11, 2010 6:52 PM | Link to this
Me too—except what the Reds Management does to start the season, when considering what decisions they have made in starting the past two seasons{C. Patterson and W. Taveras}doesn’t give one any additional confidence in their ability this year, to know what the “RIGHT” decision is! Their previous decisions on center field starters have a similar odor!
By jim t
February 11, 2010 5:48 PM | Link to this
Wizard,Can’t wait for the season to start and see which of us is right.As mentioned hopefully both play well.
By Wizard
February 11, 2010 5:26 PM | Link to this
Hi Jim T.: We are at it again. I enjoy most of your comments, but you won’t soon see me agreeing with what you read, or what you suggest you see. I see what I SEE, for example: “Better angles to the ball”? Come on! You know that isn’t true. Those great catches Dickerson made last year were on balls hit in front of him, behind the infield, and you know it.That was an unfair statement to color your opinion. Not accurate. How many of those catches did Stubbs make? In addition, you must have forgotten the runners thrown out by Chris last year, as a result of his excellent throwing arm{you don’t win the strongest arm argument, either}; during his minimal attempts in center—his and Stubbs most comfortable positions. Imagine, if you will, Stubbs being asked to move to left field—think it might affect him? He would be just as uncomfortable, as will be CD. Until, CD gets a fair opportunity in center, he will be at a disadvantage in left—it is NOT his natural position!You can claim all you want, and suggest what others say, I will hold to my position on what I have seen, regardless of what those in charge want to say, or do. So far, I totally disagree with their assessments. I see more abilities as a leadoff hitter in Dickerson than Stubbs.For one, Stubbs strikes out too much. I would have him lower in the lineup.I have often suggested ST be used to teach CD to drag bunt, and hit the other way. Stubbs should do the same.I will agree that CD made some bone head base running gaffs; but, feel those were improved upon and will improve even more. His speed can be utilized as a positive in the leadoff position—better than all others, IMO.We at present, do not have a good leadoff hitter. Again, claim all you want about who is best—but I will remind you, if all remains as is, how many balls are allowed to hit the ground, while not being aggressive in CF. I will hold to my assessment of the two outfielders, while hoping they both bring it home for the Reds!
By JIM T
February 11, 2010 4:07 PM | Link to this
WIZARD, nice to hear from you again. I have to defer with you on Dickerson. Also I am not prejudiced against Dickerson. Your use of that word in this situation is a little curious.I happen to think Stubbs is a better ball player that is all. My opinion is obviously shared my many in the reds organization. Hence, Walt saying, Stubbs is the leadoff hitter and CF’er. Time will tell my friend. Wizard don’t mistake how easy Stubbs makes it look as him not being agressive enough. He takes great routes to the ball and is smooth. He has the speed your looking for and a great arm. My other knock on CD is he has a low baseball IQ. He is terrible situationally and a bad base runner. Couple that with his injury history and the fact he is fast approaching 30 and that spells back up. As stated Stubb’s ceiling is much higher than Chris.By the way I’m not being prejudice I’m stating a opinion based on things I read and things I saw.
By Wizard
February 11, 2010 3:33 PM | Link to this
Sorry Jim T., although you are often correct, I disagree with your assessment of Stubbs vs Dickerson. In observing them both last season, the Cleat is correct—Stubbs is not as aggressive—too many balls are allowed to hit the ground when he is in center. Dickerson covers more ground and makes more difficult catches than Stubbs, CD takes charge in center;Stubbs is too likely to defer to other fielders, instead of calling them off. Your readings and predjudices are incorrect. The great catches last year were ALL made by Dickerson. The terrible part of this is, when CD’s manager plays him elsewhere—left field for example—he is not nearly as comfortable there, as he is in center. For anyone who objectively watched them both last year, THAT is all one had to see and notice. Dickerson is the best center fielder in this organization, and has yet to get a fair look there, because of the stupidity of playing another inferior center fielder{Taveras} in front of him; and because of injury. Until CD is given a fair look, your predjudice holds no water, IMO.
By jim t
February 11, 2010 3:30 PM | Link to this
Oldtimer, bite your tongue. The Frank Robinson trade was the worst in the history of the Franchise. I was ayoung kid at that time and Robby was my favorite player. Bill nitwitt called him old and dealt him to the Baltimore. Were he helped them to a World Championship. Never have forgave Dewitt.
By Jim t
February 11, 2010 3:23 PM | Link to this
Worn Cleat we we’ll have to agree to disagree. Stubbs is a better fielder hands down. Better arm, more range and better routes to the ball. Hence no need to dive so often. If you won’t take my word read the scouting reports on both. Stubbs has drawn rave reviews defensively from the first day in the organization. Out of College it stated defensively he is already ready for the big leagues. I’m not down on Dickerson but Stubb’s ceiling is much higher then Dickerson. I hope he wins the LF job and stays healthy but I have my doubts, I hope I’m wrong.
By Worn Cleat
February 11, 2010 3:12 PM | Link to this
No way,Jim T. is Stubbs the best center fielder! All one has to do is check last years “great” catches in that position—Dickerson wins hands down—and he didn’t even get to play the position as much as did Stubbs! Dickerson is much more agressive in going after balls in the gap, and elsewhere—no contest. You are wrong.
By oldtimer
February 11, 2010 2:52 PM | Link to this
I’m going to take a wild flyer and say someone we haven’t heard of yet. I think with their apparent wealth of pitchers, the Reds will pull a last minute switch like the one that brought in Sean Casey. Lots of teams will sell their souls for pitching. Look at the trade of Frank Robinson for Milt Pappas. Ugh!!!
By Paul
February 11, 2010 2:30 PM | Link to this
Todd Frazier in a stunner.
By David V.
February 11, 2010 2:22 PM | Link to this
I will take Chris Heisey as I believe he will wrest the position from the rest of the competition.
By jim t
February 11, 2010 1:52 PM | Link to this
Hal,Dickerson will start in LF on opening day. Worn Cleat Dickerson is not the best fielding CF in the organization that tag belongs to Stubbs. All you have to do is watch him play and it is very easy to see. Most scouting reports I have read all agree he is great defensively. I hope his hitting can match.
By WesternLeg
February 11, 2010 12:52 PM | Link to this
Gomes - (but I can’t wait to see Frazier at the plate…).
By Priscilla
February 11, 2010 12:44 PM | Link to this
I hope they resign Gomes and he’s the left fielder on Opening Day.
By Justin M
February 11, 2010 12:40 PM | Link to this
Seeing how Dusty likes to platoon it. I see Balentien/Dickerson as your left fielders. Since it will probably be either Carpenter or Wainwright for the Cards I’ll say Dickerson.
By David V.
February 11, 2010 12:29 PM | Link to this
Chris Heisey, Hal. He will wrest the position from the rest.
By AC
February 11, 2010 12:23 PM | Link to this
Aaron Miles- Dusty always goes with the veterans, if given a chance
By Don
February 11, 2010 11:49 AM | Link to this
I think the Reds will pick Willy Taveras back up and he’s gonna be the LF starter. No… kidding on that. It’s gonna be Laynce Nix.
By The Professor
February 11, 2010 10:21 AM | Link to this
Voting for anyone other than Dickerson to start in left—is like voting to change, “change”. When changing,”change” means going backwards and not voting wisely, why do it?
By cunnythumber
February 11, 2010 10:13 AM | Link to this
I still believe that Johnny Gomes and Dickerson will platoon in left. Since the first game will more than likely be against a tough Righty in Carpenter, I am going with Dickerson.
By PTownFan
February 11, 2010 9:57 AM | Link to this
I’ll go with Gomes. I thought he’d be signed by now and think this is just Jocketty’s way of firing him up. Over the years, he’s had his best STs when his job was on the line.
By Kyle
February 11, 2010 9:53 AM | Link to this
Lets break it down. I bet Frazier has the best spring with Francisco close behind. So, with Carpenter most likely the starter, the obvious pick is…Dickerson. Since he has now become a “veteran” in the eyes of Dusty, he will get the start even though there will be 2-3 guys more deserving. He will begin the year starting, without earning it, not hit, and eventually Dusty will cave into public pressure and play the better player….sound familiar?
By Worn Cleat
February 11, 2010 9:44 AM | Link to this
Since I have always believed that Chris Dickerson is the best center fielder in the Reds organization—I still wonder why the position is supposedly handed to Stubbs. He isn’t the best cfer, nor is he the best leadoff hitter-Dickerson is!However,since the reds play in an ultra conservative thinking, hate anything that resembles change,or progression, state of Ohio—they will play their best CFer in left field, on opening day—How ignorant is that?
By Rick in Va.
February 11, 2010 9:43 AM | Link to this
Dickerson (assuming he’s healthy that day). He’s earned it & the Cardinals will start a righthander. If they started a lefthander I think it would be Balentien.
By Rob
February 11, 2010 9:21 AM | Link to this
Wladimir Balentien
By Pat
February 11, 2010 9:19 AM | Link to this
It’s going to be Juan Francisco as he’ll continue to tear it up in spring training as he did in Winter ball.
By David Beane
February 11, 2010 9:03 AM | Link to this
Laynse Nix is my pick
By Kenny
February 11, 2010 8:42 AM | Link to this
Chris Dickerson starts in left opening day. It will be a merry-go-round all year in left.
By Sean
February 10, 2010 11:05 PM | Link to this
Hey Hal, thanks for all the great work all these years. Chris Dickerson will and should be the left fielder for the 2010 Redlegs. Drew Stubbs in center and Jay Bruce in right.
By mollie
February 10, 2010 10:49 PM | Link to this
My gut says Dickerson(sigh) my heart says Jonny Gomes. Love his hustle, reminds me of my favorite Red ever, Chris Sabo. If (when) I win, I will take you and your wife to dinner, because I interrupted yours at Brios a few weeks ago :) Go Gomes!!!!
By Kim
February 10, 2010 10:41 PM | Link to this
I believe it will be Chris Dickerson.
By alyhou
February 10, 2010 10:30 PM | Link to this
Hi Hal! I think the opening day left fielder is going to be my favorite player, Johnny Gomes. I love his attitude and hustle. When should I plan on having dinner with you??
By alyhou
February 10, 2010 10:26 PM | Link to this
Hi Hal! I think the opening day left feilder is going to be my favorite player, Johnny Gomes! I love his attitude and hustle. I can’t wait for the season to begin.
By Bob
February 10, 2010 10:25 PM | Link to this
Dickerson but I would like to see Gomes
By Diamond Dave
February 10, 2010 9:46 PM | Link to this
I’m going to hold out hope for Jonny Gomes. Hope I win the dinner!
By redsfandownunder
February 10, 2010 9:07 PM | Link to this
Hal, Any chance the Red’s will throw Micah Owings in to the LF mix? In the words of Jockety you have to do something bold every once in a while. Micah has little chance of remaining a starting pitcher when Volquez returns and with the return of Bray and Lincoln there does not seem to be an big need for him as a reliever. This is a lineup that will put runs on the board: 1) Stubbs/Dickerson (best man win) 2) Phillips 3) Votto 4) Rolen 5) Bruce 6) Owings 7) Cabrera 8) Hernandez
By Ian
February 10, 2010 9:01 PM | Link to this
Chris Heisey will be in left field on opening day. I haven’t been this excited about a Reds season in a long time. Go Reds!
By redsfandownunder
February 10, 2010 8:06 PM | Link to this
This is what I believe is the rational for the A’s: They obviously did not trade for Tavares. For them, the trade was all about obtaining Rosales. They believed his talent was worth 1) Losing Miles 2) Paying $1.3M (the salary difference between Miles and Tavares) and 3) The cost of Rosales’ salary. If Rosales develops in to a durable useful utility player, they will control his contract for several years at a relatively low cost when averaged over 3-4 years. Personally, even though I liked Rosales’ hustle, I think the Red’s got the better end of the deal. The other part of the question: Dickerson has earned his place on the field. Some will say he is not durable, but you can’t bench your top performer because you’re worried he might get hurt in the future. Unless they hit .400 in spring training, Heisey, Francisco and Frazier will have to wait until one of the guys without options either gets hurt or is DFA’d before they get their chance. As long as Nix, Balantine show potential, they will stay on the ML roster.
By Tyler
February 10, 2010 7:38 PM | Link to this
The opening day starter in LF will be Chris Dickerson. Thanks for continuing to post on the blog, Hal. It’s always a good read.
By MisterRedLegs
February 10, 2010 7:37 PM | Link to this
The A’s taking Taveras in a trade and then dumping him and his salary hours later even confused me. I have covered many of trades over the last couple of days even weeks and this one is one I just don’t get. I must be smarter than the A’s GM and that is hard to do.
By Richard
February 10, 2010 7:31 PM | Link to this
Jermaine Dye They are just playing a waiting game for his price to go down. I belive that is why they are stringing Gomes along.Never know Johnny might go else where the way they have handled this.
By nullTom
February 10, 2010 5:30 PM | Link to this
Dickerson’s the man,Dusty hates rookies.
By Redlegs
February 10, 2010 3:06 PM | Link to this
I think Johnny Damon will be the opening day starter. The Reds will sign him just before spring training starts.
By Jeff
February 10, 2010 2:40 PM | Link to this
Dickerson is Dusty’s boy, he’ll be in left.
By mark from C-bus
February 10, 2010 1:57 PM | Link to this
I too was puzzled about the Taveras thing, till I considered that maybe what the A’s wanted was Rosales instead of Miles (considering him an upgrade after Miles’ down year), and the Reds made them take Taveras as part of the deal…they must figure someone will let them off the hook for the 4 million down the road…
By Dan H
February 10, 2010 1:42 PM | Link to this
Assuming Carpenter will be the opening day starter for the Cards I’ll pick Dickerson. If they start a lefty Gomes is the choice.
By Joe L
February 10, 2010 1:42 PM | Link to this
Lance Nix,and by the way my brother thought you were right about the Saints.
By michael
February 10, 2010 1:32 PM | Link to this
Prefer Gomes, but it will be Dickerson in Left Field on opening day.
By Steve M.
February 10, 2010 1:28 PM | Link to this
Dickerson. The only real threat to this prediction is Stubbs failing to hold down the CF job. If he doesn’t then CD plays center on Opening Day. We may be snoverestimating how much this matters if the Reds can’t hit Chris Carpenter any better than they did last year.
By Michael in Montere
February 10, 2010 1:05 PM | Link to this
Juan Franciso will be the left fielder. Gotta have that guy’s bat in the line-up.
By Eric
February 10, 2010 12:51 PM | Link to this
I’ll say Dickerson will be the Opening Day left fielder. Hal—if you draw my name, I’ll gladly take YOU to dinner (and your wife too). Your blog is the first thing I check on line everyday. Thanks for all the great stories and info. You are the best!
By CB
February 10, 2010 12:50 PM | Link to this
Gomes
By Justin
February 10, 2010 12:25 PM | Link to this
Hal, I’ve got Dickerson in left. Hope you draw my name. I’m sure you tell some great stories!
By chad
February 10, 2010 12:21 PM | Link to this
I’m going to guess Dickerson in LF for opening day. I bet Dusty uses a platoon in left (assuming we don’t sign anyone), and Dickerson will be the lefty in the platoon.
By tony
February 10, 2010 12:16 PM | Link to this
Why has stubbs been annointed the starter in CF? Don’t you think in open competition that Heisey might outperform him? I say Heisey, Stubbs, Dickerson, and Frazier make they team and Dusty mixes and matches as usual giving no one a chance to establish themselves.
By gmr
February 10, 2010 12:11 PM | Link to this
Dickerson
By Greg
February 10, 2010 12:06 PM | Link to this
Frazier. This spring he’ll put up a great BA, and the Reds will take BA first with the potential for power as he learns ML pitching. Then again, I could also see them doing something crazy like trading for Dunn…
By Chris
February 10, 2010 12:05 PM | Link to this
Wladimir Balentien - gut instinct that he has gotten it together.
By Ben
February 10, 2010 12:00 PM | Link to this
I’ll go with Gomes… They better resign him.
By Jim
February 10, 2010 11:35 AM | Link to this
Heard the good news on another website Hal. Congratulations, it’s great to hear that you’ll be reporting from spring training for a couple of weeks and that you’ll have an outlet to give us the Reds inside scoop!
By maxx
February 10, 2010 11:35 AM | Link to this
I think Miles was owed something like 2.5mil though I get conflicting reports whether the A’s were paying that or maybe the Cubs. If the A’s did owe 2.5 then they lose only 1.5 on the transactions. In addition they pick up Rosales for 5 year before he can go free agent. So it’s not that big a gamble with the present financial scale and the real question is what do they see in Rosales that makes them think he can help them. I think they have a pretty big park so maybe they think he has speed. I know he hustles but does he have exceptional speed?
By Rick
February 10, 2010 11:28 AM | Link to this
Chris Heisey— they have to give this kid a chance— actually I’m looking for a big trade before opening day