Hall-of-fame baseball writer Hal McCoy knows a thing or two about America’s pastime. If you’d like to tap into that knowledge, send a question to halmccoy1@hotmail.com. For more Ask Hal, log on to DaytonDailyNews.com/reds.

Q: Now that word has leaked about Dusty Baker’s secret knee surgery last winter, might fans wonder about other secrets when Dusty makes his unaccustomed managerial moves? — Dave, Miamisburg/Centerville/Beavercreek

A: It was only a secret to one national writer who was in Dusty’s office when he talked about it. Others already knew. And it was minor knee surgery, not brain surgery. There are no secrets to Baker’s managerial moves. He has reasons for all his decisions and gladly explains them when asked, whether fans like them or not.

Q: Does it seem fair that a wild-card team is not permitted to play the winner of its own division in the first round of the playoffs, no matter what the circumstances? — Andrew, Fort Loramie

A: It’s a head-scratcher that produces nothing but dandruff. I don’t know who came up with this rule, but it is absurd. A wild-card team should have to play the team with the best record in the league, and if it is a team in its own division, so be it. The current rule gives a wild-card team a huge advantage, and a wild-card team should have no advantage. During the season, a wild-card team plays the team that won its division over and over and couldn’t finish ahead of that team. So why should it not have to meet it in the first round of the playoffs?

Q: Who are the five great players, managers, coaches, media, front office personnel or scouts who should have statues erected at Great American Ball Park? — Jim, Wauchula, Fla.

A: If they keep erecting statues at GABP, they’ll surround the place and it will look more like a Roman museum than a ballpark. I’d suggest two — Sparky Anderson, for obvious reasons, and Gene Bennett, one of baseball’s all-time great scouts who worked for the Reds for 58 years and signed what amounts to an All-Star team.

Q: Why is Rick Sweet not the manager at Class AAA Louisville this year? — Gary, Durham, N.C.

A: Maybe he can manage the Durham Bulls next year. Sweet, the longtime successful manager at Louisville, was re-assigned to be a roving instructor for catchers in the system. David Bell is the new manager at Louisville, a guy the Reds have put on speed dial and who might be their next manager when Dusty’s days are done.

Q: Who are the best Reds you have seen in your career, position-by-position? — Rob, North Star

A: It is tempting to say the 1976 Reds and be done with it — and be close to being accurate. After 40 years of covering the Reds, that’s a tough one. But here’s an attempt: C Johnny Bench, 1B Joey Votto, 2B Joe Morgan, SS Barry Larkin, 3B Pete Rose (or any position), LF George Foster, CF Ken Griffey Jr./Cesar Geronimo, RF Ken Griffey Sr., LHP Don Gullett, RHP Tom Seaver, relief pitchers Pedro Borbon/Danny Graves.

Q: Are Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty on the same page as far as personnel? I’m thinking of several situations over the past years and I’m thinking of Aroldis Chapman this year. — David, Columbus

A: Is anybody ever on the same page with everybody? We all read at a different pace. And everybody has their own opinion. Of course Dusty and Walt have different opinions. But they sit down, hash it out and come to what both believe is the best decision for the team. They are both on the page that says: “How do you best win ball games?” And nobody ever gets that one absolutely correct.

Q: Who is the least-known or little-known player you saw in spring training who made the team and played a major part during the regular season? — Scott, Petal, Miss.

A: Nobody comes quickly to mind. Ken Griffey Sr. was drafted by the Reds in the 29th round in 1969, meaning every team, including the Reds, passed on him 28 times before he was drafted. But he was no shock when he made the team in 1973, because he tore up the minors. Surprises are few. In 1983, a big red-headed outfielder named Jeff Jones, who played in Class A the year before, tore it up in spring training. General Manager Dick Wagner insisted he be kept and manager Russ Nixon started him in right field on Opening Day. He was a major flop, played only 16 games and was never heard from again.

Q: Rumor has it that Brandon Phillips is on the trading block for Philadelphia pitcher Cole Hamels. Have you heard anything? — Mark, Bloomington, Ind.

A: The first three words answer your question: Rumor has it. Why would the Phillies trade one of their best pitchers for a second baseman, albeit a great second baseman, when they already have a great second baseman in Chase Utley? Yes, he’s been hurt, but I doubt if the Phillies are ready to throw him on the scrap heap and trade a great pitcher for a guy due to make big, big bucks, even though they can afford him.

Q: I’ve decided if the National League accepts the designated hitter, I’ll never go to another game. What’s your take on it? — Gary, Jacksonville, Fla.

A: So when did you move from Norway to Florida, Gary? Have you thawed out yet? I’ve been anti-DH since it was born in 1973. The NL already uses it, every time they play an American League team in its home park. And when Houston moves to the AL next year, there will be NL DHs nearly every day during interleague games, so you’ll have to pick carefully what games you attend. If I were commissioner, the first thing to hit the trash can would be the DH rule.

Q: Were most of your experiences with Tony LaRussa good? — Eric, Celina.

A: I never had a single bad incident with LaRussa. I just didn’t like his condescending attitude at times and his whining. Actually, LaRussa did one of the nicest things any manager ever did for me when he autographed his book (“3 Nights in August,” a great read): “To Hal: With much respect and admiration, I’m honored that you’re reading “3 Nights” and want my signature. Hopefully the book achieves our goal to pay tribute to the greatest sport! Tony LaRussa.”

Q: Is Juan Francisco a lock to make the team because I like Miguel Cairo as Scott Rolen’s backup third baseman but realize that he isn’t the long-term replacement? — Gregory, Dayton.

A: No, he is not a lock. The Reds are not happy that he reported to camp overweight and out of shape. And he hasn’t dazzled this spring. As I’ve said often, he reminds me too much of Edwin Encarnacion, a guy with a body overstuffed with talent but unable to unleash it.

Q: In the reports from spring training I’m reading, it appears manager Dusty Baker is a little defensive and testy this year. Am I right? — Terry, Dayton.

A: Not in my dealings with him. He does get tired of answering questions about his lineups and says so, but he patiently explains his lineups and batting orders to anybody who asks AND listens. Too many people don’t listen and too many people are too quick to criticize when they don’t know his reasons or logic. Do those lineups always work? Of course not. But few jump to his defense when they do work — which is more often than not.

Q: Homer Bailey is out of options and if he continues to pitch as he has thus far this spring, what do the Reds do with him? — Vin, Shelton, Conn.

A: Bailey has not been awful, not bad enough to exclude him this quickly. Injuries have been his problem the last couple of years. With his stuff and his improved outlook on things, if he stays healthy what the Reds will do with him is keep him in the rotation — with Aroldis Chapman waiting in the wings.