Category: Dailies
Gamenotes 7-27-09 vs SD
Homestand Highlights July 27-Aug 5.pdf
TODAY’S TRANSACTIONS: Today the Reds placed on the 15-day disabled list OF Chris Dickerson (bruised right rotator cuff) and RHP Micah Owings (tight right shoulder). IF Drew Sutton (#27) and RHP Robert Manuel (#60) were recalled from Class AAA Louisville.
UPDATE: RHP Edinson Volquez this afternoon threw 76 pitches, including breaking balls, without complaint. He is scheduled to throw a light bullpen on Wednesday, followed on Friday by an 80-pitch simulated game.
PADRES
Gwynn 8
Cabrera 6
Gonzalez 3
Kouzmanoff 5
Blanks 7
Venable 9
Rodriguez 4
Alfonzo 2
Geer 1
===========
REDS
Taveras 8
Gonzalez 6
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Encarnacion 5
Nix 7
Gomes 9
Tatum 2
Bailey 1
-JM
http://redsintern.mlblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/homestand20highlights20july2027-aug2051.pdf
From Brew City to the Queen City
When the Milwaukee Brewers were town (7/16-19), I had three friends (Andrew, Jess and Jessica) make the trip from Wisconsin to Cincinnati. I gave them a chance to share what they saw and the experiences they had. This may also be useful for those thinking of making a trip to town to see some games. That said, enjoy their account of GABP and the Cincinnati area…
GREAT AMERICAN BALL PARK
Favorite Part of Great American Ball Park:
Andrew: The seating! Not a bad seat in the joint. The first-base side has views of the city, the third-base side overlooks the Ohio River. Cup holders in every seat, even the nosebleeds, and every seat faces the plate so there’s no neck cramps. Affordable, too – $5 “view level” seats with a beautiful view is a heck of a deal for a major-league ballpark.
Jess: The Hall of Fame!
Jessica: The overall layout of the stadium lot or campus. I could tell a lot of planning went into the design as it was built. The TeamStore had a great look to it! The view from within the stadium bowl of the river, the circle LED’s out in centerfield, and the press box and offices were amazing! Everything just made sense for where it was placed and how it would be used. And apparently the beer at the stadium is cold, man, is it cold!
Least Favorite Part of the Stadium:
Andrew: The brats. Sorry, but nothing compares to Wisconsin brats.
Jess: The location of the scoreboard. I understand that the paddleboat party deck is in center and that no matter where you put the scoreboard, someone won’t like where it is. With that being said, no matter where it is located, it is amazing. It has to currently be one of the best scoreboards in all of MLB.
Jessica: Having “organist” on one of the signs in the press box…leading me on to believe they have one…only to find out that it was a lie.
HALL OF FAME
Jess was the only one who took time to check out the Hall of Fame. He spent about 3 hours taking a step back into time and reliving some of the great moments of Reds Baseball. His favorite part? “The wall of 4,256 baseballs to recognize Pete Rose’s all-time hits record. It is unreal to imagine that it takes a wall, 3 stories high to display the amount of hits in one player’s career.” A close second are the statues of the “Great 8” who played on the 1975 and 1976 Big Red Machine and brought the city of Cincinnati back to back World Series Championships.
WHERE TO STAY
The choice hotel for the weekend was the Garfield Suites Hotel (http://www.garfieldsuiteshotel.com) very nostalgic dating back to the 1970’s. It’s a well priced rate for a full size kitchen, dining/living room, 2 bedroom, and 1 bath hotel room. The perfect walk to the ballpark and an added bonus of a parking garage that averaged $3 a day. We also grabbed a nightcap at the Marriott at Rivercenter in Covington, KY. A short walk over the bridge, (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cvgdr-cincinnati-marriott-at-rivercenter) the Marriott is a newly renovated hotel and convention center with beautifully marbled floors, new interior and home to the world’s largest indoor gazebo (and it’s a bar!).
THINGS TO DO
Newport on the Levee (http://www.newportonthelevee.com) was the first area we visited. A wonderful outdoor facility with convenient parking, theater, shops and restaurants. You can’t go wrong with finding something to do. We bought tickets online to tour on the Ride the Ducks Newport. The duck boat picks you up at conveniently in front of Newport on the Levee. Our tour was highly entertaining…including the driver wearing a handmade headdress and singing (or screaming) lyrics to “YMCA” while driving through Cincinnati’s business district. This did not phase any of the local Cincinnatians walking to and from lunch…they must be used to it. With quackers in hand we learned the history of Cincinnati and some tips and ideas of what to check out while in town.
For those of you looking for some shopping, Rookwood Commons (http://www.shoprookwood.com) was a nice change of scenery. Located about 15 minutes north of Cincinnati up I-71, Rookwood Commons offers an outdoor mall with shops and restaurants abound.
Mount Adams (http://www.mtadamstoday.com) just north of the river (according to Andrew, 297 stairs’ worth) and east of downtown. Home to Eden Park, a botanical garden, and the most breathtaking view of downtown – the hill is actually taller than most of the skyscrapers so you’re almost looking down on the whole city, and…worth the climb.
Receiving votes: the Historic Riverwalk in Newport, KY, with some beautiful historic 19th-century homes; the Proctor and Gamble HQ; Sawyer Point Park and Yeatman’s Cove Park east of the stadium.
BEER/FOOD
Besides the occasional brat, as a collective group, we didn’t hit many restaurants during our stay. We worked up an appetite after all of that learning and headed to Bar Louie at Newport on the Levee for a quick bite.
Wonderful pulled pork sliders were enjoyed at the Cadillac Ranch. (http://www.cadillacranchnashville.com) located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati “The Ranch” is a great place for food and fun, including an indoor mechanical bull. At night, the place is a bumpin’ good time for music and spirits.
A great find was O’Malley’s in the Alley located in an alley off Vine Street near 3rd Street (Alley is named Odgen Place). O’Malley’s had a great jukebox, and the can’t-go-wrong beer prices, friendly and funny staff. It’s the perfect location for a few brews before heading to the game. A solid Rueben sandwich, great chili and free peanuts also helped give this place a thumbs up.
Receiving votes: The Lodge (http://www.lodgebarcincy.com) really can’t complain when the bouncers are telling you to meet the bartender, who turns out to be from Milwaukee. And there was someone in a bear costume.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Andrew: People from Cincinnati always seem to take a lot of pride in where they’re from, and based on this short trip, I can see why. They have a fun downtown area, a lot of history (baseball and otherwise) and a ball club that wins the occasional baseball game. And they sure do love their Pete Rose!
Jess: The fans and people of Cincinnati play as a great host and are very welcoming. The city itself is a very old German City so if you are the type that enjoys the hustle and bustle of a large city this might not be your place. But for someone who loves relaxing, having a cold beverage and talking/watching baseball you will have a great time.
Jessica: I’ve been to Cincinnati about 3 times prior to this trip, never trekking into the city. I was presently surprised with the history and how it really does remind you of Milwaukee. We were there for four days and still hadn’t seen everything. I’m also surprised that Great American Ball Park doesn’t come up in more conversations as to how great the stadium is.
News and notes from the weekend that was
FRIDAY’S TRANSACTIONS: SS Alex Gonzalez today returned from a rehabilitation assignment and was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list. He took the roster spot of IF Drew Sutton, who was optioned to Class AAA Louisville.
SUNDAY’S TRANSACTIONS: Today the Reds placed on the 15-day disabled list RHP Jared Burton (right shoulder fatigue), retroactive to Saturday, and recalled from Louisville RHP Josh Roenicke. Roenicke (#37) made 27 appearances for Louisville (1-0-12, 2.57, 28ip, 30h, 6bb, 32k)…this is his second stint with the Reds this season…in 10 appearances for Cincinnati from 6/18-7/16 posted a 2.92era.
SUNDAY’S INJURIES: RHP Micah Owings left the game with tightness in his right shoulder. He will be examined in Cincinnati on Monday by Reds medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek. OF Chris Dickerson left with a jammed left shoulder. Will have an MRI on Monday.
SIGNATURE SUNDAY: Following the Reds vs Nationals game on Sunday, August 16, an exclusive group of fans will have the once-in-a lifetime opportunity to meet every current Reds player and coach and to collect each autograph on a baseball, bat or jersey. Visit reds.com/signature for more information.
GAME TIME CHANGE: The starting time for the Reds’ game against the Dodgers on Sat, 8/29 at Great American Ball Park has been changed to 4:10 p.m. ET to accommodate the FOX national broadcast…the game originally was scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m. ET.
This was the view from my seat at Saturday’s game. If you look closely, the Reds have the lead on the scoreboard (1-0, mid 1st).
-JM
http://redsintern.mlblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/wrigley1-thumb-360×270-13873411.jpg
Break time
For the first time this season, I’m taking a weekend off. I will be attending the Reds/Cubs series at Wrigley Field as a fan. For those fans of the gamenotes, I will update the blog when I return on Monday morning. And remember… after this weekend, we’re at home for a 10-game homestand. Who will be attending at least one game?
It’s My Life, part 2
This is the conclusion to the story of how I got to where I am. In part 2, I offer up my suggestions to those looking to get involved in the business of sports. There are many ways to get through the gauntlet, but I can speak to my experiences and those that have excelled. See part 1 here: It’s my life, part 1.
Like any other business, there are many departments and ways to be involved. For those looking to get started in sports, involvement is the key. Learn as much as you can from the start. I’ve found that the best way to do this is in the minor leagues. In the minors, everyone wears every hat. You may have a title like director of marketing, but you will need to know how to do everything from selling tickets to pulling tarp. Minor league staffs are much smaller than those in the Majors, so there is much more opportunity for involvement. The Majors are much more departmentalized and see less crossover to other tasks.
One thing I should point out is that people that work in sports are not rich. They may eventually live very comfortably, but won’t be driving to the ballpark in their Rolls or Bentley. This is my fourth year in professional baseball and I’m still an intern. I’ve been graduated from college for over two years and again, I’m still an intern. To work in this business, a lot of sacrifices must be made and you must also “put in your time.” The “time” varies immensely from person to person and job to job. It is very important to work hard and set yourself apart, but you must also be in the right place at the right time when a job becomes available. You must remember that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people gunning for the same spot you want.
Getting back to the different areas of the business… I am currently in media relations, but have spent time involved in nearly every department in the game. I filled in as a ball boy on the field. I’ve dressed as the mascot. I’ve escorted players to community events. I’ve cleaned up garbage. I’ve eaten dinner with Hall of Famers. I’ve sold tickets. I’ve planned events. And so on.
If I can leave with a few things to remember, here they are…
Be persistent. You’ll need to stick it out. Nobody is going to hand you a job. You’ll need to be ready to take failure. I lost track a long time ago of all the rejection letters and emails that I have received. You have to be persistent because the people you are trying to contact are very busy, usually all the time. If you’re not persistent, you will more than likely be forgotten about like Kenny Powers.
Get involved. Once you get a chance to shine, do as much as you can. Volunteer for committees. Offer to help in other departments during your down time. Sign up to help for special events. My friends Ivan Ignatowski and Jake Mentch are still back in Milwaukee selling season and group tickets. They’ve helped out at just about every Brewers special event imaginable. They even got to meet players and drive them around. There’s something for the scrapbook. You never know what opportunity can open another door – so take what you can and learn!
Be patient. Jobs in sports don’t open up everyday. You will need to keep checking the postings and meeting as many contacts as you can so that you are ready when that position opens up.
Be flexible. Once that job comes along, you will need to be ready to do what it takes to get it done. You may have to move across the country, you may miss a holiday, you may miss a friend’s wedding or birthday party, you may have to leave your comfort zone or you may have to take a pay cut now to realize your dream later. Again, not many jobs in sports exist. Narrowing your pool to one city or area of the country drastically reduces your chances of succeeding.
I hope I have been of some help. There are many different paths that people have taken to succeed in sports, so there is not a bible on the subject. And don’t forget to ask questions, as some of you have already done with me.
Gamenotes 7-22-09 at LAD
REDS
Dickerson 9
Taveras 8
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Nix 7
Encarnacion 5
Hairston 6
Hanigan 2
Arroyo 1
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DODGERS
Furcal 6
Hudson 4
Ethier 9
Blake 5
Loney 3
Kemp 8
Martin 2
Billingsley 1
Pierre 7
-JM
http://redsintern.mlblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/gamenotes207-22-0920at20lad.pdf
Gamenotes 7-21-09 at LAD
SURGERY UPDATE: C Ramon Hernandez today in Cincinnati had arthroscopic surgery to clean out his left knee (Dr. Timothy Kremchek)…he is expected to miss about 4 weeks.
REDS
Taveras 8
Hairston 9
Votto 3
Gomes 7
Encarnacion 5
Hanigan 2
Rosales 4
Janish 6
Bailey 1
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DODGERS
Furcal 6
Hudson 4
Ramirez 7
Ethier 9
Blake 5
Martin 2
Loney 3
Kemp 8
Wolf 1
-JM
http://redsintern.mlblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/gamenotes207-21-0920at20lad1.pdf
Gamenotes 7-20-09 at LAD
TODAY’S TRANSACTIONS: C Ramon Hernandez today went on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Friday, with inflammation in his left knee…RHP Robert Manuel was optioned to Class AAA Louisville…their roster spots will be filled in time for tonight’s game by RHP Jared Burton (#51) and C Craig Tatum (#30), who were recalled from Louisville. Hernandez tomorrow in Cincinnati will have arthroscopic surgery to clean out his left knee (Dr. Timothy Kremchek)…he is expected to miss 4-6 weeks…when Tatum plays, he will become the fifth Reds player this season to make his Major League debut…Burton is in his third stint with the Reds this year.
SURGERY UPDATE: RHP Mike Lincoln today had cervical disc replacement surgery…the 2-hour procedure was performed by orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Daniel Riew at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis…Lincoln is expected to make a full recovery and barring complications could begin a throwing program in September…since 6/17 he has been on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc in his neck.
REDS
Taveras 8
Hairston 6
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Nix 7
Encarnacion 5
Dickerson 9
Hanigan 2
Owings 1
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DODGERS
Furcal 6
Martin 2
Ramirez 7
Ethier 9
Blake 5
Loney 3
Kemp 8
Castro 4
Schmidt 1
-JM
http://redsintern.mlblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/gamenotes207-20-0920at20lad.pdf
Gamenotes 7-19-09 vs Mil
TODAY’S TRANSACTION: SS Alex Gonzalez today was sent to Class AAA Louisville on a rehabilitation assignment…on 6/19 vs WSox he was scratched from a start with a sore right elbow…the next day went on the disabled list…on 6/22 Gonzalez had arthroscopic surgery to remove 4 loose bodies from his right elbow.
BREWERS
Counsell 4
Cameron 8
Braun 7
Fielder 3
Hart 9
Gamel 5
Hardy 6
Kendall 2
Gallardo 1
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REDS
Taveras 8
Hairston 6
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Encarnacion 5
Dickerson 7
Gomes 9
Hanigan 2
Cueto 1
-JM
http://redsintern.mlblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/gamenotes207-19-0920vs20mil1.pdf
Gamenotes 7-18-09 vs Mil
BREWERS
Counsell 4
Cameron 8
McGehee 5
Fielder 3
Hart 9
Catalanotto 7
Hardy 6
Rivera 2
Parra 1
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REDS
Taveras 8
Hairston 7
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Encarnacion 5
Gomes 9
Hanigan 2
Rosales 6
Harang 1
-JM
http://redsintern.mlblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/gamenotes207-18-0920vs20mil1.pdf
Reds Internal Affairs 
