Monday Mailbag: February 17, 2020

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This week’s Monday Mailbag features questions about Van Wert’s boys basketball team, the running clock rule, a new NWC member, Dusty Baker and the Cincinnati Reds.

Q: How far can the Van Wert boys go in the tournament? Name withheld upon request

A: Van Wert is playing better at the right time of the year.

As far as the tournament, it’s hard to say. There’s an opening round game against Wapakoneta, a team the Cougars beat by 22 in December. Facing the Redskins won’t be easy and I expect it to be a much closer game the second time around. The winner gets Defiance, a team that Van Wert lost to by 10 in early December, but one that lost to Wapakoneta on Friday.

If the Cougars continue their improved play and get a break or two, a spot in the Division II district isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

Q: Why isn’t the mercy rule used during the regular season? Name withheld upon request

A: The Ohio High School Athletic Association has no plans to add the running clock rule to the basketball regular season anytime soon.

The rule, which calls for a continuous clock once the margin reaches 35 or greater in the second half, was implemented during the 2017-2018 basketball postseason as a way to cut down on lopsided games, especially at the sectional level.

Q: Is there any update on who will take Holgate’s place in the NWC? If they want someone in place by August, they’d better get moving. Name withheld upon request

A: There’s plenty of rumors but no update at the moment, but I’m sure there have been discussions.

Even if an invitation was extended and accepted today, the change almost certainly wouldn’t take effect this fall anyway. For scheduling purposes, these types of moves generally don’t happen for a year or even two.

Q: Do you think Dusty Baker was a good hire for the Astros and how do you feel about the Reds going into the season? Name withheld upon request

A: Given the circumstances, I think Dusty Baker is a great hire by the Astros. He’s a three time manager of the year, but this will be unlike anything he (or just about anyone else) has walked into.

Honestly, I’m not sure the Astros deserve Dusty Baker. Some Reds fans may not agree, but he’s done better than some people give him credit for.

As far as the Reds, you’re asking a Cleveland Indians fan. However, they made some intriguing offseason moves, including the acquisition of second basemen Mike Moustakas and right fielder Nick Castellanos, both of whom signed four year, $64 contracts. There’s also pitchers Trevor Bauer, who was acquired from the Indians last season and Wade Miley, who was signed during the offseason. Both should be able to help the pitching staff.

I’m guessing the Reds will win 85 or 86 games and will move up a spot to third in the NL Central. With a little luck, who knows, they could finish second in the division.

If you have a question or comment for the next Monday Mailbag, simply email it to sports@thevwindependent.com.