Sunday, August 18, 2002
Reds Q&A
Stats make strong case for Boone
E-mailers usually send questions or complaints. But this week, one e-mailer — Mike in West Chester — sent in some cold, hard facts.
Mike, while making a point about how valuable Aaron Boone is, researched Boone's big home runs. The list he came up with is pretty impressive. Read on:
• April 18, trailing 2-0 to Houston, Boone hits a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth. Reds win in 10 innings.
• May 28, tied 5-5 with Florida, Boone hits a solo shot in the top of the 11th. Reds win 6-5.
• June 4, trailing St. Louis 7-1, Boone hits a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth. Reds lose 8-5.
• June 14, losing to Pittsburgh 3-2, Boone hits a solo shot in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game. At 3-3 in the 11th, Boone hits a solo shot to win it 4-3.
• June 30, leading St. Louis 10-8 in the top of the ninth, Boone hits a two-run homer to seal the victory.
• August 11, tied with San Diego 7-7, Boone hits a two-run homer in the bottom of the 11th.
Now we'll resume the regularly scheduled Q&A:
Question, from Frank in Woodbridge, Va.: I remember when Aaron Boone broke in, I felt he was a fill-in until someone else (Brandon Larson?) arrived. But over the last couple years, while Boone's numbers haven't been spectacular, he seems to have become the team's MVP. When he's been out, the team has struggled. Now his numbers this year are well above adequate. In your opinion, is Boone the team's MVP?
Answer: He'd get my vote for MVP this year, especially after the research from West Chester Mike.
Q, from Patrick in Cincinnati: I assume you already know this, but just in case, I will pass it on to you. 1360 Homer's Lance McAlister's 2-year-old son, Casey, has leukemia. Casey was named after Sean Casey. Sean Casey learned of little Casey's sickness and called the hospital to visit him. Lance, of course, said yes, and Sean Casey went over to hang out with little Casey at Children's Hospital. Sean Casey didn't do it for publicity, but just because he is Sean Casey. I heard this story from Richard Skinner, one of the Two Angry Guys.
A: That Casey did what he did is no surprise. He's as classy a guy as anyone in the human race. Our prayers and hopes are with Lance and his family.
Q, from Dr. Gordon: The Reds have played spunky, classy ball this summer. How about more recognition for Todd Walker? He's a very good hitter, turns the double play well and has a good on-base percentage. It seems Cincinnati sportswriters usually mention Adam Dunn's sacrifice fly or Boone's homer, but Walker's timely double or two-out RBI single go largely unnoticed. Kudos to Walker. The Reds wouldn't be in wild-card mode without him.
A: I agree with you. But I don't think I, nor any other writer, have ignored what Walker has done.
Q, from Paul in Queensbury, N.Y.: Danny Graves' ineffectiveness continues to ring true. Particularly, on a day like (Aug. 11) when the Reds have a healthy early lead and the overmanaging manager pulls the “A” squad and replaces it with the “C” squad. Then Scott Sullivan, who has been horrendous lately, and Graves manage to blow the lead. Then you have hard-hitting Juan Castro available in the lineup. It seems John Riedling might be the answer.
A: Graves has struggled recently. Because of the style of pitcher he is — a sinkerballer — he's going to give up hits. And at times, those hits lead to runs. I think there are some in the Reds' brain trust who would like to see Graves as a starter. To do that, they need a reliable alternative closer.
That could happen in the spring. Riedling is the leading candidate, although Chris Reitsma, Luke Hudson and Scott Williamson could get a look.
Q, from Bruce in Mansfield, Mass.: Were the Reds serious about picking up Jose Offerman? The same Offerman who can spell “me” but cannot spell “team”?
Who told one of his Red Sox coaches that he preferred not to enter the game as a pinch runner, and who was badly criticized by (Colorado Rockies manager) Clint Hurdle? If so, other than his low salary cost to the Reds, for what reason would they want him? To disrupt the clubhouse? It's better to promote Chris Sexton or bring back Chris Sabo than to sign Offerman.
A: Nice rant, Bruce, but, no, the Reds never considered Offerman.
Q, from Chuck: I haven't seen an explanation as to why Carlos Almanzar has been placed on the 60-day disabled list. It was early June, wasn't it, when he reached out and tried to stop a ball with his bare hand? I thought he fractured his finger. I would have thought he'd be back before July 15.
A: Almanzar still has pain when he throws. He began a rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Louisville on Friday.
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