Chris Heisey, the current fan favorite, is starting in center field today for the Cincinnati Reds. Heisey, like the popular backup quarterback, is getting a start.
"I try to get him a start at least once a week anyway," Dusty Baker said, aware that fans have been ringing their collective hands for the 26-year old Pennsylvania native to play more. "Heisey gives me the luxury because he plays all three outfield positions for late in the game. He is very good coming off the bench. There are a few things he has to work on but he has the talent to be an everyday player. I've said this and told him that."
When Baker first took the Cincinnati job, just prior to the 2008 season, Heisey had been in the system for two years. The 17th round draft choice from 2006 was rapidly making a name for himself in the Reds system.
"This always happens. The backup quarterback is the most popular guy on the team," Baker said. "First it was play Nix, then play Dickerson, send Stubbs back, no send Bruce back. Two years ago it was play Gomes everyday. I'm still waiting on Jonny (Gomes) he can carry a team, plus he's the one guy that knows how to be the designated hitter for interleague play. Not everybody can do that."
Truth be known that when Chris Dickerson went on the disabled list last year, Baker insisted they bring Heisey up even though his .241 average over 20 games didn't warrant a call. Baker got a recommendation from Candy Maldonado, then observed Heisey in the back end of spring training games.
The reason for the move Wednesday is a day off for Drew Stubbs.
"Stubbs has been catching on a lot," Baker said. "He leads the league in runs scored (tied with Joey Votto with 32). That's his job. He and Rickie Weeks have a chance to drive in a lot of runs. When you have a good bottom of the order and we do, the leadoff man can get a lot of RBI. We are going to need Stubbs. We have to keep him strong. He wouldn't get a day off with who we have to play coming up."
Stubbs has a five game hitting streak and his on-base-percentage of .361 is second among National League leadoff hitters behind Colorado's Dexter Fowler.
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.
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