3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

Fay:

Reds vs. the Rays, 1:05 p.m.

Ryan Freel CF
Norris Hopper LF
Jay Bruce RF
Joey Votto 1B
Jolbert Cabrera 3B
Jeff Keppinger SS
Chris Kroski C
Juan Castro 2B
Ryan Hannigan DH

Matt Belisle P

It's 52 degrees here at Progress Energy Park. The Rays PR apologized to me because I'm in the outdoor press box. "I know it's really chilly out there." If he only knew. I'm sure a lot of you are still digging out back in the Tristate. Marty and Thom on the radio ought to warm things up a bit.

This is a beautiful site for a ballpark. Nice view of the bay. The Rays new park is supposed to be built here.

This is a big start for Belisle. I'm not sure if he's on bubble as far as the rotation. But with the young guys pitching well, you'd think the Reds would be looking at all alternatives

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

Bruce is going deep today.

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

After his stinker last time out, I would say today is a rather important outing for Matt Belisle...

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

Rocco Baldelli's injury leaves the Rays short on OF help and long on guys who are likely only realistic options at DH most of the time (Floyd, Gomes, Baldelli) or the DL. Hopper and Freel playing today may prove valuable should the Reds want to move one as they cut down the roster.

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

leadoff single....followed by a double off of Belisle.

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

Belisle had the runner picked off of first, but hesitated, allowing the runner to get in safely to 2nd. Runners at 2nd and 3rd with nobody out, 3-2 count I believe on Upton.

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

And he walks him.... Mr. Belisle, if you continue at this rate, it's going to be Fogg, Cueto, and Volquez coming north in the rotation.

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

Reds had the runner picked off between first and second, but Belisle hesitated the throw to second, threw to first, and the runner ended up safe at second. Then he promptly walks the batter.

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

1,2,3 double play.....

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

Nice comeback...gets the K to end the inning without giving up a run

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

Very nice to see. That inning, and Belisle's spring, could have disintegrated rather quickly. Nice to see him bounce back.

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

We saw the best and worst of Matt Belisle that inning. He gives up lots of runners and goes deep into counts, but he gets groundballs which limits damage and leads to a DP here. He follows it up with enough stuff to blow it by the hitters.

He needs a couple of easy innings or he'll still leave a bad taste in Dusty's mouth IMO.

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

i'm here! nice & sunny...

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

Usually he freaks and gives up a crap load of runs when he gets in those situations...that time he didn't.

Re: 3/9/08 vs Deviless Rays
 

Exactly. That's a good sign, I guess.

It's why his peripherals look better than his production. It's not luck -- it's the fact that he lets a little adversity lead to a lot of runs. That's what scouts call "makeup." Can he make big pitches in big spots to avoid damage? Up to now, the answer has been "no."