As always, interesting and thought provoking. Personally, I love fall because of the colors. Such beauty! I try not to think of what that portends. By Thanksgiving, I’ll be looking forward to April. My husband and I took a spur of the moment trip to Michigan a few years ago, just as you have. We went to the Upper Peninsula and saw beauty everywhere we looked. A wonderful trip that I will always remember. Happy you’re back and giving us the latest. Go Men!
Having lived in both, I’ll see your Cincinnati fall and raise you a New Orleans spring, which, while delightful, portends 5 months of exhausting heat and humidity, with the added bonus of Hurricane Season.
I did not like the firings of Bell's assistants. That same staff did a nice job with the Team one year ago. The reason why they were fired will be revealed by who is hired to replace them. Do they go younger, less experienced, and cheaper? Did the recently fired staff ruffle feathers internally during this year's tear down? No matter what the Team says, they are inferring blame for the 100 losses at least in part on the coaches and that is not a good look for ownership IMO.
You've mentioned Van Morrison and his music a few times in your writings. I have ~22 of his albums, so I do appreciate the references. We just spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica. When hiking in the rain forest mountains there, I was thinking of the "cloud hidden, whereabouts unknown" lines in the Alan Watts Blues number. Regarding fall into winter-we've been taking cold weather vacations down to warmer climates for 20 years now (primarily the Caribbean). It gives us something to look forward to and helps break up the dreariness and darkness. Those are great statistics on the Bengals' telescoping their offensive moves. Let's hope the coaching staff listens and responds. The offense can be very exciting, they certainly have the talent. The element of surprise and unpredictability in play calling is critical. Thanks for the analysis!
I am completely with you on Fall. Everyone says it's their favorite season. Not me. I'll take as much summer as I can get. Long days, comfortable clothes, and I just love being outdoors. Fall is the beginning of being stuck inside. It's the time when 7:30 starts to feel like 9:30 because it's dark so early. And it's also a reminder that we're right around the corner from 4 months of cold, gloomy weather. The older I get the more I appreciate the reason so many people retire in the south.
You view Winter as the enemy. You need to embrace Winter. Snow is not a bad thing, Freezing cold kills most of the allergins. Find things to do outside in the winter. Dress warmly, good pair of boots and good gloves are a must. I remember hearing of your walks with Lucy even in the winter that you enjoyed. I look forward to winter and view it as I did when I was a kid. Every season has it's purpose( Isn't there a song about this?) You need to find your purpose for Winter.
Re: Reds coaching, The Reds way is really anyway you want it to be. No consistent message in the minor leagues. I always questioned how important a hitting coach is at the major league level. How much advice does a Votto or Castellano take from the hitting coach? I say very little. Even someone like Stephenson? I think once you've made the majors you're you own coach. I do think there needs to be a consistent message and approach for the minor leagues.
I've been describing my view of fall , exactly as you have, all my life ! Had a chance, years ago, to move to the lands of " Endless Summers " and didn't . Ah well, in the rearview mirror now. I never succumbed to the allure of pumpkin spiced anything ! Now, in my golden years, every day is one day closer to Spring !
I love Fall because it is the only time of year that our weather is moderate. I feel the same melancholy you describe. But I've always embraced that, because life - to me, for all of its moments of beauty grace and humor - is essentially sad. As Kant, Kafka or one of those long-winded ruminators one said, "The meaning of Life is that it ends".
I like fall and I even like winter until my birthday (Jan 6). Then, I'm ready for spring. Last year, the fam and I went to Florida in February. It was wonderful. Maybe that's how I will cope with winter again?? I love the fall colors and the family times of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fall sets us up for the hot stove league, which sets us up for Spring, a time of renewal. Well, except for us Reds fans.
Remember how Sparky wouldn't fire any of his coaches, and Dick Wagner fired him? What does that say about David Bell? I don't know what it says, I just ask the question. Have times changed that much in baseball?
I was not a fan of Joey Votto sitting in the stands or broadcasting games of his own team. I mean, it was cute and fun, but it also said something about this organization. It's loose as hell. Too loose. I didn't expect Joey to sit in the dugout in a sling. But his presence outside the dugout was too conspicuous. Like if I was off sick from work recovering from a surgery, I wouldn't be sitting on a bench outside the office waving at my co-workers. I'm probably the only one who thinks this.
Oh, man...I disagree 100% about Votto. It's not like the dude can work out all that much with a shoulder injury. And comparing that to the jobs the rest of us work is apples and oranges. I found it to be kinda cool, and I was super disappointed that I missed the game when he was walking around greeting fans. That made a lot of really neat memories for lots of fans that night. Also, I like hearing what he has to say in the booth. I wouldn't be surprised if he joins the media team when he hangs up his cleats. This Reds fan can't get enough JV.
I didn't mean to say that what he did for the fans was not cool. It certainly was. I agree also that he was great in the booth. I just wonder what the team thought, deep down inside. Not what they are telling the cameras. To me, it's not much different than Griffey and Dunn and their couches.
Griffey and Dunn had their couches while they were playing. Votto had season-ending surgery. Big diff IMO. Also, I didn’t read where Votto was loafing around the locker room while the rest of the team was playing.
Idk, I guess I just see it differently than that. I honestly would think it's worse if he's not around the team/facility at all. I would hope the team would be aware of him being in the booth for a few games. He was on the radio Monday, also.
He just doesn't seem like the lazy type to me. I'm sure that dude is doing all he can to get back to 100%. But that's just speculation at this point.
As always, interesting and thought provoking. Personally, I love fall because of the colors. Such beauty! I try not to think of what that portends. By Thanksgiving, I’ll be looking forward to April. My husband and I took a spur of the moment trip to Michigan a few years ago, just as you have. We went to the Upper Peninsula and saw beauty everywhere we looked. A wonderful trip that I will always remember. Happy you’re back and giving us the latest. Go Men!
Having lived in both, I’ll see your Cincinnati fall and raise you a New Orleans spring, which, while delightful, portends 5 months of exhausting heat and humidity, with the added bonus of Hurricane Season.
I did not like the firings of Bell's assistants. That same staff did a nice job with the Team one year ago. The reason why they were fired will be revealed by who is hired to replace them. Do they go younger, less experienced, and cheaper? Did the recently fired staff ruffle feathers internally during this year's tear down? No matter what the Team says, they are inferring blame for the 100 losses at least in part on the coaches and that is not a good look for ownership IMO.
“Into the Mystic” is my favorite Van Morrison song to date. Give me a better selection.
Forgot to mention Dick’s Pour House as a TC destination. Try the Greek pizza.
Great opening line, Doc. It sounds very Korvo-esque (lookitup OG’s and watch a show or two).
Maybe you should be a defensive coordinator!
You've mentioned Van Morrison and his music a few times in your writings. I have ~22 of his albums, so I do appreciate the references. We just spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica. When hiking in the rain forest mountains there, I was thinking of the "cloud hidden, whereabouts unknown" lines in the Alan Watts Blues number. Regarding fall into winter-we've been taking cold weather vacations down to warmer climates for 20 years now (primarily the Caribbean). It gives us something to look forward to and helps break up the dreariness and darkness. Those are great statistics on the Bengals' telescoping their offensive moves. Let's hope the coaching staff listens and responds. The offense can be very exciting, they certainly have the talent. The element of surprise and unpredictability in play calling is critical. Thanks for the analysis!
I am completely with you on Fall. Everyone says it's their favorite season. Not me. I'll take as much summer as I can get. Long days, comfortable clothes, and I just love being outdoors. Fall is the beginning of being stuck inside. It's the time when 7:30 starts to feel like 9:30 because it's dark so early. And it's also a reminder that we're right around the corner from 4 months of cold, gloomy weather. The older I get the more I appreciate the reason so many people retire in the south.
Doc,
You view Winter as the enemy. You need to embrace Winter. Snow is not a bad thing, Freezing cold kills most of the allergins. Find things to do outside in the winter. Dress warmly, good pair of boots and good gloves are a must. I remember hearing of your walks with Lucy even in the winter that you enjoyed. I look forward to winter and view it as I did when I was a kid. Every season has it's purpose( Isn't there a song about this?) You need to find your purpose for Winter.
Re: Reds coaching, The Reds way is really anyway you want it to be. No consistent message in the minor leagues. I always questioned how important a hitting coach is at the major league level. How much advice does a Votto or Castellano take from the hitting coach? I say very little. Even someone like Stephenson? I think once you've made the majors you're you own coach. I do think there needs to be a consistent message and approach for the minor leagues.
Well said, Andy. I see winter through the eyes of a 9 pound dog that absolutely loves to play in the snow.
I've been describing my view of fall , exactly as you have, all my life ! Had a chance, years ago, to move to the lands of " Endless Summers " and didn't . Ah well, in the rearview mirror now. I never succumbed to the allure of pumpkin spiced anything ! Now, in my golden years, every day is one day closer to Spring !
I love Fall because it is the only time of year that our weather is moderate. I feel the same melancholy you describe. But I've always embraced that, because life - to me, for all of its moments of beauty grace and humor - is essentially sad. As Kant, Kafka or one of those long-winded ruminators one said, "The meaning of Life is that it ends".
Its a much bigger, "must-win" type game for Baltimore IMO. ....I am also already mourning the loss of daylight.
I like fall and I even like winter until my birthday (Jan 6). Then, I'm ready for spring. Last year, the fam and I went to Florida in February. It was wonderful. Maybe that's how I will cope with winter again?? I love the fall colors and the family times of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fall sets us up for the hot stove league, which sets us up for Spring, a time of renewal. Well, except for us Reds fans.
Remember how Sparky wouldn't fire any of his coaches, and Dick Wagner fired him? What does that say about David Bell? I don't know what it says, I just ask the question. Have times changed that much in baseball?
I was not a fan of Joey Votto sitting in the stands or broadcasting games of his own team. I mean, it was cute and fun, but it also said something about this organization. It's loose as hell. Too loose. I didn't expect Joey to sit in the dugout in a sling. But his presence outside the dugout was too conspicuous. Like if I was off sick from work recovering from a surgery, I wouldn't be sitting on a bench outside the office waving at my co-workers. I'm probably the only one who thinks this.
Oh, man...I disagree 100% about Votto. It's not like the dude can work out all that much with a shoulder injury. And comparing that to the jobs the rest of us work is apples and oranges. I found it to be kinda cool, and I was super disappointed that I missed the game when he was walking around greeting fans. That made a lot of really neat memories for lots of fans that night. Also, I like hearing what he has to say in the booth. I wouldn't be surprised if he joins the media team when he hangs up his cleats. This Reds fan can't get enough JV.
Agree 100%
I didn't mean to say that what he did for the fans was not cool. It certainly was. I agree also that he was great in the booth. I just wonder what the team thought, deep down inside. Not what they are telling the cameras. To me, it's not much different than Griffey and Dunn and their couches.
Griffey and Dunn had their couches while they were playing. Votto had season-ending surgery. Big diff IMO. Also, I didn’t read where Votto was loafing around the locker room while the rest of the team was playing.
Idk, I guess I just see it differently than that. I honestly would think it's worse if he's not around the team/facility at all. I would hope the team would be aware of him being in the booth for a few games. He was on the radio Monday, also.
He just doesn't seem like the lazy type to me. I'm sure that dude is doing all he can to get back to 100%. But that's just speculation at this point.
Very nice prose when you aren't talking sports. I suppose stats get in the way of literary devices. :)
I'm starting the Great American Novel next week.
Apparently, Mixon is tipping run vs pass. He's bent over on runs, standing up on passes. I'm curious if the coaches know this and will correct it.