If he's an impersonator, we want more

By Hal McCoy

Dayton Daily News

You have the questions, Hal McCoy has the answers. Visit DaytonDailyNews.com/reds for more "Ask Hal." To submit questions about baseball, e-mail hmccoy@DaytonDailyNews.com

Q — Do you think when the Seattle Mariners traded Ken Griffey Jr. to the Reds they sent an impersonator and the real Griffey is on a yacht in the Caribbean? — Dave, Centerville/Miamisburg/Beavercreek

A — Ask the pitchers who faced him last month and saw him drive in 26 runs, third most in the majors. Ask the kid who caught his 500th home run in St. Louis and was rewarded with half of Griffey's wardrobe and a free trip to the All-Star Game. What the Reds need are 24 more impersonators and to ship a bunch of their roster to the Bahamas, and you can captain the ship.


Q — Thanks for the story on Ken Griffey Jr. talking to the kid in the stands eating the hot dog and asking him for some nachos. It's nice to read positive stories like that. I'm sure there a lot of good guys in the game that we don't hear about. — Gary, Dayton

A — That wasn't Griffey. That was an impersonator, right Dave? If people got to spend as much time around Griffey as I do, they'd see and hear tons of stories just like it ... and not just Griffey. You can add Sean Casey and, yes, Danny Graves, to that list.


Q — What does the 'H' on the box score next to a pitcher's name mean? — Mike, Remindersville, Ind.

A — It doesn't mean Hero and it doesn't mean Hizzoner. If a relief pitcher comes into a game with his team leading and he leaves with his team still leading, he gets what is called a "hold" — he held the lead for the closer. It is another of those silly statistics hatched in recent times so a middle relief pitcher can go to negotiations and say, "I had 25 holds, gimme $5 million."


Q — If you were a manager, would there be any situation where you wouldn't want Ryan Freel on your team? — M.P., Dayton

A — Only if he lost both legs and both arms, and then I might still want him around for his spirit and hustle. He would not only play on any team I managed, he'd play every day and I'd say, "Ryan, sir, where do you want to play today and where do you want to bat?"


Q — Has any player ever hit the home run cycle in one game — a solo homer, a two-run homer, a three-run homer and a grand slam? — Marty, Richmond, Va.

A — I did it several times playing by myself in my backyard with a tennis ball and my mom's old broom. The big leagues? No, never. And if happens, I want to be there to see what happens his fifth time up.


Q — What changes would you make if you were owner of the Reds? — Mike, Houston

A — Well, Mike, I wouldn't sell them and buy your Astros. But I would sell and move to Tahiti. That's a hint to Carl Lindner.


Q — In your opinion, what's wrong with Eric Milton? Personally, I'd leave him out there to feed the wolves because the Reds don't have anybody to take his place. — James, Dayton

A — I've done exhaustive research on what's wrong with Milton. I've checked medical charts, I've checked statistics, I've checked the alignment of the stars and I've checked a Ouija board. My conclusion? He gives up too many home runs. You heard it here first. And if the Wolves were in the league, they'd hit homers, too.


Q — Why don't they fire pitching coach Don Gullett? — Jerald, Tucson, Ariz.

A — That's a great idea. Fire Gullett and put him in the rotation. If they won't listen to his advice, I know he can still show them, even with the bad rotator cuff that prevents him from pitching batting practice.


Q — Awhile back, Reds CEO John Allen told Dave Concepcion that when he went into the Reds Hall of Fame that they would be retiring his number 13? When? — Lisa, Dayton

A — Another guy suggested they retire 0 through 99, then they wouldn't be able to field a team and save a lot of civic embarrassment. I'm sure they'll get around to it. Nobody has worn it since he retired, but that may have something to do with unlucky '13.' And I still believe Concepcion belongs in baseball's Hall of Fame. If Phil Rizzuto and Peewee Reese and Ozzie Smith are there, Concepcion should be there, too.


Q — While at Great American Ball Park recently, I noticed the Code of Conduct for fans. Was the fan sitting in the $250 seat punished in any way for his altercation with Danny Graves? — Richard, Dayton

A — Oh, yeah. He was escorted out of the park. Big punishment. It was the ninth inning. He should have been required to attend every game the rest of the year. Now that's punishment.


Q — Why do the Reds insist on keeping Dave Miley as manager? I swear a Little League coach can handle a bullpen better than him. — John, Dayton

A — They could hire my Little League manager, but he's dead. He went 17-1 and I don't think he ever used the bullpen. We didn't have one. Now there's an idea. Anyway, they keep him because he is a quality guy, a great baseball man and, like all managers, he hasn't struck out once or given up a single home run. You play the hand you're dealt, even if it's filled with jokers.


Q — When you played, did you emulate any player and why? — Bill, Cincinnati

A — Remember first baseman Willie Montanez of the Phillies? He was flashy, a real hot dog. I played first base and loved his style. He would wait until a thrown ball was nearly in his face before he stuck up his glove and snatched it. I used to do that. One fat lip and one game-costing error cured me. And that's one of many, many reasons I turned to sports writing.


Q — What would you have done with Danny Graves if not release him? Trade him? Nobody would take him in a trade. And you lose the effect of making a statement to the other players. — David, Cincinnati

A — Ask the Florida Marlins that question. By not trading him, the Reds lost a lot of money and a chance to get a player. Had he not broken his wrist, the Reds would have gotten Washington pitcher Zach Day for him in a trade. As for making a statement, all it did was anger the entire roster because Graves was one of the team's most popular players and did more for the community than most players. He deserved better treatment.