Chris Dickerson has had a tough week.
In a key situation in Chicago, he misplayed a fly ball with the bases loaded off the bat of Derek Lee that led to the Cubs winning rally.
On Saturday, he dropped a couple fly balls after his athletic ability allowed him to get into position.
"He gets to more balls than we are used to," said manager Dusty Baker, who won a gold glove by playing in leftfield. "Every one hits the ball hard to left and nothings straight. The righthanders hook the ball toward the line and the lefthanders slice to toward the gap. He's been getting to some tough balls to catch he just needs to keep them in the glove."
On top of the everything else Dickerson struck out in the first inning against Roy Oswalt. It was his 13th strikeout over 16 at bats.
Baker gave Dickerson Sunday off to clear his mind, using Laynce Nix in his place.
"Young players have to learn to relax. If you look at the older guys they are usually more relaxed. He puts so much pressure on himself," Baker said.
After the strikeout in the first inning though it looked like things were going to turn around for the young player from Hollywood, California.
He chased down a single near the leftfield line and through out Miguel Tejada, trying for a double in the second inning of the game eventually won by Houston 4-1. He ran down a hit into the gap in Tejada's fourth inning bid for a double. This time Tejada wisely stayed at first after a big turn.
The play saved starter, Johnny Cueto, a run when Hunter Pence singled as the next hitter, Tejada could only get to secondbase.
Dickerson then found his bat and singled sharply to rightfield with one out in the fourth and things were beginning to go Dickerson's way. But................
Joey Votto hit a high chop ground ball to Lance Berkman at first base. He threw to second to try to force Dickerson but the runner's speed prevented shortstop Tejada from fielding the low throw cleanly. The two players butted heads.
Both stayed in the game immediately following the play but Dickerson, who had "four or five" concussions knew something was wrong.
His vision was beginning to blur as he led off the base.
"It was like I had an eyelash in my eye. Then I couldn't see the hitter's face, the ball seamed to split apart almost and looking in the crowd everybody meshed together. I tried to focus on small things. It's like going from HD to regular TV where nothing is clear. I know the symptoms where you lose peripheral visions. I'm not to the point where, I'm losing peripheral visions but I know the signs. My vision is coming back which is a good sign but I'm drowsy and just want to sleep."
Dickerson, who is one of the best pure athletes to come through the Reds system in years, had his first concussion as a fifth grader.
"They lower the backboards a little in the gym and I tried to slam dunk but hit my head on the backboard."
Dickerson didn't need a cat scan but will take tests on Tuesday to make sure that he is ok.
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Blow to the Head Makes Dickerson's Week Harder
Chris Dickerson has had a tough week.
In a key situation in Chicago, he misplayed a fly ball with the bases loaded off the bat of Derek Lee that led to the Cubs winning rally.
On Saturday, he dropped a couple fly balls after his athletic ability allowed him to get into position.
"He gets to more balls than we are used to," said manager Dusty Baker, who won a gold glove by playing in leftfield. "Every one hits the ball hard to left and nothings straight. The righthanders hook the ball toward the line and the lefthanders slice to toward the gap. He's been getting to some tough balls to catch he just needs to keep them in the glove."
On top of the everything else Dickerson struck out in the first inning against Roy Oswalt. It was his 13th strikeout over 16 at bats.
Baker gave Dickerson Sunday off to clear his mind, using Laynce Nix in his place.
"Young players have to learn to relax. If you look at the older guys they are usually more relaxed. He puts so much pressure on himself," Baker said.
After the strikeout in the first inning though it looked like things were going to turn around for the young player from Hollywood, California.
He chased down a single near the leftfield line and through out Miguel Tejada, trying for a double in the second inning of the game eventually won by Houston 4-1. He ran down a hit into the gap in Tejada's fourth inning bid for a double. This time Tejada wisely stayed at first after a big turn.
The play saved starter, Johnny Cueto, a run when Hunter Pence singled as the next hitter, Tejada could only get to secondbase.
Dickerson then found his bat and singled sharply to rightfield with one out in the fourth and things were beginning to go Dickerson's way. But................
Joey Votto hit a high chop ground ball to Lance Berkman at first base. He threw to second to try to force Dickerson but the runner's speed prevented shortstop Tejada from fielding the low throw cleanly. The two players butted heads.
Both stayed in the game immediately following the play but Dickerson, who had "four or five" concussions knew something was wrong.
His vision was beginning to blur as he led off the base.
"It was like I had an eyelash in my eye. Then I couldn't see the hitter's face, the ball seamed to split apart almost and looking in the crowd everybody meshed together. I tried to focus on small things. It's like going from HD to regular TV where nothing is clear. I know the symptoms where you lose peripheral visions. I'm not to the point where, I'm losing peripheral visions but I know the signs. My vision is coming back which is a good sign but I'm drowsy and just want to sleep."
Dickerson, who is one of the best pure athletes to come through the Reds system in years, had his first concussion as a fifth grader.
"They lower the backboards a little in the gym and I tried to slam dunk but hit my head on the backboard."
Dickerson didn't need a cat scan but will take tests on Tuesday to make sure that he is ok.
In a key situation in Chicago, he misplayed a fly ball with the bases loaded off the bat of Derek Lee that led to the Cubs winning rally.
On Saturday, he dropped a couple fly balls after his athletic ability allowed him to get into position.
"He gets to more balls than we are used to," said manager Dusty Baker, who won a gold glove by playing in leftfield. "Every one hits the ball hard to left and nothings straight. The righthanders hook the ball toward the line and the lefthanders slice to toward the gap. He's been getting to some tough balls to catch he just needs to keep them in the glove."
On top of the everything else Dickerson struck out in the first inning against Roy Oswalt. It was his 13th strikeout over 16 at bats.
Baker gave Dickerson Sunday off to clear his mind, using Laynce Nix in his place.
"Young players have to learn to relax. If you look at the older guys they are usually more relaxed. He puts so much pressure on himself," Baker said.
After the strikeout in the first inning though it looked like things were going to turn around for the young player from Hollywood, California.
He chased down a single near the leftfield line and through out Miguel Tejada, trying for a double in the second inning of the game eventually won by Houston 4-1. He ran down a hit into the gap in Tejada's fourth inning bid for a double. This time Tejada wisely stayed at first after a big turn.
The play saved starter, Johnny Cueto, a run when Hunter Pence singled as the next hitter, Tejada could only get to secondbase.
Dickerson then found his bat and singled sharply to rightfield with one out in the fourth and things were beginning to go Dickerson's way. But................
Joey Votto hit a high chop ground ball to Lance Berkman at first base. He threw to second to try to force Dickerson but the runner's speed prevented shortstop Tejada from fielding the low throw cleanly. The two players butted heads.
Both stayed in the game immediately following the play but Dickerson, who had "four or five" concussions knew something was wrong.
His vision was beginning to blur as he led off the base.
"It was like I had an eyelash in my eye. Then I couldn't see the hitter's face, the ball seamed to split apart almost and looking in the crowd everybody meshed together. I tried to focus on small things. It's like going from HD to regular TV where nothing is clear. I know the symptoms where you lose peripheral visions. I'm not to the point where, I'm losing peripheral visions but I know the signs. My vision is coming back which is a good sign but I'm drowsy and just want to sleep."
Dickerson, who is one of the best pure athletes to come through the Reds system in years, had his first concussion as a fifth grader.
"They lower the backboards a little in the gym and I tried to slam dunk but hit my head on the backboard."
Dickerson didn't need a cat scan but will take tests on Tuesday to make sure that he is ok.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Rest for the Weary
Wily Taveras got Saturday off.
Dusty Baker believes in making sure that players are not overused in a 162 game season.
"I talked to Jamie Quirk, who coached Wily in Colorado. He told me that I have to watch him. He gets tired but he won't come to you."
Taveras played in three spring training games for Cincinnati before he went to the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic. The Dominican team was bounced in three games, then Taveras missed time with a bout of the flu. He didn't get a chance to build strength.
Baker plans to get Brandon Phillips, who has started slowly a rest at some point.
The program of building strength slowly since he didn't play at all last season. Gonzalez has shown signs of shedding his season opening slump. "We told him to run down and touch first base once in a while so he doesn't forget what it feels like," Baker quipped. "But he's starting to hit the ball hard. He's one guy who hits Lowe (Atlanta starter Derek Lowe) well."
Gonzalez was 3-for-10 with a double and home run, against Lowe coming into Saturday's game and on cue hit a two-run home run in the second inning.
Baker plans to watch Joey Votto. "He will need a rest at some point," Baker said of his .375 hitting firstbaseman. "I have to see fatigue. I have to see reduction in bat speed. Or fatgue from running the bases. That's what Ted Williams said. When you stay on the bases all the time, you get worn down."
Dusty Baker believes in making sure that players are not overused in a 162 game season.
"I talked to Jamie Quirk, who coached Wily in Colorado. He told me that I have to watch him. He gets tired but he won't come to you."
Taveras played in three spring training games for Cincinnati before he went to the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic. The Dominican team was bounced in three games, then Taveras missed time with a bout of the flu. He didn't get a chance to build strength.
Baker plans to get Brandon Phillips, who has started slowly a rest at some point.
The program of building strength slowly since he didn't play at all last season. Gonzalez has shown signs of shedding his season opening slump. "We told him to run down and touch first base once in a while so he doesn't forget what it feels like," Baker quipped. "But he's starting to hit the ball hard. He's one guy who hits Lowe (Atlanta starter Derek Lowe) well."
Gonzalez was 3-for-10 with a double and home run, against Lowe coming into Saturday's game and on cue hit a two-run home run in the second inning.
Baker plans to watch Joey Votto. "He will need a rest at some point," Baker said of his .375 hitting firstbaseman. "I have to see fatigue. I have to see reduction in bat speed. Or fatgue from running the bases. That's what Ted Williams said. When you stay on the bases all the time, you get worn down."
Rest for the Weary
Wily Taveras got Saturday off.
Dusty Baker believes in making sure that players are not overused in a 162 game season.
"I talked to Jamie Quirk, who coached Wily in Colorado. He told me that I have to watch him. He gets tired but he won't come to you."
Taveras played in three spring training games for Cincinnati before he went to the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic. The Dominican team was bounced in three games, then Taveras missed time with a bout of the flu. He didn't get a chance to build strength.
Baker plans to get Brandon Phillips, who has started slowly a rest at some point.
The program of building strength slowly since he didn't play at all last season. Gonzalez has shown signs of shedding his season opening slump. "We told him to run down and touch first base once in a while so he doesn't forget what it feels like," Baker quipped. "But he's starting to hit the ball hard. He's one guy who hits Lowe (Atlanta starter Derek Lowe) well."
Gonzalez was 3-for-10 with a double and home run, against Lowe coming into Saturday's game and on cue hit a two-run home run in the second inning.
Baker plans to watch Joey Votto. "He will need a rest at some point," Baker said of his .375 hitting firstbaseman. "I have to see fatigue. I have to see reduction in bat speed. Or fatgue from running the bases. That's what Ted Williams said. When you stay on the bases all the time, you get worn down."
Dusty Baker believes in making sure that players are not overused in a 162 game season.
"I talked to Jamie Quirk, who coached Wily in Colorado. He told me that I have to watch him. He gets tired but he won't come to you."
Taveras played in three spring training games for Cincinnati before he went to the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic. The Dominican team was bounced in three games, then Taveras missed time with a bout of the flu. He didn't get a chance to build strength.
Baker plans to get Brandon Phillips, who has started slowly a rest at some point.
The program of building strength slowly since he didn't play at all last season. Gonzalez has shown signs of shedding his season opening slump. "We told him to run down and touch first base once in a while so he doesn't forget what it feels like," Baker quipped. "But he's starting to hit the ball hard. He's one guy who hits Lowe (Atlanta starter Derek Lowe) well."
Gonzalez was 3-for-10 with a double and home run, against Lowe coming into Saturday's game and on cue hit a two-run home run in the second inning.
Baker plans to watch Joey Votto. "He will need a rest at some point," Baker said of his .375 hitting firstbaseman. "I have to see fatigue. I have to see reduction in bat speed. Or fatgue from running the bases. That's what Ted Williams said. When you stay on the bases all the time, you get worn down."
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Bad Timing On Triple Play in 2-0 Reds Win
It happens to all of us. It is one of the corollaries of Murphy's Law.....Anything that can go wrong will.
You go to a sporting event and a rare play happens while you are in line for concessions or in the bathroom.
The last time Dusty Baker was near a triple play was when he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With Brandon Phillips on secondbase and Jay Bruce on first to start the ninth inning, Baker started the runners. Edwin Encarnacion had to swing on the hit and run. He blooped the ball into very shallow leftfield. Pittsburgh shortstop caught the ball in the air. He flipped to Freddie Sanchez to retire Phillips. Sanchez threw the ball to Adam LaRoche to get Bruce by eighty of the possible ninety feet, completing the Pirates first triple play since August 10, 1993.
"It was the first time I've seen one in person. The last time one happened I was in the bathroom. I came out and everybody was grabbing their gloves and I said what happened? They said triple play."
As rare as a triple play is, Wilson and Sanchez pulled off an amazing double play earlier in the game.
Encarnacion singled to start the inning. Ramon Hernandez hit a hard ground ball up the middle barely to the left of secondbase. Wilson dived for the ball and gloved it. He flipped it with his glove to Sanchez. Sanchez had to reach across his body and stretch for the low pitch. He regained his balance with Encarnacion and fired a strike to LaRoche to complete the DP.
Folks will see the play on Sportscenter hundreds of times this week.
Aaron Harang threw 114 pitches in his opening day start, in which he lasted just five innings.
On Sunday, Harang threw a complete game shutout at the Pirates. Complete games are an endangered species in the major leagues. They are especially rare in early April.
"He was masterful," Baker said. "It shows you what kind of shape he's in."
Harang shed 25 pounds this winter before reporting to spring training.
It paid off early.
"It was nice to get a complete game this early," said Harang, who credited catcher Ramon Hernandez and umpire Jerry Layne for their roles in the 2-0 shutout.
"Ramon and I were definitely on the same page," Harang said. "I think I only shook him off once and that was just to change location. Jerry had a good strike zone and he was very consistent. Early on if you can find out what the strike zone is going to be, it's a relief."
The winning margin came on the fourth batter of the game.
Brandon Phillips, the cleanup hitter, hit his first home run of the season off Ian Snell with Wily Taveras on base.
"It was good that Wily got on, so it was a two-run home run instead of a solo homer. I just tried to put a good swing on the pitch," Phillips said. "It was nice to give Wranger the lead. He looks like the Wranger from 06 and 07. It was nice to finally look at the scoreboard and see a zero under errors."
Harang lost 17 game last season after winning 16 in both 2006 and 2007.
"The home run was big," Baker said. "I think it was the first time we scored first. We didn't get many runs for Aaron last year. It was important to get him some and he made them stand up."
You go to a sporting event and a rare play happens while you are in line for concessions or in the bathroom.
The last time Dusty Baker was near a triple play was when he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With Brandon Phillips on secondbase and Jay Bruce on first to start the ninth inning, Baker started the runners. Edwin Encarnacion had to swing on the hit and run. He blooped the ball into very shallow leftfield. Pittsburgh shortstop caught the ball in the air. He flipped to Freddie Sanchez to retire Phillips. Sanchez threw the ball to Adam LaRoche to get Bruce by eighty of the possible ninety feet, completing the Pirates first triple play since August 10, 1993.
"It was the first time I've seen one in person. The last time one happened I was in the bathroom. I came out and everybody was grabbing their gloves and I said what happened? They said triple play."
As rare as a triple play is, Wilson and Sanchez pulled off an amazing double play earlier in the game.
Encarnacion singled to start the inning. Ramon Hernandez hit a hard ground ball up the middle barely to the left of secondbase. Wilson dived for the ball and gloved it. He flipped it with his glove to Sanchez. Sanchez had to reach across his body and stretch for the low pitch. He regained his balance with Encarnacion and fired a strike to LaRoche to complete the DP.
Folks will see the play on Sportscenter hundreds of times this week.
Aaron Harang threw 114 pitches in his opening day start, in which he lasted just five innings.
On Sunday, Harang threw a complete game shutout at the Pirates. Complete games are an endangered species in the major leagues. They are especially rare in early April.
"He was masterful," Baker said. "It shows you what kind of shape he's in."
Harang shed 25 pounds this winter before reporting to spring training.
It paid off early.
"It was nice to get a complete game this early," said Harang, who credited catcher Ramon Hernandez and umpire Jerry Layne for their roles in the 2-0 shutout.
"Ramon and I were definitely on the same page," Harang said. "I think I only shook him off once and that was just to change location. Jerry had a good strike zone and he was very consistent. Early on if you can find out what the strike zone is going to be, it's a relief."
The winning margin came on the fourth batter of the game.
Brandon Phillips, the cleanup hitter, hit his first home run of the season off Ian Snell with Wily Taveras on base.
"It was good that Wily got on, so it was a two-run home run instead of a solo homer. I just tried to put a good swing on the pitch," Phillips said. "It was nice to give Wranger the lead. He looks like the Wranger from 06 and 07. It was nice to finally look at the scoreboard and see a zero under errors."
Harang lost 17 game last season after winning 16 in both 2006 and 2007.
"The home run was big," Baker said. "I think it was the first time we scored first. We didn't get many runs for Aaron last year. It was important to get him some and he made them stand up."
Bad Timing On Triple Play in 2-0 Reds Win
It happens to all of us. It is one of the corollaries of Murphy's Law.....Anything that can go wrong will.
You go to a sporting event and a rare play happens while you are in line for concessions or in the bathroom.
The last time Dusty Baker was near a triple play was when he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With Brandon Phillips on secondbase and Jay Bruce on first to start the ninth inning, Baker started the runners. Edwin Encarnacion had to swing on the hit and run. He blooped the ball into very shallow leftfield. Pittsburgh shortstop caught the ball in the air. He flipped to Freddie Sanchez to retire Phillips. Sanchez threw the ball to Adam LaRoche to get Bruce by eighty of the possible ninety feet, completing the Pirates first triple play since August 10, 1993.
"It was the first time I've seen one in person. The last time one happened I was in the bathroom. I came out and everybody was grabbing their gloves and I said what happened? They said triple play."
As rare as a triple play is, Wilson and Sanchez pulled off an amazing double play earlier in the game.
Encarnacion singled to start the inning. Ramon Hernandez hit a hard ground ball up the middle barely to the left of secondbase. Wilson dived for the ball and gloved it. He flipped it with his glove to Sanchez. Sanchez had to reach across his body and stretch for the low pitch. He regained his balance with Encarnacion and fired a strike to LaRoche to complete the DP.
Folks will see the play on Sportscenter hundreds of times this week.
Aaron Harang threw 114 pitches in his opening day start, in which he lasted just five innings.
On Sunday, Harang threw a complete game shutout at the Pirates. Complete games are an endangered species in the major leagues. They are especially rare in early April.
"He was masterful," Baker said. "It shows you what kind of shape he's in."
Harang shed 25 pounds this winter before reporting to spring training.
It paid off early.
"It was nice to get a complete game this early," said Harang, who credited catcher Ramon Hernandez and umpire Jerry Layne for their roles in the 2-0 shutout.
"Ramon and I were definitely on the same page," Harang said. "I think I only shook him off once and that was just to change location. Jerry had a good strike zone and he was very consistent. Early on if you can find out what the strike zone is going to be, it's a relief."
The winning margin came on the fourth batter of the game.
Brandon Phillips, the cleanup hitter, hit his first home run of the season off Ian Snell with Wily Taveras on base.
"It was good that Wily got on, so it was a two-run home run instead of a solo homer. I just tried to put a good swing on the pitch," Phillips said. "It was nice to give Wranger the lead. He looks like the Wranger from 06 and 07. It was nice to finally look at the scoreboard and see a zero under errors."
Harang lost 17 game last season after winning 16 in both 2006 and 2007.
"The home run was big," Baker said. "I think it was the first time we scored first. We didn't get many runs for Aaron last year. It was important to get him some and he made them stand up."
You go to a sporting event and a rare play happens while you are in line for concessions or in the bathroom.
The last time Dusty Baker was near a triple play was when he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With Brandon Phillips on secondbase and Jay Bruce on first to start the ninth inning, Baker started the runners. Edwin Encarnacion had to swing on the hit and run. He blooped the ball into very shallow leftfield. Pittsburgh shortstop caught the ball in the air. He flipped to Freddie Sanchez to retire Phillips. Sanchez threw the ball to Adam LaRoche to get Bruce by eighty of the possible ninety feet, completing the Pirates first triple play since August 10, 1993.
"It was the first time I've seen one in person. The last time one happened I was in the bathroom. I came out and everybody was grabbing their gloves and I said what happened? They said triple play."
As rare as a triple play is, Wilson and Sanchez pulled off an amazing double play earlier in the game.
Encarnacion singled to start the inning. Ramon Hernandez hit a hard ground ball up the middle barely to the left of secondbase. Wilson dived for the ball and gloved it. He flipped it with his glove to Sanchez. Sanchez had to reach across his body and stretch for the low pitch. He regained his balance with Encarnacion and fired a strike to LaRoche to complete the DP.
Folks will see the play on Sportscenter hundreds of times this week.
Aaron Harang threw 114 pitches in his opening day start, in which he lasted just five innings.
On Sunday, Harang threw a complete game shutout at the Pirates. Complete games are an endangered species in the major leagues. They are especially rare in early April.
"He was masterful," Baker said. "It shows you what kind of shape he's in."
Harang shed 25 pounds this winter before reporting to spring training.
It paid off early.
"It was nice to get a complete game this early," said Harang, who credited catcher Ramon Hernandez and umpire Jerry Layne for their roles in the 2-0 shutout.
"Ramon and I were definitely on the same page," Harang said. "I think I only shook him off once and that was just to change location. Jerry had a good strike zone and he was very consistent. Early on if you can find out what the strike zone is going to be, it's a relief."
The winning margin came on the fourth batter of the game.
Brandon Phillips, the cleanup hitter, hit his first home run of the season off Ian Snell with Wily Taveras on base.
"It was good that Wily got on, so it was a two-run home run instead of a solo homer. I just tried to put a good swing on the pitch," Phillips said. "It was nice to give Wranger the lead. He looks like the Wranger from 06 and 07. It was nice to finally look at the scoreboard and see a zero under errors."
Harang lost 17 game last season after winning 16 in both 2006 and 2007.
"The home run was big," Baker said. "I think it was the first time we scored first. We didn't get many runs for Aaron last year. It was important to get him some and he made them stand up."
Jay Bruce The Young and the Breathless
Jay Bruce screwed up as Dusty Baker would say "big time."
The 10-2 loss to the Pirates on Saturday ended when Bruce, in his 112th big league game, rounded second on Ramon Hernandez's long fly to centerfield with one out. He was easily doubled off first.
Every knotholer knows that it is a sin to forget the number of outs. Bruce knew the situation.
"He even told Edwin and held up a finger, one out," Baker said. "And Hatch (firstbase coach Billy Hatcher) told him one base at a time."
But for some reason Bruce was overly aggressive when the ball was hit. In a 10-2 game the base runner is not supposed to make things happen. The team needs more than his run to get back in the game. The runners in that situation have to be more conservative.
"Jay came in to my office yesterday," Baker said. "He came to me before I went to him. It was a case of a young guy trying to do to much. He felt terrible. He knew what he'd done. I was pissed off but when I saw how terrible he felt it was hard to stay pissed off. You know when you're pissed off at your kid and you're about to spank him. But he comes in and says 'dad I screwed up'. You say ok don't do it again."
It is the paradox of baseball. You have to be quick but not too quick. You have to be patient but you have to be aggressive. It is the how and the when that talented baseball players take years to learn in the minor leagues.
Bruce 22 on April 3.
He has 356 games total as a professional.
It was a case of a young guy trying to do too much at the wrong time.
"You need to be alert," Baker said.
Baker draws on his experience as a player but is also a deep thinker, who is a speed reader. He read a book by John Wooden, "Be Quick and Don't Hurry". It's about breathing. You have to continue to breath. It sounds silly but if you hyperventilate, especially in clutch situations, your mind's not clear. I talked to Sadahru Oh when I was with the Dodgers. He said you have to continue to breath to get oxygen to the brain. Let your mind control your heart, rather than the heart controling your mind."
Baker wants them to have that ability, "it" now.
"Some players got it. Joey Votto's got it but he's four years older than Jay. Some guys get it sooner, some guys get it later and some guys never get it. My job is to help them get it."
The 10-2 loss to the Pirates on Saturday ended when Bruce, in his 112th big league game, rounded second on Ramon Hernandez's long fly to centerfield with one out. He was easily doubled off first.
Every knotholer knows that it is a sin to forget the number of outs. Bruce knew the situation.
"He even told Edwin and held up a finger, one out," Baker said. "And Hatch (firstbase coach Billy Hatcher) told him one base at a time."
But for some reason Bruce was overly aggressive when the ball was hit. In a 10-2 game the base runner is not supposed to make things happen. The team needs more than his run to get back in the game. The runners in that situation have to be more conservative.
"Jay came in to my office yesterday," Baker said. "He came to me before I went to him. It was a case of a young guy trying to do to much. He felt terrible. He knew what he'd done. I was pissed off but when I saw how terrible he felt it was hard to stay pissed off. You know when you're pissed off at your kid and you're about to spank him. But he comes in and says 'dad I screwed up'. You say ok don't do it again."
It is the paradox of baseball. You have to be quick but not too quick. You have to be patient but you have to be aggressive. It is the how and the when that talented baseball players take years to learn in the minor leagues.
Bruce 22 on April 3.
He has 356 games total as a professional.
It was a case of a young guy trying to do too much at the wrong time.
"You need to be alert," Baker said.
Baker draws on his experience as a player but is also a deep thinker, who is a speed reader. He read a book by John Wooden, "Be Quick and Don't Hurry". It's about breathing. You have to continue to breath. It sounds silly but if you hyperventilate, especially in clutch situations, your mind's not clear. I talked to Sadahru Oh when I was with the Dodgers. He said you have to continue to breath to get oxygen to the brain. Let your mind control your heart, rather than the heart controling your mind."
Baker wants them to have that ability, "it" now.
"Some players got it. Joey Votto's got it but he's four years older than Jay. Some guys get it sooner, some guys get it later and some guys never get it. My job is to help them get it."
Jay Bruce The Young and the Breathless
Jay Bruce screwed up as Dusty Baker would say "big time."
The 10-2 loss to the Pirates on Saturday ended when Bruce, in his 112th big league game, rounded second on Ramon Hernandez's long fly to centerfield with one out. He was easily doubled off first.
Every knotholer knows that it is a sin to forget the number of outs. Bruce knew the situation.
"He even told Edwin and held up a finger, one out," Baker said. "And Hatch (firstbase coach Billy Hatcher) told him one base at a time."
But for some reason Bruce was overly aggressive when the ball was hit. In a 10-2 game the base runner is not supposed to make things happen. The team needs more than his run to get back in the game. The runners in that situation have to be more conservative.
"Jay came in to my office yesterday," Baker said. "He came to me before I went to him. It was a case of a young guy trying to do to much. He felt terrible. He knew what he'd done. I was pissed off but when I saw how terrible he felt it was hard to stay pissed off. You know when you're pissed off at your kid and you're about to spank him. But he comes in and says 'dad I screwed up'. You say ok don't do it again."
It is the paradox of baseball. You have to be quick but not too quick. You have to be patient but you have to be aggressive. It is the how and the when that talented baseball players take years to learn in the minor leagues.
Bruce 22 on April 3.
He has 356 games total as a professional.
It was a case of a young guy trying to do too much at the wrong time.
"You need to be alert," Baker said.
Baker draws on his experience as a player but is also a deep thinker, who is a speed reader. He read a book by John Wooden, "Be Quick and Don't Hurry". It's about breathing. You have to continue to breath. It sounds silly but if you hyperventilate, especially in clutch situations, your mind's not clear. I talked to Sadahru Oh when I was with the Dodgers. He said you have to continue to breath to get oxygen to the brain. Let your mind control your heart, rather than the heart controling your mind."
Baker wants them to have that ability, "it" now.
"Some players got it. Joey Votto's got it but he's four years older than Jay. Some guys get it sooner, some guys get it later and some guys never get it. My job is to help them get it."
The 10-2 loss to the Pirates on Saturday ended when Bruce, in his 112th big league game, rounded second on Ramon Hernandez's long fly to centerfield with one out. He was easily doubled off first.
Every knotholer knows that it is a sin to forget the number of outs. Bruce knew the situation.
"He even told Edwin and held up a finger, one out," Baker said. "And Hatch (firstbase coach Billy Hatcher) told him one base at a time."
But for some reason Bruce was overly aggressive when the ball was hit. In a 10-2 game the base runner is not supposed to make things happen. The team needs more than his run to get back in the game. The runners in that situation have to be more conservative.
"Jay came in to my office yesterday," Baker said. "He came to me before I went to him. It was a case of a young guy trying to do to much. He felt terrible. He knew what he'd done. I was pissed off but when I saw how terrible he felt it was hard to stay pissed off. You know when you're pissed off at your kid and you're about to spank him. But he comes in and says 'dad I screwed up'. You say ok don't do it again."
It is the paradox of baseball. You have to be quick but not too quick. You have to be patient but you have to be aggressive. It is the how and the when that talented baseball players take years to learn in the minor leagues.
Bruce 22 on April 3.
He has 356 games total as a professional.
It was a case of a young guy trying to do too much at the wrong time.
"You need to be alert," Baker said.
Baker draws on his experience as a player but is also a deep thinker, who is a speed reader. He read a book by John Wooden, "Be Quick and Don't Hurry". It's about breathing. You have to continue to breath. It sounds silly but if you hyperventilate, especially in clutch situations, your mind's not clear. I talked to Sadahru Oh when I was with the Dodgers. He said you have to continue to breath to get oxygen to the brain. Let your mind control your heart, rather than the heart controling your mind."
Baker wants them to have that ability, "it" now.
"Some players got it. Joey Votto's got it but he's four years older than Jay. Some guys get it sooner, some guys get it later and some guys never get it. My job is to help them get it."
Joey Votto The Man
Joey Votto was limping after the play. He was thrown out at the plate on Saturday following a single by Edwin Encarnacion in the fourth inning.
The slide was ugly. He right foot went three quarters of the way up his keister and his left leg scraped the base path, tearing his pants. His left foot came to an abrupt halt when it met the shin guards of Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit, who fielded the strong throw by rightfielder, Brandon Moss.
His pants were torn, providing the Reds marketing people another piece of merchandise to peddle at Redsfest or for a fund raiser at any woman's group in Cincinnati.
Yet, in spite of the pain, Votto finished the game.
Dusty Baker was obviously impressed by the "old school", throwback, willingness to play through the pain and placed his name indelibly in his normal position on the field and in the batting order.
Baker offered a comparison to his former teammate Steve Garvey. who played every game the Los Angeles Dodgers played from 1976-1980 and 1980 included an extra game.
"People used to ask me who played first base for the Dodgers," Baker said. "My answer was Garvey, Garvey and Garvey. We didn't think about anyone else."
"He's a little sore but hey man, Joey Votto's a man. That's what men do they come to play," Baker said. "He's going to need a blow (rest) too. We'll get him some time off."
The slide was ugly. He right foot went three quarters of the way up his keister and his left leg scraped the base path, tearing his pants. His left foot came to an abrupt halt when it met the shin guards of Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit, who fielded the strong throw by rightfielder, Brandon Moss.
His pants were torn, providing the Reds marketing people another piece of merchandise to peddle at Redsfest or for a fund raiser at any woman's group in Cincinnati.
Yet, in spite of the pain, Votto finished the game.
Dusty Baker was obviously impressed by the "old school", throwback, willingness to play through the pain and placed his name indelibly in his normal position on the field and in the batting order.
Baker offered a comparison to his former teammate Steve Garvey. who played every game the Los Angeles Dodgers played from 1976-1980 and 1980 included an extra game.
"People used to ask me who played first base for the Dodgers," Baker said. "My answer was Garvey, Garvey and Garvey. We didn't think about anyone else."
"He's a little sore but hey man, Joey Votto's a man. That's what men do they come to play," Baker said. "He's going to need a blow (rest) too. We'll get him some time off."
Joey Votto The Man
Joey Votto was limping after the play. He was thrown out at the plate on Saturday following a single by Edwin Encarnacion in the fourth inning.
The slide was ugly. He right foot went three quarters of the way up his keister and his left leg scraped the base path, tearing his pants. His left foot came to an abrupt halt when it met the shin guards of Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit, who fielded the strong throw by rightfielder, Brandon Moss.
His pants were torn, providing the Reds marketing people another piece of merchandise to peddle at Redsfest or for a fund raiser at any woman's group in Cincinnati.
Yet, in spite of the pain, Votto finished the game.
Dusty Baker was obviously impressed by the "old school", throwback, willingness to play through the pain and placed his name indelibly in his normal position on the field and in the batting order.
Baker offered a comparison to his former teammate Steve Garvey. who played every game the Los Angeles Dodgers played from 1976-1980 and 1980 included an extra game.
"People used to ask me who played first base for the Dodgers," Baker said. "My answer was Garvey, Garvey and Garvey. We didn't think about anyone else."
"He's a little sore but hey man, Joey Votto's a man. That's what men do they come to play," Baker said. "He's going to need a blow (rest) too. We'll get him some time off."
The slide was ugly. He right foot went three quarters of the way up his keister and his left leg scraped the base path, tearing his pants. His left foot came to an abrupt halt when it met the shin guards of Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit, who fielded the strong throw by rightfielder, Brandon Moss.
His pants were torn, providing the Reds marketing people another piece of merchandise to peddle at Redsfest or for a fund raiser at any woman's group in Cincinnati.
Yet, in spite of the pain, Votto finished the game.
Dusty Baker was obviously impressed by the "old school", throwback, willingness to play through the pain and placed his name indelibly in his normal position on the field and in the batting order.
Baker offered a comparison to his former teammate Steve Garvey. who played every game the Los Angeles Dodgers played from 1976-1980 and 1980 included an extra game.
"People used to ask me who played first base for the Dodgers," Baker said. "My answer was Garvey, Garvey and Garvey. We didn't think about anyone else."
"He's a little sore but hey man, Joey Votto's a man. That's what men do they come to play," Baker said. "He's going to need a blow (rest) too. We'll get him some time off."
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Pittsburgh and Cincinnati
The teams from these two Ohio River cities are in the throes of a long dry spell.
Pittsburgh last winning season was 1992 when they last made the playoffs. Cincinnati last had a winning campaign in 2000, Jack McKeon's last year as manager and Ken Griffey Jr's first year with the club.
The Pirates are becoming like a Class AAAA farm team for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Once players like Jason Bay, who went to the Red Sox and Xavier Nady, who now toils for the Yankees, reach their top earning years, they are dealt. The Reds traded Adam Dunn late last year to get Micah Owings and Nick Masset both righthanded pitchers, along with Wilken Castillo.
The Pirates farm system has produced a trio of good young pitchers in Paul Maholm, Zach Duke and Ian Snell. Trading Xavier Nady to the Yankees, gained the other two starters in the Pirates rotation, Jeff Karstens and Ross Ohlendorf.
Maholm was drafted in the first round in 2003.
He was facing Johnny Cueto, who is the only pitcher in the Reds rotation that earned his way through the Reds system. Cueto was not drafted but signed as an undrafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in in 2004.
Maholm had a great spring training. He allowed just four runs in 23 2/3 innings. The key is that he walked just two batters. That success has carried over into the regular season to date. He pitched 6 2/3 innings at St. Louis, allowing one run and one walk.
Maholm pitched seven innings against the Reds in the 10-2 win on Saturday. He walked two but allowed just one run.
"In spring training, I worked on challenging hitters," Maholm said. "There was never an outing where I would work on my sinker. I used all my pitches and tried to set up hitters. Today, I threw my change up to get ahead. I wanted to get some quick outs and guys made great plays. I knew that if I got in trouble, I could get a double play with the sinker."
Cueto impressed everyone last season out of the gate. He also challenged hitters. The 23-year old didn't walk a batter until he recorded 16 innings. This spring he walked six in 23 innings but four of them were in his last tune up on March 30 against these same Pirates.
On Saturday Cueto lasted six innings in which he struck out nine and walked just one. However he gave up eight hits, including a two-run home run to Nate McClouth in the first and a run scoring double to Jack Wilson. Nyjer Morgan added a triple to score Wilson.
"I tried to be aggressive," Cueto said through translator, Juan Lopez. "The mistakes I made were when I wasn't agressive."
Ramon Hernandez saw the same thing from behind the plate.
"He threw the ball real well but the mistakes he made came with men on base," Hernandez said. "He left a change up, up (to Wilson) for a double but it came with men on base."
Pittsburgh last winning season was 1992 when they last made the playoffs. Cincinnati last had a winning campaign in 2000, Jack McKeon's last year as manager and Ken Griffey Jr's first year with the club.
The Pirates are becoming like a Class AAAA farm team for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Once players like Jason Bay, who went to the Red Sox and Xavier Nady, who now toils for the Yankees, reach their top earning years, they are dealt. The Reds traded Adam Dunn late last year to get Micah Owings and Nick Masset both righthanded pitchers, along with Wilken Castillo.
The Pirates farm system has produced a trio of good young pitchers in Paul Maholm, Zach Duke and Ian Snell. Trading Xavier Nady to the Yankees, gained the other two starters in the Pirates rotation, Jeff Karstens and Ross Ohlendorf.
Maholm was drafted in the first round in 2003.
He was facing Johnny Cueto, who is the only pitcher in the Reds rotation that earned his way through the Reds system. Cueto was not drafted but signed as an undrafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in in 2004.
Maholm had a great spring training. He allowed just four runs in 23 2/3 innings. The key is that he walked just two batters. That success has carried over into the regular season to date. He pitched 6 2/3 innings at St. Louis, allowing one run and one walk.
Maholm pitched seven innings against the Reds in the 10-2 win on Saturday. He walked two but allowed just one run.
"In spring training, I worked on challenging hitters," Maholm said. "There was never an outing where I would work on my sinker. I used all my pitches and tried to set up hitters. Today, I threw my change up to get ahead. I wanted to get some quick outs and guys made great plays. I knew that if I got in trouble, I could get a double play with the sinker."
Cueto impressed everyone last season out of the gate. He also challenged hitters. The 23-year old didn't walk a batter until he recorded 16 innings. This spring he walked six in 23 innings but four of them were in his last tune up on March 30 against these same Pirates.
On Saturday Cueto lasted six innings in which he struck out nine and walked just one. However he gave up eight hits, including a two-run home run to Nate McClouth in the first and a run scoring double to Jack Wilson. Nyjer Morgan added a triple to score Wilson.
"I tried to be aggressive," Cueto said through translator, Juan Lopez. "The mistakes I made were when I wasn't agressive."
Ramon Hernandez saw the same thing from behind the plate.
"He threw the ball real well but the mistakes he made came with men on base," Hernandez said. "He left a change up, up (to Wilson) for a double but it came with men on base."
Pittsburgh and Cincinnati
The teams from these two Ohio River cities are in the throes of a long dry spell.
Pittsburgh last winning season was 1992 when they last made the playoffs. Cincinnati last had a winning campaign in 2000, Jack McKeon's last year as manager and Ken Griffey Jr's first year with the club.
The Pirates are becoming like a Class AAAA farm team for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Once players like Jason Bay, who went to the Red Sox and Xavier Nady, who now toils for the Yankees, reach their top earning years, they are dealt. The Reds traded Adam Dunn late last year to get Micah Owings and Nick Masset both righthanded pitchers, along with Wilken Castillo.
The Pirates farm system has produced a trio of good young pitchers in Paul Maholm, Zach Duke and Ian Snell. Trading Xavier Nady to the Yankees, gained the other two starters in the Pirates rotation, Jeff Karstens and Ross Ohlendorf.
Maholm was drafted in the first round in 2003.
He was facing Johnny Cueto, who is the only pitcher in the Reds rotation that earned his way through the Reds system. Cueto was not drafted but signed as an undrafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in in 2004.
Maholm had a great spring training. He allowed just four runs in 23 2/3 innings. The key is that he walked just two batters. That success has carried over into the regular season to date. He pitched 6 2/3 innings at St. Louis, allowing one run and one walk.
Maholm pitched seven innings against the Reds in the 10-2 win on Saturday. He walked two but allowed just one run.
"In spring training, I worked on challenging hitters," Maholm said. "There was never an outing where I would work on my sinker. I used all my pitches and tried to set up hitters. Today, I threw my change up to get ahead. I wanted to get some quick outs and guys made great plays. I knew that if I got in trouble, I could get a double play with the sinker."
Cueto impressed everyone last season out of the gate. He also challenged hitters. The 23-year old didn't walk a batter until he recorded 16 innings. This spring he walked six in 23 innings but four of them were in his last tune up on March 30 against these same Pirates.
On Saturday Cueto lasted six innings in which he struck out nine and walked just one. However he gave up eight hits, including a two-run home run to Nate McClouth in the first and a run scoring double to Jack Wilson. Nyjer Morgan added a triple to score Wilson.
"I tried to be aggressive," Cueto said through translator, Juan Lopez. "The mistakes I made were when I wasn't agressive."
Ramon Hernandez saw the same thing from behind the plate.
"He threw the ball real well but the mistakes he made came with men on base," Hernandez said. "He left a change up, up (to Wilson) for a double but it came with men on base."
Pittsburgh last winning season was 1992 when they last made the playoffs. Cincinnati last had a winning campaign in 2000, Jack McKeon's last year as manager and Ken Griffey Jr's first year with the club.
The Pirates are becoming like a Class AAAA farm team for the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Once players like Jason Bay, who went to the Red Sox and Xavier Nady, who now toils for the Yankees, reach their top earning years, they are dealt. The Reds traded Adam Dunn late last year to get Micah Owings and Nick Masset both righthanded pitchers, along with Wilken Castillo.
The Pirates farm system has produced a trio of good young pitchers in Paul Maholm, Zach Duke and Ian Snell. Trading Xavier Nady to the Yankees, gained the other two starters in the Pirates rotation, Jeff Karstens and Ross Ohlendorf.
Maholm was drafted in the first round in 2003.
He was facing Johnny Cueto, who is the only pitcher in the Reds rotation that earned his way through the Reds system. Cueto was not drafted but signed as an undrafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in in 2004.
Maholm had a great spring training. He allowed just four runs in 23 2/3 innings. The key is that he walked just two batters. That success has carried over into the regular season to date. He pitched 6 2/3 innings at St. Louis, allowing one run and one walk.
Maholm pitched seven innings against the Reds in the 10-2 win on Saturday. He walked two but allowed just one run.
"In spring training, I worked on challenging hitters," Maholm said. "There was never an outing where I would work on my sinker. I used all my pitches and tried to set up hitters. Today, I threw my change up to get ahead. I wanted to get some quick outs and guys made great plays. I knew that if I got in trouble, I could get a double play with the sinker."
Cueto impressed everyone last season out of the gate. He also challenged hitters. The 23-year old didn't walk a batter until he recorded 16 innings. This spring he walked six in 23 innings but four of them were in his last tune up on March 30 against these same Pirates.
On Saturday Cueto lasted six innings in which he struck out nine and walked just one. However he gave up eight hits, including a two-run home run to Nate McClouth in the first and a run scoring double to Jack Wilson. Nyjer Morgan added a triple to score Wilson.
"I tried to be aggressive," Cueto said through translator, Juan Lopez. "The mistakes I made were when I wasn't agressive."
Ramon Hernandez saw the same thing from behind the plate.
"He threw the ball real well but the mistakes he made came with men on base," Hernandez said. "He left a change up, up (to Wilson) for a double but it came with men on base."
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
One Down Two Injured
The Reds started spring training with more outfielders than they could use.
Jonny Gomes, who led the Reds with four home runs this spring, was designated for assignment on Sunday as one of the last five players cut.
The Reds had 10 days to trade him or ask waivers but Gomes elected to stay in the organization and accepted the assignment to Louisville.
But wait a minute.
Willie Taveras did not start because of his flu but tripled as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
Then Jerry Hairston Jr., no stranger to the disabled list fouled a ball off his left leg and left the game with a tight, left, lower, leg. Hairston fouled a ball off his calf in the first inning. He then fouled one off his left ankle in the fourth inning.
"I hit my calf pretty good in the first inning," Hairston said. "I tried to keep it loose but it locked up on me. The ball off the ankle killed but it went away. I'll be alright. I'll just take treatment."
Gomes decision could bring him closer to the big leagues than he thought on Sunday.
Jonny Gomes, who led the Reds with four home runs this spring, was designated for assignment on Sunday as one of the last five players cut.
The Reds had 10 days to trade him or ask waivers but Gomes elected to stay in the organization and accepted the assignment to Louisville.
But wait a minute.
Willie Taveras did not start because of his flu but tripled as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
Then Jerry Hairston Jr., no stranger to the disabled list fouled a ball off his left leg and left the game with a tight, left, lower, leg. Hairston fouled a ball off his calf in the first inning. He then fouled one off his left ankle in the fourth inning.
"I hit my calf pretty good in the first inning," Hairston said. "I tried to keep it loose but it locked up on me. The ball off the ankle killed but it went away. I'll be alright. I'll just take treatment."
Gomes decision could bring him closer to the big leagues than he thought on Sunday.
One Down Two Injured
The Reds started spring training with more outfielders than they could use.
Jonny Gomes, who led the Reds with four home runs this spring, was designated for assignment on Sunday as one of the last five players cut.
The Reds had 10 days to trade him or ask waivers but Gomes elected to stay in the organization and accepted the assignment to Louisville.
But wait a minute.
Willie Taveras did not start because of his flu but tripled as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
Then Jerry Hairston Jr., no stranger to the disabled list fouled a ball off his left leg and left the game with a tight, left, lower, leg. Hairston fouled a ball off his calf in the first inning. He then fouled one off his left ankle in the fourth inning.
"I hit my calf pretty good in the first inning," Hairston said. "I tried to keep it loose but it locked up on me. The ball off the ankle killed but it went away. I'll be alright. I'll just take treatment."
Gomes decision could bring him closer to the big leagues than he thought on Sunday.
Jonny Gomes, who led the Reds with four home runs this spring, was designated for assignment on Sunday as one of the last five players cut.
The Reds had 10 days to trade him or ask waivers but Gomes elected to stay in the organization and accepted the assignment to Louisville.
But wait a minute.
Willie Taveras did not start because of his flu but tripled as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
Then Jerry Hairston Jr., no stranger to the disabled list fouled a ball off his left leg and left the game with a tight, left, lower, leg. Hairston fouled a ball off his calf in the first inning. He then fouled one off his left ankle in the fourth inning.
"I hit my calf pretty good in the first inning," Hairston said. "I tried to keep it loose but it locked up on me. The ball off the ankle killed but it went away. I'll be alright. I'll just take treatment."
Gomes decision could bring him closer to the big leagues than he thought on Sunday.
Great Sports Cartoons by Jerry Dowling
Check them out.
http://www.jerrydowling.com/
This famous cartoonist has been drawing cartoons since he was four-year old waif in Windsor Canada.
He had his first published cartoon as a more mature eight-year old in the Windsor Daily Star.
They got around to paying him in 1960 for a caricature of Peter Sellers that appeared in all three Toronto papers, the Globe and Mail, the Star and the Telegram.
Since he has poked fun in brilliant colors with hundreds of famous sport figures.
He drew enough cartoons of Pete Rose to fill a book, "Drawing Pete" which is available at several local bookstores by or through http://edgecliffpress.com/
Do yourself a favor and check them out.
http://www.jerrydowling.com/
This famous cartoonist has been drawing cartoons since he was four-year old waif in Windsor Canada.
He had his first published cartoon as a more mature eight-year old in the Windsor Daily Star.
They got around to paying him in 1960 for a caricature of Peter Sellers that appeared in all three Toronto papers, the Globe and Mail, the Star and the Telegram.
Since he has poked fun in brilliant colors with hundreds of famous sport figures.
He drew enough cartoons of Pete Rose to fill a book, "Drawing Pete" which is available at several local bookstores by or through http://edgecliffpress.com/
Do yourself a favor and check them out.
Great Sports Cartoons by Jerry Dowling
Check them out.
http://www.jerrydowling.com/
This famous cartoonist has been drawing cartoons since he was four-year old waif in Windsor Canada.
He had his first published cartoon as a more mature eight-year old in the Windsor Daily Star.
They got around to paying him in 1960 for a caricature of Peter Sellers that appeared in all three Toronto papers, the Globe and Mail, the Star and the Telegram.
Since he has poked fun in brilliant colors with hundreds of famous sport figures.
He drew enough cartoons of Pete Rose to fill a book, "Drawing Pete" which is available at several local bookstores by or through http://edgecliffpress.com/
Do yourself a favor and check them out.
http://www.jerrydowling.com/
This famous cartoonist has been drawing cartoons since he was four-year old waif in Windsor Canada.
He had his first published cartoon as a more mature eight-year old in the Windsor Daily Star.
They got around to paying him in 1960 for a caricature of Peter Sellers that appeared in all three Toronto papers, the Globe and Mail, the Star and the Telegram.
Since he has poked fun in brilliant colors with hundreds of famous sport figures.
He drew enough cartoons of Pete Rose to fill a book, "Drawing Pete" which is available at several local bookstores by or through http://edgecliffpress.com/
Do yourself a favor and check them out.
Where is Willy Taveras?
One of the Reds key acquisitions in the off season is still absent from the lineup.
Willy Taveras, who filled the leadoff void that the Reds had for several years, is still out with the flu.
Dusty Baker usually holds a player back an extra day after they say they are ready to go.
Taveras was also hit by a line drive off the bat of teammante Joey Votto while attempting a steal of thirdbase in the last week of spring training. He then came down with the flu.
Jerry Hairston Jr., who lost 10 lbs. from a flu bug that he contracted as a member of the Mexican WBC team, was in the lineup as the centerfielder and leadoff hitter.
Willy Taveras, who filled the leadoff void that the Reds had for several years, is still out with the flu.
Dusty Baker usually holds a player back an extra day after they say they are ready to go.
Taveras was also hit by a line drive off the bat of teammante Joey Votto while attempting a steal of thirdbase in the last week of spring training. He then came down with the flu.
Jerry Hairston Jr., who lost 10 lbs. from a flu bug that he contracted as a member of the Mexican WBC team, was in the lineup as the centerfielder and leadoff hitter.
Where is Willy Taveras?
One of the Reds key acquisitions in the off season is still absent from the lineup.
Willy Taveras, who filled the leadoff void that the Reds had for several years, is still out with the flu.
Dusty Baker usually holds a player back an extra day after they say they are ready to go.
Taveras was also hit by a line drive off the bat of teammante Joey Votto while attempting a steal of thirdbase in the last week of spring training. He then came down with the flu.
Jerry Hairston Jr., who lost 10 lbs. from a flu bug that he contracted as a member of the Mexican WBC team, was in the lineup as the centerfielder and leadoff hitter.
Willy Taveras, who filled the leadoff void that the Reds had for several years, is still out with the flu.
Dusty Baker usually holds a player back an extra day after they say they are ready to go.
Taveras was also hit by a line drive off the bat of teammante Joey Votto while attempting a steal of thirdbase in the last week of spring training. He then came down with the flu.
Jerry Hairston Jr., who lost 10 lbs. from a flu bug that he contracted as a member of the Mexican WBC team, was in the lineup as the centerfielder and leadoff hitter.
Beyond Opening Day
The media crush is over.
The number of media members that covers opening day in Cincinnati is four fold above a normal night.
Even with the nine New York writers the crowd is slim.
Cincinnati is down to one Daily, The Enquirer and the Dayton Daily New still covers the Reds everyday. Mlb.com has a daily presence and the Associated Press has two members at each home game.
TV crews send only a videographer. These guys used to be known as camermen. Now they ask questions like a reporter does but there is no need for them to grace the tube with their image.
Every radio station does a remote on the initial day. Now just the flagship station has a presence.
It is not just the media. Every seat in the park is filled on the uniquely Cincinnati holiday. Now for the second game of the year the crowd is a paltry, 13,568, even with warmer weather and no rain.
The players are more relaxed and into a routine. They are much easier to talk to now that the comedic and lesser experienced media members are gone.
As the experienced baseball fan knows that in the standings the opening game is still only one of 162 in spite of the extra hoopla. Yet the one-day baseball media asks, "How important is it to win the first one?, etc"
It is laughable.
One year I walked up to Denny Neagle, a noted practical joker, after an opening day loss. He was not the starting pitcher and the rest of the media was crowded around Pete Harnisch giving the usual cliche answers.
I walked up to Neagle and asked, "Is it too early to panic."
He actually started to answer before he realized that I was having fun with him.
The number of media members that covers opening day in Cincinnati is four fold above a normal night.
Even with the nine New York writers the crowd is slim.
Cincinnati is down to one Daily, The Enquirer and the Dayton Daily New still covers the Reds everyday. Mlb.com has a daily presence and the Associated Press has two members at each home game.
TV crews send only a videographer. These guys used to be known as camermen. Now they ask questions like a reporter does but there is no need for them to grace the tube with their image.
Every radio station does a remote on the initial day. Now just the flagship station has a presence.
It is not just the media. Every seat in the park is filled on the uniquely Cincinnati holiday. Now for the second game of the year the crowd is a paltry, 13,568, even with warmer weather and no rain.
The players are more relaxed and into a routine. They are much easier to talk to now that the comedic and lesser experienced media members are gone.
As the experienced baseball fan knows that in the standings the opening game is still only one of 162 in spite of the extra hoopla. Yet the one-day baseball media asks, "How important is it to win the first one?, etc"
It is laughable.
One year I walked up to Denny Neagle, a noted practical joker, after an opening day loss. He was not the starting pitcher and the rest of the media was crowded around Pete Harnisch giving the usual cliche answers.
I walked up to Neagle and asked, "Is it too early to panic."
He actually started to answer before he realized that I was having fun with him.
Beyond Opening Day
The media crush is over.
The number of media members that covers opening day in Cincinnati is four fold above a normal night.
Even with the nine New York writers the crowd is slim.
Cincinnati is down to one Daily, The Enquirer and the Dayton Daily New still covers the Reds everyday. Mlb.com has a daily presence and the Associated Press has two members at each home game.
TV crews send only a videographer. These guys used to be known as camermen. Now they ask questions like a reporter does but there is no need for them to grace the tube with their image.
Every radio station does a remote on the initial day. Now just the flagship station has a presence.
It is not just the media. Every seat in the park is filled on the uniquely Cincinnati holiday. Now for the second game of the year the crowd is a paltry, 13,568, even with warmer weather and no rain.
The players are more relaxed and into a routine. They are much easier to talk to now that the comedic and lesser experienced media members are gone.
As the experienced baseball fan knows that in the standings the opening game is still only one of 162 in spite of the extra hoopla. Yet the one-day baseball media asks, "How important is it to win the first one?, etc"
It is laughable.
One year I walked up to Denny Neagle, a noted practical joker, after an opening day loss. He was not the starting pitcher and the rest of the media was crowded around Pete Harnisch giving the usual cliche answers.
I walked up to Neagle and asked, "Is it too early to panic."
He actually started to answer before he realized that I was having fun with him.
The number of media members that covers opening day in Cincinnati is four fold above a normal night.
Even with the nine New York writers the crowd is slim.
Cincinnati is down to one Daily, The Enquirer and the Dayton Daily New still covers the Reds everyday. Mlb.com has a daily presence and the Associated Press has two members at each home game.
TV crews send only a videographer. These guys used to be known as camermen. Now they ask questions like a reporter does but there is no need for them to grace the tube with their image.
Every radio station does a remote on the initial day. Now just the flagship station has a presence.
It is not just the media. Every seat in the park is filled on the uniquely Cincinnati holiday. Now for the second game of the year the crowd is a paltry, 13,568, even with warmer weather and no rain.
The players are more relaxed and into a routine. They are much easier to talk to now that the comedic and lesser experienced media members are gone.
As the experienced baseball fan knows that in the standings the opening game is still only one of 162 in spite of the extra hoopla. Yet the one-day baseball media asks, "How important is it to win the first one?, etc"
It is laughable.
One year I walked up to Denny Neagle, a noted practical joker, after an opening day loss. He was not the starting pitcher and the rest of the media was crowded around Pete Harnisch giving the usual cliche answers.
I walked up to Neagle and asked, "Is it too early to panic."
He actually started to answer before he realized that I was having fun with him.
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