Reds vs Pirates 3/4 Game Thread

[Reds Fanatic]

From C. Trent's blog here are the lineups for this afternoons game.
Game is on WLW and XM176 at 1:05.



SIESTA KEY, Fla. -- I'll update with the Pirates' lineup vs. Homer when I get to Bradenton.

6 Ryan Freel .......................CF
21 Scott Hatteberg ................ 1B
4 Brandon Phillips ............... 2B
33 Josh Hamilton ..................RF
26 David Ross ......................... C
46 Mark Bellhorn ................... 3B
9 Juan Castro ......................SS
27 Chris Denorfia ...................LF
52 Homer Bailey ................ RHP

Conine still out with lower back stiffness. He isn't on the travel roster.

Now in Bradenton and here are the Buccos

Duffy CF
Kelly SS
McLouth LF
LaRoche 1B
Bautista 3B
Matos RF
Hernandez 2B
Diaz C
Chacon P
Labels: lineups

[Dunner44]

Question: They're playing split squad today, right? and the other game was slated to start at 10:00 am. So whats the deal with that game? i can't find mention of it anywhere...

[Reds Fanatic]

Question: They're playing split squad today, right? and the other game was slated to start at 10:00 am. So whats the deal with that game? i can't find mention of it anywhere...
The "B" game was supposed to start at 10 but I can't find any mention of it. I don't think anyone is covering it.

[cincy09]

The "B" game was supposed to start at 10 but I can't find any mention of it. I don't think anyone is covering it.

If nobody is there to see it, does it really exist. :confused:

[jmac]

:laugh:
If nobody is there to see it, does it really exist. :confused:

[cincy09]

Update from Trent:


UPDATE: Freel didn't make the trip, Bubba Crosby is in the leadoff spot, playing right. Hamilton is in center.

Bronson Arroyo was sick and scratched from the 10 a.m. "B" game, Michael Gosling started instead.

And, well, the big news, I saved for last. Because Jerry Narron is at the "B" game, I was Marty's pregame guest and he christened the new nickname. Tell me what you guys think of it.

And, well, the running play-by-play will be a tad different than yesterdays because I actually have to write for the paper tomorrow, but I'll get as much Homer Bailey stuff as quickly as I can

[Cedric]

Bronson was sick. Hilarious :)

[captainmorgan07]

hmm bronson sick gets me thinking bronson was out alil late last nite

[tbball10]

they said hes not a morning person. i just think the alarm went off and he said screw it and rolled back over. ;)

[reds44]

Oh, I didn't know Homer was pitching. I'm going to have to listen to this one.

[captainmorgan07]

i like the way the lineup's structured today though homer with a fairly decent buco lineup to go thru except laroche and bautista may be his toughest outs

[jojo]

Has anyone heard of this Homer kid before? Does he have any kind of an arm at all?

[reds44]

B game report


BRADENTON, Fla. -- Got our results from the B game, which doesn't count anywhere but in our hearts. And even there, the Mighty Redlegs can't be beat. The BReds beat the B-Pirates 5-0 in 6. Dewayne Wise was 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs. Michael Gosling -- in for Bronson Arroyo, suffering from "flu-like symptoms" (no word if it's the same flu he suffered with on media day in Pittsbrugh for the All-Star Game last year) -- started, went 2 innings, gave up a walk and a hit and struck out 3 B-Pirates. David Weathers, in his spring debut, 1 inning, 1 hit, 2 walks, 1 K. Phil Dumatrait, 2 innings, 1 hit, 2 Ks. Jared Burton, 1 inning, 1 K.

3-0

[redsfan30]

I wonder if we should read anything (one way or the other) into Jerry Narron not being in attendance to watch Homer today?

[Dunner44]

B game report


3-0

To be fair, the Reds were 3-0 before this game, and the B-game counts for nothing... its not in the official spring training win-loss records. But bravo anyway. I like that Jerry goes off the the B games...

[Dunner44]

I wonder if we should read anything (one way or the other) into Jerry Narron not being in attendance to watch Homer today?

I doubt it... Jerry was a career backup, and from what I heard from various sites (Read: C. Trent and co.) Jerry just likes taking the travel bus and watching the young guys, even if he does have a creepy affinity for scrappy old vets when the season starts.

[Matt700wlw]

HomeDogg time...

Yes, I called him HomeDogg.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Oh man this one should be a good broadcast, the Pirates' announcer says he has lyringitis

[paintmered]

Game on.

[IamWallaman]

B game report



3-0

Isn't it 4-0?

Pirates twice and Twins twice?

[cincy09]

Joe is on the radio

[paintmered]

Isn't it 4-0?

Pirates twice and Twins twice?

The B game does not count in the standings.

[Reds Fanatic]

Crosby leads off with a walk.

[Matt700wlw]

Bubba walks.

Bubba leading off....



I'll leave it alone, it's spring training. :D

[paintmered]

Chat is open.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hatteberg homers to right. 2-0 Reds!

[Matt700wlw]

Hatte cranks one.

:jump:

[paintmered]

And batting practice continues.

2 long balls for Mr. Hat in 2 days. 2-0 Reds.

[reds44]

The Hat!!!!!!!

2-0

[reds44]

This team is unstoppable.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Hatteberg smacks a homerun to right, 2-0 Reds

We're rollin! :)

[cincy09]

Hatte is the hottest hitter in camp....

Save some of those for April

[Matt700wlw]

Nice to hear Joe....especially with the health scare recently.

He has so much love for baseball....and so much love for the Reds.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips flies out to left.
Hamilton grounds out to 1st.

[paintmered]

http://kulmbach.bayern-online.de/b/k/wewantu_01.jpg

TO GO TO CHAT!

[flynn78]

Does Marty have a man-crush on Hamilton?

[forfreelin04]

Quick Question: How are you guys listening to the game? I cant find it anywhere.

[Matt700wlw]

700wlw

:D

[Reds Fanatic]

Quick Question: How are you guys listening to the game? I cant find it anywhere.
It is on WLW and it also on XM176.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ross strikes out. 2-0 Reds mid 1st.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Quick Question: How are you guys listening to the game? I cant find it anywhere.

I subscribed to MLB.tv this morning, so I'm using the gameday audio. I'm noticing I'm about a minute behind these guys though.

[forfreelin04]

Hmmm All I'm getting is Billy Cunningham on WLW

[IamWallaman]

The B game does not count in the standings.

Yeah.

reds44 gave the 3-0 report. I was simply pointing out the extra "win". Valid or no.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hmmm All I'm getting is Billy Cunningham on WLW
Are you listening to WLW on XM because they don't put the games on WLW on XM. Turn to channel 176 and that is where you will find the Reds game.

[Matt700wlw]

HomeDogg time....

[reds44]

Quick Question: How are you guys listening to the game? I cant find it anywhere.
I have gameday audio.

Lets go Homer!

[Reds Fanatic]

Duffy grounds to short. 1 out

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Duffy grounds out to short.

1 down

[Falls City Beer]

Hatte= Clear cream. :)

[Matt700wlw]

Castro getting love.

[reds44]

Sounded like a nice play by Castro.

1 down

[Reds Fanatic]

Kelly grounds out to 2nd. 2 outs.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Kelly grounds out to BP.

2 down.

[Matt700wlw]

This is nice...a Reds pitcher getting ground outs...

[mth123]

Hmmm All I'm getting is Billy Cunningham on WLW

If you are listening on XM, the WLW broadcast is always blacked out and replaced with a mediocre talk show.

You need to listen directly to WLW to get the Reds feed. The XM Feed is on 176 and is the Pirate feed.

[reds44]

2 up, 2 down.

[Reds Fanatic]

McLouth flies out to center. An easy 1-2-3 inning for Homer.

[IamWallaman]

McClouth Fly out. :)

Good debut, Homer!

[HumnHilghtFreel]

McClouth flies out.

end of 1st inning, 2-0 Reds

Homer made quick work of them

[Matt700wlw]

3 up, 3 down

[reds44]

Easy inning!!!!

Homer:
1 IP, 0 H, 0 K, 0 BB, 0 R

[cincy09]

great start for Homer !!!!

[flynn78]

Good inning for Homer. On to the 2nd.

[mth123]

Hatte= Clear cream. :)

I was thinking the same thing. Good thing there isn't a test for HGH.;)

Disclaimer: The Above was a joke. I don't think Hatte is juicing. No need to send hate mail or anything.

[Falls City Beer]

I was thinking the same thing. Good thing there isn't a test for HGH.;)

Disclaimer: The Above was a joke. I don't think Hatte is juicing. No need to send hate mail or anything.

Before anybody gets his panties bunched up around his ankles, let me piggyback on mth's disclaimer and say that my post was a joke too.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Bellhorn leads off the 2nd inning with a flyout.

1 down.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bellhorn flies out to center.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Castro grounds one back to the pitcher for an easy out.

2 down

[reds44]

Does Castro ever not swing?

[mth123]

Deno starts his meteoric rise to the top right now.

[Tom Servo]

Trent says Bellhorn's flyout would have been a homerun with some helpful wind like on Thursday.

[reds44]

Will Denorfia get his first hit here?

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Denorfia rips a liner into center for a basehit.

2 down. Deno on first.

[Reds Fanatic]

Will Denorfia get his first hit here?
Yes a line single to center.

[reds44]

Will Denorfia get his first hit here?
Yes, he does.

[mth123]

Deno starts his meteoric rise to the top right now.

See. A single;)

[reds44]

Homer's going yard.

[flynn78]

Deno starts his meteoric rise to the top right now.

Not with Freel and "Man Crush" Hamilton in front of him.

[mth123]

Not with Freel an "Man Crush" Hamilton in front of him.

Griffey to 1b, Hamilton to RF, Freel to DL. ;)

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Homer in his first AB(he looks comfortable at the plate according to Marty) strikes out on a called third strike.

On to the bottom of the 2nd. 2-0 Reds.

[Matt700wlw]

Homer K's on a curve ball....

he's not ready :D

[flynn78]

Griffey to 1b, Hamilton to RF, Freel to DL. ;)

Very creative. Looks to me like the only possibility is a trade. I would not put it past WK to deal Freel and Deno takes the desiginated "Scrappy" spot.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

LaRoche leads off the bottom of the 2nd for the Pirates.(and WLW goes to station identification:) ) Homer walks him.

[mth123]

Very creative. Looks to me like the only possibility is a trade. I would not put it past WK to deal Freel and Deno takes the desiginated "Scrappy" spot.

I have been hoping for a Freel deal for a young pitcher with upside since last season ended.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Bautista hits a flare into the OF.

No outs, 2 men on. Let's see how Homer handles a little trouble

[reds44]

Homer in some trouble.

2 on, 0 out

[Matt700wlw]

Homer in some trouble.

2 on, 0 out

Now a test.....see if he can get out of this.

There's 1 out...man on first and third....can he get 2 right here?

[reds44]

Homer is all over the place.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Matos flies out.

1 down.

[reds44]

Pirates announcer

"That was a good change up, a young guy out there in trouble shouldn't be able to make that good of an offspeed pitch, but he did."

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Hernandez takes the count to full before ripping a liner to right.

2 runs score and Hernandez eases into 2nd with a double.

2-2 game. only 1 out

[reds44]

Crap.

[Matt700wlw]

Pirates announcer

"That was a good change up, a young guy out there in trouble shouldn't be able to make that good of an offspeed pitch, but he did."

That fastball down the middle wasn't so good....

[Matt700wlw]

I wonder if Homer's nervous...

[Tom Servo]

Hernandez takes the count to full before ripping a liner to right.

2 runs score and Hernandez eases into 2nd with a double.

2-2 game. only 1 out
http://accordionguy.blogware.com/Photos/2005/05/noooooooo.jpg

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Einar Diaz hits a liner to right.

Runner holds at 3rd.

Still only 1 out.

[Matt700wlw]

HomeDogg not doing so well....

[Matt700wlw]

wild pitch

[tbball10]

we should have traded him while his stock was high

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Pitch gets away from D. Ross. Called a Wild Pitch and Hernandez scores.

3-2 Pirates, still only 1 out

[Dunner44]

OT, but seeing Tom Servo's tagline made me recall an earlier article I read today which had 4 reds farmahands in the top 100 prospects. Bailey was 5, followed by Bruce, Votto and Stubbs later on. Samardzija was #76... he had a good first outing yesterday. I hope he never pitches against the Reds, I'd be too conflicted (I'm an ND student)

[Cedric]

Sounds like Homer is just trying to be perfect. Gotta be nervous as hell today. He'll be fine.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Chacon K's.

2 down

[cincy09]

Having major problems putting hitters away after getting ahead early

[Matt700wlw]

Sounds like Homer is just trying to be perfect. Gotta be nervous as hell today. He'll be fine.

I'm not worried.



He's only 20.

Somebody needs to sit him down and tell him to quit trying to do to much and just do what he does....because what he does is good.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Another pitch in the dirt gets away.

Diaz advances to third. Calm down Homer!

[Dunner44]

How come everybody left the chat? Homer's not doing THAT badly.... come back!

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Groundout to 2nd. End of inning.

3-2 Pirates.

[CTA513]

I was checking out C. Trent Rosecrans Blog and saw this:


Glad I'm not Xavier Nady: Just got word that Nady is out with an infection of the testicle. I'm not kidding. Seriously folks, no joking about this one. Have some respect.


:eek:

[pedro]

Quote:
Glad I'm not Xavier Nady: Just got word that Nady is out with an infection of the testicle. I'm not kidding. Seriously folks, no joking about this one. Have some respect.


:eek:

Isn't that a "They Might be Giants" song?

[Falls City Beer]

Lo and behold, there are those control problems. Let's just hope it's nerves, not his pretty well-established predisposition toward wildness.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Gotta take off. Someone else feel free to continue the PBP:)

[Cedric]

I was checking out C. Trent Rosecrans Blog and saw this:



:eek:
Crohn's disease will lead to the more likely chance of infection in the lower abdomen area. Not pretty.

[Cedric]

Lo and behold, there are those control problems. Let's just hope it's nerves, not his pretty well-established predisposition toward wildness.

I'm surprised it took you this long to throw out the first negative possibility.

At least you make the game fun.

[RedFanAlways1966]

3-2 Pirates.

Not to worry, the REDS team is averaging 9 runs per game in FL! ;)

[OnBaseMachine]

Lo and behold, there are those control problems. Let's just hope it's nerves, not his pretty well-established predisposition toward wildness.

I'd chalk it up to nerves. This is his first outing against major league hitters...

[Matt700wlw]

I'd chalk it up to nerves. This is his first outing against major league hitters...

I would agree. Like I said, I'm not worried.

He'll be fine.

[dougdirt]

Lo and behold, there are those control problems. Let's just hope it's nerves, not his pretty well-established predisposition toward wildness.

His control was much better last season than in 2005. I have to imagine he was pretty nervous. I also hope this outting gets it out of a lot of peoples minds that he is breaking camp with the Reds. I honestly dont think it was ever in their plans to let it happen with all of the competition for the #5 spot. Why let him be the #5 when he would get maybe 1 start in April, when he can go to Louisville and make 4 or 5 starts in April, and you dont have to make a 40 man roster move.

[Falls City Beer]

I'm surprised it took you this long to throw out the first negative possibility.

At least you make the game fun.

Sorry sunshine. Got any more personal attacks?

[icehole3]

he was the same way in last years allstar game, all over the place

[Falls City Beer]

His control was much better last season than in 2005. I have to imagine he was pretty nervous. I also hope this outting gets it out of a lot of peoples minds that he is breaking camp with the Reds. I honestly dont think it was ever in their plans to let it happen with all of the competition for the #5 spot. Why let him be the #5 when he would get maybe 1 start in April, when he can go to Louisville and make 4 or 5 starts in April, and you dont have to make a 40 man roster move.

I didn't say I don't want him on the team. I say let him blow guys away out of the pen a la Oswalt and slowly work him into the rotation by June.

[Matt700wlw]

Homer out. Cormier in.

[Falls City Beer]

he was the same way in last years allstar game, all over the place

And in his first two seasons in the minors.

[pedro]

I'm not sure I like the idea of putting a20 year kid who's always been a starter in the pen. I'd be afraid to screw up his arm.

[Matt700wlw]

Maybe he has a blister.....that's what was wrong in the all-star game. :)

[dougdirt]

he was the same way in last years allstar game, all over the place

Well in the FSL all star game he struck out the side, and in the Futures game he threw 20 pitches, 14 strikes. Not sure that is all over the place.

[flynn78]

Sorry sunshine. Got any more personal attacks?

I agree with the control issue statement, but it has still worked for others. ie. Randy Johnson, etc...

[dougdirt]

I didn't say I don't want him on the team. I say let him blow guys away out of the pen a la Oswalt and slowly work him into the rotation by June.

I dont want him on the team in April, and probably even May. I want him to be in AAA. I really think he needs the time there to refine himself as a pitcher, and be more than just a thrower. Guys in AAA are more professional type hitters. They will foul away your best stuff and make you work to get them out. Something he probably has not faced a whole lot of in his time in the minors thus far.

[captainmorgan07]

I dont want him on the team in April, and probably even May. I want him to be in AAA. I really think he needs the time there to refine himself as a pitcher, and be more than just a thrower. Guys in AAA are more professional type hitters. They will foul away your best stuff and make you work to get them out. Something he probably has not faced a whole lot of in his time in the minors thus far.

i agree yes we all want the kid up here as quick as possible but i want him to be as close of a complete pitcher as he can be when he gets here

[Falls City Beer]

I'm not sure I like the idea of putting a20 year kid who's always been a starter in the pen. I'd be afraid to screw up his arm.

Then if you don't bring him along slowly at the majors, then I don't want to see him get Reith-ed in a starter's role. I don't think he'll be ready to start this season at the MLB level, so send him down.

(Or do what I suggested: trade him for a MLB starter.)

[paintmered]

Keep it civil folks.

[captainmorgan07]

any word on how this inning went

[Matt700wlw]

Keep it civil folks.

It's only the first week of Spring Training :lol:

[paintmered]

It's only the first week of Spring Training :lol:

It may be a very long year.

[Matt700wlw]

Hamilton.....


ANOTHER hit.

[westofyou]

I didn't say I don't want him on the team. I say let him blow guys away out of the pen a la Oswalt and slowly work him into the rotation by June.
Good rule..


Weavers Eighth Law:

"The best place for a rookie is long relief"


Gullett came up as a long man, only Maloney's injury slid him in the rotation. he later had to fight for the slot again. mostly because he was young.

[captainmorgan07]

this kid just keeps it goin wat a story so far

[pedro]

Then if you don't bring him along slowly at the majors, then I don't want to see him get Reith-ed in a starter's role. I don't think he'll be ready to start this season at the MLB level, so send him down.

(Or do what I suggested: trade him for a MLB starter.)

I'm not a fan of the idea of trading him at this point. Before last season I think that argument made a little more sense. He's too close now IMO.

I'm not worried about him being Reith-ed either, I think he's got too much talent, but I do agree that he should probably start the year at AAA.

[Homer Bailey]

Guys.... I'll be fine I was just a little nervous.

[OnBaseMachine]

Brian Reith didn't have half the talent Bailey has.

[Falls City Beer]

Brian Reith didn't have half the talent Bailey has.

That's not really the point: if you're not ready, you're not ready. Bailey could be the Second Coming, but if he's not ready, he's going to get Reith-ed.

[ksley11]

anybody have the link to Gameday?

[PuffyPig]

Gullett came up as a long man, only Maloney's injury slid him in the rotation. he later had to fight for the slot again. mostly because he was young.

Maloney got injured early in the 1970 season (in his only start that year), and Gullett came in and posted his first win in relief. I don't believe that Gullett started a game that year until very late in the season.I don't believe that Maloney ever pitched another game for the Reds.

Gullett became a regular starter at the start of the 1971 season and kept his spot for the rest of his career.

At least that is that way I remember it.

[mth123]

Hit for Bellhorn. Hamilton on 2B , Bellhorn on 1B.

Castro POPS out. 2 Outs for our hero, Deno.

[edabbs44]

That's not really the point: if you're not ready, you're not ready. Bailey could be the Second Coming, but if he's not ready, he's going to get Reith-ed.

It's not an automatic that if you are brought up and don't have instant success, then you turn into Reith. Felix Hernandez should be worried then, I guess.

[OnBaseMachine]

Has Juan Castro ever met a pitch he didn't like?

[PuffyPig]

That's not really the point: if you're not ready, you're not ready. Bailey could be the Second Coming, but if he's not ready, he's going to get Reith-ed.

There's a very good chance that Bailey is not ready, regardless of todays start. Whether or not he could be servicable this year really isn't the point. If more experience will eventually get him to where he needs to be, give it to him.

Bailey should be given every opportunity to progress at a normal pace. He shouldn't go to the next level until he masters the one he's in.

He'd have to have a lights out spring before I would even consider bringing him North.

[KronoRed]

Has Juan Castro ever met a pitch he didn't like?

That's protecting the plate :clap:

[mth123]

Deno Flies out. 3-2 Pitts after 3 and a half.

[Falls City Beer]

It's not an automatic that if you are brought up and don't have instant success, then you turn into Reith. Felix Hernandez should be worried then, I guess.

You're right. But Felix was never really bad last year. He was just a bit unlucky. So it's not a very exact comparison.

With luck, this will be the only hiccup Bailey experiences all season. But I'm not getting my hopes up.

[Cyclone792]

Barring a major catastrophe this afternoon, such as Bailey pitching with an injury or coming down with an injury today, I'm not worried about his second inning performance on March 4th in a spring training game.

Regardless of whether he blows people away this spring, has an above average spring, or struggles, I'd still like to see him get at least around a dozen starts in AAA to start the season. Two plus months of action down in Louisville will be a far better indicator of Bailey's readiness to jump to the major leagues than a few innings in spring training.

[PuffyPig]

You're right. But Felix was never really bad last year. He was just a bit unlucky. So it's not a very exact comparison.

I believe that Hernandez did have instant success. He had a bit of a setback last year, but wasn't all that bad (unless you compare to his starts the year before). Most rookies would be pleased with Hernandez year last year.

A setback is not like what Reith went through.

[dougdirt]

Then if you don't bring him along slowly at the majors, then I don't want to see him get Reith-ed in a starter's role. I don't think he'll be ready to start this season at the MLB level, so send him down.

(Or do what I suggested: trade him for a MLB starter.)

Brian Reith also jumped from A ball to the majors. The biggest jump in baseball is said to be from High A to AA....well Reith jumped from High A to the Majors.

[Falls City Beer]

Barring a major catastrophe this afternoon, such as Bailey pitching with an injury or coming down with an injury today, I'm not worried about his second inning performance on March 4th in a spring training game.

Regardless of whether he blows people away this spring, has an above average spring, or struggles, I'd still like to see him get at least around a dozen starts in AAA to start the season. Two plus months of action down in Louisville will be a far better indicator of Bailey's readiness to jump to the major leagues than a few innings in spring training.

Unfortunately, 12 weeks of complete domination at AAA may also tell us nothing about his ability to make the jump.

Twelve weeks k-ing MLB hitters out of the pen, however.....

[Falls City Beer]

Brian Reith also jumped from A ball to the majors. The biggest jump in baseball is said to be from High A to AA....well Reith jumped from High A to the Majors.

I think the problem here is that I used the expression "Reith-ed," which has become shorthand for "severe setback"--not an explicit comparison to Brian Reith.

[11larkin11]

Twelve weeks of messing up his warm up abilities in a weird situation however....

ala EZ

[Falls City Beer]

Twelve weeks of messing up his warm up abilities in a weird situation however....

ala EZ

Is that what happened with EZ?

Could have fooled me.

[Topcat]

Homer is going to be fine but in no way should he break camp with the MLB team. Coddle this kid he has true ace ability.

[Topcat]

god it is so great to hear baseball even if it is the Pirates announcers lol.

[Topcat]

right on 2 men on !

[paintmered]

Votto on deck. :)

[mth123]

Some thoughts and opinions about these topics:

- Pedro is right that Bailey is too close to be traded now. Cheap young pitching is the real key to the money ball A's and the small market twins. W/O that, all the other stuff wouldn't really matter.

- If a pitcher can be "Brian Reithed" its probably mostly because he just had the talent of a Brian Reith in the first place.

- Bailey needs to start out in AAA. I hope he can come up and take a few lumps later this year as part of his development and the changing of the guard from the Milton's and other guys who won't be a help in 2008 or 2009. If it scars him for life then he isn't the answer anyway IMO.

- The Reds have a logjam of mediocre right now. If there is any doubt about Bailey at this point he shouldn't be rushed while the rest of the logjam is sorted out and hopefully converted into useful parts for the future.

- Since its only Spring Training, any doubts about Bailey won't be erased no matter how he performs this March.

- I usually like the idea of a bullpen stint for introduction to the big leagues, but Bailey is still building-up his innings and now isn't the time for that. He needs to get stretched out to the 170 Inning or so range in 2007.

[Topcat]

Come on Votto !

[Matt700wlw]

Votto!

[11larkin11]

Votto with a 2 run single

[paintmered]

2 run single by Votto! Joey is making a real case to head up north this spring.

[11larkin11]

Here we go Hamilton

[Falls City Beer]

- If a pitcher can be "Brian Reithed" its probably mostly because he just had the talent of a Brian Reith in the first place.

.

Rick Ankiel

[Topcat]

Joey brings home 2 !

[paintmered]

Hit Hamilton! 5-3 Reds!

[Matt700wlw]

Hamilton.....AGAIN!

wow.

[guttle11]

Josh Hamilton is my boy.

[kbrake]

Hamilton again.

[cincy09]

Hamilton !!!!

[11larkin11]

Hamilton officially takes over as my favorite player from BP

[edabbs44]

I think the problem here is that I used the expression "Reith-ed," which has become shorthand for "severe setback"--not an explicit comparison to Brian Reith.

OK...Brett Myers and Bonderman?

Unless you are a severe headcase who cannot mentally take a little learning curve in your first ML season, then there wouldn't be much of a difference if you pitch when you are 20 yrs old in AAA or Cincy.

Now there are 2 other possibilities:

1) You are a headcase, but that would come out at some point down the line.

2) You try and overthrow and hurt yourself.

[Topcat]

Hamilton is absolutely stunning me. He is hitting against reasonably advanced pitching and just acts like it isn't even a problem.

[guttle11]

As far as the topic of the day, Homer = Louisville. At least until June 1st.

[Cyclone792]

One thing I've observed about Hamilton, at least as best as I can observe by listening to the game on the radio, is that he seems to have excellent plate discipline.

Hamilton's shown a willingness to take pitches, he seems like he's doing an outstanding job laying off bad pitches, he's getting himself into great hitting counts, and he's making great contact with good pitches that he's able to handle.

That is a phenomenal attribute for him to be displaying already.

[KronoRed]

Florida wins :D


Carry on now ;)

[paintmered]

One thing I've observed about Hamilton, at least as best as I can observe by listening to the game on the radio, is that he seems to have excellent plate discipline.

Hamilton's shown a willingness to take pitches, he seems like he's doing an outstanding job laying off bad pitches, he's getting himself into great hitting counts, and he's making great contact with good pitches that he's able to handle.

That is a phenomenal attribute for him to be displaying already.

His last hit came on a 3-1 count. :thumbup:

[Matt700wlw]

It's funny, Joe said, before the 3-1 pitch, Josh will be looking for something to hit here....sure enough...CRACK.

You can hear the bat crack on every hit he has.

[paintmered]

6-3 now after the bases loaded walk.

Castro just took a strike (the Pirates crowd gave a big emphatic cheer).

[paintmered]

Castro with a scrappy sac fly scoring Hamilton.

7-3 now.

[guttle11]

Oh man, a Bronx cheer in spring training.

It's gonna be another long year in Pittsburgh.

[Topcat]

the Red's juggernaut continues lol.

[Matt700wlw]

7-3 now

[paintmered]

Deno Ks on 3 pitches.

[edabbs44]

Deno Ks on 3 pitches.

The sun was in his eyes. :D

[Matt700wlw]

So far, early in ST...Josh Hamilton DESERVES a spot over Denorfia.

[Matt700wlw]

Alan Simpson, angered by being let go by the Reds, hits Bubba Crosby.

[geniusMoment]

I get the feeling Deno likes the restaurants in Louisville, as his play says he wants to go back.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Alan Simpson, angered by being let go by the Reds, hits Bubba Crosby.

And so angry he also wouldn't throw strikes. That way they cannot pad their BA or SLG. BBs and HBPs don't help anyone make a team. That'll show 'em!

[George Foster]

We flat out DOMINATE spring training.

[Topcat]

good at bat by Bubba he fouled alot off and made Simpson work more. Sad part is I would rather Simpson had stayed in lol.

[George Foster]

Who started for the Reds today...did he pitch the 2nd?

[Heath]

Print the World Series tickets now..........

[Matt700wlw]

Who started for the Reds today...did he pitch the 2nd?

Homer. Pitched 2 innings. First inning was easy...second was a bit rocky.

[KronoRed]

Print the World Series tickets now..........

:cool: :thumbup:

[edabbs44]

So far, early in ST...Josh Hamilton DESERVES a spot over Denorfia.

Key word is early.

Right now, Hamilton deserves a spot over everyone except possibly Hatteberg.

[Matt700wlw]

Key word is early.

Right now, Hamilton deserves a spot over everyone except possibly Hatteberg.

I'm trying to keep my cool about him, because it's early....but it's tough to do.

[Matt700wlw]

I think Hamilton is out for the day.....Hopper is in his spot

:(

[edabbs44]

I'm trying to keep my cool about him, because it's early....but it's tough to do.

I'm pretty excited for this guy as well, but I am expecting much, much less than what he is showing.

I just don't want this guy to go north with the team and have Narron play him no matter what, especially if he struggles.

You know how attached Jerry gets to his teacher's pets.

[membengal]

I think Hamilton has earned a break at this point, what is that, eight hits and a walk in four games so far?

[dougdirt]

Hamilton is 8-15 with a walk this spring.

[edabbs44]

I think Hamilton has earned a break at this point, what is that, eight hits and a walk in four games so far?

First week of ST against pitchers not exactly in the league of Carpenter, Oswalt and Zambrano....I'm gonna hold off for a while.

[paintmered]

Hamilton is 8-15 with a walk this spring.

That's scrappy.

[membengal]

Hold off from what? Acknowledging it's a decent start for Hamilton? Of course there are qualifiers. Duh. But to pretend it's not a nice collection of at-bats for Hamilton thusfar is to be dour just for the sake of being dour...

[kaldaniels]

Hamilton is going to make the team if he keeps up 1/2 of the pace he has started.

[membengal]

And, a follow-up question, just how many Zambronos/Oswalts/Carpertners are there in baseball? Not too many. And how many hitters have consistent success off the best of major league pitching?

Sometimes it's ok to be pleased with short term good trends, it really is...

[George Foster]

I ordered the 1st pick of the 2022 amateur baseball draft a new Reds home jersey with his name on it. His birthday was yesturday. I got it in the mail on Friday at work. I was SO excited. I opened it up and it was a stinkin, "GD" St. Louis Cardnials jeresy...."Johnson #22 on the back.:thumbdown :thumbdown :thumbdown

I WAS SICK... I called the company, and they said it was thier mistake. I said," tomorrow is his birthday?" He said, "give him the Cardnials jersey, as a gift from us." I said, " no thanks....my son will never wear a Cardnials jersey....unless that's who drafts him in 2022.:D

10 days until I get the good jersey...

[edabbs44]

Hold off from what? Acknowledging it's a decent start for Hamilton? Of course there are qualifiers. Duh. But to pretend it's not a nice collection of at-bats for Hamilton thusfar is to be dour just for the sake of being dour...

My comments weren't directed exactly at you...sorry since it appeared that way. Everyone is just a little too excited at this point.

Harang looked not that great and the thread agreed that he was just working the kinks out. The pitchers going up vs the Reds are probably doing the same.

I would LOVE for Hamilton to succeed...but I'm worried that he's making a case for himself to be with the team for the whole season, no matter what happens when the real games start. Narron plays favorites a lot and this is one where it could really hurt the performance of the team if this guy is kept on the roster b/c they are scared to lose him. The guy already has 16 PAs...is he leading the team?

[Tony Cloninger]

If the net was around in 1993....would the same accolades being directed at Hamilton...be the same ones that would have directed at Jeff Jones?

With the exception of maybe the 1982 Braves and 1984 Tigers...baseball season does not really start until probably May.

[reds44]

Hamilton is 8-15 with a walk this spring.
:eek: :eek:

[George Foster]

If the net was around in 1993....would the same accolades being directed at Hamilton...be the same ones that would have directed at Jeff Jones?

With the exception of maybe the 1982 Braves and 1984 Tigers...baseball season does not really start until probably May.

Your forgetting the 1990 Reds....April won the division:D

[membengal]

I'd rather have Hamilton than Conine.

Narron said back before the spring started that they would get 80-100 at-bats for Hamilton, and he has been true to that word. Time to see what remains of his once other-worldly talent. But the Reds are not so loaded that this is simply an exercise in hubris. If there is any chance, even a remote one, that he retains that which he once had, it is worth carrying him. At the very least, he would be a genuine lefty power bat off the bench. That's something this club needs.

And, as someone else mentioned in this thread or one of the others, if this club could carry the horridness that was Quentin McCracken in the 25th spot last year (and three catchers to boot), I don't see the issue with carrying Hamilton. If it costs Deno a spot, that is the Reds' fault, not Hamilton's. If it were up to me, the 5 OFs on this team are Dunn, Jr., Freel, Deno and Hamilton.

Sadly, I don't get consulted very much by the Reds before they give in to their decrepid vet fetish each off-season...

[Reds Nd2]

The sun was in his eyes. :D
"They play a lot of night games in Washington, Mr. Mele, but be careful there in the outfield. The moon might get in your eyes."

Joe McCarthy (Boston Red Sox manager) replying to Sam Mele, after the latter complained of losing a ball in the sun. Mele was also hitting .233 at the time.

[Cedric]

My comments weren't directed exactly at you...sorry since it appeared that way. Everyone is just a little too excited at this point.

Harang looked not that great and the thread agreed that he was just working the kinks out. The pitchers going up vs the Reds are probably doing the same.

I would LOVE for Hamilton to succeed...but I'm worried that he's making a case for himself to be with the team for the whole season, no matter what happens when the real games start. Narron plays favorites a lot and this is one where it could really hurt the performance of the team if this guy is kept on the roster b/c they are scared to lose him. The guy already has 16 PAs...is he leading the team?

He's not got 16 at bats because he is the coach's pet. The guy hasn't played in four years. Why would you not be getting him in every game?

[UK Reds Fan]

Who will Hamilton be taking ABs or place on the roster from that is so integral to the team? For all the crying that was done over Willy Mo...I'd ask the same question, who did Willy Mo stand in the way of the three years he was with the Reds?

Outside of Denorfia, and his value is very debatable, I can't think of a real good potential player that we are missing out on or delay the development of.

Hamilton's presence means we see less of Conine, Denorfia, Bellhorn, Crosby or Hopper. Maybe pushes some ABs from Freel. Maybe takes some pinch hitting away from Valentin. Maybe takes the roster spot of Moeller, Belisle or other bullpen arm.

All in all, none of those guys are game changers. We can only make a decent case for Denorfia/Freel...but again, I just don't see any pain at all with Hamilton on being the rostser and his potential is well worth the risk with a team like the Reds that just doesn't have potential all-stars laying on the bench.

[Tony Cloninger]

Well....the longer Conine is out...the better for Denorfia and it looks like also Bellhorn.

But Denorfia still needs to do something.

Yes....the 1990 Reds.....after April and May....the season seemed more like torture than fun, until the playoffs came.

[Matt700wlw]

This would be a good time for Deno to shine.

loaded, with no outs.

[Matt700wlw]

That works. RBI single.

2 hits today.

[guttle11]

Well, at least Deno can still hit the minor leaguers...

[edabbs44]

He's not got 16 at bats because he is the coach's pet. The guy hasn't played in four years. Why would you not be getting him in every game?

Because there are others on the team who need to get work in this spring. ST isn't all about getting Hamilton ABs.

He's been playing like he's a locked in starter, at least until Griffey gets back (whenever that is).

[pedro]

Because there are others on the team who need to get work in this spring. ST isn't all about getting Hamilton ABs.

He's been playing like he's a locked in starter, at least until Griffey gets back (whenever that is).

No, they've been playing him like they have to decide by the end of spring training whether or not to keep him on the 25 man roster for the entire year.

[membengal]

Because there are others on the team who need to get work in this spring. ST isn't all about getting Hamilton ABs.

He's been playing like he's a locked in starter, at least until Griffey gets back (whenever that is).

Raw talent gets extra opportunity. Always has, always will. There's a reason Chris Henry gets the extra chances with the Bengals, a reason why the Reds will give every chance to Hamilton to figure out what he still has. Because sometimes crazy raw skilz are worth having if they come to be realized on your watch...

[Matt700wlw]

Because there are others on the team who need to get work in this spring. ST isn't all about getting Hamilton ABs.



Yes it is. :)

Griffey's been doing this a long time....he doesn't need that many at bats in spring training.

[guttle11]

Yes it is. :)

Griffey's been doing this a long time....he doesn't need that many at bats in spring training.

Griffey's spring training is called "April".

[membengal]

By the way, hard to keep up, but the Reds are still pouring runs across the plate, now 10-3. Tons of control issues for the Pirates staff in the last few innings...

[edabbs44]

Raw talent gets extra opportunity. Always has, always will. There's a reason Chris Henry gets the extra chances with the Bengals, a reason why the Reds will give every chance to Hamilton to figure out what he still has. Because sometimes crazy raw skilz are worth having if they come to be realized on your watch...

Chris Henry?

Not a very compelling argument. ;)

[Newman4]

I WAS SICK... I called the company, and they said it was thier mistake. I said," tomorrow is his birthday?" He said, "give him the Cardnials jersey, as a gift from us." I said, " no thanks....my son will never wear a Cardnials jersey....unless that's who drafts him in 2022.:D

I will personally organize the mob complete with lots of thick rope for that guy.....just say the word :evil: What company is that? My 2 year old daughter needs a new Reds jersey and it won't be ordered from there after the Cardinals comment.

[edabbs44]

No, they've been playing him like they have to decide by the end of spring training whether or not to keep him on the 25 man roster for the entire year.

There are more reasons than that for ST.

Like getting work in for people.

[membengal]

edabbs, re: Henry/compelling argument:

Actually, it is.

Why do you think he's gotten the third and fourth chances he has? Not because he is a good guy. But instead because Henry is 6'5" and runs a 4.4 40. Because, no matter how hard the other receivers behind him on the depth chart work, they won't ever be able to match that. So the Bengals swallow hard, and hope against hope he pulls his head out of his orifice and actually lets the talent out.

Same with Hamilton. By all accounts, he came to baseball with a skill set that was in the Jr. class coming out of high school. Rare, breath-taking talent. Is that kind of talent worth giving an airing to in 2006? Seven years after the fact? Heck yes. Four-year detour for a crack addiction? That would end the careers of a LOT of players. But not not when you posess talent like Hamilton apparently used to possess. In that case, you get the extra chance. You just do. It may not be fair, but life isn't fair. And I want the team I root for to give every chance for that kind of talent to bloom on their watch.

So, yes. He gets a ton of at-bats. Because, as my original point was, talent like he has gets extra opporunity. Always has, always will (that's why the comparison to Henry).

[pedro]

There are more reasons than that for ST.

Like getting work in for people.


if you say so.

[Patrick Bateman]

There are more reasons than that for ST.

Like getting work in for people.

Everyone will get there chance, but Hamilton needs priority. He needs to play, or he wont get any better. If the Reds do decide to carry him, he likely wont get a whole lot of playing time during the regular season.

So the Reds need to see if he's worth keeping, and they need to give him every at-bat possible. I guarantee there isn't one outfielder complaining about the way this is being handled.

[Reds Nd2]

No, they've been playing him like they have to decide by the end of spring training whether or not to keep him on the 25 man roster for the entire year.
Yep. The Reds have $100,000 invested in this kid and not a lot of time to decide whether or not to keep him. Which leads me to this question. Why haven't the Reds been hitting Hamilton higher in the order?

[membengal]

Yep. The Reds have $100,000 invested in this kid and not a lot of time to decide whether or not to keep him. Which leads me to this question. Why haven't the Reds been hitting Hamilton higher in the order?


He batted second Friday night, I believe, and clean-up today. Not exactly burying him deep in the line-up...

[Razor Shines]

There are more reasons than that for ST.

Like getting work in for people.

Take it easy. With Jr. out there are a few extra outfield ABs and I'm all for Hamilton getting them. It's not like Hamilton is taking time away from other guys, if Jr. were playing they'd be getting just as much/little time as they are getting now.

[PuffyPig]

If Hamilton is stealing AB's from anyone, it's the Bubba Crosby's and Hooper's of this world.

Dunn/Griffey/Freel/Denorfia will all get their AB's as needed.

[membengal]

Question for flat-line dumb Pirates announcers:

Would you pronouce LOTTO as low-toe?

No? You wouldn't?

So why is VOTTO such a puzzle?

Gracious.

[OnBaseMachine]

One thing I've observed about Hamilton, at least as best as I can observe by listening to the game on the radio, is that he seems to have excellent plate discipline.

Hamilton's shown a willingness to take pitches, he seems like he's doing an outstanding job laying off bad pitches, he's getting himself into great hitting counts, and he's making great contact with good pitches that he's able to handle.

That is a phenomenal attribute for him to be displaying already.

Great post as usual. I am so pumped up about Josh Hamilton right now. I'm liking him better each and every day. What a phenominal story this kid is. I just have a strong feeling that he is going to develop into a very special player for our Reds. Maybe not this year but definitely by 2008. A future outfield of Dunn, Hamilton, and Bruce sounds good to me. :thumbup:

My favorite type of baseball players have always been the big, tall patient and well disciplined power hitters, which is one of the reasons I like Dunn so much. I'm so glad to see the Reds add another in Josh Hamilton.

[Joseph]

Great post as usual. I am so pumped up about Josh Hamilton right now. I'm liking him better each and every day. What a phenominal story this kid is. I just have a strong feeling that he is going to develop into a very special player for our Reds. Maybe not this year but definitely by 2008. A future outfield of Dunn, Hamilton, and Bruce sounds good to me. :thumbup:

My favorite type of baseball players have always been the big, tall patient and well disciplined power hitters, which is one of the reasons I like Dunn so much. I'm so glad to see the Reds add another in Josh Hamilton.


Thats a lot of LHs, I wonder how that fact will affect future trades WK might consider.

[OnBaseMachine]

Thats a lot of LHs, I wonder how that fact will affect future trades WK might consider.

LH: Adam Dunn, Josh Hamilton, Jay Bruce, Joey Votto.

RH: Edwin Encarnacion, David Ross, Brandon Phillips, Alex Gonzalez.

It balances out to four LH hitters and four RH hitters, but I think we could use another RH power bat hopefully in place of Gonzalez. My hope is Chris Valaika can be that guy on down the road.

[Cedric]

Edabbs- If you wouldn't play Hamilton every game in the spring than you shouldn't have got him in the rule V.

Would you rather the Reds not selected him? Because that sounds like what you are saying. If you would do the selection again than you shouldn't be complaining about what Narron is doing with Josh.

[Newman4]

But instead because he is 6'5" and runs a 4.4 40.

I thought you were talking about Hamilton, but he's 6'4" but probably the same speed from the reports I have read.

[Reds Nd2]

He batted second Friday night, I believe, and clean-up today. Not exactly burying him deep in the line-up...
Your correct. Not sure what I was thinking. Josh Hitsematon has batted 6th, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the line up this spring. I really thought he was hitting lower in the order than that.

[membengal]

I thought you were talking about Hamilton, but he's 6'4" but probably the same speed from the reports I have read.

Yeah, sorry, clarified in the above post.

Hamilton is 6'3" from what I have read, and he appeared to be a few inches shorter than the 6'5" Dunn from that one pic of those two that surfaced when the team reported.

No idea how fast Hamilton was or still is, but by all accounts, he can still move and move with impressive forward speed.

Impressive enough that every at-bat this team gets for him now is warrented and defensible...

[OnBaseMachine]

Hamilton looks closer to 6'5 to me.

Coffey threw a 1-2-3 inning with 2 K's. Salmon also tossed a hitless inning in which he walked one and K'd one. Good to see.

[Matt700wlw]

3 hits for Deno

[membengal]

Game over, Reds cruise to the 10-4 win.