Marty Brennaman

The Reds' Hall of Fame broadcaster joined Cincinnati.Com Friday for an online discussion with readers about the state of the Reds, Ken Griffey Jr.'s milestone, and other baseball topics.

Andy Knight (Jun 25, 2004 11:53 AM)
Welcome to Cincinnati.Com's online chat with Marty Brennaman. Marty is in the room and ready to answer your questions.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 11:55:13 AM)
I welcome this opportunity to visit via the Internet with Reds fans and Reds on Radio fans. Hopefully I can answer as many questions as are posed to me in the next hour. Fire away!

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 11:58:42 AM)
Marty, I'm currently working in London, England and try to read up on my Reds online but had some questions. How is Ryan Wagner doing in Louisville? And do you see the Reds going after a quality starter now that it is June and we're only 3 games out?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 11:58:42 AM)
Ryan Wagner has had his ups and downs in Louisville...he just needs to develop more consistency. What he did last year when he came to the big leagues and had no problem getting hitters out, this season he was having trouble throwing strikes and it jarred his confidence a little bit. I have no doubt he'll be back before the season's over with. As far as acquiring a pitcher, I really wrestle with it, because this organization said that money would be freed up to add a player; having said that, I think this club is more than one player away from really making a serious run at this thing. It really puts the organization in a tough spot because the Astros have gone out and gotten Carlos Beltran. I think when you're more than one away, it really makes it tough.

motto (Jun 25, 2004 12:00:38 PM)
Hey Marty. Two questions. Who was your favorite baseball radio broadcaster grwowing up and why? and what is your take on the move by the Astros? Is it only a matter of time and can/will the Reds do anything to shore up pitching.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:00:38 PM)
My favorite baseball broadcaster growing up...I had access to the Baltimore broadcasts with Chuck Thompson, the Pirate broadcasts with Bob Prince, but I think the guy that had the greatest impact on me was Nat Albright, who re-created Brooklyn Dodger games. As a kid growing up, I listened to him two or three years during Dodger games before I realized he wasn't at the ballpark.

DC (Jun 25, 2004 12:02:36 PM)
Is there any way to explain the reasoning in bringing Harang back after an awful AAA start to replace Bong, whose effort against the Cards was superior to anything Harang has shown the entire season?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:02:36 PM)
That's an excellent question. Joe said essentially the same thing. Bong, when you shut out a team like St. Louis like he did last Sunday and show marked improvement in your last three starts...there are some things he has to work on...he has to pitch ahead in the count and avoid walking a lot of people. He has shown a lot of improvement and that's encouraging. I can understand how fans feel, though.

13RedsFan (Jun 25, 2004 12:03:57 PM)
What is up with Austin Kearns? This thumb injury has been keeping him out seems really strange. Any word on when he could come back?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:03:57 PM)
Well, he saw two hand specialists Monday, one one in Louisville and one in Cincinnati. They are ordering some special gloves for him to wear, to see if that lessens the discomfort he has swinging the bat. I don't think, if this thing continues to drag on, that surgery is out of the realm of possibility if they can't get this thing right.

Sjack (Jun 25, 2004 12:05:28 PM)
Where does Junior's 500th home run rank in the greatest moments you have broadcast?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:05:29 PM)
The single biggest thing I've ever been a part of was Pete's 4192. That's a record that will never be approached. But the 500th home run was No. 2, and I don't think I'll ever have the chance to broadcast a Reds player's 500th home run again. And it was bigger still because of the reaction of the St. Louis fans.

redsfan101 (Jun 25, 2004 12:07:02 PM)
anybody here any rumors about jerry hairston, or b. roberts and cincy.....it would solve our speed situation/leadoff alternatives, until we can tell if D'Angilo or Freel are good enough. jerry has been around almost 7 years, but the numbers he has, makes him realitivly cheap--even to us, at least that is what I'm thinking.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:07:03 PM)
I've not heard either one of their names mentioned as far as trade rumors with the Reds. Brian Roberts is a young man who is a very, very fine talent. He's a kid with great speed. If the question is, Do I think he could help the club, yes I think he could. But I don't think Baltimore would have any interest in trading him.

EDHATFIELD (Jun 25, 2004 12:09:28 PM)
What do you think the reason is for the Reds turn around this year?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:09:28 PM)
I think there are a number of reasons why this club has been perhaps the most surprising team in baseball. First, they have a tremendous amount of heart. I think it was best said by someone a few weeks ago, that one of the reasons why this club has been so successful, at a given point in a ballgame, whoever it was who had to get something done to enhance the club, he's gotten that something done. I think that shows you don't have to be in the upper tier of pitching, hitting or defense to be successful. I think the leader on this club without any question is Sean Casey. He means so much to this team with the influence he has...and all of that goes into what has been a very, very satisfying season up to this point.

themlbforum (Jun 25, 2004 12:11:32 PM)
What do you with of Danny Graves and his blown saves?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:11:32 PM)
I think people have to understand that Danny Graves is not your prototypical closer, not like Eric Gagne with the Dodgers or Armando Benitez with the Marlins. There are nights where his sinkerball is sinking and he's going to get hitters out. He is as stand-up a guy as there is in the game. If he has a bad night, he addresses it, and I have tremendous respect for Danny Graves as a player and as a person. As a player, he is what he is, and we have to accept that.

boonie17 (Jun 25, 2004 12:12:39 PM)
Third base is a big problem. When will the Larson experiment end?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:12:39 PM)
I can't answer that question. That's not my call. All I can say is, if and when the time comes when the "experiment" ends, that Brandon Larson will not be able to say he was not given every opportunity. For whatever reason, he simply hasn't gotten it done.

Andy Knight (Jun 25, 2004 12:13:36 PM)
Fans, you can relive Ken Griffey Jr.'s 500th home run online. Find stories, photos, video and more on his milestone at Cincinnati.Com's special section. Visit http://reds.enquirer.com/2004/06/21/griffey500/

nivram siwel (Jun 25, 2004 12:13:58 PM)
We're into our second season at GABP. What is your favorite part of this stadium, and what one thing would you do differently? Thank you.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:13:58 PM)
My favorite part of the stadium is the broadcast booth, because it's carpeted, it's got air conditioning, it's got heat, it's got windows you can open. As far as changing anything, I don't think I'd change anything. We've been to two brand new ballparks in Philadelphia and San Diego, and I like GABP better than I like either one of them.

Hard2Burn (Jun 25, 2004 12:16:02 PM)
what is the possibility of dumping danny graves, and bringing gabe white in for the closing role?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:16:02 PM)
I love Gabe White, and I think his addition to the bullpen is a great one. But as far as replacing Danny with Gabe White, it's not even a consideration. There is such a thing as a closer's mentality, and that is, a guy who's not afraid to fail. The best example of a guy who apparently couldn't do it is Octavio Dotel. I'm not saying Gabe DOESN'T have that mentality, I'm saying Danny DOES. So in my mind, it's not even a question.

Gramps (Jun 25, 2004 12:17:31 PM)
How well do you think the relief pitchers will hold up at the end of the season given the average number of innings the starting pitchers lasting?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:17:31 PM)
That's a good question. That's a problem that Dave Miley and Don Gullett grapple with every day. They're aware that if this club is going to maintain any level of success the rest of the year, it's going to be predicated on how rested that bullpen is. The bottom line is, this team HAS to get more innings out of its starting pitching. If they can't do that, they're going to have major problems.

Marti (Jun 25, 2004 12:19:18 PM)
Hi Marty! I'm Marti Johnson-A female Marti! I'm thrilled o be on-line with you. One of my goals is to meet you and Joe. Hopefully I will be able to catch you two at some event. My question is: Are there any other dynamic duos like you two in the country calling baseball games?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:19:18 PM)
Not any more. In fact, I just found out the other day, that Joe and I are officially the longest-running duo in baseball history at 31 years. I think there are too many guys who would look at a market like this as a steppingstone, so quite frankly, I don't know if this mark will be approached.

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 12:20:53 PM)
Will the Beltran deal push Houston over the top?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:20:53 PM)
I don't know. It sure as heck can't hurt them, I'll tell you that. He has power, and they're basically going to rent him for the rest of the year. They think that's the one piece to the puzzle that they need to put them over the hump. I'm not as certain of that as they are. You've got people like Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell that have been around as long as they have. But as for Beltran putting them over the top, I don't think so.

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 12:22:25 PM)
where did ryan freel come from and is he one of the best averaged players on the reds team?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:22:25 PM)
Ryan Freel was originally in the Toronto organization. Dave recommended him while he was in Louisville and managed against him. The Reds signed him as a free agent, and he has been a godsend to this team. He can play everywhere there is. When Barry Larkin comes back, I'm not so sure you won't see Ryan Freel back at third base on an everyday basis. This club is fortunate to have a player like him.

boonie17 (Jun 25, 2004 12:23:25 PM)
Do you think Danny Graves deserves an All-Star invitation?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:23:25 PM)
That's a difficult question to answer. I think he would enhance his chances if he's given the chance to save three or four games between now and the time the pitching staffs are announced. But I think the blown saves are going to hurt him.

GeorgiaRedsFan (Jun 25, 2004 12:24:39 PM)
How did Steve Stewart take the news that Junior preferred either you or Joe making the call on #500?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:24:39 PM)
Steve took it very well. I think he understood. I did not want there to be any animosity directed at me by Steve because of the fact that he was not going to get that opportunity. All I can say is, Thank God it happened in an inning I would have been working anyway.

and this one belongs to the reds (Jun 25, 2004 12:25:06 PM)
how many homeruns do you think that griffey will hit this season if he stays healthy and off the disabled list

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:25:07 PM)
I think he'll hit between 40 and 50.

themlbforum (Jun 25, 2004 12:25:36 PM)
Did Aaron Boone really sign with the Indians today?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:25:36 PM)
If he did, I don't know anything about it. This would be the first I've heard about it.

Chip R (Jun 25, 2004 12:27:16 PM)
Marty, Why doesn't Wily Mo Pena play more? Even though he has a low average against righties, he won't learn how to hit them sitting on the bench.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:27:16 PM)
Dave Miley and I talked the other day. His problem is something you don't see very often, is that of a righthanded hitter having trouble hitting righthand pitching. They can't afford to run him out there every night. That being said, I am totally in favor of them keeping him around. I think we're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel with him.

E (Jun 25, 2004 12:28:32 PM)
You mentioned Casey earlier as the leader of the club, but Junior's health, production and presence have to have contributed to this team's attitude. Do you feel he is cementing his place here in Cincinnati or do you feel his stock is rising for a possible trade?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:28:32 PM)
I think his stock is rising, no question, but this club would have a difficult time dealing him in July, from a credibility standpoint, if they were still in contention for a division championship as we approach August 1.

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 12:29:40 PM)
In 1990 I don't think anyone expected the Reds to go 'wire to wire'. Do you see any similarities between the 1990 team and this year's team? Or is there no comparison and the Reds are going to falter?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:29:40 PM)
The one similarity I see is the way these guys get along with one another. That 1990 team had the greatest chemistry of any team I've been around. From a standpoint of talent, this team doesn't compare with 1990. But with the chemistry aspect being so important, I think the two teams are very similar.

drew (Jun 25, 2004 12:31:20 PM)
Marty, what is the HONEST possibility of a decent deal going down this season, also do you think Dan O'Brien is feeling pressured? because I know for sure among fans there is a serious sense of urgency

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:31:20 PM)
I don't see any semblance of pressure being brought to bear on Dan O'Brien. I'll go back to what I said earlier; it's not cut-and-dry that adding one player will put this team over the top. It's going to take more than one player to put this club in a position to challenge the Cubs and Cardinals. I think this team is more than one player away.

Sjack (Jun 25, 2004 12:32:50 PM)
With Barry Larkin's success this year might he postpone his retirement? What are the odds of him becoming a player-coach next year? Is Sean Casey the next "team captain"? P.S. are you typing or dictating?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:32:50 PM)
I think Barry's decision right now is to retire. Now, if he recovers and gives this club three months of the kind of baseball like we saw earlier this year, then he could change his mind. As far as Casey being captain next year if Barry leaves, there's no one else on the club you could even think about.

MT (Jun 25, 2004 12:33:27 PM)
Have you heard anything about the GABP hosting the All-Star game?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:33:27 PM)
No, but I would not be surprised if I were to hear that they've already put in a bid for the All-Star Game sometime in the latter part of this decade.

themlbforum (Jun 25, 2004 12:34:46 PM)
What do you think of Paul Wilson's this year?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:34:46 PM)
I think it's one of the great stories of the season in all of baseball. It's amazing, the people from other teams that root for him to succeed, because he's such a great guy. The thing about Paul Wilson is, he's completely changed the way he goes about his craft. He's one of the all-time nice guys, and I think that's why people all over baseball are rooting for him.

markleredsfan (Jun 25, 2004 12:35:55 PM)
What is the possibility of the Reds picking up someone like Joe Randa as another righthanded bat, and most of all to play a sound third base?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:35:55 PM)
I think a guy like Joe Randa would be a stopgap measure. He's had some success with a couple of different teams. Would he be an upgrade over what this club has right now? Probably. But I don't know that it would be for any more than the rest of the season.

brewski (Jun 25, 2004 12:36:25 PM)
What do you think will happen with the right field situation when Austin Kearns comes back?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:36:25 PM)
Austin Kearns will play right field every day.

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 12:37:20 PM)
How does Steve Stewart Like Cincinnati?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:37:20 PM)
I think Steve loves Cincinnati. He moved out to Anderson Township within a mile or so of where I live. I'm sure they're unpacking boxes and putting things away as we speak. So we've got two broadcasters living in Anderson Township.

themlbforum (Jun 25, 2004 12:38:27 PM)
Will Dunn hit 500 + homers?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:38:27 PM)
He's got a chance. It all boils down to longevity. That's the biggest single thing with a power hitter. He's not been injury-prone, but I think it goes back to playing long enough, and generally you're not going to find guys playing as long as they have in the past. If he stays around long enough, he certainly has a chance.

Mike (Jun 25, 2004 12:39:43 PM)
Do you think Mckeon will select Casey to the All-Star game,he has the numbers and I would assume they know each other very well.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:39:44 PM)
They have a mutual admiration society for one another. Sean is always going to be indebted to Jack for sticking with him and playing him when he first came to the Reds. Jack has great respect for Sean because of the kind of person he is. I think Sean Casey is an absolute mortal lock to be on the All-Star team.

Derek (Raleigh NC) (Jun 25, 2004 12:41:33 PM)
Marty, is a salary cap the answer to keep Steinbrenner and the big market teams from destroying baseball? Do you really think the Reds -- and small market teams in general -- can sustain this success for more than a year or two?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:41:33 PM)
I think a salary cap would be a major step forward to attaining greater parity in the game today. Having said that, I don't think you'll see a salary cap in this lifetime. I don't think the players would ever agree to it. That would take away George Steinbrenner's ability to put the best team he can on the field. I think a salary cap would be great for the game, but I don't think you'll ever see it.

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 12:42:46 PM)
I would hope that Sean Casey would be a cornerstone for the Reds organization for years to come, all the way to the end of his career, and then join the front office staff, he is such a great guy, I know you can't predict the future, but in this day and age, is that even possible.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:42:46 PM)
I think it's possible, but I think a lot of it has to do with the player's attitude. Who knows, down the road, if he's going to want to stay here? If he becomes a free agent, I would have to think that there would be a lot of clubs that would have interest in him.

Sjack (Jun 25, 2004 12:44:58 PM)
What does it take for this club to extend Dave Miley's contract? What more does he need to prove?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:44:58 PM)
I don't think he has anything else to prove. It continues to mystify me why there's been a reluctance on the part of the baseball people to announce that, while we've said repeatedly we'd look at his situation when the season's over. But we're not going to wait that long. We appreciate what a great job he's done with us, and we're going to extend his contract right now.

NewRichmond Greg (Jun 25, 2004 12:47:06 PM)
Are ANY of the minor league pitching prospects doing well, either in AA or AAA?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:47:06 PM)
In AA, probably the two brightest stars in the organization, as far as position players go, are two kids named Encarnacion and Bergolla. I could foresee one or both of them getting moved to AAA this season. They're both infielders, and they both appear to have great futures ahead of them.

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 12:48:10 PM)
What has Jason LaRue done different hitting wise here lately for the turn around?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:48:10 PM)
I talked to Chris Chambliss the other day about the difference in LaRue's succes in hitting, and he said that he's using his hands more, he's staying back longer on pitches, and I think in Jason's case it's a work in progress, because he can go well for a week or two, but then fall back into the same habits.

bikerbob (Jun 25, 2004 12:50:09 PM)
Why can't Cincinnati spend the kind of money needed to get better players? We're described as "small market" but there was a time when Cleveland was small market & look what they did in the '90s.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:50:09 PM)
I think that's an ownership decision. I certainly would not propose that this team could spend with the likes of the big-market clubs. It's a decision that ownership makes as to how much they're going to spend. It's not my money. But I think any owner has to accept, based on what his payroll is going to be, yes, we can contend annually, or, no we can't. What you're finding out now with Cleveland, they've taken a major step backward. They have radically reduced their payroll, so that's an ownership decision.

etep esor (Jun 25, 2004 12:51:27 PM)
How do the Reds justify spending $500,00 on Gabe White for the rest of the season but trade Cris Reitsma who was to set to make only $900,00 at the beginning of the year?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:51:27 PM)
The Yankees picked up a good portion of what Gabe White was going to make the rest of the year. If we're talking now or long term, the trade for Chris Reitsma was not a good one if you're talking long term. Todd Jones is doing as good a job as Chris Reitsma would have done.

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 12:52:09 PM)
Just a coment. Some of my fondest memories as an 11 year old boy was spending the evening with Marty and Joe while I kept the stat sheet in the early eighties. Thanks Marty, for all those wonderful, relaxing summer nights. The world seems to move too fast any more.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:52:09 PM)
That's very kind. Thank you.

4everaredsfan (Jun 25, 2004 12:53:02 PM)
Does Paul Wilson have a chance to make the All-Star game?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:53:02 PM)
I think he has a chance; it would be enhanced if he were to win his next two starts. He's 7-1 now, and if he's 9-1, I would think he'd stand a very good chance of making the National League pitching staff.

NickZingarelli (Jun 25, 2004 12:54:33 PM)
I am of the belief that Norton is more of a liability than he is an asset. Do you think he should be kept with the club, sent down, or dealt/released?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:54:33 PM)
He certainly has not pitched very well in general. The thing that enhances his staying power is the fact that he's a lefthander. If this club were to send him out, they'd have to put him on waivers, they run the risk of him being claimed with no compensation. I think with the addition of Gabe White, Phil Norton has bought himself some time.

lrheinen (Jun 25, 2004 12:56:10 PM)
Is there any possibility at all the Red's will sign Aaron Boone?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:56:10 PM)
At this point, I would say no. I think this organization made a mistake in not looking into what it would take to Aaron Boone back here. Faced with that question in San Diego a few weeks ago, Dan O'Brien said they had NOT looked into the possibility of bringing Aaron back because they had a commitment to Brandon Larson. Looking back now, that statement doesn't look so good. I think Aaron Boone would come back here in a heartbeat.

themlbforum (Jun 25, 2004 12:57:00 PM)
Will Claussen ever be recalled?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:57:00 PM)
He has had such an up-and-down season in Louisville, that I can't seen him coming up any sooner than September, when the rosters can be expanded.

DeanDog (Jun 25, 2004 12:58:23 PM)
Mr. Brennaman. How are you adapting to Steve's style since it is so much different from Joe's

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:58:23 PM)
I don't have any problem adapting to someone's style. I think I'm pretty flexible in that respect. I'll leave that up to the listeners. I feel like Steve and I have blended well together. I don't think it'll ever be exactly like it was with Joe, because when you invest 31 years of your life with one person, that's truly special.

themlbforum (Jun 25, 2004 12:59:22 PM)
Are the Bengals bigger than the Reds now in your opinion?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 12:59:22 PM)
I think they've certainly made inroads. Hiring Marvin Lewis and allowing him to run the football operation without interference from higher up. But this has always been, is now, and forevermore will be, a Reds town over everything else.

redsfan101 (Jun 25, 2004 1:00:55 PM)
Do you think the real Dunn is here yet? 2-1 R.B.I./HR ratio. I also would like to know, if you could compare Willy Mo to Reggie Sanders rookie year, at least of right now.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:00:55 PM)
I would hope that we've not seen the best of Adam Dunn. I still think he takes too many hittable pitches that he could do something with. I think when he gets a little more aggressive and swings at pitches that may not even be strikes, you'll see a more productive Adam Dunn.

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 1:03:11 PM)
Who's the better hitter; Albert Pujols, Sean Casey, or Lance Berkman?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:03:11 PM)
Wow. That's a heck of a question. I couldn't even begin to pick one. They're all such gifted hitters who use all of the field. I simply couldn't answer that question--Pujols has more all-field power, certainly--but Casey has become, to my way of thinking, from an offensive standpoint, to do what a first baseman should do. I'm sure Sean would appreciate being included with those two great hitters.

DeanDog (Jun 25, 2004 1:04:32 PM)
Mr. Brennaman. How are the tomoatoes in your garden this year? Bigger than Joe's?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:04:32 PM)
As a matter of fact, neither one of us grows tomatoes. When I discovered the game of golf, I gave up tomato-growing. But I'm always receptive to anyone who wants to give me fresh tomatoes!

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 1:06:08 PM)
What is your opinion on MLB's handling of the Montreal Expos? Where do you feel they should be relocated?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:06:08 PM)
I think they should be relocated in the D.C. area. Whether it be northern Virginia, the district, wherever. I think the Expos should have been relocated two years ago. Hopefully next month we will get some kind of definitive decision from the commissioner's office on where this team is going. The only place that has a temporary ballpark is D.C. and RFK Stadium. Hopefully that decision will be made next month.

Guest (Jun 25, 2004 1:07:55 PM)
How do you feel about Larkins chance as a potential Allstar replacement?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:07:55 PM)
I think he deserves to be named to the team, without any question. It's not some plum you throw to him because he's retiring. I think he deserves it based on his play early in the season. Jack Wilson is having a career year in Pittsburgh, Edgar Renteria is having a typical Edgar Renteria-type season in St. Louis, but Barry deserves to be on the team without question.

themlbforum (Jun 25, 2004 1:08:48 PM)
Is Freddy Garcia available?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:08:48 PM)
I think Freddy Garcia is very available. But I don't think Freddy Garcia would be worth trading for in light of what the Reds would have to give up to get him.

IU Redleg (Jun 25, 2004 1:10:29 PM)
Will this team be playing meaningful games in August in your opinion?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:10:29 PM)
I certainly hope so. I've said all along that the longer this club is able to hang around, the more funny things will begin to happen with the teams that they're trying to catch. If this club is within three or four games of first place in August, I've seen it happen a lot, those teams ahead of them start to look over their shoulders, and that's when funny things can start to happen. This is a very winnable division--they all are--and that makes it great for the baseball fan.

bikerbob (Jun 25, 2004 1:12:00 PM)
How about that Juan Castro?! He's proving himself to be a very well rounded player with the bat & the glove.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:12:00 PM)
He's the best uitlity player I've ever seen in my 31 years as a broadcaster. He's the best second baseman defensively on this team, he's the best shortstop defensively, and the fact that he's hitting over .300 is a plus. He is an indispensible part of this team.

jgrow (Jun 25, 2004 1:14:09 PM)
I've noticed more and more balls hit to Center field going over Juniors head and staying in the yard, balls he would have caught 5-6 years ago (and gone crashing into the wall). Sure, he's made some nice catches coming in on liners, but don't you think the reds would be better served if he backed up a couple steps in center?

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:14:09 PM)
Probably. I agree with that statement. That's a by-product of age. He's not going to cover the ground that he used to cover when he was the best defensive centerfielder in the game. Both he and Barry Bonds are still very good defensive outfielders. So yes, he probably could serve himself and the team better by playing a fraction deeper.

Marty Brennaman (Jun 25, 2004 1:14:41 PM)
I'd like to thank all those whose questions I answered and those whose question we couldn't get to. I enjoyed it, and I look forward to doing it again soon.