"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
Well there wasn't a picture of Yonder, which is where I was first confused.... but even so I don't think Yonder getting a little extra time anywhere else is all that much worth reading into. The guy just has a lower body that doesn't bode well for running, so left field is likely out of the question. I just don't see the Reds playing him at 3B given that they said he is a first baseman only after last season.
Whether he can or not is not really relevant. I think it absolutely does tell us the Reds are not committed to trading Votto and are looking for other ways to get Alonso into the picture without moving Votto. I know you never claimed the Reds were going to trade Votto, only that they were not completely against it. However, I do think this is telling. They wouldn't be trying him at other positions if they were committed to him staying at first, even if it meant moving Joey.
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
Todays AFL game is still going on, but its in the 9th and Peoria is done in their half of the 9th. Unless they blow a big 9th inning lead,no Reds will pitch.
Chris Heisey went 2-4 with a solo HR and a walk.
Yonder Alonso went 0-3 with 2 walks.
Zack Cozart went 2-4 with a double and a walk.
I only saw Yonder in Louisville for a very few games but his defense at 1st surprised me. He made several very fine plays and looked very skilled. From what I saw I think he could handle 3B. But then we have the clusterf@*k of guys that can only play 3rd or left. Rolen, for now, Cisco, Frazier, Dorn and now Alonso. I would think there's going to be a major trade in the somewhat near future. You might even throw Heisey in there since Stubbs should be entrenched in CF. IF Cozart comes to Louisville, Valaika and Cozart should be the MI. So where does Richar go? Dickerson may come into play as well. I see a big package that includes Willy T being shipped off.
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
Very doubtful. Guys take some practice out of position all the time in batting practice as they just shag balls in the outfield or mess around on the infield at another position. Granted we have no idea if this is what is going on or not, but I don't think its something that he needs to get permission for. To play there in a game I think he would, but to take some practice there on his own time, which he said he has been, I think that is on him.
Mike Leake is starting today.
Follow along here: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index...sswin_peswin_1
Leake is finished. 3.2ip, 5h, 3 unearned runs, 0bb, 3K. FB was 88-92, hit 93 once. 49 pitches, 39 strikes.
Leake, so far, gets hit pretty well, but he doesn't allow all that many runs. Could be a case of bearing down when he needs it or could be a case of luck due to sample size. At least it's nice to see him stretch out a bit.
Most pitchers do get hit a bit in the AFL. The league AVERAGES an .850 OPS. Today looked like the best game Leake has thrown out there. 49 pitches and just 10 balls were thrown. Reached his highest velocity so far at 93 MPH. In each game his fastball gets quicker with each inning. I agree though that his ERA is lower than it should be. Likely some luck with his LOB% (which I don't know but I imagine its higher than average).
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