Reds News

Reds won't be busy in free agency
Comment
November 19
MLB.com
 
"Free agency opens for business at 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, and that means it will be buying season for all 30 clubs. Don't expect the Reds to be busy free-agent shoppers, however. "I don't see us being very active with free agents," general manager Walt Jocketty said at season's end. "It's not a very strong free-agent market from what we see." Sure, there are unsettled situations for the club in left field and at shortstop, but economics will be the overriding factor in how the Reds maneuver to fill those needs. Jocketty said on Monday that the Reds won't set a budget until sometime in December and therefore won't know if the club will have to trim the payroll from its $73 million level ..."
Reds re-sign catcher Hernandez
Comment
November 16
Foxsports.com
 
"The Reds have re-signed catcher Ramon Hernandez to a one-year contract, according to a major-league source. The deal also includes a vesting option for 2011 that will become guaranteed if Hernandez appears in 120 games next season. The Reds had declined an $8.5 million option on Hernandez and bought out his contract for $1 million. Hernandez, 33, hit .258 with five home runs and 37 RBI in 287 at-bats last season, his first with the Reds. He missed nearly two months after undergoing surgery on his left knee on July 20, appearing in only 81 games."
Reds may have to trade Phillips or Arroyo
Comment
November 15
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"I tried to get a hold of Bob Castellini last week. But he was out of the country. You know how exorbitant the international cell phone rates are. We're kidding there, but money is tight in Redsland these days. How tight? Only Castellini can answer that. He's the CEO. The final budget is his call. The fact that the Reds pushed a long-time employee like Wilma Mann, the team's Director of Scouting Administration since 1997, to retire and aren't replacing others who leave tells you the club is counting pennies in a business in which it takes millions of dollars to win. It's telling that when asked last week if he needed to cut player payroll to balance the budget, general manager Walt Jocketty ..."
Catch me if you can: Market full of backstops
Comment
November 9
MLB.com
 
"The free-agent market for catchers in 2009-10 is chock full of high-profile experience, durability and veteran savvy behind the plate. Even though the catching crop's best offensive player, Victor Martinez, was taken off the table when the Red Sox, as expected, picked up his $7.7 million option, recent World Series-tested backstops such as Bengie Molina (2002), Ivan Rodriguez (2003, '06), Jason Varitek (2004, '07), Yorvit Torrealba (2007) and Rod Barajas (2001) are, or are expected to be, available. Molina, who won a World Series ring with the Angels in '02, continues a career as a highly respected defensive catcher and proceeds to develop as a run-producing hitter, spending a good portion ..."
Big moves might be on the horizon
Comment
November 8
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Aside from a little tidying up of the roster, last week was a pretty quiet one for the Reds. Sending Darnell McDonald, Danny Richar, Corky Miller and Kevin Barker outright to Triple-A Louisville isn't going to make the ESPN crawl. Neither is signing Justin Lehr to a one-year deal. What's significant is what the Reds tried to do. They talked to Milwaukee about acquiring shortstop J.J. Hardy, and to Ramon Hernandez's agent about bringing back the catcher at a reduced rate. Hardy wound up with Minnesota, but Hernandez's return still could happen. Now we know Reds general manager Walt Jocketty shares fans' concerns about shortstop and catcher. There's a good chance he'll try to address both ..."
Reds Make Several Transactions
Comment
November 7
KYPost.com
 
"The Cincinnati Reds made several roster moves on Friday. The team reinstated IF Danny Richar from the team's 60-day disabled list, outrighted him off the roster and he elected free agency. First baseman Kevin Barker was also let go to free agency. Outfielder Darnell McDonald and catcher Corky Miller were also outrighted off the roster."
'Game Six' author recounts drama
Comment
November 4
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"For all the great storylines in this year's World Series, Game Six Wednesday between the Yankees and Phillies will be lucky to draw much more than the 23 million it drew for Sunday night's Game Four. In 1975, Game Six drew 76 million. "We won't be going back that number (76 million)," said Mark Frost, author of "Game Six: Cincinnati, Boston and the 1975 World Series." And keep it mind that this year's World Series is quite popular - the 23 million in the best number for a World Series game since 2004. • Photos: Reds in the World Series Frost knows something about TV, having collaborated on writing episodes of "Hill Street Blues," and being co-creator of "Twin Peaks" (not to mention ..."
Pirates make another trade
Comment
October 30
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The president of the Class A Florida State League said a plan for the Pirates to plant a minor league team in Bradenton in 2010 is practically a done deal. Thursday, Chuck Murphy said league officials will vote Nov. 10 to allow the Pirates to purchase and uproot the Class A Sarasota Reds. The team will play its home games at McKechnie Field, the Pirates' spring training venue, which is about 20 minutes away from Sarasota. "I don't expect any problems (with the vote)," Murphy said. "Everything should go pretty smooth. Our 2010 schedule is pretty much complete, but I don't think (the move) would affect it very much. Everything is in good shape over there at McKechnie Field." In essence, the ..."
Pirates to swap Class A teams with Reds
Comment
October 30
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Here is a new twist on the wheeling and dealing Pirates: They are swapping high Class A minor league affiliates. Team officials announced yesterday that they are in the final stages of completing an arrangement in which they purchase Cincinnati's Florida State League franchise in Sarasota and move it 15 miles up the Gulf Coast to McKechnie Field and their Pirate City base in Bradenton. In turn, the Reds, who are leaving Sarasota for a new spring-training home in Arizona, buy Carolina League affiliate Lynchburg, with whom the Pirates had one year left on a two-year contract. Chuck Murphy, the FSL chairman, president and treasurer, said he expected at least the required two-thirds of his ..."
Reds coach Price new man armed with plan
Comment
October 25
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bryan Price was hired to run the Reds pitching staff. But when asked about his pitching philosophy, he talked more about bunting than he did about breaking balls or change-ups. "Bunt plays and fielding your position are important," he said. "I'm very particular about that. That's something I can control. When it doesn't work out, that reflects badly on me." Price was hired a week ago. It was one of the big hirings of Walt Jocketty's tenure as general manager. Consider: Price's contract is for three years. Manager Dusty Baker only has one year remaining on his. Price will also have some authority over how things are done on the minor league level. That's something that Dick Pole or previous ..."
Reds name Price new pitching coach
Comment
October 18
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bryan Price, 47, who built his dossier by helping mold some top pitching staffs with the Arizona ?Diamondbacks, is the Reds' new pitching coach. The Reds announced his hire Saturday afternoon. It puts to rest the intrigue over whether the Reds might try to hire St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, who had expressed his displeasure with the Cardinals brass for how the trade of his son, Chris, was handled and for not seeking his input into developing pitching in the minor leagues. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Saturday he had the sense that Duncan was going to stay in St.?Louis, and the Reds felt very good about being able to land Price and didn't want to string out that ..."
Goodyear, Reds host grand opening
Comment
October 17
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The City of Goodyear and the Reds will host the grand opening of the Reds Player Development Complex at Goodyear Ballpark and Recreational Complex Saturday from 6-9:30 p.m. (MST). Scheduled to attend the festivities from the Reds are: • Bob Castellini, President and CEO • Walt Jocketty, President of Baseball Operations and General Manager • Phil Castellini, Chief Operating Officer • Dick Williams, Vice President of Baseball Operations • Eric Davis, Reds Hall of Fame outfielder"
Brewers send Reds cash to finish Weathers deal
Comment
October 17
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The Milwaukee Brewers sent cash to the Cincinnati Reds on Friday to complete their Aug. 9 trade for veteran reliever David Weathers. Weathers pitched in 25 games for the Brewers, going 1-3 with a 4.88 ERA. Overall, he was 4-6 with a 3.92 ERA in 68 relief appearances. The 40-year-old Weathers has a $3.7 million club option for 2010 on his contract with a $400,000 buyout. The Brewers have until 10 days after the World Series to exercise that option or allow Weathers to become a free agent."
Hunt for Reds' pitching coach ongoing
Comment
October 13
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Reds general manager Walt Jocketty says the Reds will interview candidates outside the organization for the club's pitching coach job. If St. Louis' Dave Duncan became available, will he be one of them? "I can't comment on that," Jocketty said. St. Louis manager Tony LaRussa met with Cardinals' ownership Monday. No announcements were made following the meeting but Duncan's fate is tied to LaRussa's decision. The Reds have had preliminary talks with candidates. Louisville pitching coach Ted Power is on the Reds' list, as is former Arizona pitching coach Bryian Price. "He's on everybody's list," Jocketty said of Price. "We're looking at guys with experience as big league coaches as well as ..."
Is Dusty Baker's job safe in Cincinnati?
Comment
October 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"Dusty Baker may not be as safe in Cincinnati as the Reds' strong finish would suggest. Owner Bob Castellini reportedly has his eye on the Cardinals tandem of manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan. ... Another former Cubs manager, Don Baylor, is being mentioned as a candidate for the vacancy in Houston, but general manager Ed Wade is trying to sell Jim Fregosi to owner Drayton McLane. ... The odds on the Cardinals re-signing Matt Holliday, which weren't great to start with, took a hit when he muffed a ninth-inning line drive in Game 2 of the division series against the Dodgers. The 800-pound gorilla in the Holliday negotiations is Alex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million ..."
Adding Reds dollars makes no sense
Comment
October 11
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"My guess is the Reds' 2010 payroll will be no more than $70 million and probably closer to $65 million. That doesn't buy a lot at today's prices. The Evil Empire pulled out Friday night's game with the Twins, thanks to home runs from two guys who make a combined $53.6 million in 2009 (Alex Rodriguez, $33 million, and Mark Teixeira, $20.6 million). Only one of the eight playoff teams playoffs is under $75 million (Minnesota, $65 million). Five are above $100 million. And the team that is probably the favorite to win it all, the New York Yankees, are at $201 million. Huge payrolls not only allow teams to get top players, they make mistakes easier to absorb. Do you think the Yankees would be ..."
Reds finalizing pitching coach list
Comment
October 9
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Walt Jocketty said there's a chance the Reds could name a pitching coach before the postseason ends. "To be honest, I'd like to have it done before that," he said. "But we haven't finalized the list yet." The Reds may wait until the St. Louis Cardinals are eliminated from the playoffs. Dave Duncan, the St. Louis pitching coach, is involved in the postseason. Duncan has expressed his unhappiness with his situation with the Cardinals. He and Jocketty worked together during Jocketty's time in St. Louis. The hiring process will pick up when the Reds' front office meets in Goodyear, Ariz. next week. "We've talked to a few people," Jocketty said. "I'll meet with Dusty (Baker) and the coaches ..."
Reds Hall Of Famer Sabo Savors Gordie Howe Memory Most
Comment
October 7
KYPost.com
 
"He hasn't changed a bit since he first showed up with a flat-top haircut and blue collar work ethic. Chris Sabo, who was named Tuesday for induction to the Reds Hall of Fame along with Pedro Borbon and the late Tony Mullane, is as disarmingly honest now as he was in 1988 when he was named National League Rookie of the Year. "Well, I guess I should have worn a coat and tie. I didn't know this was such a formal occasion," he told spectators at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. "It is a great honor. I had a great time here, the fans seemed to like the way I played the game and I can't wait for my kids and others peoples' kids to enjoy winning baseball in Cincinnati again." Kids have a special ..."
Three named to Reds Hall of Fame
Comment
October 7
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Modern memory reminds that Chris Sabo and Pedro Borbon were characters, but history reminds that they had nothing on Tony Mullane. All three were announced at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday as members of the newest class of Reds Hall of Famers. Sabo, with his goggles and his his nickname ("Spuds McKenzie," courtesy of then-manager Peter Rose) and his no-frills approach (drove a 1982 Escort until it broke down in 1990 with 80,000 miles on the odometer), became the fifth Reds Hall of Fame player from the 1990 World Champions. Pedro Borbon, with his fiery temper (ripped apart a Mets cap with his teeth during an on-field melee at Shea Stadium following Pete Rose's scuffle with Mets shortstop Bud Harrelson ..."
Reds blank Pirates; team looks to future
Comment
October 5
Dayton Daily News
 
"Packed cardboard boxes cluttered the clubhouse floor space, a clear sign that the baseball season for the Cincinnati Reds is over — cut short of the playoffs for the ninth straight season. In his spacious office, walls covered by photographs, manager Dusty Baker's biggest smile and loudest laughter came after he heard the words: "Extreme Fatigue Rule." When it was explained to him, Baker said, "Lord have mercy, that's wonderful." Baker and the Reds do not want 23-year-old pitcher Johnny Cueto to risk arm abuse by pitching this winter in the Dominican Republic. Cueto, though, told writers Saturday that he probably would pitch in the Dominican this winter, "Starting in December." When told ..."
A happy/sad kind of day
Comment
October 5
Dayton Daily News
 
"Some great things happened before the reality hit - my last game as the Cincinnati Reds beat writer for the Dayton Daily News. Brandon Phillips walked up to me in the pre-game clubhouse Sunday and handed me one of his bats on which was inscribed: "To Hal 'HofF' McCoy. Thank you for all the support! Sorry that you have go go, but I know it's not the last!' Brandon Phillips, #4, Your boy, 30/30." That was special enough, but I was later told by Reds assistant PR director Jamie Ramsey that Phillips will not sign 30/30 at the end of his signature for anybody but his mother and father. People sometimes ask, but he doesn't do it (30 homers, 30 stolen bases). The bat was enough - without being ..."
Reds, Bailey win finale
Comment
October 5
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Homer Bailey got his the win. Brandon Phillips didn't get RBI No. 100. But the Reds went home happy, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-0 before a crowd of 21,579 at Great American Ball Park in Sunday's season finale. It's always good to go into the winter with a win," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "I'm very pleased with the way we finished." The Reds finished 27-13 beginning Aug. 23, the best in baseball. Bailey's strong finish was a big part of that. He went six innings Sunday, allowing seven hits, three walks and striking out seven. Bailey was 6-1 with a 1.70 ERA over his final nine starts. He finished the season 8-5 with 4.53 ERA. His best moment was in the fifth when he struck out the ..."
Late surge is no prelude, but it's promising
Comment
October 5
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The local fan base has greeted the Reds' strong finish with a collective Big Whoop-dee-do! And, rightfully so. Nine years of losing has the fan base skeptical, so playing well over the last 40 games of the season isn't going to convince very many people that the corner has been turned. The fact that the Reds won over the last six weeks is no reason to get hopeful for 2010. But if you look at why the Reds won over the last six weeks, it may inspire a bit of optimism. Here are a few of the reasons: Homer Bailey has pitched like the top prospect he once was. His fastball is topping out in the high 90s. He's 5-1 in his last eight starts and he hasn't given up more than three runs in the any of ..."
Reds TV announcer Grande bids farewell
Comment
October 5
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Sunday's broadcast was the final one for the Reds television play-by-play man George Grande. He opted out of the final year of his contract. "I want to spend more time with my family," he said. "Family is first. That's the bottom line. I'll still do some work for Major League Baseball and the Hall of Fame. But I won't be traveling 25, 26 days a month.""
Pirates end season with 6-0 loss to Reds
Comment
October 5
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Pirates closed out the 2009 season Sunday with a 6-0 loss against the Cincinnati Reds. By dropping their final two games, the Pirates finished 62-99. It's their fewest victories since 2001 (62-100) and the seventh time in the past 10 seasons the Pirates have won fewer than 70 games. The Pirates were blanked for the 17th time, the most in the majors. The Reds manufactured single runs in the first and third innings. Each time, Drew Stubbs singled and was brought home by Brandon Phillips - first on a double, the next time on a ground out. Right-hander Jeff Karstens (4-6) started on short rest and worked 2 1/3 innings. He allowed two runs on four hits. The Pirates went 0 for 13 with ..."
Pirates finish with 99 losses
Comment
October 5
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Less than 24 hours after being satirized on a "Saturday Night Live" skit, the Pirates, now formally christened a laughingstock by the nation's arbiter of such things, suffered their final indignity with a 6-0 silencing by the Cincinnati Reds yesterday at Great American Ball Park. That was loss No. 99. And that, mercifully, will be all. "It's over," center fielder Andrew McCutchen said, packing at his stall in another quiet clubhouse setting. "It stinks, with all the moves and everything else, that all this happened this year. Really, you just want to have a fresh start, and we're going to have that next spring. For this season ... hey, nothing you can do now." Other than maybe add up all ..."
Late surge is no prelude, but it's promising
Comment
October 4
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The local fan base has greeted the Reds' strong finish with a collective Big Whoop-dee-do! And, rightfully so. Nine years of losing has the fan base skeptical, so playing well over the last 40 games of the season isn't going to convince very many people that the corner has been turned. The fact that the Reds won over the last six weeks is no reason to get hopeful for 2010. But if you look at why the Reds won over the last six weeks, it may inspire a bit of optimism. Here are a few of the reasons: Homer Bailey has pitched like the top prospect he once was. His fastball is topping out in the high 90s. He's 5-1 in his last eight starts and he hasn't given up more than three runs in the any of ..."
Duke, Pirates take the loss in Cincinnati
Comment
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Zach Duke struggled in his final start of the season Saturday, as the Pirates lost, 8-4, against the Cincinnati Reds. Duke (11-16), who leads the National League in losses, worked five innings and gave up five runs on six hits. The left-hander walked five, one shy of his career high, and struck out two. The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Johnny Cueto (11-11). Andrew McCutchen walked and scored on Andy LaRoche's double. The Reds tied it in the second went ahead with one run in the third and three in the fourth. In the sixth inning, Delwyn Young hit a three-run homer to pull the Pirates within 5-4. It was Young's first home run since Aug. 18."
Late surge is no prelude, but it's promising
Comment
October 4
Cincinnati Enquirer
 columnist John Fay
"The local fan base has greeted the Reds' strong finish with a collective Big Whoop-dee-do! And, rightfully so. Nine years of losing has the fan base skeptical, so playing well over the last 40 games of the season isn't going to convince very many people that the corner has been turned. The fact that the Reds won over the last six weeks is no reason to get hopeful for 2010. But if you look at why the Reds won over the last six weeks, it may inspire a bit of optimism. Here are a few of the reasons: Homer Bailey has pitched like the top prospect he once was. His fastball is topping out in the high 90s. He's 5-1 in his last eight starts and he hasn't given up more than three runs in the any of ..."
Phillips happy with season
Comment
October 4
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Brandon Phillips entered Saturday with 95 RBI, with time expiring on his bid for 100. The season ends today. Phillips was trying to become only the second Reds second baseman with 100 RBI in a season. In 1976, Joe Morgan had 110 of his 111 RBI as a second baseman. "If I get 100 it will be a beautiful thing," Phillips said. "If not, it's still a great year for me." Phillips entered Saturday with no RBI in his last seven games. "You think back on all the opportunities at different times of the year," Phillips said. "You just try to do the best you can." Phillips said he set a goal of 90 RBI, once he learned he would be batting cleanup this season. Phillips' previous high was 94 RBI in 2007. ..."
Cueto ends on winning note
Comment
October 4
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"A jovial Johnny Cueto did postgame interviews in a mixture of Spanish and English late Saturday, celebrating a happy end to his season. Cueto (11-11) pitched six innings to earn an 8-4 win over Pittsburgh in the Reds' second-last game of the year. A crowd of 24,539 watched at Great American Ball Park. The Dominican-born Cueto, 23, still prefers an interpreter to help him with interviews. Cueto continues to improve with both his English and his pitching after two years with the Reds. "It was very important for me to finish .500," Cueto said, with assistance from Reds coach/translator Juan Lopez. "I'm happy to finish strong." Right-hander Cueto finished 9-14 as a rookie last year. Cueto's ..."
Rolen: Nothing beats experience
Comment
October 4
Dayton Daily News
 
"The Cincinnati Reds are 24-11 when Scott Rolen mans third base and they are 31-29 since he arrived via trade from Toronto. Does he like what he sees from this team as far as next season? Rolen talks as if he'd like to see the team add more veterans, of which they have few. "I'm a big believer in experience," he said. "That's invaluable when you build a team, winning teams and teams that are perennial contenders. "What you see on those teams are veterans, what you see is experience, what you see is professionals," Rolen added. Asked if the Reds have enough of that, Rolen quickly said, "Don't know. I'm not necessarily pointing at this team with what I'm saying. I'm talking about ..."
Cueto secures win in last start
Comment
October 4
Dayton Daily News
 
"It was the penultimate game of the 2009 season for the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates, another meaningless get-the-season-over for most players. The exception was Reds starter Johnny Cueto, who wanted desperately to win Saturday night in Great American Ball Park and finished the season with an 11-11 record. Mission accomplished, an 8-4 Reds/Cueto victory, although it was a rocky and shaky beginning. The press box televisions were tuned in to LSU-Georgia or Notre Dame-Washington while Cueto wobbled through a laborious first inning - one run, two hits, two walks, 32 pitches. After that he settled in while Pirates starter Zach Duke did the laboring as the Reds scored one in the ..."
Pole out as pitching coach
Comment
October 3
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"When asked about his coaches last week, Dusty Baker gave a blanket endorsement. "Why not?" he said when asked if they'd be back. Friday, the club announced that pitching coach Dick Pole's contract would not be renewed. What changed? It turned out not to be Baker's decision. "I'm in on decisions," he said. "I thought there were reasons Dick should be back. But at the end of the day, it's an organizational decision." • Check out the Reds blog Pole worked for Baker in Chicago and San Francisco, although Pole was hired as Reds pitching coach by Jerry Narron. General manager Walt Jocketty announced the firing. "I think it was just as organization we felt Dick has done a good job to this ..."
Could Power be the next Reds pitching coach?
Comment
October 3
Dayton Daily News
 
"Just three days before season's end, pitching coach Dick Pole was told his contract won't be renewed for 2010. All the remaining coaches will return, while Pole packed his gear and fled home to Michigan. Returning are bench coach Chris Speier, batting instructor Brook Jacoby, first-base coach Billy Hatcher, third-base coach Mark Berry and bullpen coach Juan Lopez. General Manager Walt Jocketty said the team has not put together a list of potential replacements, "but we have some people in mind, including people in our own organization." Louisville pitching coach Ted Power, who pitched five seasons for the Reds and was a Dayton Dragons coach, and roving pitching instructor Mack Jenkins ..."
Reds wind up losing to Pirates
Comment
October 3
Dayton Daily News
 
"Sometimes the accepted becomes unacceptable and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Justin Lehr put it into effect Friday night in Great American Ball Park. It is acceptable that starting pitchers use a full-windup with no runners on base and Lehr started the game that way. When he gave up two straight hits and fell behind in the count 3-and-1 to the next Pittsburgh Pirates hitter in the third inning, pitching out of a windup, Lehr said to himself, "Enough of this stuff. I'm pitching out of the stretch, even with no runners on base." Did it work. Perfectly. Lehr retired 11 of the next 12the last batters he faced, but the damage already had been inflicted and the dormant Reds dropped a 3-1 decision to ..."
Reds dispute St. Louis Cardinals' claim balls were doctored
Comment
October 2
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals ended their road schedule Thursday by possibly stoking controversy for 2010. Hours after pitching coach Dave Duncan suggested Cincinnati Reds starter Bronson Arroyo employed pine tar to gain traction on game balls that were not properly rubbed up, the Reds righthander fired back, saying he would seek Duncan out the next time he faced the Redbirds. "I guarantee when I pitch against the Cardinals next year I'll call over and tell Dave Duncan I'm wearing a brand new hat," Arroyo said. Manager Tony La Russa became infuriated during Wednesday's 6-1 loss when starter John Smoltz noticed the unprepared baseballs. Smoltz walked five batters for the first time since 1995 and lasted ..."
Carpernter Drvies in Six, Claims ERA Title
Comment
October 2
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Before Thursday's series finale with the Cincinnati Reds, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa was looking ahead a few days to the playoffs when he said, "Playing in October is the most fun you can have." Clearly, the last few days of September — except for the night the Cardinals clinched the National League Central Division title last week — haven't been much fun for the Cardinals, who spent some of their time grousing about the pitching mounds in Colorado and slick baseballs and pine tar in Cincinnati. But when the calendar turned to October, La Russa's team played the kind of baseball he hoped it would play in a 13-0 thumping of Cincinnati. Rick Ankiel, prospering with a rare start, had two ..."
Cards accuse Arroyo of cheating
Comment
October 2
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds had their very own pine tar incident on Thursday. It involved pitcher Bronson Arroyo, and while it probably won't be remembered like the 1983 incident involving George Brett and his baseball bat, it perked up a slow morning in the Reds clubhouse. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Thursday that Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan had accused Arroyo of using pine tar to help grip the baseball Wednesday night. "I'm sure he had pine tar on his cap," Duncan was quoted as saying. "He didn't have any problem getting a grip. Balls like that can generate a lot more movement than a slick ball that hasn't been rubbed up." That was the complaint from St. Louis starter John Smoltz, who ..."
Carpenter slams door on Reds
Comment
October 2
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Kip Wells played with Chris Carpenter. He knows what a good pitcher he is. And offensively? "I've seen his offensive prowess," Wells said. "It's minute." Not Thursday. Carpenter hit a grand slam and drove in six runs in the Cardinals' 13-0 victory over the Reds before a crowd of 11,861 at Great American Ball Park. The six RBI doubled Carpenter's career total. The slam came in the second and made it a 5-0 game. "That's a tough assignment," Wells said. "It's not impossible but . . . It was Wells' final start for Reds. He did not record an out in the third inning. He allowed five runs on five hits. "He's pitched well for us," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "It was a tough day for him and a ..."
Stubbs hustles his way into hits
Comment
October 2
Dayton Daily News
 
"Drew Stubbs doesn't resemble a world-class sprinter, doesn't look as if he can spot a jackrabbit 10 yards and catch it in a 100 yards. If you don't believe Stubbs is nearly faster than the naked eye, take a quick look at the infielder who casually fields his ground balls and throws to first, only to discover Stubbs is across the bag. Sheer disbelief. Stubbs has 30 singles this year and 11 are infield hits, more than a third. "Maybe at this level they get accustomed to guys not always running as hard as they can down the line," said Stubbs. "In my case there is a lot of hits to be had hustling down the line. I try to do that every time and once in a while you get rewarded. "I had a good bit ..."
Arroyo denies pine tar accusation
Comment
October 1
MLB.com
 
"During Wednesday's 6-1 Reds win, Cardinals starter John Smoltz had lots of trouble gripping the baseball. Reds starter Bronson Arroyo had no problems. Because of that, Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan accused Arroyo of cheating during his 8 1/3-inning, one-run performance for win No. 15. "I'm sure he had pine tar on his cap," Duncan told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after the game. "He didn't have any problem getting a grip. Balls like that can generate a lot more movement than a slick ball that hasn't been rubbed up." Asked by the Post-Dispatch if he had seen Arroyo go to his cap, Duncan said, "Just every pitch." Smoltz allowed five walks and six runs over his four innings after he ..."
Duncan says pine tar gave Reds the upper hand
Comment
October 1
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Veteran righthander John Smoltz, who had walked only three hitters unintentionally in his first 34 innings as a Cardinal since coming from Boston, walked more batters (five) in the second and third innings Wednesday night than he had walked in a game since 1995. Smoltz said he wasn't able to get a grip on most of the baseballs he tried to throw — and he exchanged baseballs regularly with home-plate umpire Fieldin Culbreth. After the Cardinals' 6-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, he gave credit to Reds righthander Bronson Arroyo for handling the situation much better. Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, who raised the issue of what he termed unrubbed baseballs with Culbreth and crew chief ..."
Arroyo finishes with a flourish
Comment
October 1
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Bronson Arroyo did pretty well this season for a guy dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome: 15 wins, 220 innings and 13 straight quality starts to finish it. A second cortisone shot in early July put the carpal tunnel symptoms to rest for Arroyo. "Without that, I wouldn't have made it through the year," he said. He made it through on a roll. Arroyo beat the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 Wednesday before a crowd of 11,930 on a chilly night at Great American Ball Park. The 15th win matched the career high Arroyo set last year. Arroyo pitched 8 1/3 innings Wednesday, allowing one run and four hits. He walked one and struck out six. "Sometimes it goes your way," he said. "I'm happy with my season. ..."
Maloney done for year
Comment
October 1
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The blister on the tip of the middle finger of Matt Maloney's left hand ended his season. Maloney was supposed to start Friday's game. Justin Lehr will go instead. "Just after that last start, it started bothering me again," he said. "I must have re-aggravated it. I tried to get through it." Maloney, a 25-year-old left-hander, has been dealing with the blister since his Sept. 8 start against Colorado in Denver. He's started two games since and won both of them. Maloney finished 2-4 with a 4.87 ERA overall. He's been very good in his second stint with the club. He was 2-1 with a 2.65 ERA over his last three starts. Maloney has pitched his way into consideration for the No. 5 spot in the ..."
Slump follows Cardinals to Cincy
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September 30
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Baseball's first team to clinch may also be an offense in trouble. Once again the NL Central champion Cardinals encountered "plus" pitching Tuesday night. Once again, they were silenced in most disquieting manner while falling 7-2 to the Cincinnati Reds before a friends-and-family gathering of 12,026 at Great American Ball Park. This time promising righthander Homer Bailey (7-5) administered an evening's thumping with seven lockdown innings. The Redbirds managed nine hits and a walk while again finding it difficult to work walks and generate extra-base hits. Now 13-12 in September, the Cardinals have lost four of their past five games and 10 of 16. "You can't just turn the light on and ..."
Pride pushes Reds to 75th win of the season
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September 30
Dayton Daily News
 
"To the Cincinnati Reds these days, it doesn't matter if it's the St. Louis Cardinals or the St. Louis Browns, because the Reds are plugged into a winning mode. With nothing left for which to play but pride, the Reds are bursting with it as they enter the last week of the season. The division-champion Cardinals played their No. 1 lineup Tuesday, Sept. 29, in Great American Ball Park and couldn't prevent the Reds from winning for the 24th time in their last 35 games, 7-2. And this one was significant to manager Dusty Baker. It was the team's 75th win, one more than his team won all of last season. He takes his progress in small steps. But 75 wins certainly doesn't merit champagne, does it? ..."
Rolen's return to Reds brightens Baker
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September 30
Dayton Daily News
 
"Third baseman Scott Rolen missed the three-game series in Houston with back spasms, but was back in the lineup Tuesday to face his old team, the St. Louis Cardinals. Rolen missed three games in St. Louis earlier this season after he was hit in the head by a pitch and suffered concussion-like symptoms. With Rolen in the lineup, the Cincinnati Reds are 22-10 and manager Dusty Baker can't wait to have the 34-year-old third baseman in the lineup every day next season. "He gives us big-time stability, not only in the infield but in his presence and he has been a very good clutch hitter who knows how to pick up the RBIs," said Baker. "And he'll eventually rekindle his home run stroke, especially ..."
Reds close to club fielding mark
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September 30
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Dusty Baker was surprised when told the 2009 Reds might be the top fielding team in franchise history. "Even with all the Gold Glovers they've had here?" the Reds manager said. "Wow." Yes. The Reds (74-82 entering Tuesday) might even surpass the fielding percentages of Cincinnati's five World Series championship teams. Entering Tuesday, Reds defenders had a .985 fielding percentage. That would be a franchise record for a non-strike season (.984 on six occasions, most recently 2007). The 1995 Reds, in a strike year, had a .986 fielding percentage. The Reds' five World Series winners and their fielding percentages: 1919 (.974); 1940 (.981); 1975 (.984); 1976 (.948); 1990 (.983). The Reds of ..."