McCoy: Dunn=Clutch, Phillips' slump, EE/RA

[dabvu2498]

REDS NOTES

Dunn delivering in the clutch
By Hal McCoy

Staff Writer

CINCINNATI — Adam Dunn knew that during the first half of the season he was leaving enough runners in scoring position to fill the Cotton Bowl, but he didn't know just how many.

"I don't pay attention to any numbers, and when I say I don't pay attention I really mean it," said the Cincinnati Reds left fielder. "I knew I wasn't doing very good, but I didn't know the numbers. I knew I was stinking."

Now that the second half of the season has begun, Dunn is cleaning the bases like Liquid Plummer. And he still doesn't know the numbers. He is 9 for his last 17 (.529) with runners in scoring position with two homers and 16 RBIs. He began Wednesday's game with a six-game hitting streak during which he hit .434 (10-23) with three homers and eight RBIs.

Over the last 19 games, he's hit .351, lifting his average from low-rent .221 to a middle-class .251.

"I feel the same way I've felt all year," he said. "I don't know that I'm doing anything different. I work on the same stuff, do things the same way. I hope it stays this way forever," he said. "To me, .250 still stinks, but it is better than .220. That's when it can't get any worse.

"We did good in the first half without me doing much," he said. "I was stinking. Maybe I can keep this up and help us out in the second half."

Dunn was harsh on himself because he does have 30 home runs and 65 RBIs, both tops on the team.

"The home runs? I guess they don't count as far as driving in runs," he said. "I get paid to drive in runs, and that's hard to do when you don't hit with runners in scoring position. I guess a broken-bat single that drives in a run is as good as a 600-foot solo home run."

When somebody said they'd like to see a 600-foot home run, Dunn laughed and said, "So would I."

Manager Jerry Narron believes batting Dunn second was the catalyst that ignited him. "He can hit anywhere, no matter where he is in the order or who is hitting in front of him or behind him," Narron said. "But it helps to hit in front of Ken Griffey Jr. because then they can't pitch Dunn off the plate."

One for what?

Speaking of stinking, second baseman Brandon Phillips began Wednesday's game on a 1-for-30 slide — a slide that Phillips didn't realize he was on.

"I didn't know I was 1 for 30 until I was watching a replay of Tuesday's game and they showed it on the screen," he said. "Wish I hadn't seen it.

"I said: 'Is that for real?' All I need is one hit and then I'll be straight, then everybody will be in trouble. I don't even call it a struggle because some positive things have happened for me. The results are not coming in with hits, but with runners in scoring position, I've been able to get the job done."

Phillips remains in the lineup because he doesn't take his bat to the field. He takes his glove, forgets about all the outs he is making, and plays defense.

"He went through the same thing when he first got here and came out of it and I'm sure he'll come out of it again," Narron said. "He has had good at-bats and he hasn't yet taken his hitting problems to the field."

Where's Eddie?

Third baseman Edwin Encarnacion isn't on vacation, isn't on suspension, hasn't returned to the minors and isn't in Narron's doghouse. Encarnacion's problem is Rich Aurilia.

Encarnacion has appeared in only four games since coming off the disabled list July 6 and played only one game since the All-Star break, going 2 for 3 Sunday against Colorado.

"Aurilia has an 11-game hitting streak (16-42, .381) and is hitting the ball well, so we can't take him out," said Narron.

Narron said Encarnacion would start today at third base against lefty Tom Glavine and that Aurilia or Scott Hatteberg would play first base.

Find this article at:
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[smith288]

"Aurilia has an 11-game hitting streak (16-42, .381) and is hitting the ball well, so we can't take him out," said Narron.

Narron said Encarnacion would start today at third base against lefty Tom Glavine and that Aurilia or Scott Hatteberg would play first base.

Fine...then don't play Hatte today. I have to wonder if a younger ballplayer's stats matter as much as a vets stats though.

I mean, Edwin's something like 8 for his last 10 at bats in reaching base. That sounds pretty smokin' too

[TeamBoone]

EE had two hits today and JN pulled him in a based loaded, tie game situation in favor of SH. Not that I don't like Hatteberg, I do... but IMHO it was not a very intelligent move (and I'm not saying this in hindsight; I was angry when he did it). Same with pitching Everyday Eddie for only one inning.

[dougdirt]

See my icon for how I feel about the crap Moron pulled today.

[smith288]

Originally Posted by TeamBoone

EE had two hits today and JN pulled him in a based loaded, tie game situation in favor of SH. Not that I don't like Hatteberg, I do... but IMHO it was not a very intelligent move (and I'm not saying this in hindsight; I was angry when he did it). Same with pitching Everyday Eddie for only one inning.

Here is where stats collide with your gut...

I have a feeling Edwin was a victim of the numbers game when my gut says he was far better based on his hot hitting of late.

Oh well... Im not angry anymore. But do read my bolded message in my signature

[Team Clark]

Here's to NOT admitting to Hal that you had your butt reamed good by Narron and the organization. Here's to showing up early for 3+ weeks now, hitting the poo poo out of the ball and still not having the guts to say "Hey, I'm working a little harder". Some things must be too difficult to admit.

[smith288]

Originally Posted by Team Clark

Here's to NOT admitting to Hal that you had your butt reamed good by Narron and the organization. Here's to showing up early for 3+ weeks now, hitting the poo poo out of the ball and still not having the guts to say "Hey, I'm working a little harder". Some things must be too difficult to admit.

I dont care if he doesnt admit that sort of thing.... As long as he keeps doing it!

[Team Clark]

Originally Posted by smith288

I dont care if he doesnt admit that sort of thing.... As long as he keeps doing it!

With you on that!!

[BigREDSfaninKY]

While driving to work and listening to the game, I was thinking along with Narron on this one. Bradford, being the submarine style thrower that he his would be naturally tough on RH hitters. And since neither Hatteberg nor Encarnacion had ever faced Bradford, Narron went with the numbers. Although EE's numbers against RHP aren't bad, .299/.374/.504 with 4 homers and 24 RBI's you can't argue Hatteberg against RHP either, .332/.423/.507 with 7 homers and 23 RBI's. It just didn't work. If SH had gone up there and lined a single to right, everyone would be happy but since he K'd the manager gets the heat.

Not withstanding, LH hitters were hitting .300 and RH hitters were .250 against Bradford. I thought it was a good move, based on the numbers, it just turn out the way we wanted, THIS TIME.

[Blue]

yeah, Bradford was holding RHH to a .600 OPS coming into today's game. I thought it was a good in-game move, though it could still be bad for other reasons, like EE's confidence.

[Jr's Boy]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

See my icon for how I feel about the crap Moron pulled today.

Who takes over if Narron's fired though?

[reds44]

Originally Posted by Jr's Boy

Who takes over if Narron's fired though?

Nobody.

Narron does alot of stupid things, but this team is doing what NOBODY thought it would. Contending.

He is doing something right.

[KronoRed]

To me a manager can't really do that much to help a team, just do things to that damage one.

Terry Francona won a series for goodness sakes