Reds Sweep Astros

Bronson Arroyo threw a 92 pitch complete game to help the Reds sweep the Houston Astros on Wednesday night. Bronson gave up five hits and fanned three while allowing only one run. This was the seventh win on the season for Arroyo to go with his three defeats. His ERA has been falling but continues to be over 5.00 but a couple more outings of this type would but it back to a more respectable number.

Jay Bruce celebrating his first anniversary with the Reds went off at the plate. Jay smashed two home runs and a triple to boot. Bruce also had four RBI's and scored twice. This win put the Reds six games over .500 and a game and half out of first place in the NL Central.

The Reds hit the road again and open a three game set in Milwaukee on Friday night.

Homer Bailey Makes First Start Of Season

Homer Bailey making his first start of the 2009 season struggles in the first inning but gets out of the jam without being scored on. In the bottom of the inning Joey Votto, making his first start after being side lined with an inner ear infection for ten games, drives 3-2 pitch the other way to give the Reds a 1-0 lead.

In the second inning Homer again gets behind batters and it costs him as the Tribe plates four runs after eight hitters come to the plate. In the bottom of the inning Ramon Hernandez drives a ball 441' for a two run home run to get the Reds back to 4-3. Later in the same inning Joey Votto pulls one this time for his second home run in two plate appearances. This time it's a three run shot to give the Reds the lead back, 6-3 after two complete.

After Homer walks the bases full in the fifth Dusty Baker comes has seen enough and comes get him. At this point he has no chance to win as he only goes 4 and 1/3 innings, but he does leave with the Reds ahead 6-4. Jared Burton comes on in a very tough situation with the bases juiced. Burton gives up a two run hit to tie the game but holds the Tribe right there.

The Tribe scores the winning run off David Weathers in the eighth and he gets tagged with the loss. This game was played in a way that the Reds don't want to try to repeat. They have had pretty good starting pitching and lights out relief pitching. Neither were good tonight. This team has three players that can flat out smash the ball. Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips.....but this is not the way this team will win most of it's games this year. They have to be able to get the clutch hit with runners in scoring position with less than two out. Again tonight they stranded ten runners. The Reds can still win this series this afternoon and are sending Johnny Cueto to the mound looking to take two of three from the Tribe.

Reds 3 back of the Brew Crew

After the weekend debacle in San Diego, the Reds find themselves 3 games below the Brewers in the Central. The Cubs, even with all their injury woes, are now only 1.5 out. CRAP!

Bad Weekend in San Diego

Wow, what a bad weekend in San Diego as the Reds get swept by the last place Padres. Votto still isn't right as he left Saturday night's 16 inning marathon with dizziness again and did not play on Sunday. Something is very wrong with Votto. Should be interesting to see if the Reds bring up Baily or another pitcher to start Tuesday in place of Owings who had to pitch 5 2/3 of the marathon game.

First Place Reds Sweep Diamondbacks

I have been singing the praises of this young Reds team all season and see nothing to shut my genius down at this point. After a very nice home stand the Reds hit the road with the first stop to be in the desert of Arizona where 'MY REDS' swept the Arizona Diamondbacks three straight. After tonight's game there is a three way tie for first place in the National League Central, with the Cardinals and Brewers all having the same 20-14 record the Reds hold.

After a two for four night with four RBI's Brandon Phillips has went six for thirteen with eight RBI's, and a home run in this series. Brandon now has a team high 26 RBI's. Willy Taveras was three for six to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. Taveras was nine for fifteen at the plate, scored six runs, and added two RBI's from the lead off spot in this series. Taveras also had his tenth stolen base tonight. Jerry Hairston had a two for five night to extend his hitting streak to nine games. Johnny Cueto went seven innings for his fourth win. Cueto has not lossed in his last six starts and is sporting a 1.93 ERA for the year.

This is a very young team that is a lot of fun to watch. After a day off in San Diego tomorrow the Reds will open a three game series against the Padres sending Aaron Harang, 3-3 with an ERA of 2.93.....Edinson Volquez, 4-2 with an ERA of 4.40 and Bronson Arroyo, 5-2 with an inflated 7.02 ERA to the mound this weekend.

Reds Take Two Of Three From St. Louis

Not a bad weekend for the Reds, anytime you can take 2 of 3 three from the division leader you are doing your job. I finally got to Cincinnati yesterday to see my first live game this season. It happened to be the one the Reds dropped to the Cardinals, but it was still a great afternoon of baseball. After taking the first two games of this series it was fun to see fans at the park with the brooms in hand, almost getting to help clean the stadium. Joey Votto benched all weekend with the flu bug came in to pitch hit and blasted his fourth home run of the season. Quickly becoming another fan favorite, Adam Rosales also hit his very first Major League home run. Jay Bruce slammed his team high tenth home run. They still weren't done as the biggest shots came in the bottom of the ninth as Jerry Hairston started the inning with a home run to get the Reds back to within a run. This set the table for the biggest hit of the game. Micha Owings blasted a pitch hit home run to tie the game and send it to extra innings. Owings, tipped his cap on the top step of the dugout to a standing ovation.

The Reds would give up a tenth inning run to St. Louis and build a rally in the bottom of the tenth but come up just short leaving the bases loaded as Paul Janish fouled out to end. The biggest out in that inning was Jerrry Hairston not being able to lay down a bunt with runners on first and second with no outs.

I do think the Reds have sent word that they will never give up and yes that they can play with anyone in the National League. They are not headed to Arizona for a three game series starting tonight. Bronson Arroyo again looking to bounce back from a very poor outing will take the hill for the Reds.

Owings continues to stuggle

Micah Owings continues to struggle on the mound giving up 5 earned tonight but the Reds pulled out the 6-5 wins over the Brew-Crew. Owings did do the one thing he's good at as he tripled in the game. I'm all for Owings in the bull-pen and pinch hitting every night........

Johnny Cueto....Lights Out in Pittsburgh

It was all about the young Johnny Cueto today at PNC park in Pittsburgh. Today's performance was a career best for Cueto as he went eight full while fanning nine. Even Pirate manager John Russell acknowledged that "Cueto just never gave us a chance" in his post game comments. Johnny only allowed four hits and one walk so he was totally dominate this afternoon. He actually retired 13-14 in one stretch. Johnny has a team best 1.65 ERA in his five starts and now owns a 2-1 record that with a little more timely hitting could be much better than that.

Jay Bruce slammed his team high sixth home run this afternoon and in the past week has been among the National League leaders in offense. Brandon Phillips was two for four and looking to get on track at the plate. His glove has again been golden this season. Catcher Ramon Hernadez seems to be coming around at the plate as well. Ramon was two for three with three RBI's to raise his average to a more respectable .261 for the season. I was really beginning to wonder about Ramon hitting enough to hold this job down, well he's hitting now like he don't want to give it up.

The Reds have now won every road series so far this season. That's right taking two of three in Pittsburgh puts the Reds at 9-4 on the road this year. Now if we can get this kind of performance at Great American Ballpark this could be a really exciting season for my Reds!!!!!!!!!!

The Edinson and Adam Show.....With Cordero Dropping The Curtain

On a night when the Reds needed a win in the worse sort of way to end this sorry home stand, Edinson Volquez, Adam Rosales and Fransico Cordero all answered the bell.

Edinson went a career high eight innings and just totally dominated the Astros, only allowing only 'ONE' hit. Not sure about you but I can still remember when we shipped fan favorite Josh Hamilton to Texas for: Volquez....raise your hand if you asked, "who the hell is that guy." His performance tonight kept the Reds from being swept by Houston, yes Houston, before heading on the road again to PNC park to face the Pirates this weekend.

Adam Rosales called up to replace Edwin Encarnacion, who went on the DL, drove in two runs with a hit and a walk to give Edinson all the offense he would need this night.

Franciso Cordero notched his seventh save in seven tries to close out the Houston ninth.

Nothing New Here.....Another Loss To Houston

Somethings never change......Sunshine while you are at work and rain when you are off work.....Houston coming to Great American Ballpark and kicking the living shit out of my Reds. The Astros are 16-1 against my Reds at Great American Ballpark sense 2007.....home field advantage, really!!!!!!!!!! The Reds win 3 of 4 in Houston and then 'they' come to Cincinnati looking for the three game sweep on Wednesday night. The one loss the Reds had at Minute Maid Park was against Wandy Rodriquez who beat them again on Tuesday night. Wandy is now 2-2 and I guess he is marking his calendar for the next Houston/Reds series. Shut up Lance Berkman...the way you swing the stick in the Queen City speaks volumes for you. Lance killls the ball here.

Reds ace Aarong Harang took the loss to go 2-3 on the season. Aaron went five innings giving up six, five earned while just striking out two. The Reds are still just not hitting the ball with any consistency. After a very great opening road trip this team has fallen on hard times needing a win on Wednesday to go 2-4 on this home stand.

Reds drop 3 of 4

Not a good home stand after a great road trip for the Red Legs. Cueto matched Reds killer Roy Oswalt for 7 and then Cordero got rocked in the 9th. Dusty: DON'T BRING YOUR CLOSER IN FOR A TIE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT'S NOT IN THEIR MENTALITY!

Here's a couple of ugly Reds stats:

Left 10 on tonight.

Edwin Encarnacion- .127 I've saaid it many times.....this dude sucks.

Brandon Phillips- .174

Alex Gonzalez is a really good defender but just CAN'T hit the baseball -.180

Reds Riding Three Game Winning Streak

After winning two of three in Milwaukee, the Reds followed that up by taking three of four from the Houston Astros. It seems like every night the Reds are in a close game and tonight was no exception. The Reds held on to beat the Astros 4-3 tonight. The offense hasn't been exactly setting the world on fire, but tonight they banged out ten hits for the first time this season. Joey Votto was one of four hitters to bang out two hits apiece for the Reds tonight. Votto is still hitting .354 on the year and seems to be dialed in real good right. If the rest of this team ever starts hitting and the pitching holds up like it has so far, they could turn the NL Central into a very exciting race this season.

Bronson Arroyo is now 3-0, scattering nine hits and three runs over seven innings of work. Arthur Rhodes pitched a scoreless 8th to record his fourth hold. Rhodes is still unscored upon this season, sporting a 0.00 ERA. Fransico Cordero threw a scoreless 9th inning to record his fifth save.

The Reds are heading to Chicago for a three game series to finish up their first and the seasons longest road trip of the year. Right now the Reds are 5-2 on this ten game swing.

Ramon Hernandez First Red HomeRun

In a game where Roy 'The Red Killer' Oswalt pitched more than good enough to win, the Reds Ramon Hernandez came through in the clutch to win it for the good guys. Roy Oswalt threw six scoreless innings, giving up only five hits and striking out four. Oswalt left the game in line for the win and running his record against the Reds to 24-1. Ramon Hernandez would have something to say about that. In the Reds half of the ninth inning Hernandez slammed his first home run in a Cincinnati Reds uniform and it turned out that would be all the scoring the Reds would need. The Reds did hold on for a 2-1 win and spoil Oswalts night.

In the bottom of the ninth Reds closer Fransico Cordero gave up two hits to make it interesting, but left both stranded and finally shut the door to collect his third save of the season.

Joey Votto stayed hot as he was the only Red to collect more than one hit. Joey had a single and a double to keep his average at .400 through the first nine games.

Micah Owings First Reds Start

Micah Owings took the hill tonight in his first start as a Cincinnati Red. Although he didn't pitch a bad game he wasn't good enough tonight to help the Reds sweep the Brewers. It had been 10 days sense Owings had pitched and maybe he was a little rusty. Micah went five innings and gave up four runs on five hits to take the loss. Again after a very sharp spring Owings just needs some work. He had a 1.52 ERA this spring so we know the guy can pitch. Does anyone else wonder if Dusty should have hit Owings in the eight hole instead of the typical ninth pitching slot, he has been one of the best pitch hitters the Reds have had in his short time here.

As far as hitting goes, the Reds managed only seven hits off four different Brewer pitchers. Chris Dickerson got the big hit of the game for Cincinnati, his first home run of the season. The offense is really starting to worry me as the Reds are yet to have a ten hit game. I know it's early and typical springs belongs to the pitcher and summer the hitters, but this team needs to show a little more punch at the plate. Joey Votto is still at .387 and playing large, but he can't carry this load by himself.

After a day off tomorrow the Reds will face Reds killer Roy Oswalt in Houston on Friday night. Odds are in their favor to beat this guy.

Notes From A 2-0 Road Trip

For the first time this season the Cincinnati Reds are sporting a winning record. The Reds won for the third straight game on Tuesday night to go 4-3.

Bronson Arroyo wins to go 2-0 after a holding the Brewers to one run on four hits in his 6 1/3 innings pitched. So much for his carpal tunnel symptoms. Bronson did walk four but also had three strikeouts.

Jerry Hairston Jr. hit his first home run of the year to give the Reds a lead they would hold for the rest of the game. Jerry also walked twice and scored three runs to go with his two RBI's.

David Weathers, the Reds setup man out of the bullpen, made his 900th career appearance and recorded his second hold of this young season. Weathers has been lights out so far, and is sporting a 0.00 ERA. That's as low as it gets my friends.

Maybe the most over looked stat of this game was Daniel Herrera's double play ball he threw to Rickie Weeks to end the seventh inning and keep the 3-1 score in tack.

Joey Votto had two more hits tonight and added two more RBI's to give him ten on the season.

Down on the farm......Homer Bailey who has had two horrible starts so far this season for the AAA Louisville Bats was ejected for throwing at a batter after giving up a home run. It's clear Bailey has issues to work out before he can expect to get the call to come back up to the Reds squad. Let's hope he turns things around fast.

Season's First Road Trip Off To Good Start

The Reds traveled to Milwaukee for the season opening road trip and came away with a hard earned 7-6 win. Edinson Volquez went five not so good innings but came away with a win after giving up 6 runs, 7 hits, and walking 4. Not a good line at all and then you add two balls that left the building and Edinson has to be counting his lucky stars tonight. Does anyone else wonder what Aaron Harang was thinking after this outing by Volquez where the Reds score seven runs in the first three innings and hold on for the win. Burton, Rhodes, and yes David Weathers all threw a scoreless inning and each was credited with a hold. Fransico Cordero walked the tying run in the bottom of the ninth but kept him from scoring to record his second save of the season.

Jay Bruce off to a somewhat slow start slammed his first home run of the season. Not to be out done Edwin Encarnacion, who also was off to a rather slow start got the biggest hit of the game, a grand slam to finish off the Reds scoring and set the table for some pretty good pitching by the Reds bullpen. This was the third granny of Edwin's career. Maybe these HR's get these two guys going and the Reds can get above .500 on Tuesday night, at the very least they got this road trip off to a nice start.

Reds start series with Brew Crew

The Reds roll into a 3 game set with the Brew Crew tonight.

Here are the probable match ups:

Tonight: Volquez vs. Gallardo
Tuesday: Arroyo vs. Parra
Wed: Owings vs. Looper

Thursday, the Reds travel to Houston to deal with Mr. Reds Killer Roy Oswalt who is 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA on the year. He's something like 21-1 all time versus the Reds.

Dickerson needs to avoid doors....................

http://larrybrownsports.com/darwin-nominations/chris-dickerson-injures-head-bumping-revolving-door-hotel/6519

Aaron Harang......The ACE

Make no mistake about it, Aaron Harang was and still is the ace of this pitching staff. Aaron threw a complete game three hit shutout over the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon to get the Reds a split in this rain shortened two game series. Not sure when the rain out will be made up, they were saying on FSN that the next trip the Pirates makes to GABP will probably be the make up date. Aaron DID NOT walk a batter and fanned nine as he had total control over his fast ball today. Harang actually only allowed one runner to get past first base today......That's spells dominance.

Brandon Phillips provided all the offense Harang would need today with his first HR of the season, a two run shot off hard luck starter Ian Snell. Willy Tarveras also got his first of many steals this season as well.

The only thing I didn't like about today's game was the fact they are still not scoring runs for Harang. The younger players are still swinging at the first pitch way to often. Is this what you want them doing when you are telling the world that we are now playing small ball. The Reds did manage five walks today, but they also were impatient at the plate most of the time. The Pirates also turned in a triple play against our Reds, maybe the easiest triple play I have ever seen.

Reds Avoid The Sweep

On a beautiful sunny afternoon at Great American Ballpark with their backs against the wall and down 3-0 the Reds avoid being sweep by the New York Mets this afternoon. It was a long hard fought battle but the Reds prevail 8-6. Bronson Arroyo not having his best stuff still picked up a win in his first outing of this young season, also giving the Reds their first win. Arroyo went six innings giving up five earned on eight hits while fanning four.

Joey Votto went yard for the second game in a row and added two more hits to go with his four RBI's and two runs scored on the day. Votto is off to a scorching start hitting .538 and already has seven RBI's to go with his two HR's.

Fransico Cordero Struck out the side in the Met's ninth to record his first of many many saves this year.

The home stand continues tomorrow night as the Pittsburgh Pirates come to town for a three game series.

Reds Rally Comes Up Short

After putting Met's starter Mike Pelphrey on the ropes in the bottom of the first inning the Reds just couldn't deliver that knock out punch. Joey Votto's three run HR, one of his three hits in the game, was the big shot in the inning. Edinson Volquez took the loss as he couldn't get out of the fifth, giving up five runs on six hits to take the loss for Cincinnati.

The Reds again just can't seem to find that two out hit with runners in scoring position. They left eleven on base tonight, including the bases being left loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Laynce Nix just missed a game winning grand slam as they found Francisco Rodriquez on a night where he couldn't throw strikes. Rodriquez seemed to give the Reds every chance a team could want as he walked two and went full on two other batters, but again that elusive two out hit with RISP bit the Reds in the ass.

Tomorrow the Reds will try to avoid the season opening series sweep by the Mets sending Bronson Arroyo against Oliver Perez in a Thursday afternoon game at Great American Ballpark

Reds bats as cold as the weather!

That pretty much sums up the opening day loss to the Mets 2-1.

Reds Want Sheffield???

Not sure I understand why, but Dusty Baker said today that the Reds are interested in signed Gary Sheffield. Sheffield has been on a injury/down hill slide since dropping off the juice. He's sitting on 499 lifetime homers. Interesting and confusing....................

Mr Perfect ??????

Mr. Perfect, Tom Browning has been charged with non payment of child support according to jail records. Let's hope he gets this cleared up very fast, news like this does no one any good. Mr. Perfect has now put a scar on that image. Come on Tom your better than this.......hell you WERE perfect.

I have many memories of Mr. Browning in a Reds uniform. Always the perfect game comes to mind first and foremost. Another cool memory was him joining fans DURING a game in Chicago against the Cubs. He actually left the ballpark and crossed the street and climbed up onto the roof top seats for a unique view, one much better than the cell block view.

Reds Trimming The Roster

As hard as it is, it's something the brass has to do every Spring and this is no exception. The Reds have reassigned several players to minor league teams. RHP Daryl Thompson, one we though had a slim shot at the fifth starter spot is now out of the running. Other big names to get the red flag in their locker was Jacque Jones and Norris Hopper. Granted you could see all three of these guys back in a Reds uniform before the season is over but they don't head north when camp breaks.

Bronson Arroyo.....

Bronson Arroyo has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel syndrome. The guitar man has been told to refrain from strumming the strings and also no autographs until this gets better. I bet Griffey Jr. wish he could have used this excuse for not signing autographs, hell he didn't need an excuse he just didn't do it. No word on how this effects him or if this might keep Homer Bailey in camp instead of being sent back to AAA Louisville once again as rumored.

Jeff Keppinger Traded

Just announced that the Reds have traded a very good player that had no where to play on this team. The Reds have traded Jeff Keppinger to the Houston Astros for the "player to be named later"
No idea who this is going to be. I do wish Kepp well and if he gets a starting gig in an Astros uniform, well you could do a lot worse for your MI spot on your fantasy team. This is a blue collar player who won't hurt your fantasy team, watch how this plays out. Good Luck Jeff

Nice Spring By Dickerson

Fighting for the starting LF spot, Chris Dickerson looks like he's picked right up from the end of the 08 season this spring. So far in the spring, Dickerson is batting .348 and has 24 total bases in 46 at-bats with nearly a .400 OBP.

World Baseball Classic

Well Japan did it again. They beat the Korean team 5-3 night in ten innings to take the second World Baseball Classic. I think I took the Japanese team from the start but hoped the USA could pull the mild upset this time around. So after two of these WORLD events the Japan team is two for two. Not good if you are an American baseball lover like the writers of this site are. I have to say congrats to the way this team played and to the way Japan takes their baseball. I would say this country is as serious about baseball as any country in the world, the US included. Can you say NFL, it makes me sick to see MLB take a back seat to the NFL. Well in my eyes it doesn't, but I do have BIG RED MACHINE blinders on at times.

The title was won on American soil, Dodger Stadium no less and there were plenty of Japanese people there rooting their team to victory. Hell the Empire State Building is going to light their world famous tower in honor of Japan winning this classic. The Crown of the building will be lit in red and white to honor the Japanese flag. Would the Babe drink to this....I think not.

My question to you as American Baseball fans is do we still have the right to call the World Series the World Series. Wasn't this the real World Series. Try telling that to the boys of Summer. Well to answer the question about what we should call 'our' World Series, is yes it should still be called the World Series as this is still the place where the best players in the world play the game. They don't have on a Japanese uniform or a Cuban uniform they have a Major League Baseball uniform on and they play for the Major Leagues and this is really where the best baseball is still played. You might divide the MLB players up for a world tournament but when all is said and done the real World Series is settled in the USA.

Did you pay much attention to the World Baseball Classic. How does it mix in with MLB in the future. Is it here to stay. Will it continue to grow.

Fifth Starter.....Still Up For Grabs

Homer Bailey had another solid outing, throwing two scoreless innings on Wednesday. Is this finally the year this guy lives up to his billing. Where do you put him on your draft board....is he on your draft board. How many 'fifth starters' are you watching this spring. Yes the Reds have a very nice young pitching staff. How far can it carry this team. Bailey is sporting a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings this Spring, he has also fanned eight....very nice.

Homer isn't the only pitcher thinking he has the fifth starter job locked up. Micah Owings has been just as impressive as Bailey. Owings is chalking up more than a strikeout per inning this Spring. Micah has recorded 12 K's in 10 2/3 innings to go with his 1.69 ERA. Not your typical fifth starter numbers either.

I don't think anyone thinks these two can keep these numbers up, but with each biting the others heels who knows. Nothing like a little competition to make a guy step up. If these two stay this close to each other Dusty will have a tough decision to make when the club heads north. Managers like these kind of tough decisions though.

Maybe this is what happened to Homer and why he's so improved....................article from SI.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/02/26/reds.postcard/index.html?eref=T1

Bailey spent part of his offseason working out in Austin, Texas. Among his frequent workout partners was tennis star Andy Roddick, whose fanatical workout routines put Bailey and the rest of the participants to shame. "We'd all be exhausted and he'd just keep going," says Bailey.

Johnny Gomes

After a very poor 2008 and no job for 2009 Johnny Gomes is trying to make Dusty Baker not have an easy decision as to who to not bring north with the team. Johnny Gomes has been smokin the ball so far this Spring. Gomes is hitting over .400 and has smashed two home runs and added nine RBI's. There is no way he keeps this up, but looking back at his 'good' years in the Majors and you realize he did have some pop in his bat, hitting over twenty HR's in 05 and 06. If he makes the team and that's still to be determined, Great American Ballpark just might be the place to wake that bat back up. Good Luck Johnny and keep smashing the ball. With Jr. and Dunn gone we still have a few dingers to be made up somewhere.

Owings and Bailey Rollin

Micah Owings and Homer Bailey are battling it out for the 5th starter spot. If they keep going like this, somebody else will lose their spot in the rotation. So far this spring Owings is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA and 12 Ks in 10 2/3 innings. Homer has a 1.13 ERA with 7 Ks in 8 innings. Not bad so far guys. Keep it up.

Francisco Cordero

The Reds have had plenty of trying times in their bullpen over the past few years, before they went out and spent more money than usual, for this ranchise, and signed Franciso Cordero. I realize it's very early in the Spring but signs are not encouraging right now. Cordero has an ERA over 20 right now. He has been roughed up all three times out so far. Dusty says it's way too early to worry, but if this continues he will worry big time. How many times have the Reds lost games in the 8th or 9th inning the past few years. Last year that wasn't near as big of a problem with Cordero doing a pretty good job most of the time. Everyone knows what our second option is and to but it bluntly that's not a pretty option. Let's get it together Cordero....these young guys are counting on you BIG TIME.

Homer Bailey On Fire

Homer Bailey had his second straight scoreless outing. After a scoreless inning on the first day of Spring training games Homer Came back to throw three more scoreless innings on Monday. Homer is doing his best to win the fifth starter job for the Reds and one would think this has given him at least a slight edge right now. It's was too early to just hand it to him but another outing close to these two and it might be his to lose. After a very bad 08 it looks like Bailey wants to live up to all the hype that has surrounded him from day one in a Reds uniform.

So far this spring Homer has pitched four innings while fanning six. This is the Homer Bailey all Reds fans have wanted to see.....is this his real breakout year.

Yonder Alsono in the Lineup Today

Wow, looks like the Reds think a lot of 1st round draft pick from last season, Yonder Alsonso. He's in the spring training lineup today against the Yanks. So far in the 5th, it's 5-5 and Yonder has a double. Harang got roughed up giving up 3 ER in 3 innings of work striking out ZERO. There's finally been a Chris Dickerson sighting as he smoked a homer and is 2-2 with 3 RBI.

Reds crushed by Red Sox 16-5

Nothing good in the pitching area last night as the Red Sox pounded out 20 hits and 16 runs on the Reds. Votto had 2 hits and prospect Drew Stubbs had a hit and 2 RBI.

For some reason, Chris Dickerson has only 3 at bats so far this spring.

Hot Bats Lead Reds To 10-4 Win

The Reds sent ten batters to the plate in the first inning and scored four times to beat the defending World Champion Phillies. Checking the box score the Reds had 10 runs, 10 hits, and 10 rbi's. My pick for this years Reds MVP, Joey Votto was 2-2 including a home run in the second inning. I can see myself over paying for Joey in my upcoming fantasy draft for sure. Bronson Arroyo started the game and went two innings giving up two hits and one run while fanning none.

Reds lose spring game 2 10-4 to Twins

Micah Owings looked good going 3 scoreless with 2 Ks put the bullpen let him down in a big way with Francisco Cordero getting his first action after coming off ankle surgery. Not much going on with the bats except a hit, RBI, and run by big time 3b prospect Ben Francisco.

Pitching-1st two spring games............

Cueto and Volquez each looked good going 3 scoreless innings yesterday. Homer Bailey pitched a scoreless inning with 2 Ks. Today, fellow 5th starter candidate Micah Owings pitched 3 scoreless. Nice start by the starters and possible starters.

Springs First Game....7-0 Win

The Reds kicked off their final Spring Training in Florida with a 7-0 win over the defending American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays. Listening to Marty call the first two innings on my way to work made me long to be there as he reported from a warm 74 degree and sunny day in Florida. How much better could it get, warm sunny Florida weather and baseball baby.

The big hit of the day came off the bat of Jerry Hairston, as he hit a grand slam off of Rays left-hander Randy Choate. Again when Jerry is in the lineup the Reds always have a better chance to win. Dusty Baker's lineup today looks to be built for speed and power. At the top of the order Willy Taveras and Hairston can both put up big stolen base numbers and then the next three guys all have pretty fair power to drive runs in. Dusty batted Votto, Phillips and Bruce in the 3-4-5 holes. I like the top five VERY much and after today you should too. Even though Hariston was the power guy today, look for him to set the table more than he clears the dishes.

The pitching was outstanding as well as Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto both threw three scoreless innings and also added 3 K's apiece. Homer Bailey, vying for the fifth spot in the rotation also added a scoreless inning with 2 K's.

More On Griffey Signing

This is part two of the scam of Seattle signing Ken Griffey Jr. As more information is being released about Griffey's contract we now know that it's truly about him putting asses in the seats. No more no less.

Jr. has a base of two million but if he stays healthy and goes on the six o'clock news and asks fans that have lost their jobs to please come to the ball park, well he stands to gain another three million. Anyone that doesn't think the Mariners are just using his star power as a way to hide the fact they haven't really improved their team has maybe had a little too many Starbucks. Seattle drew their worse home attendance ever in Safeco Field last year. The magic number for Griffey to max out his contract is three million paid and him staying healthy enough to have 500 plate appearances. The Mariners are even thinking that Griffey will actually pay for himself. So when you Seattle fans go up to the ticket window and they ask you for cash, maybe you should ask the clerk, "what happened to Griffey paying for himself."

This isn't the first time that a club has tried to play on the heart strings of it's fan base and it won't be the last. I just hate it when a GM says this is based on baseball reasons. Seattle Gm Jack Zduriencik also stated this is based on him believing Jr is healthy and that Seattle needs a left handed slugger. Does he also believe in time travel......fifteen years ago I might have bought this. Armstrong does know what he is doing though as the fans have bought into seeing their hero come back home. Tickets sales for the first two days after Griffey signed has been ten times what they were averaging before he signed. Looks like asses will be in the seats and Griffey will get paid.

Again I am a big Ken Griffey Jr fan and wish 'The Kid' the best. Oh no, did I say The Kid......Well "Back To The Future" was a favorite movie of mine. I'll get off my soap box now and move foward.....Good Luck Griff

5th Starter: Micah Owings??

With the Reds still looking for a 5th starter in the rotation, how about Micah Owings. Owings came over from the D-Backs in the Adam Dunn trade as the "player to be named later". That might prove to be a big time get for the Reds. In 2008, he was only 6-9 with a lofty 5.93 ERA in only his 2nd year of big league action. In 2007, he was 8-8 with a 4.30 ERA for Arizona. In March and April of 2008, he started 4-0 with a 3.48 ERA before having a disasterous June and July. He only had 3 appearances after the all-star break and saw most of his action for the Reds as a pinch-hitter. Yep, this dude can hit. I chalk up most of his trouble in June and July to injury. Hopefully, he can find what led him to a quick start in 2008. Spring should be fun in Reds camp.

Griffey Signing a Scam

Let me start this off by saying that this isn't sour grapes because my Cincinnati Reds didn't think it was in their best interest to resign Griffey. Make no mistake I am a homer and I am proud of it. In a perfect world the Reds would have drafted him and he would have spent his whole career in a Reds uniform. Who ever said baseball was perfect....well to me the game itself is still perfect and always will be, at least in my eyes it will be. The things that go with game leave a little to be desired for sure. I am not going into the steroids here and yes deep down in my heart Ken Griffey Jr. did it the right way and was a clean player.

Today I want to look at the reason he went back to Seattle. We can all say yeah Jr proved you can go back home...that's so much BS. Griffey will not be in Seattle to lead this team to the playoffs in 2009. As much as I love this future Hall of Famer his production has fallen off way too much for that to happen. And let's face reality here, when you get past the age of 37, 38 or 39 your production IS suppose to decline. All steroids users please take note of this fact. The simple truth of the matter is that the Seattle Mariners signed Griffey because they are too cheap to go out and sign some good free agents to try to get back to the post season. Seattle's signing of Griffey was no more than a scam to sell tickets. Yeah it's a feel good story as well, but this team will make millions from this signing and still be on the outside looking in come October. If Seattle fans just want to feel good they get their wish with this signing. If they are hungry to get back to the playoffs they should feel insulted and used by the management of the Mariners. This is probably a one year deal here and maybe next off season they sign someone that can actually help their ball club and not their bottom line. Yes, it's ALWAYS about the money and once again this signing proves that.

With all this said I still wish Griffey all the luck in the world. Sometimes scams can turn into feel good stories!!!!!

5th Starter: Homer Bailey?

It looks like the only 100% sure posistion up for battle during spring training is the 5th starter in the rotation. One option is former Reds #1 pick and once to be thought as a "sure thing" Homer Bailey. I saw Homer in the Futures game in Pittsburgh several years ago and he was exciting with a 95+ mph fastball but it's been well documented that his attitude towards instruction from coaches and teammates alike, has stunted his growth as a big league pitcher. Homer stunk it up last season. He was 0-6 with a 7.93 ERA with 18 SO/17 BB. NOT GOOD.

I'm certainly no expert, but in watching Homer a lot in Louisville, he demeanor on the mound looks questionable. He just doesn't look confident and doesn't look to have that mean streak of fellow Texans Nolan Ryan or Roger Clemens. It sometimes looks as though he's thinking about IF he'll get hitters out instead of KNOWING. I've seen him with way too many counts in his favor and then give up a big hit. He just doesn't seem to have that putaway pitch.

In a move I figured may be coming soon, Dusty said on MLB.com that the Reds would consider moving Homer to the bullpen as a long reliever if his struggles as a starter continued. Homer still has some minor league options open so it's possible that we'll see him back in Louisville where he looks very unhappy. Hopefully, Homer will dominate this spring, find that putaway pitch, and be in the Reds rotation on opening day.

Pete Rose's Take on A-Rod

The Hit King has finally come out with his take on the A-Rod mess. First he said he really thought A-Rod was one of the clean players. Myself I agreed, as did most other baseball fans who were disappointed when they heard this sad news. Pete also said, in typical Pete Rose fashion, that if he had taken steroids he would have had at least 5,000 hits. Like he always said, if you can back it up it isn't bragging. Is it bragging if you need steroids to get there. A-Rod spoke of the pressure he was under after signing the biggest contract in baseball history. How does signing a 250 million dollar contract relate to pressure. I think the folks losing their jobs and worrying about feeding their kids and paying the mortgage are facing more pressure than A-Rod.

Does the fact that Ken Griffey Jr. lost so much time to the injury bug show more that he did it the right way. How many players said they took the roids to come back from injuries quicker. I have to believe Jr. is clean.

A-Rod still has nine years left on his current contract. If he plays it out and then waits another five years before he is eligible to be put on the Hall of Fame ballot, well that's fourteen years from now. Fourteen years from now how many writers from today will still be writing, very few most likely. So I still think Cooperstown is where A-Rod is still going to end up. And like they say time heals all......unless your name is Pete Rose that is.

Pitchers and Catcher Report

Well this is the day that true baseball fans have been waiting for sense the last out of the World Series. The pitchers and catchers have reported to Sarasota Florida and Manager Dusty Baker said he was well pleased in the attitude of the young pitchers after the first workout was completed. Dusty was also impressed at the condition of his pitchers and catchers and was fired up to get this season started.

As in most sports the only thing constant is change and the Reds are no exception. If you look at the current Reds pitchers who reported you will find only three that were here at the start of Spring Training in 2006. Staff ace Aaron Harang, along with the back end of this years rotation, we hope, Homer Bailey and set up man David Weathers. Bronson Arroyo didn't show up until camp was well under way that spring. Yes the staff has seen plenty of change and I think for the better. I am so looking forward to seeing Harang bounce back from a season that saw him fall on tough times with almost no run support. Bronson had a very nice second half and everyone thinks he is lined up for a full season of great baseball with another 200 plus innings pitched. Edinson Volquez had a great first half last season and had people whispering Cy Young and his name in the same sentence. He can bring it baby. Johnny Cueto had his ups and downs, but with another years experience look for a step forward for this young talent this year. Homer Bailey is still well Homer Bailey. And yes big things are still expected of him. Control was a major problem and again another year should show improvement for this fireballer.

Yes, I am a big time Cincinnati Reds fan and some of this comes from the heart, but this pitching staff could really be something special this year and that is from what these guys have shown in the past and what I really think they will serve up in 2009. PLAY BALL!!!!!!!!!

Griffey Heading Back to Seattle

Hometown Red Ken Griffey Jr. looks like he's heading back to Seattle to end his career in 2009. Let's hope Griffey has a huge year and wish him nothing but the best.

Ex-Red Dunn signs big deal with Nats

Ex-Red home run hitter and outfield stumbler Adam Dunn signed a big deal with the Washington Nationals today. Dunn will get a 2 year-$20 million deal. Dunn is only 29 years old and has hit at least 40 homers in five straight season. Dunn is a good on-base guy even though he strikes out a ton. He's a lifetime .247 hitter.

Foxsports.com story about the Hall of Fame

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/02/11/hall.steroids/index.html?eref=T1

Great story to check out following up on the previous post about Rose.

JT 'The Brick' on Pete Rose.......A-Rod

I was listening to JT 'The Brick' on my ride home from work tonight and as last night he was still ripping A-Rod, nothing new here. It seems everyone is throwing their jabs at A-Rod the past couple of days and JT is really pouring it on still tonight. He is one of the biggest New York Yankee fans you will ever hear on the air, hell he evens lives in the LA area but is still a Yankee lover. He opened his show last night with maybe the best monologue I have ever heard on sports talk radio. He called A-Rod a cheat a liar and a fraud to mention a few. He says he will never be believed again or will he make the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Tonight he was still ranting and raving over his disappointment in A-Rod. But what caught my attention was his support for Pete Rose. JT thinks what Pete did is nothing compared to what so many of today's players are doing with these performance enhancing drugs. The Brick said it's time for Bud Selig to step down, and I TOTALLY agree here. He says because all this steroid stuff happened on his watch that he needs to step aside and take the baseball union head with him as well. With a totally clean house he thinks Pete Rose might get a fair shake and have the chance to finally get on the Hall of Fame ballot. I hope Selig gets so much pressure he bows out and baseball gets an opened mind commissioner that will take a fresh look at Rose. Pete is no saint for sure, but his hits were legit......something we can't say for many of today's players.

If you are a reader of our blog please leave your opinion here......Has enough time elapsed for Rose to be looked at again. I say Hell Yes.

Edwin asking for $3.7 million

My least favorite Red, Edwin Enarnarcion is asking the Reds for $3.7 million. The Reds currently have offered $2.55 million. This might be a big problem as they may head towards arbitration. Edwin batted .251/26 and only 68 RBI last season. The last three years, he's had 25, 16, and 23 errors. Hey Edwin, I'd pay you 50 bucks not to throw the ball into center field more than 5 times this season.

Reds sign Jacque Jones and Ward to Minor League Contracts

In a move that tells me the Reds aren't completely sold that Chris Dickerson can be the everyday left fielder, the Reds signed veteran outfielders Daryle Ward and Jacque Jones. Jones batted a cool .147 last season in 42 games. In 2006 though, Jones at 27 homers and is a lifetime .277 hitter. Daryle Ward is primarily a pinch hitter but may also play some first as a back up to Votto.

Bunch of Reds in the WBC

There are quite a few Reds in trying out for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. I hope those arms are well taken care of. On team Canada, Joey Votto will split time at 1st and DH with Justin Morneau. For the Dominican, Edison Volequez, Johnny Cueto, and Francisco Cordero will throw and Willy Taveras and utility man Wilken Castillo will try to make the team. Catcher Ramon Hernandez will play for Venezuela and Jerry Hariston Jr. will play for Mexico. There are also quite a few minor leaguers trying to make a squad. One to watch, is big time Reds prospect pitcher Kyle Lotzkar who will pitch for Canada. It'll be worth watching what he'll do against the best hitters in the world.

Javier Valentin

Looks like one of the best backup catchers/pitch hitters in recent Reds history is going to the Washington Nationals. The Nationals signed Javy to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. This probably isn't big news to the average Reds fan but I can remember a few walk off game winning hits from this guy. I have seen him smash game winning home runs more than once as well. Because he was almost always the Reds last chance when they were battling from behind, this gave Javy the 'honor' of leading the league in making the last out of a game as well. This stat isn't as bad as it seems like either, it means your manager has plenty of faith in you in the clutch. All in all I will miss not seeing what this big guy would do with the game on the line.

GOOD LUCK JAVY

09 Questions-Votto and Bruce Ready to Lead?

With the departures of Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn, Jay Bruce and Joey Votto have been thrown to the dogs to produce and produce big time. They'll probably bat somewhere between 2 and 5 in the order which means they'll be depended on to drive in runs in a big way for this team to succeed. Votto was runner up to Geovanny Soto in ROY voting in 2008. He finished the season at .297/24/84. Votto is a .300 hitter and he should break the 30 homer plateau this season. After the All Star break, Votto broke out in a big way hitting .321 over the 2nd half slugging almost .600 and nearly a .400 OBP.

Bruce also finished high in the voting. He finished 08 at .254/21/52. Bruce needs to work on making better contact as he struck out 110 times in 413 at bats. Also, his expected speed didn't pan out as he recorded only 4 steals and got caught 6 times. Bruce struggled away from Great American only .221 on the road as compared to .287 at home. He'll also have to improve against hte lefties as he hit only .190. I've got a feeling, he'll break out big time in 09.

09 Questions-5th Starter?

In my view, four of the rotation spots are locked in with Harang, Arroyo, Volquez, and Cueto. The big question is....who is going to be #5. There are a lot of candidates. Can it be Micah Owings, Homer Bailey, Daryl Thompson, or maybe even a lefty longshot like Matt Maloney. Homer has major issues with putting major league batters away. Let's hope he gets that worked out and his arm talent matches up with his pitching talent. Micah Owings started 2008 looking like a fantastic starter but fell off with some injury issues. Daryl Thompson came up and looked like a instant hit in his first game getting a W over the Yanks. He quickly fell back to earth after a few starts. Spring in Sarasota should be fun. Dusty has said that he'd like a lefty thrown into the rotation. Matt Maloney has look great at times in Triple A. Slowballer Adam Pettyjohn might also be a lefty possibility after starting a game late in the season. Hopefully, one of these guys steps up.

The Mayor Retires

Looks like Sean Casey will be hanging up the cleats. Casey was a Reds favorite from 1998 to 2005 after coming over from the Tribe. He was never known as a home run hitter but did hit over 20 for the Reds in three seasons. He was a contact hitter and pretty good glove. I was a little surprised to see he'd never had a season with a OBP of over .400. He struck out rarely and walked rarely too. His best season of his career came in Cincy when he went .332/25/99 and added 42 doubles. He'll retire as a .302 lifetime hitter and fan favorite in Cincinnati.

Reds sign new deal with Louisville Bats

During his talk at the Reds Caravan stop in Louisville, Reds owner Bob Castillini announced an updated deal with the Triple A Louisville Bats through 2012.

Reds Caravan-Slugger Field

The Reds Caravan hit Louisville last night and we were at Slugger Field to check it out. It was pretty uneventful. It's usually held at the Louisville Slugger Museum but it was moved due to a renovation. Players Chris Dickerson, Jerry Hairston Jr, and Yonder Alonso all attended. Jerry Hairston Jr. seemed very happy to be back in a Reds uniform.

Hopefully Yonder Alonso will make a quick climb up through the minors. He seemed a little overwhelmed by all the people but seems like a really nice fella. If you have time, check out Baseball America's 2012 projected lineup. It Yonder as the current #1 prospect and the 2012 first basemen with Votto in left.

09 Questions-Defense?

The Reds defense was absolutely awful last season with the lone exception of Brandon Phillips who was electric at times. The personnel has changed a bit, especially in the outfield which will be much improved on the defensive side. With Willy Taveras patrolling center, Bruce in right, and most likely Chris Dickerson in left, the outfield D will be greatly improved.

The infield defense however, has a ton to prove. Phillips was very good. Edwin Encarnarcion was one of the worst defensive 3rd basemen I've seen in my lifetime last season. He's got a mental block when it comes to throwing the ball to 2nd. He loves to throw it towards the outfield wall. He had 23 big errors and only a .930 field percentage. Compare that with Phillips' .990 percentage and only 7 errors. Votto had only 11 errors but I thought he played relatively poorly in the field. He needs to take control of many situations and field the baseball. Keppinger made 8 errors from the SS position. He'll see action at numerous of positions again this season. When Gonzalez returns from injury, the middle will be pretty safe with he and Brandon turning a ton of 4,6,3s.

At catcher, Ramon Hernandez threw out about 25% of basestealers last season in Baltimore. He also had 10 passed balls. That D will have to improve. Young Ryan Hanigan threw out a little better percentage, getting 8 out of 33 runners.

If Edwin can cut down on his errors, and Votto continues to progress at a steady rate, the Reds D should be much improved but..................that's not saying much.

Jonny Gomes

The Reds have signed Jonny Gomes to a minor league deal and will invite Jonny to Spring Training next month. Gomes coming off a down year with the Rays is hoping to make the Reds roster as an additional outfielder. The Rays decided not to resign him and pretty much left him out there for the picking and with the numbers I am reading $600,000 is less than half what the Rays paid him last season.

Gomes is 28 and could have some pop left in his bat as he did in 2005 his best in the bigs where he hit .282 and 21 HR's. Not sure this is the big right handed bat the fans were looking for the Reds to sign this off season but let's hope he turns out to be the biggest bargin in baseball this season. Chris Dickerson seems to be the man the Reds aren't totally counting on just yet. The sample size was small but I really liked how he played the game last September and I think he wins this battle for the LF spot.

09 Questions-Chris Dickerson?

A lot of questions face the Reds in 2009. Up first: Chris Dickerson

Can Chris Dickerson take over full time in left field? I sure hope so. Dickerson came up towards the end of the 2008 season and absolutely lit it up. Dickerson batted .304 with a .413 OBP in 102 at bats for the Reds after leaving AAA Louisville. In 31 hits, Dickerson had 17 for extra bases which showed in his .608 slugging percentage. Now, it's time for Dickerson fight to patrol left full time. The position is his for the taking but he'll have to prove it in Spring Training. I think the Reds still question whether he can do it. One thing for sure, the Reds defense will be much improved with Dickerson in left as opposed to The Donkey lumbering around out there.

Reds Still Need To Add Pieces

The Reds still need to add another outfielder or utility type player. Right now on the 40 man roster, the Reds have only Willy Taveras, Jay Bruce, Jerry Hairston Jr., Chris Dickerson, and Norris Hopper in the outfield. Hairston Jr. may be called on to play SS in the absence of Gonzalez, who will probably start the season injured. I still don't know if the Reds are sold that Dickerson can take over full time in left. He came up at the end of 08 and really lit it up.

It will also be interesting as to who will play back up to Joey Votto at 1B. Keppinger is really the only person that I see that can fill that role at the moment. Kepp will apparently be that utility player who will fill in at SS, 1B, and 3B throughout the season. Catcher Wilkin Castillo will also serve as a backup to Brandon Phillips at 2nd.

Reds Caravan

The Reds Caravan will be rolling around next week to Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana. I'll be in Louisville Thursday at Slugger Field to see Yonder Alonso, Jerry Hariston Jr., Dusty Baker, Walt Jocketty, and Chris Dickerson.

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090113&content_id=3742743&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin

Bobby Abreu

MLB rumors have the Reds interested in free agent Bobby Abreu. I myself don't see the Reds needing another left handed bat and this might keep them from offering Abreu as much as it might take to get him.....if he has other suitors looking at him, if he doesn't have much interest who knows. The Reds really could still use some power from the right side but as always don't seem to want to spend what the going rates are today for top of the line talent with power. It's also been reported the Reds showed mild interest in Pat Burrell but let him slip away to the Rays for the aforementioned reason. So stay tuned and see if the Reds actually spend some of the money they are saving by not having Jr. and Dunn on their rosters in 2009.

Reds moves may be finished

It sounds like the Reds may possibly be finished making moves for the 2009 season before training camp opens when pitchers and catachers report on Valentines Day. Yesterday, the Reds added Jerry Hairston Jr. back to the mix. He may start at short but if Alex Gonzalez is healthy in time, he could also start in left. Personally, I'm hoping Chris Dickerson has a great spring and gets the nod in left field.

The Reds are going to have a ton of speed but maybe not much pop in the lineup. I'm hoping Mr. Phillips doesn't continue to think of himself as a home run hitter and go back to hitting two-base gappers like he should be doing. Bruce and Votto's power numbers will have to increase as the lineup stands now.

Reds sign Hairston Jr.

Finally, the Reds have signed Jerry Hairston Jr. for the 2009 season. Hairston played 6 positions in 2008 for the Reds and batted .326. He'll be a candidate to start the season at short and I'd expect to see him in the outfield also. This is a huge signing for the Reds. This team is coming together nicely.