Cedric Benson scored on an 18-yard run and Clint Stetser kicked a 24-yard field goal as the Cincinnati Bengals took a 10-7 lead over cross-state rivals, the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland scored on its first drive as Colt McCoy connected with tight end, Robert Royal on a 20-yard play.
Terrel Owens left the game with a strained left knee and it is doubtful that he will return.
Wide Receiver, Jerome Simpson, made his first career catch in the first quarter. Simpson was the Bengals second round pick in the 2008 draft and has been mostly on the inactive list for three seasons.
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.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Xavier Win Skip Prosser Over Wake Forest 83-75
One of Prosser's legacies was present on this night. David West was inducted along with Prosser into Xavier's Hall of Fame and gave the current Musketeers an inspirational pre-game speech.
An inspired Tu Holloway responded with Xavier's first Triple Double since West turned in one in 2001.
Holloway had career highs with 10 rebounds and 14 assists to compliment his 14 points. Kenny Frease poured in a career-high 22 points to gain revenge on the Demon Deacons, who beat the Musketeers in double overtime in the first Skip Prosser Classic. Frease also turned in a double-double with 14 rebounds.
Prosser coached both teams and was the Wake Forest coach at the time of his death in 2007.
Holloway suffered a cut above his left eye that required stitches at halftime and required a jersey change because of blood on his "52" jersey.
"It's a great feeling," Holloway said. "Every time I try to do as much as I can."
Freshman J. T Terrell scored 27 points on this night. Terrell is from North Carolina but did not know Prosser. He felt the big game none-the-less.
"My teammates set screens to get me opein," said Terrell, who hit 6-of-10 3-point shots. "I wasn't around when he was here but my coaches were. I wouldn't call this a rivalry but this game meant a lot to my coaches that knew him. Since it was a big game to them and we're a family, it was a big game to me."
"It was a very emotional last couple of day," said Chris Mack, the Xavier coach, who played for and coached with Prosser. Skip meant a lot to so many people."
Wake Forest first year head coach, Jeff Bzdelik, who took over for Prosser's long time friend and fellow assistant at Xavier under Pete Gillen, was disappointed with the loss but got the game's deeper meaning.
"It was an honor for Wake Forest and me personally to honor such a great man," Bzdelik said.
An inspired Tu Holloway responded with Xavier's first Triple Double since West turned in one in 2001.
Holloway had career highs with 10 rebounds and 14 assists to compliment his 14 points. Kenny Frease poured in a career-high 22 points to gain revenge on the Demon Deacons, who beat the Musketeers in double overtime in the first Skip Prosser Classic. Frease also turned in a double-double with 14 rebounds.
Prosser coached both teams and was the Wake Forest coach at the time of his death in 2007.
Holloway suffered a cut above his left eye that required stitches at halftime and required a jersey change because of blood on his "52" jersey.
"It's a great feeling," Holloway said. "Every time I try to do as much as I can."
Freshman J. T Terrell scored 27 points on this night. Terrell is from North Carolina but did not know Prosser. He felt the big game none-the-less.
"My teammates set screens to get me opein," said Terrell, who hit 6-of-10 3-point shots. "I wasn't around when he was here but my coaches were. I wouldn't call this a rivalry but this game meant a lot to my coaches that knew him. Since it was a big game to them and we're a family, it was a big game to me."
"It was a very emotional last couple of day," said Chris Mack, the Xavier coach, who played for and coached with Prosser. Skip meant a lot to so many people."
Wake Forest first year head coach, Jeff Bzdelik, who took over for Prosser's long time friend and fellow assistant at Xavier under Pete Gillen, was disappointed with the loss but got the game's deeper meaning.
"It was an honor for Wake Forest and me personally to honor such a great man," Bzdelik said.
Skip Prosser Gave David West A Chance
The Xavier Musketeers will play the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at 8:00 pm at Xavier's Cintas Center.
The game is the 2nd annual Skip Prosser Classic.
Prosser coached at Xavier under Pete Gillen, who is the color analyst on the contest. Prosser was the coach that recruited the lightly regarded West from North Carolina when Duke, North Carolina, NC State and Wake Forest all passed on the future 6'8" NBA star.
"Coach Prosser gave me a chance," West said. "That's all you can ask. He had a way of building your confidence."
West is a teammate of Chris Paul with the New Orleans Hornets. Paul played under Prosser for Wake Forest.
"We talk about him all the time," West said. "One of us will use a saying that coach used and we talk about it and tell stories."
Prosser succeeded Gillen at Xavier then took over the Musteteers in 1994. After the 2000-2001 season, Prosser took the head coaching job at Wake Forest, hiring current Xavier head coach, Chris Mack and current Xavier assistant, Pat Kelsey.
Prosser died of heart failure in the summer of 2007.
He and West are being inducted into the Xavier Hall of Fame along with Academic All-American tennis player, Lauren Clary.
The game is the 2nd annual Skip Prosser Classic.
Prosser coached at Xavier under Pete Gillen, who is the color analyst on the contest. Prosser was the coach that recruited the lightly regarded West from North Carolina when Duke, North Carolina, NC State and Wake Forest all passed on the future 6'8" NBA star.
"Coach Prosser gave me a chance," West said. "That's all you can ask. He had a way of building your confidence."
West is a teammate of Chris Paul with the New Orleans Hornets. Paul played under Prosser for Wake Forest.
"We talk about him all the time," West said. "One of us will use a saying that coach used and we talk about it and tell stories."
Prosser succeeded Gillen at Xavier then took over the Musteteers in 1994. After the 2000-2001 season, Prosser took the head coaching job at Wake Forest, hiring current Xavier head coach, Chris Mack and current Xavier assistant, Pat Kelsey.
Prosser died of heart failure in the summer of 2007.
He and West are being inducted into the Xavier Hall of Fame along with Academic All-American tennis player, Lauren Clary.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Terrel Owens Wants the Bengals to Be More Aggressive
Owens made it clear that he was unhappy that the Bengals chose to kick a pair of field goals after getting inside the Saints 20 yardline twice.
"We had some opportunities to win the game. I felt we needed to score a touchdown on that last drive. You have to outscore a team like the Saints. They have a quick strike"I've never lost nine in a row. Sometimes I feel like I can be part of the solution. I go with the play that's called. We're just not getting it done. I'm definitely not used to it. It sucks. Trust me guys are working hard. I don't know if we're getting out coached. I don't know what the deal is. I'm trying to do my part. For whatever reason, we're not getting it done," Owens said.
"I feel like I present matchup problems. I know how to play this game. I've been playing this game for 15 years. We're not taking advantage. That's just confidence that I feel in my heart. I'm not being arrogant or trying to cause problems. I can take advantage of matchups." offense I just felt we needed to get a touchdown," Owens said after the Bengals ninth straight loss.
"We had some opportunities to win the game. I felt we needed to score a touchdown on that last drive. You have to outscore a team like the Saints. They have a quick strike"I've never lost nine in a row. Sometimes I feel like I can be part of the solution. I go with the play that's called. We're just not getting it done. I'm definitely not used to it. It sucks. Trust me guys are working hard. I don't know if we're getting out coached. I don't know what the deal is. I'm trying to do my part. For whatever reason, we're not getting it done," Owens said.
"I have no answer for it"
The 37-year old wide receiver caught his 153rd career touchdown pass but wanted the Bengals to use him more and was clearly frustrated.
"I think coming here this year with Chad and the progression of Shipley and Gresh, I feel like we could be more aggressive," Owens continued.
"I feel like I present matchup problems. I know how to play this game. I've been playing this game for 15 years. We're not taking advantage. That's just confidence that I feel in my heart. I'm not being arrogant or trying to cause problems. I can take advantage of matchups." offense I just felt we needed to get a touchdown," Owens said after the Bengals ninth straight loss.
No Brain Play Works For the Saints Against Bengals
The Saints call the play the "no brainer freeze play."
Marvin Lewis showed his team on tape Wednesday how the Saints try to draw young aggressive defensive linemen offside. The Saints did exactly what they wanted to do. They acted like a play was coming, moving people around to build tension on the defensive side. Third year defensive tackle, Pat Sims took the bait and jumped offside.
"We were trying to draw them offside," New Orleans coach Sean Payton said. "If they move substantially, the we can react. This happened a few weeks ago. The worst thing that could happen is we move back five yards and kick the field goal. Drew Brees did a great job with the snap count and tired to create the illusion we were going for it, when we were really just going to let the time run out."
Sims jumping offside gave the Saints a first and goal at the three with :34 seconds left and enough time to go for the win rather than the tying field goal.
The Bengals found yet another way to lose. It was the ninth straight blemish on an ugly season.
Marvin Lewis had even warned his team about the play as early as Wednesday
"They were trying to draw us offside. I showed them that. We started off with the tape on Wednesday. It's just pressing. They're playing their tails off but we're not playing winning football We can't overcome those mistakes. We have guys that play great for eight or nine plays then make a mistake at a crucial time. We have a rookie tight end that makes great plays, then he drops the ball over the middle because he's trying to run before he catches the ball. We have to keep working and keep trying.
The Bengals could not recover, wasting a good kick off return after the Saints winning score.
They had to burn a timeout earlier in the half because their personnel were unsure of where to line up. The game ended after a screen play put the Bengals in striking distance, they did not immediately call time out.
"We had to burn timeouts earlier with guys not sure where to go or injuries. Probably if I had it to do over again, I would have called a time out. I wanted to use the clock play to preserve a timeout so we could throw the ball down the middle of the field if we had to. I wanted to prevent what happened. Carson saw guys weren't getting lined up and had to call a timeout anyway. You should be able to get guys lined up and stop the clock with 10 or 11 seconds left," Lewis said.
The game ended when Carson Palmer was sacked.
Marvin Lewis showed his team on tape Wednesday how the Saints try to draw young aggressive defensive linemen offside. The Saints did exactly what they wanted to do. They acted like a play was coming, moving people around to build tension on the defensive side. Third year defensive tackle, Pat Sims took the bait and jumped offside.
"We were trying to draw them offside," New Orleans coach Sean Payton said. "If they move substantially, the we can react. This happened a few weeks ago. The worst thing that could happen is we move back five yards and kick the field goal. Drew Brees did a great job with the snap count and tired to create the illusion we were going for it, when we were really just going to let the time run out."
Sims jumping offside gave the Saints a first and goal at the three with :34 seconds left and enough time to go for the win rather than the tying field goal.
The Bengals found yet another way to lose. It was the ninth straight blemish on an ugly season.
Marvin Lewis had even warned his team about the play as early as Wednesday
"They were trying to draw us offside. I showed them that. We started off with the tape on Wednesday. It's just pressing. They're playing their tails off but we're not playing winning football We can't overcome those mistakes. We have guys that play great for eight or nine plays then make a mistake at a crucial time. We have a rookie tight end that makes great plays, then he drops the ball over the middle because he's trying to run before he catches the ball. We have to keep working and keep trying.
The Bengals could not recover, wasting a good kick off return after the Saints winning score.
They had to burn a timeout earlier in the half because their personnel were unsure of where to line up. The game ended after a screen play put the Bengals in striking distance, they did not immediately call time out.
"We had to burn timeouts earlier with guys not sure where to go or injuries. Probably if I had it to do over again, I would have called a time out. I wanted to use the clock play to preserve a timeout so we could throw the ball down the middle of the field if we had to. I wanted to prevent what happened. Carson saw guys weren't getting lined up and had to call a timeout anyway. You should be able to get guys lined up and stop the clock with 10 or 11 seconds left," Lewis said.
The game ended when Carson Palmer was sacked.
The Saints Touchdown Ruins the Upset Bid 34-30
New Orleans faced a fourth and three at the Bengals seven yard line with 34 seconds left in the game.
They brought on the field goal unit to go for a tie. New Orleans tried to entice the Bengals offside but had to call a time out. They put the offense back on the field. The Bengals rushed its defenders back on the field.
On a hard count with Saints receiver switching position, Bengal defensive tackle, Pat Sims jumped offside, resulting in a first down at the Bengals three yard line.
Brees found Marques Colston for the winning touchdown.
They brought on the field goal unit to go for a tie. New Orleans tried to entice the Bengals offside but had to call a time out. They put the offense back on the field. The Bengals rushed its defenders back on the field.
On a hard count with Saints receiver switching position, Bengal defensive tackle, Pat Sims jumped offside, resulting in a first down at the Bengals three yard line.
Brees found Marques Colston for the winning touchdown.
Xavier Women Defeat Crosstown Rival Cincinnati 69-61
Amber Harris scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as Xavier outlasted the mascotless University of Cincinnati Bearcats Sunday at UC's 5th/3rd Arena.
Ta'Shia Phillips scored 12 points and pulled in nine rebounds.
The Musketeer women remain perfect on the season at 8-0.
Ta'Shia Phillips scored 12 points and pulled in nine rebounds.
The Musketeer women remain perfect on the season at 8-0.
Clint Stitzer Kicks a 47-Yard Field Goal Bengals Lead 30-27
He missed an extra point but has kicked three field goals, replacing the injured Mike Nugent.
The Bengals after eight straight losses are in position to upset New Orleans with 3:23 left in the game.
The Bengals after eight straight losses are in position to upset New Orleans with 3:23 left in the game.
Carlos Dunlap Sacked Brees to Stop Saints.
The rookie from Florida notched his second sack of the game to force the Saints to punt with 6:16 left in the game.
Quan Cosby returned the punt to the New Orleans 44 yard line to give the Bengals a chance to take its first lead of the game.
Quan Cosby returned the punt to the New Orleans 44 yard line to give the Bengals a chance to take its first lead of the game.
Bengals Tie the Saints
Cedric Benson scored from four yards out and Palmer converts a two-point conversion pass to Jermaine Gresham to tie the defending champions with 8:08 left in the game.
The Saints had too many players on the field as the Bengals were punting with 10:20 left. The Bengals took advantage of their new life to complete the touchdown drive.
The Saints had too many players on the field as the Bengals were punting with 10:20 left. The Bengals took advantage of their new life to complete the touchdown drive.
Saints Extend the Lead
Drew Brees found Robert Meachem wide open for a 52-yard touchdown pass.
The play increased the reigning champions lead to 27-19 with 12:13 left in the game
Chris Ivory, who played his senior year at Tiffin University after transferring from Washington State has rushed for 128 yards on 12 carries.
The play increased the reigning champions lead to 27-19 with 12:13 left in the game
Chris Ivory, who played his senior year at Tiffin University after transferring from Washington State has rushed for 128 yards on 12 carries.
Bengal Score Off A Turnover
Cedric Benson scored on a one-yard run with 13:38 left in the game.
Reggie Nelson intercepted a pass by Drew Brees to set up the score. The Bengals drove 46 yards in seven plays but the extra point left them trailing 20-19.
Reggie Nelson intercepted a pass by Drew Brees to set up the score. The Bengals drove 46 yards in seven plays but the extra point left them trailing 20-19.
Terrel Owens Catches 153rd Touchdown Pass Bengals Trail 20-12
Terrel Owens caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer for his 153rd career touchdown reception.
He is tied with Randy Moss for the active career lead. Clint Stitser, who kicked field goals of 29 and 23 yards in the first half, missed the extra point.
New Orleans drove 66 yards in 11 plays to increase its lead to 20-6 before the Bengals responded with its first touchdown drive.
He is tied with Randy Moss for the active career lead. Clint Stitser, who kicked field goals of 29 and 23 yards in the first half, missed the extra point.
New Orleans drove 66 yards in 11 plays to increase its lead to 20-6 before the Bengals responded with its first touchdown drive.
Bengals Stoned At The Line of Scrimmage Trail at Half 13-6
Cedric Benson was stopped at the line of scrimmage on a fourth and one at the Saints 4-yard line by Roman Harper and Jonathan Vilmer.
The Bengals have been close to the Saints endzone, twice but could only manage a pair of field goals by Clint Stitser, who was selling real estate in Reno, Nevada earlier this season.
Chris Ivory, a rookie out of Tiffin University, scored on a 55-yard run early in the second quarter.
The Saints added a pair of field goals following a sack of Bengals QB, Carson Palmer with a 13-6 lead.
The Bengals have been close to the Saints endzone, twice but could only manage a pair of field goals by Clint Stitser, who was selling real estate in Reno, Nevada earlier this season.
Chris Ivory, a rookie out of Tiffin University, scored on a 55-yard run early in the second quarter.
The Saints added a pair of field goals following a sack of Bengals QB, Carson Palmer with a 13-6 lead.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Xavier Women Win A Thriller 69-66 Over USC
Amber Harris hit a contested layup with 38 seconds left and grabbed a crucial rebound to extended Xavier's winning streak to 22 regular season games.
Xavier's last loss was to Stanford in the regional finals of the NCAA Tournament last March.
Harris matched her career high with 28 points. She also scored 28 nine days ago against Louisville.
Her last two points put Xavier in the lead but they had to survive a shot by USC's Briana Gilbreath with 20 seconds left. The Trojan's Jackie Corral chased down the rebound but Ashley Corral, couldn't get the follow up to fall with eight seconds left, Harris's grabbed the ball four her 14th rebound to clinch the game.
"It seemed like the ball was up there for a minute. I just wanted to get that ball. She had a good look at the basket but God was on our side," Harris said.
USC went to his leading scorer, Gilbreath with the game on the line. Gilbreath a career-high 26 points and had 12 rebounds.
"What a great game by Briana," USC coach Michael Cooper said. "I would have liked to see her last shot fall but wow, what a game. Whenever you can take the number four team in the country to the end as under manned and not as tall, you have to be pleased with the effort."
USC fell to 4-3 with two of the losses to top five teams. They lost to Duke on the road 79-50.
"It was a matter of knocking down shots," Gilbreath said. "I felt comfortable. They came into our house last year and that game went to overtime. It was a great game but we weren't scared."
Xavier is now 7-0 and won its last three by large margins.
"We're still a long way from being the basketball team that we're capable of being," Xavier coach Kevin McGuff said. "A game like this will help us get there. I was a great basketball game. The difference was Ta'Shia (Phillips) and Amber inside."
Phillips scored 20 points and muscled down 16 rebounds.
The Musketeers played its fourth game without outside shooting specialist, Katie Rutan. Her absence was felt with a 1-for-17 (5.9%)shooting performance from 3-point range. The Musketeers shot 37.1 percent from that range coming into the contest.
"We miss Katie," Harris said. "But Tyesha Moss and Special Jennings usually hit three's on a daily basis."
Xavier used its inside game with Harris and Phillips and put USC's post players, Cassie Harberts and Kari LaPlante in foul trouble. LaPlant fouled out and Harberts, who averaged 10 points per game was limited to 26 minutes and finished with four fouls.
USC had its way on the outside shooting 38.1 percent of its 3-point shots.
"We struggled on defense," Harris said. "All of their points came from the outside."
Xavier's last loss was to Stanford in the regional finals of the NCAA Tournament last March.
Harris matched her career high with 28 points. She also scored 28 nine days ago against Louisville.
Her last two points put Xavier in the lead but they had to survive a shot by USC's Briana Gilbreath with 20 seconds left. The Trojan's Jackie Corral chased down the rebound but Ashley Corral, couldn't get the follow up to fall with eight seconds left, Harris's grabbed the ball four her 14th rebound to clinch the game.
"It seemed like the ball was up there for a minute. I just wanted to get that ball. She had a good look at the basket but God was on our side," Harris said.
USC went to his leading scorer, Gilbreath with the game on the line. Gilbreath a career-high 26 points and had 12 rebounds.
"What a great game by Briana," USC coach Michael Cooper said. "I would have liked to see her last shot fall but wow, what a game. Whenever you can take the number four team in the country to the end as under manned and not as tall, you have to be pleased with the effort."
USC fell to 4-3 with two of the losses to top five teams. They lost to Duke on the road 79-50.
"It was a matter of knocking down shots," Gilbreath said. "I felt comfortable. They came into our house last year and that game went to overtime. It was a great game but we weren't scared."
Xavier is now 7-0 and won its last three by large margins.
"We're still a long way from being the basketball team that we're capable of being," Xavier coach Kevin McGuff said. "A game like this will help us get there. I was a great basketball game. The difference was Ta'Shia (Phillips) and Amber inside."
Phillips scored 20 points and muscled down 16 rebounds.
The Musketeers played its fourth game without outside shooting specialist, Katie Rutan. Her absence was felt with a 1-for-17 (5.9%)shooting performance from 3-point range. The Musketeers shot 37.1 percent from that range coming into the contest.
"We miss Katie," Harris said. "But Tyesha Moss and Special Jennings usually hit three's on a daily basis."
Xavier used its inside game with Harris and Phillips and put USC's post players, Cassie Harberts and Kari LaPlante in foul trouble. LaPlant fouled out and Harberts, who averaged 10 points per game was limited to 26 minutes and finished with four fouls.
USC had its way on the outside shooting 38.1 percent of its 3-point shots.
"We struggled on defense," Harris said. "All of their points came from the outside."
Xavier Leads 29-28 at the Half
The Xavier Musketeers led by nine with four minutes left but went cold, allowing the USC Trojans to get within a point at the half.
The Musketeers are playing without sophomore 3-point specialist, Katie Rutan for the fourth straight game.
Freshman Ashley Wanninger has moved up in the rotation to give starter, Megan Askew break.
Ta'Shia Phillips leads all scorers with 12 points. She has pulled down eight rebounds. Amber Harris has eight points and eight rebounds. She appeared to injure her right wrist, going for a loose ball with eight minutes left but hit a couple shots after that.
USC is led by Junior Briana Gilbreath with nine points and nine rebounds.
Two members of the Tojan front court, Kari LaPlante and Cassie Harberts have three fouls. Xavier is in good shape with Megan Askew and Special Jennings with just two each. Phillips has one foul and Harris did not foul in the half.
The Musketeers are playing without sophomore 3-point specialist, Katie Rutan for the fourth straight game.
Freshman Ashley Wanninger has moved up in the rotation to give starter, Megan Askew break.
Ta'Shia Phillips leads all scorers with 12 points. She has pulled down eight rebounds. Amber Harris has eight points and eight rebounds. She appeared to injure her right wrist, going for a loose ball with eight minutes left but hit a couple shots after that.
USC is led by Junior Briana Gilbreath with nine points and nine rebounds.
Two members of the Tojan front court, Kari LaPlante and Cassie Harberts have three fouls. Xavier is in good shape with Megan Askew and Special Jennings with just two each. Phillips has one foul and Harris did not foul in the half.
Xavier Is Pulling Away From Tojans
The Xavier Musketeers are not shooting as well as they normally do against a tough Trojan defense but Amber Harris and Ta'Shia Phillips are controlling the boards.
The Musketeers are starting to get good scoring opportunities and took an 18-11 lead mid-way through the first half.
The Musketeers are starting to get good scoring opportunities and took an 18-11 lead mid-way through the first half.
Xavier Ranked Fourth Take On The Trojans
The University of Southern California Trojans visit the Cintas Center with a 5-2 record.
Michael Cooper's squad is not ranked but is receiving votes in the latest Associated Press poll. USC boasts six McDonald's All-Americans. Juniors Ashley Corral, Jackie Gamelos and Briana Gilbreath won the honors along with sophomores Stefanie Gilbreath and Christina Marinacci. Freshman Cassie Harberts also was honored.
The Trojans were defeated by #5 Duke 75-50 on November 15.
Xavier moved to fourth in both the AP and ESPN/Coaches poll, leaping Tennessee, who suffered a loss to Georgetown 68-59, on November 27 at the Virgin Island's Tournament.
Xavier defeated USC 81-71 last season in overtime at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.
Michael Cooper's squad is not ranked but is receiving votes in the latest Associated Press poll. USC boasts six McDonald's All-Americans. Juniors Ashley Corral, Jackie Gamelos and Briana Gilbreath won the honors along with sophomores Stefanie Gilbreath and Christina Marinacci. Freshman Cassie Harberts also was honored.
The Trojans were defeated by #5 Duke 75-50 on November 15.
Xavier moved to fourth in both the AP and ESPN/Coaches poll, leaping Tennessee, who suffered a loss to Georgetown 68-59, on November 27 at the Virgin Island's Tournament.
Xavier defeated USC 81-71 last season in overtime at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Xavier Women Play Southern California Thursday
The breathers are over.
Xavier won its last three games by margins of 62, 31and 45 points over Troy, Delaware State and Mississippi State.
The upcoming schedule is a little different.
The University of Southern California Trojans (5-2) come to the Cintas Center. They can nearly match Xavier's height. Senior Kari LaPlante is 6'5" and been through the wars in the Pacific Coast League. Coming into the season she averages 5.7 points and 3.8 rebounds.
The Trojans are coached by Michael Cooper, who had a 12-year playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Cooper led USC to a 19-12 record in his first season last year. He has also coached in the WNBA and the NBA D-League.
Xavier plays Cincinnati in the Crosstown Shootout on December 5 at UC, then play a stretch in which they play three NCAA tournament teams in four games, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi State and Stanford, which prevented the Musketeers from appearing in the Final Four last season. Xavier also plays at Duke on December 21.
Xavier won its last three games by margins of 62, 31and 45 points over Troy, Delaware State and Mississippi State.
The upcoming schedule is a little different.
The University of Southern California Trojans (5-2) come to the Cintas Center. They can nearly match Xavier's height. Senior Kari LaPlante is 6'5" and been through the wars in the Pacific Coast League. Coming into the season she averages 5.7 points and 3.8 rebounds.
The Trojans are coached by Michael Cooper, who had a 12-year playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Cooper led USC to a 19-12 record in his first season last year. He has also coached in the WNBA and the NBA D-League.
Xavier plays Cincinnati in the Crosstown Shootout on December 5 at UC, then play a stretch in which they play three NCAA tournament teams in four games, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi State and Stanford, which prevented the Musketeers from appearing in the Final Four last season. Xavier also plays at Duke on December 21.
Wanninger and Gray Help Xavier to an 85-40 Win
Ashley Wanninger (Colerain) and Amber Gray (Lakota West) both scored 10 points in fourth ranked Xavier's sixth win of the season.
The local pair joined All-American candidate, Amber Harris, who led the Musketeers with 16 points, Tyeasha Moss with 14 and Ta'Shia Phillips with 13 in double figures scoring.
Phillips, Xavier's all-time leading rebounder, added 15 more to her total.
Wanninger played a season-high 19 minutes and Gray logged 17.
"I'm really happy to be able to play a lot of our young people," Coach Kevin McGuff said. "I think this stretch of games will allow us to have more depth later in the season."
Wanninger also contributed five rebounds and five assists, including two that set up scores by Gray. Gray recorded a rebound and an assist
"Ashley and Amber are getting more comfortable with our system. They are both talented players but now the are doing a good job learning the system."
Amber Harris is getting used to playing with the newcomers.
"We have great team chemistry. I know what Tyeasha (Moss) is going to do, what Special (Jennings) is going to do. The newcomers takes some getting used to. They (Wanninger, Gray and Lynnette Holmes) are talented players they'll get it."
The local pair joined All-American candidate, Amber Harris, who led the Musketeers with 16 points, Tyeasha Moss with 14 and Ta'Shia Phillips with 13 in double figures scoring.
Phillips, Xavier's all-time leading rebounder, added 15 more to her total.
Wanninger played a season-high 19 minutes and Gray logged 17.
"I'm really happy to be able to play a lot of our young people," Coach Kevin McGuff said. "I think this stretch of games will allow us to have more depth later in the season."
Wanninger also contributed five rebounds and five assists, including two that set up scores by Gray. Gray recorded a rebound and an assist
"Ashley and Amber are getting more comfortable with our system. They are both talented players but now the are doing a good job learning the system."
Amber Harris is getting used to playing with the newcomers.
"We have great team chemistry. I know what Tyeasha (Moss) is going to do, what Special (Jennings) is going to do. The newcomers takes some getting used to. They (Wanninger, Gray and Lynnette Holmes) are talented players they'll get it."
Number 4 Xavier Women Tip-Off Early Against Mississippi Valley State
The Xavier Musketeers take on The Southwest Athletic Conference, Mississippi Valley State in an early game.
The marketing department filled the stands with elementary school children taking a half day to watch basketball. They are also quizzed on health tips and various other subjects to justify the half day out of class.
One end of the Cintas Center is filled as Xavier puts its 5-0 record on the line against the Develettes, who are 1-3.
Sophomore Katie Rutan will miss her third game with an ankle injury.
The marketing department filled the stands with elementary school children taking a half day to watch basketball. They are also quizzed on health tips and various other subjects to justify the half day out of class.
One end of the Cintas Center is filled as Xavier puts its 5-0 record on the line against the Develettes, who are 1-3.
Sophomore Katie Rutan will miss her third game with an ankle injury.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Derek Jeter To Reds?
Maybe circumstance and spite will give the Reds a second chance at Yankee star Derek Jeter.
The 37-year old shortstop was not offered arbitration by the Yankees and is essentially a free agent. The negotiations have become contentious.
After finishing his senior year at Central High School in Kalamazoo, MI, Jeter was taken by the New York Yankees with its first pick in the 1992 draft. The Reds had the fifth pick. Its choice was outfielder, Chad Mottola. Guess who got the better player?
You can understand the Reds thinking to a point. The Reds already had two young and talented shortstops in the system, Barry Larkin and Pokey Reese. However, Jeter should have been hard to turn down and history has proven that he would have still been the better choice. But what's done is done. It can't be reversed. Or can it?
One source in the Yankee front office was quoted by an ESPN.com reporter.
"Tell Jeter that it is three years at $15 million, take it or leave it. Where's he going to go, Cincinnati?" the source said.
That should make Reds owner Bob Castellini fighting mad. Or should I say signing mad.
The Reds need to watch the budget and of course Jeter at this stage of his career is seeking security in the form of a longer guaranteed contract. Of course his pride more than his financial needs dictate more money too.
The insult to both the Reds and Jeter could however, build an alliance.
The Reds have not offered arbitration to its incumbent shortstop Orlando Cabrera. The Reds are trying to resign him at a reduce rate, given his age 36 and his health. Cabrera is a five months younger than Jeter but was on the disabled list toward the end of the season. Jeter had his worst season since breaking in full time in 1996 but still hit 11 points higher than Cabrera and played in 157 games.
The Reds at this point are counting on Paul Janish at shortstop. It is the same scenario that existed last off-season when the Reds signed Cabrera late.
Could the Reds and Jeter show up the arrogant Yankees with a one-year alliance? Let me know what you think.
The 37-year old shortstop was not offered arbitration by the Yankees and is essentially a free agent. The negotiations have become contentious.
After finishing his senior year at Central High School in Kalamazoo, MI, Jeter was taken by the New York Yankees with its first pick in the 1992 draft. The Reds had the fifth pick. Its choice was outfielder, Chad Mottola. Guess who got the better player?
You can understand the Reds thinking to a point. The Reds already had two young and talented shortstops in the system, Barry Larkin and Pokey Reese. However, Jeter should have been hard to turn down and history has proven that he would have still been the better choice. But what's done is done. It can't be reversed. Or can it?
One source in the Yankee front office was quoted by an ESPN.com reporter.
"Tell Jeter that it is three years at $15 million, take it or leave it. Where's he going to go, Cincinnati?" the source said.
That should make Reds owner Bob Castellini fighting mad. Or should I say signing mad.
The Reds need to watch the budget and of course Jeter at this stage of his career is seeking security in the form of a longer guaranteed contract. Of course his pride more than his financial needs dictate more money too.
The insult to both the Reds and Jeter could however, build an alliance.
The Reds have not offered arbitration to its incumbent shortstop Orlando Cabrera. The Reds are trying to resign him at a reduce rate, given his age 36 and his health. Cabrera is a five months younger than Jeter but was on the disabled list toward the end of the season. Jeter had his worst season since breaking in full time in 1996 but still hit 11 points higher than Cabrera and played in 157 games.
The Reds at this point are counting on Paul Janish at shortstop. It is the same scenario that existed last off-season when the Reds signed Cabrera late.
Could the Reds and Jeter show up the arrogant Yankees with a one-year alliance? Let me know what you think.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Amber Gray and Ashley Wanninger See Action at Xavier
Ashley Wanniger and Amber Gray saw significant playing time against the Troy Trojans on Saturday.
Gray played at Lakota West and was the Cincinnati Enquirer Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007 and a McDonald's All-American in 2008. Gray transfered from Tennessee and got a waiver to become eligible this season. She scored two points against South Carolina in seven minutes. She grabbed five rebounds against the Troy Trojans and added six points.
Wanniger, who was a four-year starter at Colerain, had not scored in three minutes of action but played 28 minutes against Troy. She was 3-for-9 from the field and 2-for-8 from 3-point range. She found teammates open for four assists.
"It's a process," senior Special Jennings said after the game. "Our freshman played pretty well. They are a little nervous and make mistakes because they are trying hard not to make mistakes. But I think they got it during the game."
"Depth is going to be important for us," Coach Kevin McGuff said. "We got a chance to play our younger players and they did a great job."
Gray played at Lakota West and was the Cincinnati Enquirer Player of the Year in 2006 and 2007 and a McDonald's All-American in 2008. Gray transfered from Tennessee and got a waiver to become eligible this season. She scored two points against South Carolina in seven minutes. She grabbed five rebounds against the Troy Trojans and added six points.
Wanniger, who was a four-year starter at Colerain, had not scored in three minutes of action but played 28 minutes against Troy. She was 3-for-9 from the field and 2-for-8 from 3-point range. She found teammates open for four assists.
"It's a process," senior Special Jennings said after the game. "Our freshman played pretty well. They are a little nervous and make mistakes because they are trying hard not to make mistakes. But I think they got it during the game."
"Depth is going to be important for us," Coach Kevin McGuff said. "We got a chance to play our younger players and they did a great job."
Xavier Women Tip Troy 99-37
The Xavier Musketeers (4-0) had little trouble with the Troy Trojans (1-5).
The 62-point margin of victory was the most since Xavier defeated Northern Kentucky 84-7 in 1983.
Ta'Shia Phillips, who had limited to 20 minutes in Xavier's last game on Tuesday, scored a career-high 29 points and pulled in 18 rebounds. She also held Troy's leading scorer to one field goal and nine points. She came in averaging 15.6 per game.
"Our emphasis on playing good defense. Coach McGuff told us to be aggressive. One of our intangible goals is not looking at the scoreboard," Phillips said.
Amber Phillips, who picked up the slack for Phillips on Tuesday, scored 16 points and contributed five rebounds in just 16 minutes. Xavier scored the first 24 points of the game, allowing Xavier to play a lot of younger players.
"Depth is going to be important for us," McGuff said. "We got a chance to play a lot of people. They did a great job."
Katie Rutan was out with a sore ankle.
"It's not serious but we decided to hold her out," McGuff said.
Freshmen Lynette Holmes and Ashley Wanniger saw significant time on the floor.
Holmes had just 13 minutes coming into the game and Wanniger just three. They logged 25 and 28 respectively. Transfer and local talent, Amber Gray had just seven minutes in the first three games but played 17 against Troy. Sabrina Johnson, a junior transfer and freshman, Latisha Walker, played six minutes.
The newcomers contributed to the win.
Holmes scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds.
Wanninger scored eight points and dished out four assists.
Gray scored six points with five rebounds.
Johnson picked up four fouls to limit her time but scored four points.
Walker scored two points and contributed three rebounds.
The Musketeers never let up on the Trojans.
"We have talked about not looking at the scoreboard, good or bad," McGuff said.
Xavier has another 2pm game on Saturday against Delaware State.
Notes:
It was the fourth time in the last three seasons that Xavier has held an opponent to under 40 points.....The 37 points that Troy scored was the lowest since they held Cincinnati to 38 in a 69-38 win on December 6, 2009...Local high school products, Amber Gray from Lakota West and Ashley Wanniger from Colerain scored their first career points for Xavier.....Coach Kevin McGuff is now 189-70 as a head coach. That is a .730 winning percentage.
The 62-point margin of victory was the most since Xavier defeated Northern Kentucky 84-7 in 1983.
Ta'Shia Phillips, who had limited to 20 minutes in Xavier's last game on Tuesday, scored a career-high 29 points and pulled in 18 rebounds. She also held Troy's leading scorer to one field goal and nine points. She came in averaging 15.6 per game.
"Our emphasis on playing good defense. Coach McGuff told us to be aggressive. One of our intangible goals is not looking at the scoreboard," Phillips said.
Amber Phillips, who picked up the slack for Phillips on Tuesday, scored 16 points and contributed five rebounds in just 16 minutes. Xavier scored the first 24 points of the game, allowing Xavier to play a lot of younger players.
"Depth is going to be important for us," McGuff said. "We got a chance to play a lot of people. They did a great job."
Katie Rutan was out with a sore ankle.
"It's not serious but we decided to hold her out," McGuff said.
Freshmen Lynette Holmes and Ashley Wanniger saw significant time on the floor.
Holmes had just 13 minutes coming into the game and Wanniger just three. They logged 25 and 28 respectively. Transfer and local talent, Amber Gray had just seven minutes in the first three games but played 17 against Troy. Sabrina Johnson, a junior transfer and freshman, Latisha Walker, played six minutes.
The newcomers contributed to the win.
Holmes scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds.
Wanninger scored eight points and dished out four assists.
Gray scored six points with five rebounds.
Johnson picked up four fouls to limit her time but scored four points.
Walker scored two points and contributed three rebounds.
The Musketeers never let up on the Trojans.
"We have talked about not looking at the scoreboard, good or bad," McGuff said.
Xavier has another 2pm game on Saturday against Delaware State.
Notes:
It was the fourth time in the last three seasons that Xavier has held an opponent to under 40 points.....The 37 points that Troy scored was the lowest since they held Cincinnati to 38 in a 69-38 win on December 6, 2009...Local high school products, Amber Gray from Lakota West and Ashley Wanniger from Colerain scored their first career points for Xavier.....Coach Kevin McGuff is now 189-70 as a head coach. That is a .730 winning percentage.
Xavier Women Face Troy
The Fifth ranked Xavier Musketeer women's team will host the 1-4 Troy Trojans from Troy, Alabama.
All five of Xavier's starters average more than 10 points per game.
Senior Amber Harris leads the Musketeers in scoring with 21.7 points per game. Fellow senior Ta'Shia Phillips scores at a 14 point per game clip. Junior Tyeasha Moss is third with 12.7 per game. Sophomore Katie Rutan has an 11.3 average and Senior Special Jennings is a 10 point per game scorer.
The Trojans have three players averaging in double figures.
Senior Donnette McNair leads with 15.6 points per game. Junior DeAngela Sword averages 12.8 per game and Junior Kristen Smith scores 10 points per game. Smith will sit out with a concussion suffered November 12 in a game against Stoney Brook.
All five of Xavier's starters average more than 10 points per game.
Senior Amber Harris leads the Musketeers in scoring with 21.7 points per game. Fellow senior Ta'Shia Phillips scores at a 14 point per game clip. Junior Tyeasha Moss is third with 12.7 per game. Sophomore Katie Rutan has an 11.3 average and Senior Special Jennings is a 10 point per game scorer.
The Trojans have three players averaging in double figures.
Senior Donnette McNair leads with 15.6 points per game. Junior DeAngela Sword averages 12.8 per game and Junior Kristen Smith scores 10 points per game. Smith will sit out with a concussion suffered November 12 in a game against Stoney Brook.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Xavier Women Defeat Louisville 71-59
Amber Harris scored 28 points and pulled in 18 rebounds to spur the Xavier Musketeers to its third victory of the season.
Xavier is ranked 5th in both major polls but had to comeback from a halftime deficit to beat Louisville (3-2).
Katie Rutan, the 3-point specialist had just one point at halftime but her 3-point shot to open the second half tied the score to propel Xavier on a 12-2 run to take control of the game.
Ta'Shia Phillips was in foul trouble all game but Harris set a career high in rebounds. Phillips fouled out with five points and six rebounds well below her average for the season.
Special Jennings was 3-for-3 from 3-point range in the second half after dishing out four assists in the first half.
"It is being selfish if I don't take a shot when I'm open," Jennings said. "It opens things up for Amber and Ta'Shia underneath. We didn't make our shots in the first half but coach told us to finish the shots. We were going to start making them eventually."
Xavier did not hit a 3-point shot in six first half attempts.
"We did a good job on defense in the first half but we started to turn the ball over," Louisville coach Jeff Walz said.
"Amber Harris is fantastic. She is unbelievable. Mya Moore (Connecticut)is the best in the country but I wouldn't be surprised if Moore was the first choice in the WNBA draft and Harris was second and Ta'Shia Phillips third. You have to make Harris get the ball at the foul line extended. We did a good job of doing that in the first half but as the game went on we started to break down."
Xavier is ranked 5th in both major polls but had to comeback from a halftime deficit to beat Louisville (3-2).
Katie Rutan, the 3-point specialist had just one point at halftime but her 3-point shot to open the second half tied the score to propel Xavier on a 12-2 run to take control of the game.
Ta'Shia Phillips was in foul trouble all game but Harris set a career high in rebounds. Phillips fouled out with five points and six rebounds well below her average for the season.
Special Jennings was 3-for-3 from 3-point range in the second half after dishing out four assists in the first half.
"It is being selfish if I don't take a shot when I'm open," Jennings said. "It opens things up for Amber and Ta'Shia underneath. We didn't make our shots in the first half but coach told us to finish the shots. We were going to start making them eventually."
Xavier did not hit a 3-point shot in six first half attempts.
"We did a good job on defense in the first half but we started to turn the ball over," Louisville coach Jeff Walz said.
"Amber Harris is fantastic. She is unbelievable. Mya Moore (Connecticut)is the best in the country but I wouldn't be surprised if Moore was the first choice in the WNBA draft and Harris was second and Ta'Shia Phillips third. You have to make Harris get the ball at the foul line extended. We did a good job of doing that in the first half but as the game went on we started to break down."
Xavier Women Trail Louisville at Half 31-28
Amber Harris has 13 points and 10 rebounds at the half but Louisville has the upper hand.
The Cardinals hit 5 of 10 3-point shots while the Musketeers are 0-for-6 from behind the arc.
Ta'Shia Phillips drew two fouls early and was limited to eight minutes, allowing Louisville to own a two rebound advantage over the home team.
Shoni Schimmel leads Louisville with 12 points. Tia Gibbs has eight rebounds at the break.
The Cardinals hit 5 of 10 3-point shots while the Musketeers are 0-for-6 from behind the arc.
Ta'Shia Phillips drew two fouls early and was limited to eight minutes, allowing Louisville to own a two rebound advantage over the home team.
Shoni Schimmel leads Louisville with 12 points. Tia Gibbs has eight rebounds at the break.
Xavier Women Host Louisville
The Xavier women return from a successful road trip in which they pounded South Carolina and Michigan.
They open their home schedule against the Big East's Louisville Cardinals. The Cardinals lost its opener to Tennessee 63-50 but have three straight wins over Ohio University, Houston Baptist and South East Missouri State.
Amber Harris and Ta'Shia Phillips lead the Musketeers with identical 18.5 points per game. Phillips, who is already the all-time leading rebounder at Xavier, leads the team with 11.5 per game. She pulled in 13 against Michigan.
Junior Monique Reid leads the Cardinals with 16.5 points per game. Senior Keisha Hines is the leading rebounder for the Cardinals with 6.8 per game.
They open their home schedule against the Big East's Louisville Cardinals. The Cardinals lost its opener to Tennessee 63-50 but have three straight wins over Ohio University, Houston Baptist and South East Missouri State.
Amber Harris and Ta'Shia Phillips lead the Musketeers with identical 18.5 points per game. Phillips, who is already the all-time leading rebounder at Xavier, leads the team with 11.5 per game. She pulled in 13 against Michigan.
Junior Monique Reid leads the Cardinals with 16.5 points per game. Senior Keisha Hines is the leading rebounder for the Cardinals with 6.8 per game.
The Reds Sign D-Train
Dontrelle Willis was a rising star with the Florida Marlins.
The Marlins were struggling in early 2003. They team fired manager, Jeff Torborg, and hired former Cincinnati manager, Jack McKeon. McKeon, who was an advisor to the general manager, knew the Florida minor league system.
McKeon brought the then 21-year old Willis to the Major Leagues. He made his debut on May 9 pitching six innings against Colorado. He beat San Diego in his second start. He won back-to-back starts against Cincinnati before the month ended.
He won 14 games for the World Champion Marlins that year.
When Florida held a fire sale in 2007, Willis was packaged with Miguel Cabrera and traded to the Detroit Tigers. He appeared in just 24 games with the Tigers and shipped to Arizona late last season. He was released and signed by San Francisco, who allowed him to become a free agent on November 6.
Still just 28 years old, the lefthander was signed by the Reds and invited to spring training. The Reds a flush with good young starting pitching. Willis will likely work out of the bullpen if he earns a spot on the Reds roster.
The Marlins were struggling in early 2003. They team fired manager, Jeff Torborg, and hired former Cincinnati manager, Jack McKeon. McKeon, who was an advisor to the general manager, knew the Florida minor league system.
McKeon brought the then 21-year old Willis to the Major Leagues. He made his debut on May 9 pitching six innings against Colorado. He beat San Diego in his second start. He won back-to-back starts against Cincinnati before the month ended.
He won 14 games for the World Champion Marlins that year.
When Florida held a fire sale in 2007, Willis was packaged with Miguel Cabrera and traded to the Detroit Tigers. He appeared in just 24 games with the Tigers and shipped to Arizona late last season. He was released and signed by San Francisco, who allowed him to become a free agent on November 6.
Still just 28 years old, the lefthander was signed by the Reds and invited to spring training. The Reds a flush with good young starting pitching. Willis will likely work out of the bullpen if he earns a spot on the Reds roster.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Votto Rides Emotional Roller Coaster to MVP
Joey Votto's life turned upside down late in the 2008 season when his father, Joseph, passed away at the age of 52.It hit Votto hard but he pushed it aside and played out the rest of the season.
Baseball has always been Votto's escape.
"I concentrate every day on how I can work harder and improve that day to see what comes out of it. I was never a trouble maker but even at a young age, I would concentrate on something I loved to do to stay out of trouble," Votto said after winning the National League Most Valuable Player award on Monday.
Votto is polite and cordial but introverted. He does not like attention but he also has a competitive drive that pushes him to be the best.
The Baseball Writers Association of America recognized him as the best player in the National League in 2010.
"I will need a little more time to put things into perspective," Votto said. "I couldn't help but cry for what it meant to me and what it would have meant to my father. I have overcome a lot and I'm very proud of myself."
Votto had a good year in 2009 but missed a lot of time. He was alone at his home in Sarasota, Florida during the winter following his father's death. The emotions that he set aside during the season caught up with him. He was able to push the emotions aside but when he missed a couple of game with an ear infection in early 2009, it gave him time to think. The loss of his father hit him hard.
The combination or illness and the delayed feelings of grief caught up with Votto. He went on the disabled list because he felt like he was going to die.
I can remember Dusty Baker, who is as open as a man can be, pleading with the media to respect Votto's privacy.
"I had a really really difficult time getting over the death of my father. It was a difficult 2009 and a much less difficult 2010 and that made a big difference," Votto said.
The desire for anonymity and the missed time that put a drag on Votto's 2009 numbers, kept the 27-year old Canadian out of the national consciousness.
He was not chosen for the All-Star time by the fan voting or by Charlie Manual in spite of being among the league's leaders in home runs, RBI and batting average.
MLB.com held an online Votto. That vote put Votto on the squad.
"Sometimes attention happens very quickly. I went to the all star game by being voted on by the fans. Then I went to the all-star game and saw A-Rod and Jeter and thought about being with those players."
During the season Votto never discussed personal goals and possible awards.
"I never read the papers or look at stats during the season," Votto said. "But after the season I read some of the things you guys wrote and looked at the stats. It was a toss up. I looked closer at the stats and said, 'holy cow'. Albert (Pujols) beat me in a lot of stats but I beat him in some qualitative stats. It was a toss up. It was very close. Most importantly we won and went to the playoffs. It was pretty freaking awesome to beat Albert Pujols for the MVP."
"Albert is probably the only great guy. I don't throw that word around. Carlos Gonzalez and I are learning to be great," Votto said.
Pujols offered the younger, by three whole years, Votto advice.
Pujols encouraged the introverted Votto to talk around the batting cage. The talk wasn't always about baseball.
"Pujols helped me first of all, there is something about a star pulling me in and saying its ok to talk about things. For him to talk to me about things was very generous and awfully nice of him."
National League MVP Joey Votto
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| NL MVP Joey Votto |
Votto was named first place on 31 of 32 ballots. Two Association members in each of the 16 National League cities voted. Votto was named second on the 32nd ballot cast.
Albert Pujols, who won the last two MVP votes, was named first on the other ballot, finished second.
Pujols won the the Gold Glove Award and the Silver Slugger Award which was selected by players and coaches. The Baseball Writers selected Votto, although Pujols won two of the three Triple Crown categories, home runs and RBI. Carlos Gonzalez, who finished third in the voting won the batting crown.
Votto, however, led the National League in on-base-percentage and slugging percentage and led his team to a division title, while Pujols and Gonzalez were on teams that did not make the post season.
The 27-year old native of Toronto, Canada is the first Cincinnati Red to win the award since Barry Larkin in 1995, the last time the Reds had a playoff team.
Cincinnati manager, Dusty Baker pointed out that since Votto is from Canada, weather conditions prevented him from playing as much baseball as Pujols and Gonzalez as a youth. Baker thinks Votto is just scratching the surface and will get even better as his career unfolds.
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| By Mark Schmetzer |
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Bud Black Edges Dusty Baker by One Point for Manager of the Year
Bud Black received 16 first place votes to Baker's 13 in a voting by 32 members of the Baseball Writer's Association.
Baker was named on 26 ballots and Black on 25 but the first place votes carried the San Diego Padres manager to a one-point win over the Reds' Baker.
In addition to the first place votes, Black was named second on seven ballots and third on three for a total of 104 (5 for 1st, 3 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd). Baker had 12 seconds and two thirds for 103 points. He fell one short of his fourth Manager of the Year award. Baker won in 1993, 1997 and 2000.
Both managers use the same style. They are considered player's managers in that they communicate with their players and give reasons for their moves. Both have the reputation of dealing with their players in an up front manner, so they know where they stand.
Baker, in particular, relies less on stats than he does on what his eyes tell him. He is often criticized by fans for moves that they see in games that seem to go against percentages. Baker will use his own intuition and will throw away "the book" when he feels it is appropriate.
He stuck with young players like Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce in the 2010 season while both were struggling. In August Bruce was stuck on 12 home runs but finished strong with 25 home runs. Bruce finished with a respectable .281 batting average. Stubbs finished the season with his highest average at .255.
Baker was not afraid to let the young players learn on the job at the risk of losing a game or two along the way.
"A lot of times we get impatient and want them to be great right now," Baker said during the season. "We have to let them learn if we believe in them. We might lose a game now but win a lot of games later."
His young team won the National League Central Division over the more experienced St. Louis Cardinals.
Baker was named on 26 ballots and Black on 25 but the first place votes carried the San Diego Padres manager to a one-point win over the Reds' Baker.
In addition to the first place votes, Black was named second on seven ballots and third on three for a total of 104 (5 for 1st, 3 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd). Baker had 12 seconds and two thirds for 103 points. He fell one short of his fourth Manager of the Year award. Baker won in 1993, 1997 and 2000.
Both managers use the same style. They are considered player's managers in that they communicate with their players and give reasons for their moves. Both have the reputation of dealing with their players in an up front manner, so they know where they stand.
Baker, in particular, relies less on stats than he does on what his eyes tell him. He is often criticized by fans for moves that they see in games that seem to go against percentages. Baker will use his own intuition and will throw away "the book" when he feels it is appropriate.
He stuck with young players like Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce in the 2010 season while both were struggling. In August Bruce was stuck on 12 home runs but finished strong with 25 home runs. Bruce finished with a respectable .281 batting average. Stubbs finished the season with his highest average at .255.
Baker was not afraid to let the young players learn on the job at the risk of losing a game or two along the way.
"A lot of times we get impatient and want them to be great right now," Baker said during the season. "We have to let them learn if we believe in them. We might lose a game now but win a lot of games later."
His young team won the National League Central Division over the more experienced St. Louis Cardinals.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Holloway's 20-Point Second Half Gives Xavier a 68-65 Win
Tu Holloway struggled with his teammates in the first half but rallied to take over against Western Michigan on Friday at the Cintas Center.
Trailing by nine points at halftime, Xavier was in danger of losing its first ever Cintas Center opener in the 10-years of the building's existence.
The Broncos won 18 games last season and built a nine-point lead at the break by boxing out on the defensive boards and taking care of the basketball. Their guards held Holloway to 1-for-5 from the field in the first half.
But Holloway took control of the game and scored 20 or his 25 points after WMU built an 11-point advantage with the first score of the second half.
"The bigger the moment, the bigger Tu plays," Xavier coach Chris Mack said.
Xavier is missing two veteran players in addition to the loss of leading scorer, Jordan Crawford and leading rebounder Jason Love. Brad Redford, tore the ACL in his knee in pre-season practice and Jamal McClean broke a bone under his eye socket in an exhibition game.
Holloway had to step up when the going got tough.
Western Michigan had only four turnovers and allowed Xavier just one offensive rebound in the first half but seven turnovers and seven offesive rebounds by the Musketeers, cost the Broncos the upset.
"Our problems came on the offensive end," Western Michigan coach, Steve Hawkins said. "When we started turning the ball over, we became disorganized in transition. Holloway showed what he can do late in the game. He took over. He was very aggressive."
Trailing by nine points at halftime, Xavier was in danger of losing its first ever Cintas Center opener in the 10-years of the building's existence.
The Broncos won 18 games last season and built a nine-point lead at the break by boxing out on the defensive boards and taking care of the basketball. Their guards held Holloway to 1-for-5 from the field in the first half.
But Holloway took control of the game and scored 20 or his 25 points after WMU built an 11-point advantage with the first score of the second half.
"The bigger the moment, the bigger Tu plays," Xavier coach Chris Mack said.
Xavier is missing two veteran players in addition to the loss of leading scorer, Jordan Crawford and leading rebounder Jason Love. Brad Redford, tore the ACL in his knee in pre-season practice and Jamal McClean broke a bone under his eye socket in an exhibition game.
Holloway had to step up when the going got tough.
Western Michigan had only four turnovers and allowed Xavier just one offensive rebound in the first half but seven turnovers and seven offesive rebounds by the Musketeers, cost the Broncos the upset.
"Our problems came on the offensive end," Western Michigan coach, Steve Hawkins said. "When we started turning the ball over, we became disorganized in transition. Holloway showed what he can do late in the game. He took over. He was very aggressive."
Friday, November 12, 2010
No Silver for Votto Either NL's Best Hitting Team is Shut Out
Albert Pujols was chosen by players and coaches over Joey Votto for the second day in a row. The National League's best hitting team was shut out for The Silver Slugger Awards.
The Silver Slugger award for the best offensive player at each position went to Pujols as did the Gold Glove award on Wednesday.
Players and coaches tend to dismiss statistics when making their choices.
Pujols hit more five more home runs (42-37) and drove in three more runs (118-113) than Votto. Votto finished second to Carlos Gonzalez, who won one of the OF Silver Sluggers, with a .324 batting average. Votto led the league with a .424 on-base percentage and a .600 slugging percentage.
Players and coaches, however, give more weight to ability than statistics. It is hard to argue that Pujols does not deserve the award over Votto, although the less established Votto showed signs of equal talent.
The Baseball Writers will announce the Most Valuable Player Award, chosen by its members on November 22. Votto may get the award despite Pujols success with the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.
Votto was the best hitter on the top hitting team. He did not have the luxury of another Silver Slugger winner, Matt Holladay batting behind him a Pujols did. Pujols team had this advantage and the top two starting pitcher in the National League Central. Yet Votto led the team that finished five games ahead of Pujols' Cardinals.
The Silver Slugger winners were:
C Brian McCann
1B Albert Pujols
2B Dan Uggla
3B Ryan Zimmerman
SS Troy Tulowitzki
OF Ryan Braun
OF Carlos Gonzalez
OF Matt Holliday
P Yovanni Gallardo
The Silver Slugger award for the best offensive player at each position went to Pujols as did the Gold Glove award on Wednesday.
Players and coaches tend to dismiss statistics when making their choices.
Pujols hit more five more home runs (42-37) and drove in three more runs (118-113) than Votto. Votto finished second to Carlos Gonzalez, who won one of the OF Silver Sluggers, with a .324 batting average. Votto led the league with a .424 on-base percentage and a .600 slugging percentage.
Players and coaches, however, give more weight to ability than statistics. It is hard to argue that Pujols does not deserve the award over Votto, although the less established Votto showed signs of equal talent.
The Baseball Writers will announce the Most Valuable Player Award, chosen by its members on November 22. Votto may get the award despite Pujols success with the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.
Votto was the best hitter on the top hitting team. He did not have the luxury of another Silver Slugger winner, Matt Holladay batting behind him a Pujols did. Pujols team had this advantage and the top two starting pitcher in the National League Central. Yet Votto led the team that finished five games ahead of Pujols' Cardinals.
The Silver Slugger winners were:
C Brian McCann
1B Albert Pujols
2B Dan Uggla
3B Ryan Zimmerman
SS Troy Tulowitzki
OF Ryan Braun
OF Carlos Gonzalez
OF Matt Holliday
P Yovanni Gallardo
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Silver and Gold Keys to Winning Baseball
Manager Dusty Baker said of the Big Red Machine, "They won with silver and gold."
He was referring to "Silver Slugger" and "Gold Glove" awards.
The Reds had three players win the defensive honor on Wednesday.
Brandon Phillips, Scott Rolen and Bronson Arroyo were awarded the Gold Glove.
It is the first time that Cincinnati claimed four winners since C Johnny Bench, 2B Joe Morgan, SS Dave Concepcion and CF Cesar Geronimo won four years in a row from 1974-1977.
For Rolen his eighth award put him behind just Brooks Robinson (16) and Mike Schmidt (10) for 3B Gold Gloves.
"I like to think of it as an unselfish act," Rolen said. "I think our defense won a lot of games."
Arroyo unseated Adam Wainwright, who was the 2009 winner. Greg Maddux was the perennial winner until his retirement.
"It is not something that you think to much of as a pitcher. It is mostly reaction. I was not something that I anticipated," Arroyo said. "It's icing on the cake. I was shocked."
Phillips won the award for the second time in three years.
"It takes a lot of hard work," Phillips said. "I work on pop ups and fielding balls in the hole. I try to be the pitchers best friend.
Arroyo know the value of good friends.
"Having good infield defense can get a pitcher out of some bad situations. If they turn a double play or just make a throw to get an out or save a base, it really helps a pitcher."
Joey Votto was considered in the voting by players and coaches. Albert Pujols won the vote at 1B.
Shane Victorino, Michael Bourn and Carlos Gonzalez, edged Jay Bruce for an outfield award.
Baker would like to see Votto, Bruce and Drew Stubbs join the gold rush.
"I look back at plays that save runs," Baker said. "Stats don't always tell you a lot. Some players get to balls others don't and even players that make a error, make one because they get to balls that others don't. I had four gold glove winners in San Francisco. I look for guys like Joey, Jay and Stubbs to win one."
"As these guys get more established in the big leagues, I think you'll see these guys win one," Rolen added.
The Reds defense turned in 106 errorless games in 2010, seven more than the previous best year in franchise history which was 99 in 1992.
From May 4-16 the Reds put together a streak of 11 games without a miscue, the longest stretch since a 13-game streak in 1997.
He was referring to "Silver Slugger" and "Gold Glove" awards.
The Reds had three players win the defensive honor on Wednesday.
Brandon Phillips, Scott Rolen and Bronson Arroyo were awarded the Gold Glove.
It is the first time that Cincinnati claimed four winners since C Johnny Bench, 2B Joe Morgan, SS Dave Concepcion and CF Cesar Geronimo won four years in a row from 1974-1977.
For Rolen his eighth award put him behind just Brooks Robinson (16) and Mike Schmidt (10) for 3B Gold Gloves.
"I like to think of it as an unselfish act," Rolen said. "I think our defense won a lot of games."
Arroyo unseated Adam Wainwright, who was the 2009 winner. Greg Maddux was the perennial winner until his retirement.
"It is not something that you think to much of as a pitcher. It is mostly reaction. I was not something that I anticipated," Arroyo said. "It's icing on the cake. I was shocked."
Phillips won the award for the second time in three years.
"It takes a lot of hard work," Phillips said. "I work on pop ups and fielding balls in the hole. I try to be the pitchers best friend.
Arroyo know the value of good friends.
"Having good infield defense can get a pitcher out of some bad situations. If they turn a double play or just make a throw to get an out or save a base, it really helps a pitcher."
Joey Votto was considered in the voting by players and coaches. Albert Pujols won the vote at 1B.
Shane Victorino, Michael Bourn and Carlos Gonzalez, edged Jay Bruce for an outfield award.
Baker would like to see Votto, Bruce and Drew Stubbs join the gold rush.
"I look back at plays that save runs," Baker said. "Stats don't always tell you a lot. Some players get to balls others don't and even players that make a error, make one because they get to balls that others don't. I had four gold glove winners in San Francisco. I look for guys like Joey, Jay and Stubbs to win one."
"As these guys get more established in the big leagues, I think you'll see these guys win one," Rolen added.
The Reds defense turned in 106 errorless games in 2010, seven more than the previous best year in franchise history which was 99 in 1992.
From May 4-16 the Reds put together a streak of 11 games without a miscue, the longest stretch since a 13-game streak in 1997.
Reds Defense is Full of Gold Phillips, Rolen and Arroyo
Brandon Phillips, Scott Rolen and Bronson Arroyo won gold gloves this season.
For Phillips it was his second. He won the honor in 2008. He committed just three errors during the regular season and made many outstanding plays.
It was the eighth for Rolen, who last won it in 2006.
Arroyo won the honor for the first time.
For Phillips it was his second. He won the honor in 2008. He committed just three errors during the regular season and made many outstanding plays.
It was the eighth for Rolen, who last won it in 2006.
Arroyo won the honor for the first time.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Gray and Wanninger Get Taste of NCAA in 90-46 Win
Amber Gray, wearing a protective mask and Ashley Wanninger joined a talented group of seniors led by Amber Harris and Ta'Shia Phillips against Division II Bellarmine.
The Knights were know match for the more taller Musketeers as Xavier rolled to a 90-46 win at the Cintas Center.
Wanninger, who was finished her high school career at Colerain in the top 25 all-time in field goal percentage with 37.6% hit her first two 3-point shots in the last 10 minutes of the game. Gray played excellent post defense and will help spell Phillips, who pulled in a whopping 22 rebounds in the contest. Gray pulled in six rebounds and added four points.
"The newcomers played hard," coach Kevin McGuff said. "They are not comfortable with our system yet, so all I can ask of them is to play hard."
Phillips is already the Musketeers career leader with 1,156 for an average of 11.7 per game. She pulled in 20 rebounds or more three times last season and owns a Xavier single game record of 25 set on November 19, 2008 at North Carolina.
"She did a lot of work on her body in the off-season and it showed today," McGuff said.
Phillips is visually lighter than she was in her first three seasons a Xavier.
Xavier scrimmaged a Division I team earlier in a closed session but NCAA rules prohibit McGuff from revealing who it was.
"It was a team that matched up better with us talent wise," McGuff said.
The Knights were know match for the more taller Musketeers as Xavier rolled to a 90-46 win at the Cintas Center.
Wanninger, who was finished her high school career at Colerain in the top 25 all-time in field goal percentage with 37.6% hit her first two 3-point shots in the last 10 minutes of the game. Gray played excellent post defense and will help spell Phillips, who pulled in a whopping 22 rebounds in the contest. Gray pulled in six rebounds and added four points.
"The newcomers played hard," coach Kevin McGuff said. "They are not comfortable with our system yet, so all I can ask of them is to play hard."
Phillips is already the Musketeers career leader with 1,156 for an average of 11.7 per game. She pulled in 20 rebounds or more three times last season and owns a Xavier single game record of 25 set on November 19, 2008 at North Carolina.
"She did a lot of work on her body in the off-season and it showed today," McGuff said.
Phillips is visually lighter than she was in her first three seasons a Xavier.
Xavier scrimmaged a Division I team earlier in a closed session but NCAA rules prohibit McGuff from revealing who it was.
"It was a team that matched up better with us talent wise," McGuff said.
Xavier Women Take the Court With Local Talent
Amber Gray, Jessica Pachko and Ashley Wanninger competed against each other in the Greater Miami Conference. Now they open the 2010-2011 season as Xavier Musketteers in an exhibition game against Bellarmine University.
Xavier is top five team in the Associated Press Poll and are ranked sixth in the USA Today/ESPN coaches poll.
The Musketeers nearly reached the women's final four last season. A pair of missed layups prevented them from advancing to the final four, suffering a painful 55-53 loss to Stanford.
Gray was the top player in the GMC at Lakota West. She accepted a scholarship to Tennessee but was granted a medical waiver to transfer and compete without sitting out a season.
Pachko played at Oak Hills and signed with Marquette. She must sit out this season as required by NCAA rules. Pachko will have two years of eligibility at Xavier. She scored 1,410 points for the Highlanders in high school, more than any other player male or female.
Wanninger played at Colerain and signed directly with Xavier. Wanninger was named All-Ohio in Division I after her senior season at Colerain. She played under Christy Mack, the wife of Xavier's men's coach, Chris Mack.
Xavier is top five team in the Associated Press Poll and are ranked sixth in the USA Today/ESPN coaches poll.
The Musketeers nearly reached the women's final four last season. A pair of missed layups prevented them from advancing to the final four, suffering a painful 55-53 loss to Stanford.
Gray was the top player in the GMC at Lakota West. She accepted a scholarship to Tennessee but was granted a medical waiver to transfer and compete without sitting out a season.
Pachko played at Oak Hills and signed with Marquette. She must sit out this season as required by NCAA rules. Pachko will have two years of eligibility at Xavier. She scored 1,410 points for the Highlanders in high school, more than any other player male or female.
Wanninger played at Colerain and signed directly with Xavier. Wanninger was named All-Ohio in Division I after her senior season at Colerain. She played under Christy Mack, the wife of Xavier's men's coach, Chris Mack.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sparky Anderson Passes
The "Main Spark" of Cincinnati's Big Red Machine died today near his hometown of Thousand Oaks, California.
He was 76.
At his request there will be no funeral or memorial service.
The family also requests any donations be made to CATCH, Sparky’s charity for children in Detroit, or the charity of one’s choice.Donations to CATCH may be made online at http://www.catchcharity.org/ or mailed to:
CATCH
223 Fisher Building
3011 West Grand Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48202
Sparky gave all the credit for his success to his players. It takes a special person, though, to lead a group of players with the enormous egos to the heights they reached.
On a personal level, he was the type that made you feel important, even though he hardly knew you.
For one personal anecdote, I was covering the Reds in spring training at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida about five years ago. The Reds were playing the New York Yankees in an exhibition game. Sparky was talking to George Steinbrenner in the box seats as I was walking in the aisle toward the press box two rows behind them. Anderson spotted me and made a point to leave Steinbrenner, walk up the two rows and greet me.
As a non-essential person in the baseball world, that made me feel like I belonged. That was Sparky's way. There was not one usher, grounds crew member or fan that Sparky would not acknowledge and have a conversation with.
The world is slightly diminished today with the loss of such a man.
He was 76.
At his request there will be no funeral or memorial service.
The family also requests any donations be made to CATCH, Sparky’s charity for children in Detroit, or the charity of one’s choice.Donations to CATCH may be made online at http://www.catchcharity.org/ or mailed to:
CATCH
223 Fisher Building
3011 West Grand Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48202
Sparky gave all the credit for his success to his players. It takes a special person, though, to lead a group of players with the enormous egos to the heights they reached.
On a personal level, he was the type that made you feel important, even though he hardly knew you.
For one personal anecdote, I was covering the Reds in spring training at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida about five years ago. The Reds were playing the New York Yankees in an exhibition game. Sparky was talking to George Steinbrenner in the box seats as I was walking in the aisle toward the press box two rows behind them. Anderson spotted me and made a point to leave Steinbrenner, walk up the two rows and greet me.
As a non-essential person in the baseball world, that made me feel like I belonged. That was Sparky's way. There was not one usher, grounds crew member or fan that Sparky would not acknowledge and have a conversation with.
The world is slightly diminished today with the loss of such a man.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Arroyo and Gomes Back in 2011. Harang and Cabrera May Not
The Reds exercised its options on Bronson Arroyo and Jonny Gomes, assuring their return for 2011.
The Reds did not exercise it options on Aaron Harang and Orlando Cabrera, making them free agents. Both could be signed by the Reds during the free agent process.
LHP Phillipe Valiquette and Catcher Devin Mesoraco have been selected to play in the Arizona Fall League All-Star game. The Rising Stars game will be played Saturday at 9:00pm eastern time at Surprise Stadium in Arizona.
Valiquette showed a strong arm in Goodyear last year during spring training but needed work on his command. He was 4-1 with five saves in 54 games with a 4.15 ERA at Carolina and Louisville last season.
Mesoraco was the Reds first pick out of Puxatawny High School in 2007. He hit .302 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in his three stops in the Reds chain. He played at Lynchburg, Carolina and Louisville last season. In his Louisville debut he belted a walk-off grand slam and followed that up with a grand slam in his first at bat in the very next game.
The Reds did not exercise it options on Aaron Harang and Orlando Cabrera, making them free agents. Both could be signed by the Reds during the free agent process.
LHP Phillipe Valiquette and Catcher Devin Mesoraco have been selected to play in the Arizona Fall League All-Star game. The Rising Stars game will be played Saturday at 9:00pm eastern time at Surprise Stadium in Arizona.
Valiquette showed a strong arm in Goodyear last year during spring training but needed work on his command. He was 4-1 with five saves in 54 games with a 4.15 ERA at Carolina and Louisville last season.
Mesoraco was the Reds first pick out of Puxatawny High School in 2007. He hit .302 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in his three stops in the Reds chain. He played at Lynchburg, Carolina and Louisville last season. In his Louisville debut he belted a walk-off grand slam and followed that up with a grand slam in his first at bat in the very next game.
Sparky Anderson in Hospice, Jocketty Wins Executive of the Year, Sweet Returns
Sad news comes from Thousand Oaks, California.
Sparky Anderson, the pilot of the Big Red Machine of the 1970's has been placed in hospice by his family for complications resulting from dimentia.
Anderson's wife Carol, sons Lee and Albert and daughter, Shirley Englebrecht, have expressed appreciation to all of those who have shown support and kindness throughout Anderson's career and retirement.
I got to know Anderson after his managing career ended. He was one of the most down-to-earth people anyone would want to meet. He and his wife Carol were always willing to stop and talk baseball or any other subject with people.
Anderson was an unknown and one of the youngest managers in baseball when he took over the Cincinnati Reds in 1970. He had just turned 36 when Bob Howsam named him to the post. He led the Reds to the National League pennant in 1970, 1972, 1975 and 1976. The Reds won back-to-back World Series in 1975 and 1976.
He was named to the Hall of Fame in 2000. He won the Manager of the Year award in 1984 and 1987 as the manager of the Detroit Tigers, winning the World Series in 1984.
Good News For Reds Player Development
Rick Sweet will return as manager of the Louisville Bats in 2011. Sweet, 58, is the all-time winningest manager in Louisville franchise history at 466-394.
Sweet has been essential to the Reds player development effort. Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Aroldis Chapman, Travis Wood, Chris Heisey, Drew Stubbs and Ryan Hanigan all have benefited from Sweet's guidence.
Sweet, who was Ken Griffey Jr's first professional manager, would make a fantastic major league skipper, if given the opportunity. The Reds are fortunate to have him return along with his hitting coach, Smokey Garrett and pitching coach, Ted Power. Tomas Vera, who was very helpful as Aroldis Chapman's interpreter, will also return as trainer.
Walt Jocketty was named Executive of the Year by the Sporting News today.
The Reds General Manager and President of Baseball Operations, won the award for the third time.
He also won the award in 2000 and 2004 while with the St. Louis Cardinals. It was the fifth time that a Cincinnati Reds executive won the honor. Warren Giles won it in 1938. Gabe Paul won in 1956. Bob Howsam received it in 1973 and Bob Quinn in 1990.
Bob Feller Turns 92
Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller was born in Van Meter, Iowa on November 3, 1918. The fireballing righthander know as "Rapid Robert" made his Major League debut in 1936 at the age of 17 with the Cleveland Indians. When the season ended he returned home to finish high school.
He led the American League in strikeouts seven times, including a then Major League record 348 in 1946.
Feller, who still dresses in uniform and signs autographs, is the All-time Indians leader in wins (266), strikeouts (2,581), complete games (279), starts (484), and innings pitched (3,827).
His numbers would have been higher but he served in the Navy from 1941-1945 during World War II.
Also ret
Sparky Anderson, the pilot of the Big Red Machine of the 1970's has been placed in hospice by his family for complications resulting from dimentia.
Anderson's wife Carol, sons Lee and Albert and daughter, Shirley Englebrecht, have expressed appreciation to all of those who have shown support and kindness throughout Anderson's career and retirement.
I got to know Anderson after his managing career ended. He was one of the most down-to-earth people anyone would want to meet. He and his wife Carol were always willing to stop and talk baseball or any other subject with people.
Anderson was an unknown and one of the youngest managers in baseball when he took over the Cincinnati Reds in 1970. He had just turned 36 when Bob Howsam named him to the post. He led the Reds to the National League pennant in 1970, 1972, 1975 and 1976. The Reds won back-to-back World Series in 1975 and 1976.
He was named to the Hall of Fame in 2000. He won the Manager of the Year award in 1984 and 1987 as the manager of the Detroit Tigers, winning the World Series in 1984.
Good News For Reds Player Development
Rick Sweet will return as manager of the Louisville Bats in 2011. Sweet, 58, is the all-time winningest manager in Louisville franchise history at 466-394.
Sweet has been essential to the Reds player development effort. Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Aroldis Chapman, Travis Wood, Chris Heisey, Drew Stubbs and Ryan Hanigan all have benefited from Sweet's guidence.
Sweet, who was Ken Griffey Jr's first professional manager, would make a fantastic major league skipper, if given the opportunity. The Reds are fortunate to have him return along with his hitting coach, Smokey Garrett and pitching coach, Ted Power. Tomas Vera, who was very helpful as Aroldis Chapman's interpreter, will also return as trainer.
Walt Jocketty was named Executive of the Year by the Sporting News today.
The Reds General Manager and President of Baseball Operations, won the award for the third time.
He also won the award in 2000 and 2004 while with the St. Louis Cardinals. It was the fifth time that a Cincinnati Reds executive won the honor. Warren Giles won it in 1938. Gabe Paul won in 1956. Bob Howsam received it in 1973 and Bob Quinn in 1990.
Bob Feller Turns 92
Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller was born in Van Meter, Iowa on November 3, 1918. The fireballing righthander know as "Rapid Robert" made his Major League debut in 1936 at the age of 17 with the Cleveland Indians. When the season ended he returned home to finish high school.
He led the American League in strikeouts seven times, including a then Major League record 348 in 1946.
Feller, who still dresses in uniform and signs autographs, is the All-time Indians leader in wins (266), strikeouts (2,581), complete games (279), starts (484), and innings pitched (3,827).
His numbers would have been higher but he served in the Navy from 1941-1945 during World War II.
Also ret
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Xavier Defeats Northern Kentucky in Exhibition 73-62
Kenny Frease notched a double-double over the NCAA Division II Norse, which had one 6'-8" player on the roster.
Frease scored 17 points and pulled in 10 rebounds for the Musketeers.
"I've been working on scoring down in the post," Frease said.
Mark Lyons scored 13 points and Jamel McLean scored 12 before leaving the game with 19:17 left in the second half. McLean was felled by a shooters elbow in the first minute of the second stanza. He was on the court for about two minutes before leaving under his own power but was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for evaluation.
"When Jamel went out, I had to step it up," Frease said.
"Kenny did a great job. That's what we're going to need from him. He got six offensive rebounds. For him to do that shows me that he's getting is moving around people. It doesn't matter who its against. It shows he is in better shape," Xavier coach Chris Mack said.
The Musketeers have already lost three-point specialist, Brad Redford, for the season with a knee injury.
Northern Kentucky, which fell to Louisville Sunday 83-66.
The Norse trailed by a 33-30 margin at halftime. They hit 12 of 33 three-point attempts.
"They have a lot of guys that shoot the three," Lyons said. "They make a lot of handoffs off the dribble, that is something different for us."
"We generally we don't see five perimeter players, that rarely throw the ball into the post," Mack said. "NKU is a very good shooting team."
Dennis Gagel scored 15 for Northern Kentucky, all coming from behind the arc. Josh Tabb scored 12 for NKU. Jon Van Hoose added 12 points for the Norse.
Frease scored 17 points and pulled in 10 rebounds for the Musketeers.
"I've been working on scoring down in the post," Frease said.
Mark Lyons scored 13 points and Jamel McLean scored 12 before leaving the game with 19:17 left in the second half. McLean was felled by a shooters elbow in the first minute of the second stanza. He was on the court for about two minutes before leaving under his own power but was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for evaluation.
"When Jamel went out, I had to step it up," Frease said.
"Kenny did a great job. That's what we're going to need from him. He got six offensive rebounds. For him to do that shows me that he's getting is moving around people. It doesn't matter who its against. It shows he is in better shape," Xavier coach Chris Mack said.
The Musketeers have already lost three-point specialist, Brad Redford, for the season with a knee injury.
Northern Kentucky, which fell to Louisville Sunday 83-66.
The Norse trailed by a 33-30 margin at halftime. They hit 12 of 33 three-point attempts.
"They have a lot of guys that shoot the three," Lyons said. "They make a lot of handoffs off the dribble, that is something different for us."
"We generally we don't see five perimeter players, that rarely throw the ball into the post," Mack said. "NKU is a very good shooting team."
Dennis Gagel scored 15 for Northern Kentucky, all coming from behind the arc. Josh Tabb scored 12 for NKU. Jon Van Hoose added 12 points for the Norse.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Down To The Final Gun USF 38 UC 30
Isaiah Pead converted a key third down play with a 19-yard pick up.
Pead appeared to be stopped short but kept his feet to keep UC hopes alive.
Zach Collaros had to be evaluated for a leg injury in the last minute of the game. Chazz Anderson kept the drive going with a strike to Armon Binns.
UC held the ball with :36 left on the USF 36 yardline, third and two.
USF Quenton Washington interfered with Armon Binns giving UC a first and 10 from the 21. Anderson ran out of bounds after a five yard gain, then threw incomplete to Binns.
South Florida used its last timeout with :18 to go in the game with UC facing a third and five from the 16.
D.J. Woods dropped a pass over the middle to make it fourth and five with :15 seconds.
Anderson was stopped by Mike Linaris to give the Bulls the win.
It was UC's first Big East loss since 2008.
Pead appeared to be stopped short but kept his feet to keep UC hopes alive.
Zach Collaros had to be evaluated for a leg injury in the last minute of the game. Chazz Anderson kept the drive going with a strike to Armon Binns.
UC held the ball with :36 left on the USF 36 yardline, third and two.
USF Quenton Washington interfered with Armon Binns giving UC a first and 10 from the 21. Anderson ran out of bounds after a five yard gain, then threw incomplete to Binns.
South Florida used its last timeout with :18 to go in the game with UC facing a third and five from the 16.
D.J. Woods dropped a pass over the middle to make it fourth and five with :15 seconds.
Anderson was stopped by Mike Linaris to give the Bulls the win.
It was UC's first Big East loss since 2008.
Maalik Bomar Makes a Key Stop For UC
Bomar stopped Faron Hornes for a four-yard loss on a third and seven from the USF 28.
UC gets the ball back on its own 29 with just under four minutes left, needing a touchdown and two-point conversion to tie.
UC gets the ball back on its own 29 with just under four minutes left, needing a touchdown and two-point conversion to tie.
UC Scores Again Need a Defensive Stop
Zach Collaros hit Armon Binns with a 15-yard touchdown pass with 5:35 left in the game.
The play happened when Cincinnati recovered its own fumble for a first down at the 15. Collaros was on an 11-yard run but was popped by Sam Barrington. Marcus Barnett came up with the loose ball to help UC retain possession.
The play happened when Cincinnati recovered its own fumble for a first down at the 15. Collaros was on an 11-yard run but was popped by Sam Barrington. Marcus Barnett came up with the loose ball to help UC retain possession.
USF Shreds UC Defense
B.J. Daniels hit Demetrius Murray with a 39-yard pass on a third and six from the Cincinnati 41.
The Bulls took a first and goal from the two.
South Florida was stopped on first down and recovered its own fumble on second down. USF called a timeout with 9:36 left.
Daniels scored on a keeper around right end for another touchdown. The extra point restored Bulls 15-point lead with 9:32 left.
Daniels a running QB that was being converted into a drop back passer. The results were not good. He was intercepted 10 times in six game coming into the game but is 13-16 for 286 yards and two touchdowns. He has run for 26 more yards and two touchdowns.
The Bulls took a first and goal from the two.
South Florida was stopped on first down and recovered its own fumble on second down. USF called a timeout with 9:36 left.
Daniels scored on a keeper around right end for another touchdown. The extra point restored Bulls 15-point lead with 9:32 left.
Daniels a running QB that was being converted into a drop back passer. The results were not good. He was intercepted 10 times in six game coming into the game but is 13-16 for 286 yards and two touchdowns. He has run for 26 more yards and two touchdowns.
Where's the Defense? USF 31 UC 23
Zach Collaros got rid of the ball before he was sacked on a third down play from the USF 32.
An offensive lineman touched the ball drawing a penalty that was declined to bring up a fourth and six. Marcus Barnett caught Collaros' throw in the endzone. The play stood up to review to cap an eight play, 80-yard drive with 13:45 left in the game.
An offensive lineman touched the ball drawing a penalty that was declined to bring up a fourth and six. Marcus Barnett caught Collaros' throw in the endzone. The play stood up to review to cap an eight play, 80-yard drive with 13:45 left in the game.
End of the Third Quater
UC is looking up at a 15-point deficit despite out gaining the Bulls 390-323.
USF Strikes Again
Zach Collaros failed to pick up a fourth and one from the South Florida 30.
B.J. Daniels spotted Faron Hornes with no one near him at the UC 45. Hornes out raced the lagging Bearcats for another touchdown.
With 1:26 left in the third quarter, South Florida has a 31-16 lead.
B.J. Daniels spotted Faron Hornes with no one near him at the UC 45. Hornes out raced the lagging Bearcats for another touchdown.
With 1:26 left in the third quarter, South Florida has a 31-16 lead.
UC Field Goal but USF Touchdown 24-16
Jake Rogers kicked a 44-yard field goal but a kickoff out-of-bounds set up the Bulls at their own 40.
B.J. Daniels hit a wide open Dontavia Bogan with a 64-yard pass to the Cincinnati two. Demetri Murray ran it in from there to push the lead back to eight.
B.J. Daniels hit a wide open Dontavia Bogan with a 64-yard pass to the Cincinnati two. Demetri Murray ran it in from there to push the lead back to eight.
Cincinnati Drive Stopped by Interception
Mistral Raymond intercepted a pass from Zach Collaros.
Cincinnati drove the second half kickoff to the Bulls 20-yardline but the interception preserved the Bulls 17-13 lead.
Cincinnati drove the second half kickoff to the Bulls 20-yardline but the interception preserved the Bulls 17-13 lead.
The Bulls Hold 17-13
Jake Rogers and the Bearcats settled for a field goal with :36 left in the first half. Barnett's catch and run put UC in position to tie the game with 1:20 left but Craig Marshall batted down Collaros third down pass.
Marcus Barnett Reception Sets Up UC with 1:20 Left
Barnett took a pass from Zach Collaros at the USF 30 and broke a tackle to give UC a first and goal at the Bulls four with 1:20 left.
USF Field Goal 17-10
Maikon Bonani kicked a 33-yard field goal with 2:40 left in the first half to put USF up 17-10
Zach Collaros Hits Armon Binns in the End Zone USF 14 UC 10
There is 9:40 left in the half. Collaros found Binns open with two steps on the defender on a third and 10 from the USF 20 for a touchdown. Quick passes to Binns and D.J. Woods put the Bearcats in position for the score.
USF Scores Through the Air 14-3
With 12:46 left in the first half, B.J. Daniels connected with Dontavia Bogan for a 31-yard touchdown strike.
The Bulls pinned Cincinnati in its own territory. Zach Collaros took another sack at the UC two and a short punt and return set up South Florida for a one-play drive.
The Bulls pinned Cincinnati in its own territory. Zach Collaros took another sack at the UC two and a short punt and return set up South Florida for a one-play drive.
South Florida Takes the Lead 7-3
South Florida QB B.J. Daniels ran the ball into the Cincinnati endzone from five yards out.
Runs by Faron Hornes and Dontavia Bogan set up the Bulls inside Cincinnati territory.
Runs by Faron Hornes and Dontavia Bogan set up the Bulls inside Cincinnati territory.
UC On The Board
Jake Rogers kicked a 26-yard field goal.
The Bearcats first possession resulted in a punt but the Bulls were pinned on the two-yard line.
The Cincinnati defense forced a punt and UC moved it inside the 10 but QB, Zach Collaros took a 15-yard loss on second down.
The Bearcats first possession resulted in a punt but the Bulls were pinned on the two-yard line.
The Cincinnati defense forced a punt and UC moved it inside the 10 but QB, Zach Collaros took a 15-yard loss on second down.
To The Strains of Cat Scratch Fever UC Kicks Off
USF starts at its own 26.....Mills (Colerain), Wolfe, Hughes and Giodano across the front lines. J.K. Schaefer (La Salle) and Malik Bomar (Winton Woods) at linebacker.
Johnson, Richardson, Frey and Cheatham in the backfield.
Johnson, Richardson, Frey and Cheatham in the backfield.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Joe Morgan Dismisses Playoff Jitters
Joe Morgan threw out the first pitch for the franchise that allowed him to play in his first postseason game.
"It was here against the Pittsburgh Pirates," Morgan said before Game 3 of the NLDS.
The Reds dropped Game 2 by making four errors, allowing six runs in a 7-4 loss on Friday. With the Reds youthful roster and this being the first playoff experience for all but a handful of Reds, nerves were blamed by many fans and observers.
"You always have jitters," Morgan said. "I had jitters for every game I played. A lot of people said those errors the other night were caused by jitters. But it was the two best players on the infield that made those mistakes, two gold glovers. I don't think that was the case. I'm not trying to say there's not jitters with anybody that takes the field in the postseason. I don't think it had that much effect. You might have a little more jitters in the playoffs because the stakes are higher. I still think that once the ball is put in play, everything settles down."
"It was here against the Pittsburgh Pirates," Morgan said before Game 3 of the NLDS.
The Reds dropped Game 2 by making four errors, allowing six runs in a 7-4 loss on Friday. With the Reds youthful roster and this being the first playoff experience for all but a handful of Reds, nerves were blamed by many fans and observers.
"You always have jitters," Morgan said. "I had jitters for every game I played. A lot of people said those errors the other night were caused by jitters. But it was the two best players on the infield that made those mistakes, two gold glovers. I don't think that was the case. I'm not trying to say there's not jitters with anybody that takes the field in the postseason. I don't think it had that much effect. You might have a little more jitters in the playoffs because the stakes are higher. I still think that once the ball is put in play, everything settles down."
Paul Janish Will Start
Paul Janish will start for the Reds in Game 3 of the NLDS.
The status of Orlando Cabrera was still unknown three hours before game time.
"He hasn't seen the doctor yet," Dusty Baker said.
Janish has taken the reigns before when Cabrera went down but this is the playoffs.
"Honestly, it's really not that much different. Obviously, the circumstances are more significant, but as far as the actual playing, what's going on on the field, it's not a whole lot different. He's banged up and can't go, so I'm ready to go," Janish said.
The mood in the clubhouse hasn't changed much from normal.
The status of Orlando Cabrera was still unknown three hours before game time.
"He hasn't seen the doctor yet," Dusty Baker said.
Janish has taken the reigns before when Cabrera went down but this is the playoffs.
"Honestly, it's really not that much different. Obviously, the circumstances are more significant, but as far as the actual playing, what's going on on the field, it's not a whole lot different. He's banged up and can't go, so I'm ready to go," Janish said.
The mood in the clubhouse hasn't changed much from normal.
"The mood seems to be pretty light in the clubhouse. Obviously we're on the wrong end of a 2 0 deficit against a pretty good team in Philly. But everybody is going about their business as usual and staying it in stride. We know we have to show up tonight and battle and hard tonight," Janish said.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Final UC 45 Miami 3
UC had 609 yards of total offense. Isaiah Pead rushed for 197 yards on 10 carries a whopping 19.7 yards per touch.
There were no turnovers.
Cincinnati gained some confidence within its team going into Big East play, starting at Louisville on Friday night.
There were no turnovers.
Cincinnati gained some confidence within its team going into Big East play, starting at Louisville on Friday night.
Dick Pole Has Been Replaced by Munchie Legaux
My favorite sports name was Dick Pole. In the second half of the UC/Miami game, Pole has been replaced by Munchie Legaux, a freshman wide receiver from New Orleans. His last name is pronounced Le Go.
If there was a Cajun fastfood restaurant, he would have to be the spokesman.
If there was a Cajun fastfood restaurant, he would have to be the spokesman.
End of the Third Quarter UC 45 Miami 3
Chazz Anderson is the quarterback for Cincinnati. George Winn is the tailback. There are liberal substitutions.
Collaros Finds Ben Guidugli with the Sixth UC Touchdown Halftime
Collaros threw a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ben Guduigli with 0:16 left in the first half
It is UC 45 Miami 3.
The Bearcats are a touchdown away from its highest point total in the series at halftime.
It is UC 45 Miami 3.
The Bearcats are a touchdown away from its highest point total in the series at halftime.
Charlie Manuel Speaks
The Philadelphia Phillies manager is one of my favorite visiting managers. His manner of speaking is colorful with the country twang of early Andy Griffith Show.
A reporter asked Manuel about the Reds task of trying to win three straight games, having to beat, Cole Hamels, Roy Haladay and Roy Oswalt in succession.
A reporter asked Manuel about the Reds task of trying to win three straight games, having to beat, Cole Hamels, Roy Haladay and Roy Oswalt in succession.
"I think sometimes when you play, and when you look and say, "There is no way that can happen," the more I think about it and the longer I've been in the game and how we talk about the day to day thing and how we're going to play on that day, it can happen. It ain't goin' to happen, but it can happen (laughter)," Manuel said.
And how about this exchange about Carlos Ruiz, who is nursing a sore knee.
"He's doing good. I just talked to our trainer a minute ago, and he's doing very good. He's not as sore as we thought he was. Actually, he's pretty good."
It is not grammatically correct but it is entertaining.
In spite of his tongue in cheek comment about Roy Haladay's no-hitter in game one, "I think it was good managin," Manuel is a good manager, who players love to play for.
In April 2007, Manuel and the Phillies came into Cincinnati with a high payroll and a 4-10 record. Their closer, Tom Gordon, came into a 1-0 game in the ninth inning. With two outs and the bases empty, Gordon gave up a game tying home run to Scott Hatteburg. Cincinnati beat Gordon in the 10th to put sink the Phillies to a 4-11 record.
The fans that commented on the Philadelphia Inquirer website wanted Manuel fired.
He held a meeting on Saturday morning. The Phillies won five games in a row and eventually won the first of their four straight and counting Eastern Division titles.
For the record the Colorado Rockies swept them in the 2007 NLDS.
Manuel doesn't sympathize with the Reds but sees the development happening the way it did with his team.
"I look at their team, and not only are they a good team, but they're going it get better. And I have a lot of respect for them and believe me, we don't take 'em lightly at all."
Cincinnati Scores Again and Again and Again
There is still 6:56 left in the first half. A two-yard TD run by John Goebel. The score was set up by Isaiah Pead's 69-yard run. It is 38-3 and counting.
Rogers Kicks a Field Goal For UC 31-7
Cincinnati had a touchdown called back and settled for a 24-yard field goal by Jake Rogers. There is 10:35 left in the first half.
Miami Begins Comeback
Trevor Cook kicked a 48-yard field goal with 13:40 to play in the first half.
It cut into Cincinnati's lead now at 28-3.
It cut into Cincinnati's lead now at 28-3.
Isaiah Pead Scores Bearcats Fourth TD of the Quarter
Pead raced 80 yards for another Bearcat touchdown. It was the longest rushing touchdown for Cincinnati this season.
The Bearcats scored 52 against the Redhawks in 1999 for a 52-42 win. Their most lopsided victory was 46-0 in 19 ought 4. There is still 2:34 in the first quarter.
The Bearcats scored 52 against the Redhawks in 1999 for a 52-42 win. Their most lopsided victory was 46-0 in 19 ought 4. There is still 2:34 in the first quarter.
UC Scores Again....
Zach Collaros and Armon Binns hook up for their second touchdown of the first quarter. It was a 32-yard strike in the right corner of the end zone. The play stood up under review, 21-0 Cincinnati.
UC Rolling at Nippert
D.J. Wood scored on a reverse from 18-yards out to stake the Bearcats to a 14-0 lead with 8:20 left in the first quarter.
The Rivalry is On at Nippert
D.J Wood made a nice return on the opening kickoff and two plays later Zach Collaros hit Armon Binns with a 40-yard touchdown pass. Twenty-five seconds into the game UC leads Miami, 7-0.
Cueto Holds Reds Fate
Johnny Cueto is 24 years old. The fate of the 141-year old Cincinnati franchise is riding on his powerful right arm.
"Well, Johnny Cueto has been excellent at home here. And if not, it's kinda "Johnny Whole Staff" tomorrow and the next day," Dusty Baker said. "We can't afford to get behind. We need to get ahead. I have confidence in Johnny Cueto. If not, he would not be starting. He's a young man that's hungry. He's a young man that's been through a lot in his short lifetime, so we got a lot of confidence in Johnny Cueto."
Cueto through interpreter Thomas Vera said, "I am going to through my game."
"Pitching in the playoffs is the same just more noise and more people in the stands. It's the same game. My arm feels strong. I just have to concentrate and keep the ball down."
Cueto last pitched the day after the Reds clinched the division on September 29, 10 days ago.
This season against Philadelphia, he is 1-0 with a win on June 28. He pitched eight innings and allowed one run on six hits. He also pitched six innings in Philadelphia allowing one earned run in seven innings on four hits.
Reds Have No Choice and A Slim Chance
Dusty Baker took a fatalistic approach to his team's 0-2 predicament in the National League Division Series.
"We have no choice," Baker said. "It is a tough spot, but it's not impossible. All things are possible through faith and perseverance. I've been in this situation, down 2-1, down three with three to go. In 1980, Arroyo I think was in Boston when they were down 3-0 in a best of seven, and they came back and won four."
"We have no choice," Baker said. "It is a tough spot, but it's not impossible. All things are possible through faith and perseverance. I've been in this situation, down 2-1, down three with three to go. In 1980, Arroyo I think was in Boston when they were down 3-0 in a best of seven, and they came back and won four."
"Like I said yesterday, the hardest thing is to win one. And you win one, and you got yourself some action. And we've got our backs up against the wall, but this club performs well with our backs up against the wall. That's the kind of club we have. I wish we didn't always have our backs against the wall, but, you know, we've been there before, not necessarily in elimination, but we're just trying to get one."
Cabrera's Status In Question
Orlando Cabrera called the trainer this morning according to Dusty Baker.
"He said that he was better," Baker said. "It has been bothering him for awhile now. It's going to be tough for him to play."
Cabrera missed 27 games with a strained left oblique from August 3 to September 3. He aggravated it Friday night in Philadelphia and had to leave the Reds 7-4 loss in the fifth inning.
"We haven't made a decision," Baker said. "We are going to wait until the last minute."
The Reds sent rookie Chris Valaika to Arizona to work out for just this type of contingency. He is flying in from Goodyear. The Reds would lose Cabrera for the next round if they choose to replace him.
"We have to worry about getting to the next round," Baker said. "It will be tough for us to play short."
"He said that he was better," Baker said. "It has been bothering him for awhile now. It's going to be tough for him to play."
Cabrera missed 27 games with a strained left oblique from August 3 to September 3. He aggravated it Friday night in Philadelphia and had to leave the Reds 7-4 loss in the fifth inning.
"We haven't made a decision," Baker said. "We are going to wait until the last minute."
The Reds sent rookie Chris Valaika to Arizona to work out for just this type of contingency. He is flying in from Goodyear. The Reds would lose Cabrera for the next round if they choose to replace him.
"We have to worry about getting to the next round," Baker said. "It will be tough for us to play short."
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Aroldis Chapman Gets to Face His Childhood Hero
Aroldis Chapman has never met Jose Contreras, the 39-year old reliever for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Contreras was the Cuban National Team's best pitcher when Chapman was a boy. He watched him on TV,
"When I was a kid and watching baseball, I saw Jose. I liked the way he threw. I liked the way he pitched," Chapman said through an interpreter on media day in Philadelphia. I was impressed with the number of pitches he had and the quality of the pitches he had. He was the best in Cuba."
Contreras was a starter when he first appeared in the Major Leagues after defecting from Cuba in 2003 with the New York Yankees. He was the ace of the Chicago White Sox World Championship team in 2005 with a 15-7 record. He won a world series game against the Houston Astros.
This will be his fourth trip to the playoffs. He was with the Yankees in 2003, White Sox in 2005 and the Colorado Rockies last season.
This season with the Phillies, Contreras has appeared in 67 games all in relief with a 6-4 record and 3.34 ERA. He contributed four saves.
Chapman became the most watched player in baseball this spring after he signed with the Reds in January. He needed to work on some things and become acclimated to life in the United States. The Reds sent him to Louisville as a starting pitcher but with the huge success of the Reds starting rotation this season, the Reds felt he could be valuable pitching from the bullpen.
"My teammates in Louisville helped me out with a lot of things," Chapman said. "The same thing when I came to the Reds. I received a lot of help from my teammates. I feel very lucky that I got to be part of the celebration."
Contreras was the Cuban National Team's best pitcher when Chapman was a boy. He watched him on TV,
"When I was a kid and watching baseball, I saw Jose. I liked the way he threw. I liked the way he pitched," Chapman said through an interpreter on media day in Philadelphia. I was impressed with the number of pitches he had and the quality of the pitches he had. He was the best in Cuba."
Contreras was a starter when he first appeared in the Major Leagues after defecting from Cuba in 2003 with the New York Yankees. He was the ace of the Chicago White Sox World Championship team in 2005 with a 15-7 record. He won a world series game against the Houston Astros.
This will be his fourth trip to the playoffs. He was with the Yankees in 2003, White Sox in 2005 and the Colorado Rockies last season.
This season with the Phillies, Contreras has appeared in 67 games all in relief with a 6-4 record and 3.34 ERA. He contributed four saves.
Chapman became the most watched player in baseball this spring after he signed with the Reds in January. He needed to work on some things and become acclimated to life in the United States. The Reds sent him to Louisville as a starting pitcher but with the huge success of the Reds starting rotation this season, the Reds felt he could be valuable pitching from the bullpen.
"My teammates in Louisville helped me out with a lot of things," Chapman said. "The same thing when I came to the Reds. I received a lot of help from my teammates. I feel very lucky that I got to be part of the celebration."
Monday, October 4, 2010
Travis Wood Comes A Long Way
The Philadelphia Inquirer hired a freelance writer to do a story on Aroldis Chapman. His signing sent a buzz throughout the baseball world.
But Travis Wood came up through the organization with the quiet calm that depicts his personality. He has confidence in himself and is very intense but is not one to stand out.
Major League scouts prefer tall pitchers that throw the ball on a downward plane to induce ground balls.
Wood is 5' 11' and 163 pounds. He is hard to pick Wood out in the clubhouse unless he has his uniform on.
Reds pitching coach, Bryan Price, had never seen him before Wood reported to Goodyear, Arizona as the Reds pitching coach.
"He was the first guy that caught my eye when he came out early to Goodyear. I had never seen him before. Obviously, he was on the radar because he was the organization pitcher of the year. Having a chance to watch him before spring training even started. I could see he would probably pitch here. It is beyond good stuff. He has great deception," Price said.
Wood nearly made the team out of spring training but Mike Leake was chosen and pitched well early in the season. Wood made his debut in Chicago on July 1. He pitched seven innings and allowed just two runs on two hits. He pitched into the ninth inning with a perfect game in Philadelphia, the Reds opponent in the playoffs.
"I can't say I anticipated the kind of start he got off to in Chicago and Philadelphia, going out there and having a perfect game through eight innings in Philadelphia but I certainly felt he was capable of being a good player."
Wood was asked in spring training (http://www.redsspringtraining.blogspot.com) if he thought he could make the team. He always believed he would have a chance. He continued to believe in himself when he was sent to Louisville in favor of Leake. Now Leake has been shut down for the year but Wood is likely to pitch in the playoffs.
"I thought I had a good chance out of spring," Wood said. "They went with Leake but I thought I threw well for them. I went to Louisville and got my stuff together. Now, I'm here and I'm going to do everything that I can for them."
"It's amazing. It's been a great year. I couldn't ask for much more," Wood said as he rushed to the field for the 1 p.m. workout before the team leaves for Philadelphia.
But Travis Wood came up through the organization with the quiet calm that depicts his personality. He has confidence in himself and is very intense but is not one to stand out.
Major League scouts prefer tall pitchers that throw the ball on a downward plane to induce ground balls.
Wood is 5' 11' and 163 pounds. He is hard to pick Wood out in the clubhouse unless he has his uniform on.
Reds pitching coach, Bryan Price, had never seen him before Wood reported to Goodyear, Arizona as the Reds pitching coach.
"He was the first guy that caught my eye when he came out early to Goodyear. I had never seen him before. Obviously, he was on the radar because he was the organization pitcher of the year. Having a chance to watch him before spring training even started. I could see he would probably pitch here. It is beyond good stuff. He has great deception," Price said.
Wood nearly made the team out of spring training but Mike Leake was chosen and pitched well early in the season. Wood made his debut in Chicago on July 1. He pitched seven innings and allowed just two runs on two hits. He pitched into the ninth inning with a perfect game in Philadelphia, the Reds opponent in the playoffs.
"I can't say I anticipated the kind of start he got off to in Chicago and Philadelphia, going out there and having a perfect game through eight innings in Philadelphia but I certainly felt he was capable of being a good player."
Wood was asked in spring training (http://www.redsspringtraining.blogspot.com) if he thought he could make the team. He always believed he would have a chance. He continued to believe in himself when he was sent to Louisville in favor of Leake. Now Leake has been shut down for the year but Wood is likely to pitch in the playoffs.
"I thought I had a good chance out of spring," Wood said. "They went with Leake but I thought I threw well for them. I went to Louisville and got my stuff together. Now, I'm here and I'm going to do everything that I can for them."
"It's amazing. It's been a great year. I couldn't ask for much more," Wood said as he rushed to the field for the 1 p.m. workout before the team leaves for Philadelphia.
Dusty Baker Signs a Two-Year Contract Extension
Two years ago in Sarasota, Dusty Baker took a look at the raggedy clubhouse staffers such as Elder grad, Rick Stowe and decided they needed a wardrobe makeover.
He bought the staff suits for travel. He told noone. They had to keep them for two years.
"Hey man this we're going to the playoffs dude," Baker told them at the time. "I added some more guys here."
"He ordered them in Sarasota, and said 'You'll need these'" said Stowe, who looked surprisingly good in a Colerain T-shirt after losing a bet earlier in the football season.
On the day the Reds announced that Baker's contract was extended two years, the suits were hanging ready for a trip to Philadelphia.
"I want them all clean, looking good, representing and believing that we're going places," Baker said.
Bob Castellini turned the microphone over to General Manager, Walt Jocketty to make the announcement.
"With the success we've had this year and really the last couple years, today under the leadership of Dusty, we've got here to the playoffs sooner than we thought. A lot of it is due in part to Dusty's leadership and his staff. It's a great situation for this organization to be in the playoffs. We believe that we are in position to be in the playoffs for many years to come," Jocketty said. "Dusty has agreed a two-year contract extension. We have also offered his coaches a two-year contract extension."
"Dusty, we are very pleased. You've done a terrific job. If all goes well, you might have another Manager of the Year Award."
"I want to thank Bob Castellini for having the faith in me to lead this team. It always good to have someone else have faith in you, as you have faith in yourself. I'm happy. My family is happy. People are going to ask me why two years so I'm going to answer that before you ask. I'm not too superstitious but I've had my best success when, I've signed a two-year contract," Baker said. "I don't know why I just have."
The coaches were just offered extension a couple days ago.
"It is important to have continuity," Baker said. "You have to have continuity of staff before you have continuity of team. You have to have continuity of staff, trainers, ground crew, everybody. I expect them back."
He bought the staff suits for travel. He told noone. They had to keep them for two years.
"Hey man this we're going to the playoffs dude," Baker told them at the time. "I added some more guys here."
"He ordered them in Sarasota, and said 'You'll need these'" said Stowe, who looked surprisingly good in a Colerain T-shirt after losing a bet earlier in the football season.
On the day the Reds announced that Baker's contract was extended two years, the suits were hanging ready for a trip to Philadelphia.
"I want them all clean, looking good, representing and believing that we're going places," Baker said.
Bob Castellini turned the microphone over to General Manager, Walt Jocketty to make the announcement.
"With the success we've had this year and really the last couple years, today under the leadership of Dusty, we've got here to the playoffs sooner than we thought. A lot of it is due in part to Dusty's leadership and his staff. It's a great situation for this organization to be in the playoffs. We believe that we are in position to be in the playoffs for many years to come," Jocketty said. "Dusty has agreed a two-year contract extension. We have also offered his coaches a two-year contract extension."
"Dusty, we are very pleased. You've done a terrific job. If all goes well, you might have another Manager of the Year Award."
"I want to thank Bob Castellini for having the faith in me to lead this team. It always good to have someone else have faith in you, as you have faith in yourself. I'm happy. My family is happy. People are going to ask me why two years so I'm going to answer that before you ask. I'm not too superstitious but I've had my best success when, I've signed a two-year contract," Baker said. "I don't know why I just have."
The coaches were just offered extension a couple days ago.
"It is important to have continuity," Baker said. "You have to have continuity of staff before you have continuity of team. You have to have continuity of staff, trainers, ground crew, everybody. I expect them back."
Jay Bruce is Named NL Player of the Week
Jay Bruce was named National League player of the week. He hit .444 for the week with four home runs and five RBI, including the ninth inning blast on Tuesday that clinched the National League Central Division for the Reds.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Harang's Sad Farewell
No crying in baseball eh. Don't tell Aaron Harang. The big hulking 6'8" gentle giant most likely has pitched his last game as a Red.
Harang was a young pitcher just reaching his prime when the Reds sent Jose Guillen to Oakland for Harang. That deal came at the end of the 2003 season, engineered by Brad Kuhlman, who was an interim GM after Jim Bowden's firing.
The big righthander became the ace of a team three two seasons into its streak of nine straight losing seasons. He won 53 games in his first four seasons and this spring made the Opening Day start for the fifth straight year.
The last three season have been rough. He won six games all three years but suffered 17,14 and 7 losses.
When the Reds decided that Edinson Volquez was going to Open the playoffs, he was scratched from Sunday's start and Harang was given the last day assignment. It is likely that the former ace will not be able to pitch in the postseason and it hurts.
Stopping to wipe tears from his face Harang knew that he may be left out of the postseason and worse may not be back next year. The Reds have an option for next year. If they exercise the option they have to pay him $12.5 million or they can buy it out for $2 million which makes more financials sense, since they have built a stable of good young pitchers.
"I don't really know. I guess. You just kinda know in a way but just, sorry, for me and my family. My daughter always grew up here. Besides regular home, this is the only place she's known. It's tough. God I thought I'd never do this but its not completely over yet so we'll see what happens," he said through the tears.
They crowd cheered him as he walked off the field, a blister on his right middle finger that prevented him from throwing anything other than fastballs.
"That made it tough," he sobbed. "You never ever hoped it would end that way. It is what it is. Those people were paying attention. You have to give them credit for that. We've been here for the good and the bad. A lot more of the bad. We got it turned around. Hopefully we can keep it going. It's been a tough seven years but its been an enjoyable seven years. The city has been good to me. It's just, I'll definitely miss it here. Cincinnati has a place in the back of my heart. You never know what's going to happen."
His language indicates that he feels the run is over here in Cincinnati. The pronoun has changed from we to they.
"The you group of guys and the new players that they have, you know the guys that they have that will be here for the future, you definitely see that change. They just have to keep it going," Harang continued.
Dusty Baker has empathy and appreciation for what Harang has been through.
"I wanted to give him the ball personally today," Baker said. "It's been a tough three years for him. I wanted to get him to 7-7. He hurt his finger a couple days ago and he didn't like the way it healed but he wanted the ball. You like his attitude."
Baker has not ruled Harang out completely. He told Carlos Fisher, Chris Valaika, Matt Maloney, who got the win Sunday, Sam LeCure and Jordan Smith that they are going to Arizona to work out and be ready for later rounds of the playoffs.
"We haven't set our roster yet. Harang is not going home and he's not going to Arizona," Baker said.
There were some personal goals that were reached on this last day.
Jay Bruce hit his 25th home run and drove in his 70th run. Drew Stubbs stole his 30th base and Francisco Cordero saved his 40th game.
"It means a lot to me," Cordero said. "I am happy the way I finished the last five or six outings. I had two or three times this season with some bumps in the road, so that is a pretty good number."
Harang was a young pitcher just reaching his prime when the Reds sent Jose Guillen to Oakland for Harang. That deal came at the end of the 2003 season, engineered by Brad Kuhlman, who was an interim GM after Jim Bowden's firing.
The big righthander became the ace of a team three two seasons into its streak of nine straight losing seasons. He won 53 games in his first four seasons and this spring made the Opening Day start for the fifth straight year.
The last three season have been rough. He won six games all three years but suffered 17,14 and 7 losses.
When the Reds decided that Edinson Volquez was going to Open the playoffs, he was scratched from Sunday's start and Harang was given the last day assignment. It is likely that the former ace will not be able to pitch in the postseason and it hurts.
Stopping to wipe tears from his face Harang knew that he may be left out of the postseason and worse may not be back next year. The Reds have an option for next year. If they exercise the option they have to pay him $12.5 million or they can buy it out for $2 million which makes more financials sense, since they have built a stable of good young pitchers.
"I don't really know. I guess. You just kinda know in a way but just, sorry, for me and my family. My daughter always grew up here. Besides regular home, this is the only place she's known. It's tough. God I thought I'd never do this but its not completely over yet so we'll see what happens," he said through the tears.
They crowd cheered him as he walked off the field, a blister on his right middle finger that prevented him from throwing anything other than fastballs.
"That made it tough," he sobbed. "You never ever hoped it would end that way. It is what it is. Those people were paying attention. You have to give them credit for that. We've been here for the good and the bad. A lot more of the bad. We got it turned around. Hopefully we can keep it going. It's been a tough seven years but its been an enjoyable seven years. The city has been good to me. It's just, I'll definitely miss it here. Cincinnati has a place in the back of my heart. You never know what's going to happen."
His language indicates that he feels the run is over here in Cincinnati. The pronoun has changed from we to they.
"The you group of guys and the new players that they have, you know the guys that they have that will be here for the future, you definitely see that change. They just have to keep it going," Harang continued.
Dusty Baker has empathy and appreciation for what Harang has been through.
"I wanted to give him the ball personally today," Baker said. "It's been a tough three years for him. I wanted to get him to 7-7. He hurt his finger a couple days ago and he didn't like the way it healed but he wanted the ball. You like his attitude."
Baker has not ruled Harang out completely. He told Carlos Fisher, Chris Valaika, Matt Maloney, who got the win Sunday, Sam LeCure and Jordan Smith that they are going to Arizona to work out and be ready for later rounds of the playoffs.
"We haven't set our roster yet. Harang is not going home and he's not going to Arizona," Baker said.
There were some personal goals that were reached on this last day.
Jay Bruce hit his 25th home run and drove in his 70th run. Drew Stubbs stole his 30th base and Francisco Cordero saved his 40th game.
"It means a lot to me," Cordero said. "I am happy the way I finished the last five or six outings. I had two or three times this season with some bumps in the road, so that is a pretty good number."
Cordero Saves 40th Nails Down Season Finale 3-2
The man that many nervous Reds fans have dubbed Coo Coo Cordero, pitched a scoreless ninth to nail down the team's 91st victory of the 2010 season.
It gives the righthander his third 40-save season of his career and he has now logged 290 in his career.
Jay Bruce hit his 25th home in the fourth inning and Joey Votto and Jonny Gomes had first inning RBI hits to provide the offense.
It gives the righthander his third 40-save season of his career and he has now logged 290 in his career.
Jay Bruce hit his 25th home in the fourth inning and Joey Votto and Jonny Gomes had first inning RBI hits to provide the offense.
Bruce and Stubbs Finish at their Highest Points
Jay Bruce hit his 25th home run and singled in his tune up at bats before Dusty Baker emptied the bench in the season finale against Milwaukee.
Bruce finished with 70 RBI and a batting average of .281. It is very close to the highest its been all season. Bruce was hitting .287 on June 26th. Four days later he slipped to .281. Bruce dipped to .253 on August 7. In his last 37 games, he hit .377 with 15 home runs and 29 RBI.
Stubbs had two hits in two at bats on Opening Day. He went 3-for-18 in through April 11th to slip to .250. He was under .200 on May 21. He fought back to .251 on July 20, then slipped to .228 on August 2 before starting the climb back to his current .255 with a 1-for-2 performance in game 162.
Stubbs is a .310 hitter with nine home runs and 28 RBI since his low point.
Bruce finished with 70 RBI and a batting average of .281. It is very close to the highest its been all season. Bruce was hitting .287 on June 26th. Four days later he slipped to .281. Bruce dipped to .253 on August 7. In his last 37 games, he hit .377 with 15 home runs and 29 RBI.
Stubbs had two hits in two at bats on Opening Day. He went 3-for-18 in through April 11th to slip to .250. He was under .200 on May 21. He fought back to .251 on July 20, then slipped to .228 on August 2 before starting the climb back to his current .255 with a 1-for-2 performance in game 162.
Stubbs is a .310 hitter with nine home runs and 28 RBI since his low point.
Reds Rally on Fountain Square Tomorrow
The Reds will have a rally on Fountain Square tomorrow from 2-6 p.m.
Marty Brennaman will host it. CEO Bob Castellini and General Manager Walt Jocketty will speak.
Joe Morgan, Joey Votto, Scott Rolen, Brandon Phillips along with Dusty Baker will attend.
The entire team will attend between 2 and 4 p.m. based on their travel schedule which will be determined later this evening.
Marty Brennaman will host it. CEO Bob Castellini and General Manager Walt Jocketty will speak.
Joe Morgan, Joey Votto, Scott Rolen, Brandon Phillips along with Dusty Baker will attend.
The entire team will attend between 2 and 4 p.m. based on their travel schedule which will be determined later this evening.
Reds Set Up Pitching for the Playoffs
The Reds do not yet know who its opponent will be in the National League Division Series but the starting pitching rotation has been set.
Edinson Volquez will throw a light bullpen today to save his arm for the first game against an opponent yet to be determined. (San Diego, San Francisco or Philadelphia)
Bronson Arroyo will start the middle game.
"He is soft thrower," Dusty Baker said. "We want him to follow the hard thrower."
Johnny Cueto will pitch the home game.
"He's pitched very well at home," Baker said.
The Reds will carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players. Homer Bailey and Travis Wood will also be on the staff.
"Wood gives us potentially four lefthanders. He and Homer are the least experienced. They may be used in the fourth or fifth game if needed," Baker said.
The Reds don't have to submit the roster until 10 A.M. the day of the first game.
The only tough decisions are between Laynce Nix and Jim Edmonds both of who are recovering from injuries. Nix is further along than Edmonds.
Edinson Volquez will throw a light bullpen today to save his arm for the first game against an opponent yet to be determined. (San Diego, San Francisco or Philadelphia)
Bronson Arroyo will start the middle game.
"He is soft thrower," Dusty Baker said. "We want him to follow the hard thrower."
Johnny Cueto will pitch the home game.
"He's pitched very well at home," Baker said.
The Reds will carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players. Homer Bailey and Travis Wood will also be on the staff.
"Wood gives us potentially four lefthanders. He and Homer are the least experienced. They may be used in the fourth or fifth game if needed," Baker said.
The Reds don't have to submit the roster until 10 A.M. the day of the first game.
The only tough decisions are between Laynce Nix and Jim Edmonds both of who are recovering from injuries. Nix is further along than Edmonds.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Harang Starts and Finishes
Aaron Harang was the starting pitcher on Opening Day on April 5th. He gets the honor of closing the season nearly six months later.
Edinson Volquez was listed as Sunday's starter on the Reds notes this morning.
They announced that Harang will get the start instead.
Harang was once the ace of the staff. He won 16 games in 2006 and 2007 but has struggled since.
His 109 2/3 innings is the lowest total since he joined the Reds in 2003. He is 6-7 with a 5.25 ERA in 19 starts (21 appearances).
Edinson Volquez was listed as Sunday's starter on the Reds notes this morning.
They announced that Harang will get the start instead.
Harang was once the ace of the staff. He won 16 games in 2006 and 2007 but has struggled since.
His 109 2/3 innings is the lowest total since he joined the Reds in 2003. He is 6-7 with a 5.25 ERA in 19 starts (21 appearances).
Reds Reserves Rally to 7-4 Win
Dusty Baker is treating the last two games of the season as if it is spring training. He wants to keep players sharp yet give them rest.
The starters including Homer Bailey the pitcher, worked five innings then took a seat.
The Reds starters built a 4-1 lead with two home runs by Jay Bruce. After he struck out four times in last night's game, Ken Macha of the Brewers ordered him walked as the winning run in the ninth inning last night.
He should have followed the same strategy today as Bruce hit two home runs, a two-run job in third and a disputed solo home run in the fifth. It was Bruce's fifth two-home run game of the season. A fan appeared to interfere with Lorenzo Cain's attempt to catch the drive but a replay examination upheld umpire Sam Holbrook's initial call.
Jordan Smith, who is trying to earn a postseason roster spot coughed up the lead in the seventh after working a scoreless sixth.
He hit Ryan Braun and walked Prince Fielder. Casey McGehee launched a game-tying upper deck home run to cost Bailey his fifth victory.
Bailey was decent in his five innings, six hits and one run but took 120 pitches to navigate his five frames.
The Reds took the lead back for good in the eighth.
Supersub, Miguel Cairo singled off former Red, Todd Coffey. Yonder Alonso doubled, his second hit of the game off the gate to the Reds bullpen to score Cairo. Corky Miller blasted a long home run to centerfield.
Logan Ondrusek got the win with 2/3 of an inning to go 5-0 on the year. Francisco Cordero gave up one hit but faced just three batters for his 39th save.
The Reds reached the 90 win mark with the victory a number that Baker says is significant.
"Now we join all the division leaders and playoff teams that have 90-plus. That was big. In spring training, usually that's my goal every year but especially this year. Most of the time if you can get to 90, you'll be somewhere in the playoff hunt. You've usually got a pretty good chance for something between 90-95. Usually 90 is that magic number. Then you start thinking back on things and you're saying, 'Hey, man, this team has the potential next year of achieving that magic 100 even, 10 more games.' You're happy where you are, but as a manager you always want more."
The starters including Homer Bailey the pitcher, worked five innings then took a seat.
The Reds starters built a 4-1 lead with two home runs by Jay Bruce. After he struck out four times in last night's game, Ken Macha of the Brewers ordered him walked as the winning run in the ninth inning last night.
He should have followed the same strategy today as Bruce hit two home runs, a two-run job in third and a disputed solo home run in the fifth. It was Bruce's fifth two-home run game of the season. A fan appeared to interfere with Lorenzo Cain's attempt to catch the drive but a replay examination upheld umpire Sam Holbrook's initial call.
Jordan Smith, who is trying to earn a postseason roster spot coughed up the lead in the seventh after working a scoreless sixth.
He hit Ryan Braun and walked Prince Fielder. Casey McGehee launched a game-tying upper deck home run to cost Bailey his fifth victory.
Bailey was decent in his five innings, six hits and one run but took 120 pitches to navigate his five frames.
The Reds took the lead back for good in the eighth.
Supersub, Miguel Cairo singled off former Red, Todd Coffey. Yonder Alonso doubled, his second hit of the game off the gate to the Reds bullpen to score Cairo. Corky Miller blasted a long home run to centerfield.
Logan Ondrusek got the win with 2/3 of an inning to go 5-0 on the year. Francisco Cordero gave up one hit but faced just three batters for his 39th save.
The Reds reached the 90 win mark with the victory a number that Baker says is significant.
"Now we join all the division leaders and playoff teams that have 90-plus. That was big. In spring training, usually that's my goal every year but especially this year. Most of the time if you can get to 90, you'll be somewhere in the playoff hunt. You've usually got a pretty good chance for something between 90-95. Usually 90 is that magic number. Then you start thinking back on things and you're saying, 'Hey, man, this team has the potential next year of achieving that magic 100 even, 10 more games.' You're happy where you are, but as a manager you always want more."
Reds Choosing Post Season Roster With 3 Future No. 1 Pitchers.
The Reds are playing out the schedule, not yet sure who the opponent will be. The most likely candidate will be Philadelphia but as former manager Jerry Narron used to say, "It ain't written in ceement."
At stake are positions on the 25-man roster. Dusty Baker said that the Reds have it pretty much figured out but won't publicly reveal it because he wants to tell his players first. He won't even tell how many pitchers he'll use because, "those guys can all count."
"We want to keep everybody but you can't," Baker said. "That's why its a tough decision picking three out of five."
"I think our pitching has been better than it's ERA," Baker said.
If it is indeed the Phillies, they have three number ones in Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, longtime noted Reds killer.
"Roy Hallady wasn't always a number one," Baker reminded. "We have some guys who will be number ones."
Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez, Travis Wood and Mike Leake all have number one starter potential. All but Volquez came up through the Reds system, although Leake bypassed it. He is a rare case learning at the Major League level, though he has been shut down after reaching an organization imposed innings limit.
"This system is producing players," Baker said. "That's the only way to sustain excellence."
At stake are positions on the 25-man roster. Dusty Baker said that the Reds have it pretty much figured out but won't publicly reveal it because he wants to tell his players first. He won't even tell how many pitchers he'll use because, "those guys can all count."
"We want to keep everybody but you can't," Baker said. "That's why its a tough decision picking three out of five."
"I think our pitching has been better than it's ERA," Baker said.
If it is indeed the Phillies, they have three number ones in Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, longtime noted Reds killer.
"Roy Hallady wasn't always a number one," Baker reminded. "We have some guys who will be number ones."
Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez, Travis Wood and Mike Leake all have number one starter potential. All but Volquez came up through the Reds system, although Leake bypassed it. He is a rare case learning at the Major League level, though he has been shut down after reaching an organization imposed innings limit.
"This system is producing players," Baker said. "That's the only way to sustain excellence."
Friday, October 1, 2010
To Philadelphia For the Playoffs With 4-3 Loss
The Reds are going to play the Philadelphia Phillies in the opening round of the playoffs unless San Diego or San Francisco beats out Atlanta for the wild card.
Atlanta lost tonight so their lead over San Diego is a game and a half over San Diego. San Diego must sweep and the Braves must get swept by the Phillies for that to happen.
The Reds had a chance to edge San Francisco for the second best record in the National League but needed to sweep Milwaukee while San Diego sweeps the Giants. San Diego leads 5-0 in the fourth inning as of this writing (11:35 pm).
Travis Wood did not allow a hit for five innings but Rickie Weeks led off th sixth with his 29th home run. With one out in the seventh Casey McGhee doubled and Lorenzo Cain singled him to third. Wood was replaced by Logan Ondrusek, who allowed a pinch hit single to Craig Counsell and a sacrifice fly to Jonathan Lucroy to tie the game.
The Reds had few opportunities with rookie Mark Rogers. Rogers was taken by Milwaukee one pick ahead of Homer Bailey. The Brewers narrowed their choices to those two in the 2004 draft, deciding on Rogers.
Rogers had a good season in Double AA. This was his second start and fourth appearance in September. He started his career with nine hitless innings including tonight.
The Reds scored a run without a hit in the first inning on Joey Votto's sacrifice fly. Drew Stubbs walked, stole second and advanced to third after Brandon Phillips grounded out. The Reds scored one in the fifth on a suicide squeeze play by Paul Janish and in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Phillips.
The game went into the 11th. Sam LeCure gave up a single to Corey Hart and walked Ryan Braun. He was relieved by Jordan Smith, who allowed a single to McGhee. It was a potential double play but Phillips couldn't come up with it. It was ruled an error but changed to a hit because Phillips was screened by the umpire on the play.
Atlanta lost tonight so their lead over San Diego is a game and a half over San Diego. San Diego must sweep and the Braves must get swept by the Phillies for that to happen.
The Reds had a chance to edge San Francisco for the second best record in the National League but needed to sweep Milwaukee while San Diego sweeps the Giants. San Diego leads 5-0 in the fourth inning as of this writing (11:35 pm).
Travis Wood did not allow a hit for five innings but Rickie Weeks led off th sixth with his 29th home run. With one out in the seventh Casey McGhee doubled and Lorenzo Cain singled him to third. Wood was replaced by Logan Ondrusek, who allowed a pinch hit single to Craig Counsell and a sacrifice fly to Jonathan Lucroy to tie the game.
The Reds had few opportunities with rookie Mark Rogers. Rogers was taken by Milwaukee one pick ahead of Homer Bailey. The Brewers narrowed their choices to those two in the 2004 draft, deciding on Rogers.
Rogers had a good season in Double AA. This was his second start and fourth appearance in September. He started his career with nine hitless innings including tonight.
The Reds scored a run without a hit in the first inning on Joey Votto's sacrifice fly. Drew Stubbs walked, stole second and advanced to third after Brandon Phillips grounded out. The Reds scored one in the fifth on a suicide squeeze play by Paul Janish and in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Phillips.
The game went into the 11th. Sam LeCure gave up a single to Corey Hart and walked Ryan Braun. He was relieved by Jordan Smith, who allowed a single to McGhee. It was a potential double play but Phillips couldn't come up with it. It was ruled an error but changed to a hit because Phillips was screened by the umpire on the play.
From Press Box Funny Man - Tom Hardricourt
The beat writer for the Milwaukee Brewers was reading on the internet that the Mets were going to fire its General Manager, Omar Minaya and Manager, Jerry Manuel.
The Brewers just took three out of four in New York.
"If I had a dollar for every manager that got fired after losing a series to the Brewers, I could buy a franchise," Hardricourt said. "Everytime a manager drops three out of four to the Brewers, management gasses them."
The Brewers just took three out of four in New York.
"If I had a dollar for every manager that got fired after losing a series to the Brewers, I could buy a franchise," Hardricourt said. "Everytime a manager drops three out of four to the Brewers, management gasses them."
Former Colerain Player Is the NCAA Leader
When Kent State visits Miami Saturday afternoon, the will feature the current NCAA interception leader.
Brian Lainhart, who played at Colerain High School, has 15 interceptions. He is the all-time career leader for the Golden Flashes. The senior is looking for his first pick of the season against the Redhawks.
Kent State will also bring Lainhart's High School teammate, linebacker Cobriani Mixon, who is the team's leading tackler.
Lainhart was a member of Colerain's 2004 state champion team but was injured much of the season. He led the Cardinals secondary during his senior season in 2005.
Brian Lainhart, who played at Colerain High School, has 15 interceptions. He is the all-time career leader for the Golden Flashes. The senior is looking for his first pick of the season against the Redhawks.
Kent State will also bring Lainhart's High School teammate, linebacker Cobriani Mixon, who is the team's leading tackler.
Lainhart was a member of Colerain's 2004 state champion team but was injured much of the season. He led the Cardinals secondary during his senior season in 2005.
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