Comments on: RNR #14: A conversation with Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh

By: GregD

GregD — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:15:23 +0000

“Whether he wanted to be or not, Junior was the leader in the past, just because he was Ken Griffey Junior”

??
Seems there are a lot of different definitions of leaders floating around.

By: On Homer Bailey – Redleg Nation

On Homer Bailey – Redleg Nation — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:15:24 +0000

[...] Welsh doesn’t think Bailey will win the fifth starter’s role, and if you listened to the last Redleg Nation Radio podcast, you know that I think Micah Owings is destined to win that spot in the [...]

By: Shane

Shane — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:12:03 +0000

It’s almost as if I wrote down my thoughts about them and he repeated them

By: BenL

BenL — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:56:35 +0000

He went farther than to say that Dunn and Griffey “got by with doing less”. He said that the clubhouse was awful and implied it was their fault. I don’t know one way or the other, and I’m a big Dunn fan so I don’t exactly want to believe it. I’ve always been sympathetic toward Dunn and skeptical of those who criticize him for not being “type A” enough. (I’m also not “type A” enough by some standards)… But Chris is an honest, rational, and knowledgeable guy, so his statements hold a lot of weight with me.

By: Sultan of Swaff

Sultan of Swaff — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:26:22 +0000

To me, he alluded to the Dunn and Griff show in a way that was telling while not talking out of class. He gave them credit for putting in their work, but the way he said it, he trailed off, implying that there was still something lacking in their approach. But that goes for a lot of ballplayers with talent who can get by with doing less.

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:31:23 +0000

I do have that habit…

I agree with Chris, I didn’t get the impression that Chris was popping on Griffey & Dunn at all. Just that he thought the clubhouse would have a more “all inclusive” atmosphere than it has in the past. Whether he wanted to be or not, Junior was the leader in the past, just because he was Ken Griffey Junior…

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:00:46 +0000

Re: Bill’s update

I thought it cut off a little abruptly. I figured you started cursing uncontrollably again.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:59:00 +0000

I didn’t get the impression that he was slamming/ripping those two guys in the cheap-shot-now-that-they’re-gone way others might.

That said, the only significant disagreement I’d have with Chris is that somehow “removing the cloud” caused by those two guys will somehow lead to a better team.

Chris is a rational guy, and doesn’t spout a bunch of “grit” nonsense, so I give the statement more credibility than I ordinarily would. I’m more than willing to concede that the clubhouse will be “healthier” or more pleasant to be around. I just don’t see how that leads to more runs scored on the ball field (let alone the difference between Dunn and Taveras).

I suppose we’ll see if EE comes out of his shell, but I honestly can’t think of anyone else who underachieved, but could blame it on the lack of veteran leadership.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:45:37 +0000

Saying we have “3 centerfielders playing the outfield” is an interesting way to put it. That is kind of exciting.

By the way, like Ben, I’m surprised how bluntly he slammed Dunn and Griffey. Interesting.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:34:22 +0000

Great interview! Great questions and great answers.

I don’t get Fox Sports Ohio out here in VA so I rarely hear Welsh, but I’m really impressed w/ him. He’s smart and thoughtful in a way that not a lot of ex-players are.

Nice job, Bill!

By: Glenn

Glenn — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:59:27 +0000

Always been a great guy.

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:51:04 +0000

I’ve known Chris for a few years, he’s also a list member on my Reds Listserv List and he’s a great guy. He’s always been willing to give up some of his time for these fan based endeavors.

By: BenL

BenL — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:07:11 +0000

Nice work, Bill! I’m loving these interviews. It’s pretty interesting to hear someone who seems both trustworthy and knowledgeable speak so bluntly about Dunn and Griffey.

By: Sultan of Swaff

Sultan of Swaff — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:42:15 +0000

That was incredible. Best segment of the entire offseason. For me, his words simply reinforced the notion that WE (seriousminded Reds fans) are NOT crazy. It was heartening to hear Chris confirm much of what gets tossed around on this site, both statistically and observationally.
And he really threw Dunn and Griffey under the bus. I guess where there’s smoke, there really is fire. To a lesser degree, he called out Dusty for batting Griffey 3rd all season (too chicken to bump him down–is that leadership from a manager?) and the upcoming season w/ Phillips in the 4 hole (even Brandon doesn’t want to hit there).
All in all, this guy is a true pro who does his homework. We’re lucky to have him.

By: RiverCity Redleg

RiverCity Redleg — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:27:47 +0000

Chris Welsh is awesome. He is, by far, my favorite TV announcer for the Reds. I will even say he rivals Marty.