Narron Holds Team Meeting

[redsmetz]

Marc reports on his blog:

Postgame meeting

PITTSBURGH -- Jerry Narron spent several minutes after the game addressing the team. His summary of his thoughts:

"It’s been a difficult week," said Narron. "I think mentally when you just sit around and you don’t know if you’re going to play or the game’s going to get started on time or whatever, we really need to make sure we’re mentally prepared and locked in early in the game. I think that’s something we can do a little better at.

"But I believe in these guys. I know we’ve gotten off to a better start than anybody ever expected, and I think a lot of people expect us to fall off the face on the earth. But I believe these guys are going to keep grinding and battling and at some point we’re going to come out of this thing."

The pep-talk was well-received by the players.

"The message was not to panic," said Adam Dunn. "I thought it was an outstanding meeting. There was no yelling, no screaming, just got to the point. It was good that he kind of reassured everything that we believe. I’m not a big meeting guy, but that was a good one."

Added Aaron Harang:

"It’s a definite grind we’ve had the last week and a half, where it’s been like this every single day. I don’t know if it’s just wearing on everybody, but I think we’re going to be fine. We’ll come back from this, and I don’t think too many of the guys are worried about it. Everybody feels confident in what we have on this team and that we can win. We’ve just got to get that groove rolling again and go with it."

I know some folks dislike Jerry Narron, but he's growing on me (his voice notwithstanding). I like his temperment and his handling of this team.

[redsfan30]

Sounds like some positive things came out of that room. Hopefully the turn-around starts tonight!

[membengal]

For the record, both teams have to deal with the weather. Perhaps the Reds could nut up and win the occasional cold weather rainy game...

[Joseph]

For the record, both teams have to deal with the weather. Perhaps the Reds could nut up and win the occasional cold weather rainy game...

To defend the fellas a little, the Reds have been in this dreary, rainy weather for about a week now. No or little BP, overcast etc etc etc. You know what all the psychologists say about people who live in rainy communities all the time.

[TeamBoone]

For the record, both teams have to deal with the weather. Perhaps the Reds could nut up and win the occasional cold weather rainy game...

Have both teams had to deal with the weather as long as the Reds have?

I don't know because I didn't look it up, but I do know that the Reds have not been able to practice outside in over a week.

Not just the rain, but the bone-chilling cold as well.

[savafan]

I know some folks dislike Jerry Narron, but he's growing on me (his voice notwithstanding). I like his temperment and his handling of this team.

I'm starting to like Narron more as well.

[traderumor]

I liked the idea of a team meeting, but it seems like he was finding excuses to tell them everything's OK. What about some head games like "Ok, guys, are we for real or not? Now's when we'll see if things have indeed changed around here or if a lot of folks not coming to the games are right--same old Reds."

Just a thought.

[redsmetz]

I liked the idea of a team meeting, but it seems like he was finding excuses to tell them everything's OK. What about some head games like "Ok, guys, are we for real or not? Now's when we'll see if things have indeed changed around here or if a lot of folks not coming to the games are right--same old Reds."

Just a thought.

Quoting Narron:

We really need to make sure we’re mentally prepared and locked in early in the game. I think that’s something we can do a little better at.

I think this is an important message to bring to this team right now, while they're slumping, playing through this junky dreary weather (yes, so is the other team!) - stay focused - keep alert mentally and so on.

[traderumor]

I think this is an important message to bring to this team right now, while they're slumping, playing through this junky dreary weather (yes, so is the other team!) - stay focused - keep alert mentally and so on.

I see where you're coming from, I simply seeing him blame the weather, which is about as much to blame as bad bounces, tough breaks, good pitching, etc. Any number of excuses could be named to explain a good old fashioned hitting slump, so since there really isn't much in the way of rational explanations to lean on, I'd go with the irrational, testosterone inducing appeals

[redsmetz]

I see where you're coming from, I simply seeing him blame the weather, which is about as much to blame as bad bounces, tough breaks, good pitching, etc. Any number of excuses could be named to explain a good old fashioned hitting slump, so since there really isn't much in the way of rational explanations to lean on, I'd go with the irrational, testosterone inducing appeals

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree because I don't think he's laying it solely on the weather. The slump started as I recall out west, crummy weather in Colorado, nice weather in Phoenix. I think he's talking about the mental funk which comes over you (some of which is weather induced - it's so damn bright in my office right now and I don't know what to do!!). I just felt it was diplomatic, it dealt with the team maturely and encouraged them. I don't think you're saying that's too touchy feely, but I think it shows a deft touch at the moment. I suspect Narron's capable of unleashing when necessary, but I don't think now called for it. Tonight? Maybe...

[dabvu2498]

Unfortunately pep talks don't win ball games.

[westofyou]

Unfortunately pep talks don't win ball games.

Fred Hutchinson would disagree.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Fred Hutchinson would disagree.

Fred had an affinity for the light bulbs in the hallway leading to the Reds clubhouse in Crosley Field. Seems they couldn't keep them in the light sockets when the Reds were losing.

Even though he could be a bear at times, most all the players loved Hutch and his style.

[westofyou]

Fred had an affinity for the light bulbs in the hallway leading to the Reds clubhouse in Crosley Field. Seems they couldn't keep them in the light sockets when the Reds were losing.

Apparently he also had the problem of drinking too much during slumps, Pete Whisenant was reaquired by the Reds in 1961 because he was said to be Hutch's guardian during these bouts of depression.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Apparently he also had the problem of drinking too much during slumps, Pete Whisenant was reaquired by the Reds in 1961 because he was said to be Hutch's guardian during these bouts of depression.

I have read that, before, and often wonder if it didn't have something to do with the cancer. I sometimes think people know that something is wrong before it actually is diagnosed, and it affects their behavior,

On the other side of the fence, there was a lot of heavy drinking that went on in that era.