Sunday, June 16, 2002
Reds Q&A
Dropping attendance raises readers' response
E-mailers continue to try to explain why the Reds aren't drawing, among other things. Read on:
Q, from Rick in New Richmond, Ohio: Until the owners and players fix the game with a salary cap and even the playing field, I won't attend a game. The constant talk of a strike really is a turnoff. Billionaires arguing with millionaires has really gotten old. Attendance is down all around the country. Even if the Reds were to make it to the playoffs, in all likelihood they would be canceled anyway. The fans are sick of it. I for one have found better things to devote my time to — college football is right around the corner.
A: Maybe college football could send over the wizards behind the BCS to fix baseball.
Q, from Charlie in College Hill: To all of you negative whiners (and not just the amateurs — are you listening, Paul Daugherty?), haven't the Reds been in first place for the past six weeks? They may or may not be there in October, but if they are I hope you enjoy your bandwagon ride when that time comes.
A: The bandwagon will overfloweth.
Q, from David in Cincinnati: You can actually buy Top Six tickets for $5 on the day of the game. And why are people unwilling to support “overpaid” ballplayers, but don't think twice about overpaid Hollywood actors?
A: My vote for most overpaid man on the planet: Adam Sandler. But people keep showing up for his movies. As long as people keep going to baseball games, players are going to get paid well. Good call on the Top Six tickets. They're the best bargain in local sports.
Q, from David in Mount Adams: Here's why attendance is down: The fans do not feel current ownership is committed. Marge Schott spent money on players. She sat, smoked and drank in the stands with fans. She kept ticket prices low, and concessions prices lower. She demanded winning and won. Carl Lindner is aloof and unavailable. He's raised my ticket prices more than 100% in two years. He's cut payroll to a point where the Reds are below 1985 in inflation-adjusted dollars. Even with a good team, loaded with potential, brimming with enthusiasm and a year away from a new park, he won't sign an All-Star closer in Jeff Shaw. Aunt Marge was about winning for the fans, King Carl is about control and profit.
A: You're right, Schott spent. But she spent foolishly at times. The Reds have no chance in this economic climate when competing for free agents.
Under the Lindner/John Allen regime, the minor leagues and scouting have been fixed. That's why the Reds have Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns. Using good young players is the only way they'll compete.
Q, from Tom in Dayton: Can you tell me why the heck our esteemed commissioner can find a way in the schedule for the Cardinals to play the Royals (one of the worst teams in the league) six times in interleague play, while the Reds can't play the Indians for three games? If you add the winning percentages of the Reds' and Cardinals' opponents in interleague play (counting Kansas City twice), the Cardinals face teams that are a combined .500 while the Reds opponents are a combined .531. Bud Selig is a joke.
A: Aren't jokes supposed to be funny? Selig's people say this is a numbers game: Six teams in the National League Central, four teams in the American League West.
Q, from R.J. in Fairfield: I don't think the average fan appreciates the genius of Jim Bowden. (I know to use the word genius with care). I have watched baseball for over 70 years in the Cleveland and Detroit areas as well as Minneapolis. I came to Cincinnati, and followed Mr. Bob Howsam, a real pro. But Bowden is flat-out very good. Can you imagine what he would do at Milwaukee, New York, or even Chicago, where salaries are twice what the Reds' are? I hope we never lose Jim Bowden.
A: I wouldn't use the word “genius” unless you're talking about Einstein. But Bowden deserves credit for putting together a team that contended into mid-June with a very limited budget. The Dmitri Young trade looks good and the signings of Jimmy Haynes and Joey Hamilton look great.
E-mail: jfay@enquirer.com
Reds Stories
Coach hiring heats up as summertime begins
Boothe rallies Ky. girls past Indiana
Kroger 300 revs up fans of all ages
Rain postpones Busch race
All in 2 days' work with Jeff Fultz
Bad weather nixes Helton's Kentucky trip
Cup race or not, Carroll has plans
Blount rallies from 6th, tops ARCA Flagstar 200
Da Matta wins another pole
Ganassi making his mark
Gordon's gift keeps on giving
Tiger holds off a surprise challenge from top rivals
Tiger slams the Open shut
Vijay glad he stuck around
DAUGHERTY: Tiger, Sergio a tale of two styles
Garcia hears it all, from Waggle Boy to winner
Shut up and play
Sorenstam wins her 6th tournament of year
Golf scores
Hewitt vs. Henman in Queen's finals
Jackson: Master of three-peat
Germany, England reach quarterfinals
U.S. gains Mexico's respect
World Cup schedule
Five questions with Steve Sollmann
L.A. stadium group pulls out of running
Playing a piece of history
Stanford ace Guthrie shuts down Notre Dame
Street Cry wins Stephen Foster
Coming up this week
Enquirer Page Two power rankings
• Return to Reds front page...
Reds Q&A
