Ted Power says Bailey not ready...

[coachw513]

In today's DDN, Power says Homer Bailey isn't quite ready for the show...

But don't get too excited, according to Bats pitching coach Ted Power. Bailey, 20 years old and beginning his third full professional season, shouldn't be making his Major League debut just yet.

"I don't think Bailey's ready right now," Power said.

Some Reds fans wanted to see Bailey in a Reds uniform last season, and would still enjoy watching him pitch in the No. 5 spot for Cincinnati. But the hard-throwing Texan didn't quite have Major League stuff on Sunday, Power said.

"He graded it as a 'B,' and I would agree," Power said. "He didn't throw that many strikes, but his fastball had plenty of life to it. His curve ball was inconsistent."

And it would take more than just throwing pitches to take the mound at Great American Ball Park, Power said.

"He needs work at the plate to be able to bunt," he said. "He needs a little more field precision, knowing where to go at all times. He's doing well, but he's not quite there."

[GoReds]

Nearly 50% of his pitches Sunday were balls. For *most* pitchers, that would lead to a lot of baserunners and a better than average chance to get hung with a loss. However, if the pitcher only gives up one hit...

He's rare meat right now. Let him get to at least medium before they serve his up to the bigs.

[registerthis]

His pitching needs to be A+ before we can expect Bailey to have any success at the major league level.

But I couldn't care less about his bunting skills. In fact, considering the bottom 60% of the Reds' rotation, bunting should be at about the bottom of anyone's list of improvements.

[Razor Shines]

His pitching needs to be A+ before we can expect Bailey to have any success at the major league level.

But I couldn't care less about his bunting skills. In fact, considering the bottom 60% of the Reds' rotation, bunting should be at about the bottom of anyone's list of improvements.

I agree. That part of the article was one of the stupidest things I've read in a while. He could go up there and swing one handed for all I care, he just needs to work on throwing his breaking balls for strikes.

[bucksfan2]

I agree. That part of the article was one of the stupidest things I've read in a while. He could go up there and swing one handed for all I care, he just needs to work on throwing his breaking balls for strikes.

For the most part he doesn't have to worry about hitting. But it is an aspect of his game that if he could become good at would significantly help his pitching and win loss record. How many wins do you think Greg Maddox got because of hes ability with the bat in his hands. When Roger Clemens came to the NL he made sure that he would be able to hand the bat. Bailey does need to feel comfortabe with that bat in his hands.

[knuckler]

I guarantee you Aaron Harang isn't kept in the rotation for his hitting ability.

[registerthis]

But it is an aspect of his game that if he could become good at would significantly help his pitching and win loss record.

How would it help his pitching? If he somehow manages to hit .200 and collect a few RBIs along the way, good on him. But "Bailey at the Bat" would hardly be a "significant" event.

His hitting should be the furthest thing from his mind, and I can only hope that Ted Power and the rest of the Reds organization has made that abundantly clear to him.

[KoryMac5]

I just like the honesty of the article. He has B stuff right now. The Reds have handled him the right way making sure he is well seasoned before putting him to the fire.

[mbgrayson]

Bunting skills???? I don't think pitchers even bat in the International League where Bailey plays.

HERE are the current Louisville Bat numbers....only pitcher who has hit is Magic Man, one AB.....

[reds44]

He has to get his offspeed stuff over more. It's that's simple.

[dougdirt]

I hope Reynolds is right about Power and Bailey working well with eachother.