Sheldon: Mike Leake named 5th starter

[OnBaseMachine]

Thought this might deserve a thread of it's own. If not, mods feel free to merge it.

From Mark Sheldon:

The fifth starter has been determined. It's Mike Leake, although the Reds have not announced anything.

Travis Wood learned first and returned to the clubhouse and started packing his stuff. About five minutes later, Leake walked back from his meeting trying to contain his smile. He and Wood bumped fists.

more from Sheldon:
http://marksheldon.mlblogs.com/archi...h_starter.html

[membengal]

I think it definitely deserves a thread of its own, although I am certainly no mod. I like the cut of Walt's gib here. Going for it. Good on Walt. If the Reds think this is their best chance to win right now, and they think Leake is ready, then I love this decision.

[reds44]

Awesome. Can't wait to see his first start. I think he deserved it.

[mth123]

I think Leake is good enough and his IP in college seem to have him sufficiently prepared for a #5 spot seasonal load. I just hope the 5 day routine doesn't cause us to regret this in July.

[OnBaseMachine]

So, if someone told you two months ago that a young Reds pitcher would completely skip the minors and go straight to the majors, would you have ever guessed it would be Mike Leake?

I remember early in camp I predicted Mike Leake would have a good spring and open some eyes but I never thought he would make the team.

[membengal]

mth, if he needs a break by July, then Wood or Chapman. I am 100% thrilled with the start of this season now. The difference between this set-up and the days of Dave Willliams/Josh Fogg is so night and day I am giddy.

It's worth a shot. I feel like they are trying to win in 2010. That's fantastic. Good on them. And good luck to them.

[mth123]

mth, if he needs a break by July, then Wood or Chapman. I am 100% thrilled with the start of this season now. The difference between this set-up and the days of Dave Willliams/Josh Fogg is so night and day I am giddy.

It's worth a shot. I feel like they are trying to win in 2010. That's fantastic. Good on them. And good luck to them.

Not concerned about him needing a break by July. More concerned about him being completely broken by July. Lots of guys to take his starts, but he would be a big hole to fill in the team's 5 year future.

[OnBaseMachine]

Though he didn't make the team, Travis Wood had a nice spring and surely opened some eyes in Reds camp. It sounds like he handed this with class. I was impressed with him in the couple times I saw him on TV. I think we'll see him in Cincy sometime this season.

[reds44]

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/

“Realisitically, I didn’t think I had a chance,” he said. “But inside I thought I did. I guess realistically I did. I’m just thankful they had faith in me.”

More quotes from leake at the link.

[Ron Madden]

Well I'll be damned, never expected this.

[TheNext44]

Not to say I told you so, but...

Leake In Lead For #5 Rotation Spot

[fearofpopvol1]

Can't say I saw this coming. Interesting.

You'd have to think Arroyo and/or Harang must wonder how many days it'll be before they pack their stuff for the next destination.

Based on comments, it sounds like they don't plan on keeping Chapman down too long, so either one of them is going or Leake will get demoted?

[camisadelgolf]

Please, please, please tell me they make room on the roster by DFAing Aaron Miles.

[OnBaseMachine]

With Mike Leake being confirmed as the 5th starter, 3/5th's of the Reds rotation is 24 years old or younger. Cueto turned 24 in February, Homer Bailey turns 24 in early May, and Mike Leake is only 22 (turns 23 in November).

[Degenerate39]

Please, please, please tell me they make room on the roster by DFAing Aaron Miles.

Miles has been cut.