Game Thread 3-9-07

[cincy09]

Lineups from Trent:



First, for the visiting Offensive Logos
Sizemore CF
Francisco RF
Dellucci LF
Garko 1B
Blake 3B
Shoppach C
Rouse 2B
Rivas SS

pitching is Adam Miller (who wears No. 72)

For the Stoppable Redlegs
Freel CF
Hamilton RF
Phillips 2B
Dunn LF
Encarnacion 3B
Conine 1B
Gonzalez SS
Ross C
Arroyo P

Homer Bailey, Dustin Hermanson, David Weathers and Kerry Ligtenberg are also scheduled to pitch for the Stoppables

[cincy09]

Hope to see a nice bounce back for Homer today......

Will anyone be available for pbp this afternoon? It will help greatly while I try to stay awake during class.

[paintmered]

What's the start time for today?

[HumnHilghtFreel]

What's the start time for today?

1pm. And I should be able to do PBP, if needed

[klw]

Does this set the record for the earliest game thread started with lineups included in the first post?

[BEETTLEBUG]

I Would Say So. I Don't Remember It Any Earlier.
Thanks

[cincy09]

your welcome

[reds44]

Phillips was scratched, Castro is now at 2nd hitting 8th.

[BEETTLEBUG]

Does That Move Them All Up Then?

[Chip R]

Does That Move Them All Up Then?


It should. Even Arroyo.

[flyer85]

so does anyone really know what the deal with Jr is? Season is only 3 weeks away.

[Chip R]

so does anyone really know what the deal with Jr is? Season is only 3 weeks away.


He's hurt.

[flyer85]

He's hurt.that much we know. And we've been hearing for a week that he's almost ready, yet hasn't played. With Jr and the Reds general obfuscation with any injury he has I was wondering if he has issues that are more serious than has been acknowledged.

[membengal]

The fact that the team reported his wrist as "sore" following his latest hitting session makes me think he won't be ready for awhile. In past years, I would have cared. Now, I am simply used to it.

Part of me thinks we will see the horror (to me anyway) of Jeff Conine as the opening day RF this year...

[flyer85]

Part of me thinks we will see the horror (to me anyway) of Jeff Conine as the opening day RF this year...AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Make it stop. :runawaycr

[dabvu2498]

Does this set the record for the earliest game thread started with lineups included in the first post?

Trent had lineups posted about 9:15.

[Reds Fanatic]

For those of you in Cleveland territory today's game is on the Indians network Sports Time Ohio.

[oneupper]

Part of me thinks we will see the horror (to me anyway) of Jeff Conine as the opening day RF this year...

We will be spared by the fact that Carlos Zambrano is a right handed pitcher.
(but only by that)

[BRM]

Part of me thinks we will see the horror (to me anyway) of Jeff Conine as the opening day RF this year...

That would be stupidity at an awfully high level. Especially considering he's easily the worst outfielder on the roster.

[osuceltic]

so does anyone really know what the deal with Jr is? Season is only 3 weeks away.

The guy sat out a pennant race with a toe injury. You really think he's going to tough it out in spring training?

[gm]

For those of you in Cleveland territory today's game is on the Indians network Sports Time Ohio.

Not on DirecTV channel 637, women's basketball pre-empts (checked last night)

[Chip R]

that much we know. And we've been hearing for a week that he's almost ready, yet hasn't played. With Jr and the Reds general obfuscation with any injury he has I was wondering if he has issues that are more serious than has been acknowledged.


Lohse is hurt too. When they get better they will play. People didn't think this injury was very serious when it happened. I said that he may not be back as soon as everyone thinks. That it could linger longer than just into ST. But most everyone else thought he'd be ready to go once the ST games started. I don't think it's some kind of conspiracy to keep people from not buying tickets. I broke my ankle about 2 and a half years ago. I still have lingering pain when I walk or run on it. Jr. has better doctors than I did and has a better and more thorough rehab. But that's only going to get him so far. He's either going to have to play through the pain or wait until there's no pain. That wrist is an integral part of his swing. Much more than a hamstring a knee or a toe. If he still can't play when the season starts they should put him on the DL. He'll play when he's ready and no amount of hollering and screaming from us is going to get him back one day sooner.

[flyer85]

People didn't think this injury was very serious when it happened. I said that he may not be back as soon as everyone thinks. with anyone other than Jr it wouldn't be an issue. It's not like the Reds don't have a history of downplaying the seriousness of his injuries, which has made me cynical with any declaration they make about his health.

[edabbs44]

with anyone other than Jr it wouldn't be an issue. It's not like the Reds don't have a history of downplaying the seriousness of his injuries, which has made me cynical with any declaration they make about his health.

Last year's knee injury was the best example. "Day to day" turned into a month pretty fast.

[Chip R]

with anyone other than Jr it wouldn't be an issue. It's not like the Reds don't have a history of downplaying the seriousness of his injuries, which has made me cynical with any declaration they make about his health.


What do you want them to do, say he's going to be out for the season even if he comes back in mid April? The medicos can say he's going to be back on such and such a date but it's only an educated guess.

The other night Marty said he'd be disappointed if Jr. wasn't ready within the next week or so. I wonder who he'd be disappointed with. Jr.? The medical staff? The surgeon? Narron for not making him play through the pain? I think most people are going to be frustrated rather than disappointed. If Jr. was a well known malingerer, then I could see why people would be upset at him if he's out any significant amount of time again. But he's always said he wants to play so you really can't blame him. I hope his soreness goes away tomorrow. But if it's still sore and he is swinging the bat, unless he shoots the wrist up, it's probably going to limit his effectiveness until it isn't sore any longer. We're just going to have to deal with it.

[LincolnparkRed]

Last year's knee injury was the best example. "Day to day" turned into a month pretty fast.

but he did know how to make a return, walkoff homer vs. the Nats

[HumnHilghtFreel]

And we're just about to get under way.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Arroyo still experiencing the flu symptoms they're saying, but he wants to get out and pitch through it. Hopefully 3 innings if he feels up to it.

[Gainesville Red]

Cool. Stewart said Arroyo will pitch two or three innings and be followed by Bailey.

Ought to be fun.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Grady Sizemore leads off the game.

2-2 count, Sizemore gets caught looking at a curve. 1 down.

[pahster]

This game is on tv in Cleveland? I wonder why its not on MLB.tv

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Ben Francisco lines the second pitch into the outfield for a single.

1 on with 1 out.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Runner tries to steal and is gunned down. Gonzalez makes a good play on the tag.

2 down!

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Delucci flies out to Hamilton.

Quick easy inning for Arroyo.

On to the bottom of the 1st

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Leading off for the Reds is Freel.

Hits a chopper to third base, groundout.

1 out.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Josh Hamilton up-(in detail for Cyclone) fouls off the first 2 pitches, takes a ball, fouls off three more pitches before popping out to Delucci.

7 pitch AB

2 outs

[membengal]

...

[HumnHilghtFreel]

EE up- Bounces the ball to 2nd for a groundout.

After 1 inning- 0-0

[Gainesville Red]

Speakers @ the stadium playing the Cheers theme as Bronson warms up.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Ryan Garko leads off the inning for the Indians- Sounds like Bronson has his offspeed stuff working for him. Rolls one to EE for a groundout.

1 down.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Casey Blake up- count goes to full before Bronson K's him looking.

2 down. 2 K's for Bronson

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Kelly Shoppach up to bat- Slow curve gets the strikeout in a 2-2 count.

end of half inning. Arroyo 3 K's through 2 easy innings.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Leading off the Bottom of the 2nd is Dunn-

Sidenote- Bailey is done with 2 innings, Bailey to pitch next inning.

Dunn takes the count to 2-2 before lining a single to right.

1 on no outs

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Conine in to bat- Broken bat grounder on the first pitch. 4-6-3 DP

2 down no one on.

[membengal]

Not loving Jeff Conine. At all. I believe he will be my "irrationally hate him" guy this year...

[pahster]

Not loving Jeff Conine. At all. I believe he will be my "irrationally hate him" guy this year...

I'm not sure that it will be irrational at all.

[M2]

Conine in to bat- Broken bat grounder on the first pitch. 4-6-3 DP

2 down no one on.

He asked Sean Casey how to ingratiate himself with Reds fans and, while it seemed a bizarre notion, grounding into DPS was one of the suggestions. Watch and see if he doesn't hug somebody during the next few innings.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Alex Gonzalez batting- fights off quite a few pitches foul, working the count full before grounding out to short.

Adam Miller and Bronson looking pretty good.

after 2, no score

[membengal]

I'm not sure that it will be irrational at all.

You know, you make a great point. I will let the hate flow guilt free then...

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Homer was NOT the new pitcher- Dustin Hermanson in to pitch now for the Reds

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Mike Rouse batting for the Indians- hard hit ball to first. Conine gloves it.

1 down.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Luis Rivas up- high popup, Castro gets it.

2 down

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Adam Miller will bat- Count goes to full before Hermanson K's him.

1-2-3 inning for Dustin

Still no score.

[KoryMac5]

nice work by Dustin

[membengal]

Fantasy players across the country and world take note of Hermanson's debut. Given the closer situation in Cincy, I think he's going to get a shot at saves at some point this year...

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Now batting for the Reds, David Ross- Hits a chopper to 3rd, Casey Blake makes a great barehanded play to get him.

1 down

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Juan Castro up to bat- Line drive to right drops in.

1 man on. 1 out

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Moeller hitting for Hermanson

[BoCcc2832]

Props to the Springfield native!

[Eric_Davis]

It should. Even Arroyo.


I'd seriously rather have Arroyo up there.

[M2]

nice work by Dustin

Well, not bad work, but I do expect that most pitchers will blow through Mike Rouse, Luis Rivas and Adam Miller.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Moeller batting- Adam Miller checks Castro several times at first base- Moeller continues to foul pitches off(this is a really long AB lol),

Moeller works the count to full before lining out.

2 down, runner at first

[KoryMac5]

Well, not bad work, but I do expect that most pitchers will blow through Mike Rouse, Luis Rivas and Adam Miller.

I am more curious as to what his velocity was. Most teams pulled out because of his medical history and the fact that his velocity was down.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Ryan Freel batting now- Bunts back to the mound, is out.

after 3 innings, score still 0-0

[Krash]

I am more curious as to what his velocity was. Most teams pulled out because of his medical history and the fact that his velocity was down.

Wondering the same thing here.

[cincy09]

HumnHilghtFreel:

Thanks for the great pbp.......it's making my day go much faster!

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Now pitching for the Reds David Weathers. Deno subs into left field, Hamilton moves over to CF

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Sizemore to lead off the top of the 4th- High pop-up, Edwin makes the catch with the sun in his eyes.

Deno came in for Freel,

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Ben Francisco batting now- Flyball down the left field line, just sneaks out barely fair. Homerun.

1-0 Cleveland.

[cincy09]

Any mention as to why Homer didn't come in?

Maybe he'll pitch later in the game?

[HumnHilghtFreel]

David Dellucci up to bat- Flies out to Denorfia.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Any mention as to why Homer didn't come in?

Maybe he'll pitch later in the game?

He's slated to pitch. I think Steve Stewart just got mixed up.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Ryan Garko batting now- Hits a deep fly ball, Hamilton calls off Deno to make the catch.

After 3 1/2 innings, it's 1-0 Indians.

2 hits for each team.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Scott Lewis to pitch now for Cleveland

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Josh Hamilton will lead off the bottom of the 4th(AB in detail)-
1st pitch strike, takes a ball outside, bounces a single through the right side of the infield, now 11-23 on the Spring.

1 on no outs

[membengal]

That base hit from Hamilton just caused Steve Phillips to kick his dog...

[Chip R]

Ryan Garko batting now- Hits a deep fly ball, Hamilton calls off Deno to make the catch.



You mean Deno allowed Hamilton to call him off. ;)

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Edwin up to bat- liner down the rightfield line, Hamilton flies to 3rd, outfielder misplays the ball but they hold Hamilton at 3rd.

runners on first and 2nd with no outs.

[Chip R]

Edwin up to bat- liner down the rightfield line, Hamilton flies to 3rd, outfielder misplays the ball but they hold Hamilton at 3rd.

runners on first and 2nd with no outs.


Que? Isn't someone at 3rd?

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Dunn hitting with 2 RISP- the first pitch hits Dunn, loading the bases for Conine

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Que? Isn't someone at 3rd?

oops!

[Caveat Emperor]

That base hit from Hamilton just caused Steve Phillips to kick his dog...

Steve Phillips should know a lot about being left unprotected by an employer for another team to grab.

Just nobody wanted to waste the money on him.

[Chip R]

Dunn hitting with 2 RISP- the first pitch hits Dunn, loading the bases for Conine


That's pretty scrappy but it doesn't do squat for his BARISP. ;)

[membengal]

Que? Isn't someone at 3rd?

Yeah, they were at 2nd and 3rd when Dunn started his at-bat...

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Bubba Crosby in to run for Dunn

[edabbs44]

Dunn hitting with 2 RISP- the first pitch hits Dunn, loading the bases for Conine

I'd rather Dunn didn't get the OBP from a HBP in this instance...

Just sayin'.

[M2]

I am more curious as to what his velocity was. Most teams pulled out because of his medical history and the fact that his velocity was down.

Agreed.

[OesterPoster]

Uh-oh. I feel another 6-4-3 coming up from RWB (Redzone Whipping Boy). :)

[Chip R]

oops!

You're fired! ;)


Yeah, they were at 2nd and 3rd when Dunn started his at-bat...


You're hired. ;)

[membengal]

Bubba Crosby in to run for Dunn

Bubba Crosby. His redszone stalkers are likely now on high alert...

[membengal]

Stewart nattering on about how Conine is a "professional hitter". That double from Conine goes a long way toward easing my irritation about that description...

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Conine batting with the bases juiced- 2-2 swing, hits one off the outfield wall, 2 run double!

Hamilton and EE score. Jerry Gil will run for Conine.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

After that Conine double it's 2-1 Reds. Runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs.

[OesterPoster]

Conine batting with the bases juiced- 2-2 swing, hits one off the outfield wall, 2 run double!

Hamilton and EE score. Jerry Gil will run for Conine.

So what do I know anyway? :thumbup:

[membengal]

Somewhere, as Hamilton scored, Steve Phillips wept huge tears as he stared at a picture of every minor leaguer who never made it because more talented people had the audacity to be better than them...

[dougdirt]

jackpot. its bad that im getting excited about spring training baseball games and us taking leads in them.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Gonzalez hits a 1 hopper to second for a groundout. Runners stay where they were.

1 out

[HumnHilghtFreel]

David Ross hitting with 2 men in scoring position- Ross goes down swinging on a breaking pitch.

2 down, 2 men still in scoring position.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Juan Castro up- Grounded the first pitch to third. Blake makes what sounds like his second great play of the day.

end of inning. after 4, it's 2-1 Reds lead

[Krash]

Josh Hamilton will lead off the bottom of the 4th(AB in detail)-
1st pitch strike, takes a ball outside, bounces a single through the right side of the infield, now 11-23 on the Spring.

1 on no outs

What a bum, the guy can't even bat .500. :rolleyes:

[redlegs7089]

do you see conine or hatteberg being our starting first baseman

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Homer Bailey is now in to pitch. Crosby in Left, Dewayne Wise in Center, assuming for Hamilton, Deno in right.

[Team Clark]

Homer Watch!! Homer Watch!!! Stop what you are doing! ALL Press report to the Press Box!!

[thatcoolguy_22]

sorry HumnHilghtFreel but i just got home... how did Hermanson look? I see he had a 1-2-3 but velocity and movement wise?

Thanks

[HumnHilghtFreel]

sorry HumnHilghtFreel but i just got home... how did Hermanson look? I see he had a 1-2-3 but velocity and movement wise?

Thanks

I'm only listening, so I can't tell ya, sorry. Talking with the announcers now though, they just said he wasn't trying to worry about his velocity. I'm taking that to mean his velocity wasn't great

[Eric_Davis]

do you see conine or hatteberg being our starting first baseman

Hatteberg...he's more proven.

[cincy09]

Homer Time

[thatcoolguy_22]

Hatteberg...he's more proven.

I concur doctor. Especially after last year's numbers he will be given every opportunity to start

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Shoppach up to face Homer- Walks on 4 pitches.

[Team Clark]

Homer Time

STOP!!! Homer Time!! Dooo doooo doo do do

[thatcoolguy_22]

sounds like bailey might be a little shook after the HB

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Sorry I missed one, Homer hit Casey Blake and Walked Shoppach, so he's definitely having control problems today.

2 men on with no outs. Dick Pole coming out to talk to Homer

[Krash]

sounds like bailey might be a little shook after the HB

Nevermind.

[Cyclone792]

Thanks for the detailed Hamilton PAs, Humn. Hamilton's seen 10 pitches today in his first two PAs, and he's seen 25 total pitches in his last five PAs. A hitter could do far worse in that regard, that's for sure.

Despite flying out his first time up today, it was good to see he worked the pitcher into throwing five more pitches after getting down 0-2 early in the count (one ball, three fouls, then the fly out). Only thing I'd be curious about in that first PA is if those first two foul balls were good pitches to hit that he just missed, or if he went outside the zone to try to hit them.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Mike Rouse batting with 2 men on- Homer still struggling with his control, 3-0 count before finally getting a strike in. Flyball to deep center gets out.

3 run home run by Rouse.

4-2 Indians, no outs in the top of the 5th

[cincy09]

STOP!!! Homer Time!! Dooo doooo doo do do

He's too legit too legit to quit........ hey hey

[ksley11]

homer's having a tough outing.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Bailey gets his first strikeout of the day against Rivas.

1 down

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Pinch hitter for Scott Lewis, Javy Jarrera(sp?)

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Homer walks him. Definitely not a good outing so far

[Krash]

Well, I think this officially erases any chance of him making the club out of ST.

[dougdirt]

I am curious about Homer Bailey. The Reds have been stressing offspeed offspeed offspeed to him. Without being able to see the games, I am wondering if he is trying to force to much offspeed stuff trying to show the Reds that he has it?

[ksley11]

there's a bit of an irony at the moment that our pitcher is "homer".

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Grady Sizemore back up to bat, runner on first, one out-
Sizemore jacks one over the CF wall.

2 run homer.

6-2 Indians, still only 1 out

[Reds1]

Homer gives up another 2 run Homer after a walk. No command today. He's for sure going down to AAA with what some of the other pitchres have done.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Homer finally records the second out of the inning on a Francisco fly ball to Crosby.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

David Dellucci up- Grounds a ball through the infield for a hit.

1 man on. Ryan Garko will now be the 9th batter of the inning.

Narron is coming out to the mound to yank Homer.

[Eric_Davis]

You can't learn if you don't make mistakes.

[jojo]

well THAT didn't go well....

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Homer's stats. 2/3 IP 5 runs, 2 walks a hit batter and 3 hits allowed

[ochoa30]

Man, that was ugly, hopefully he will just stay positive and keep working. You gotta throw strikes in this league.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

New pitcher for the Reds will be Victor Santos

[cincy09]

You can't learn if you don't make mistakes.

It certainly sounds like a learning experience

[Eric_Davis]

In a way, I'm glad. I'd rather see him go the minors without the expectations.

[ksley11]

well THAT didn't go well....

well said.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Victor Santos now pitching. Ryan Garko is the batter-

Flyball to right center. Wise puts it away. End of half inning.

6-2 Indians lead.

[Chip R]

Homer Watch!! Homer Watch!!! Stop what you are doing! ALL Press report to the Press Box!!


That reminds me of that scene from Airplane! when the press all rush to the phone booths at the same time and they knock them all down in the process. :laugh:

[edabbs44]

Repeat after me:

It's only spring training...It's only spring training...It's only spring training...

No reason to open up the doors to the HOF (Hamilton) or send people down to rookie ball (Homer) just yet.

[thatcoolguy_22]

I am curious about Homer Bailey. The Reds have been stressing offspeed offspeed offspeed to him. Without being able to see the games, I am wondering if he is trying to force to much offspeed stuff trying to show the Reds that he has it?

judging by a few of his quotes earlier in the spring I would say so. The announcers aren't calling exactly what pitch is thrown though

[ksley11]

Repeat after me:

It's only spring training...It's only spring training...It's only spring training...

No reason to open up the doors to the HOF (Hamilton) or send people down to rookie ball (Homer) just yet.

exactly. I'm not sold yet on Hamilton mainly because we'd have to commit to him for the full season.... isn't that right? (I'm not that familiar with the Rule 5 deal). Anyway, I'm pumped about the season but it's too early for me to get overly excited about anyone in particular.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Chris Denorfia to lead off the bottom of the 5th- Bounces one to Garko, who bobbles it, but recovers and makes the out.

1 down.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Mark Bellhorn batting now against a new Indians pitcher named Chuck something haha

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Chuck Loffgrin(sp?) hits Bellhorn with the first pitch. Javier Valentin will hit for Ross

[thatcoolguy_22]

Hamilton's plate discipline is very interesting. From what most scouts say learning the strike zone and the development of the "hitter's eye" can be the most difficult aspect of hitting. We all know he has the power and if he can couple that with his ability to see the ball we might be in for a treat this season

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Valentin hitting with a runner on 1st and one out- Valentin goes down swinging on an off-speed pitch

2 outs, runner on first

[Hey Meat]

It sure doesn't look like Homer will be up anytime soon.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

*sidenote- Bronson said he needed an IV after pitching, apparently the flu bug is still bothering him*

[ksley11]

I dig Arroyo. Not that big on his straight leg wind up, but dig him nonetheless.

[KoryMac5]

Getting back to Homer the Reds have some knowledgable pitchers on that bench with him today. Arroyo, Hermanson, and the piching coach Pole all have a vast amount of experience between them I am sure he is going over what he was trying to do and what actually happened.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Edwin batting- Goes down swinging. End of the inning.

After 5 innings, Indians lead 6-2

Indians 6 runs, 5 hits, 1 error
Reds 2 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors

[thatcoolguy_22]

I dig Arroyo. Not that big on his straight leg wind up, but dig him nonetheless.

a little man-love isn't always a badddd thing ;)

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Casey Blake leads off the 6th inning vs Santos-

groundball to 2nd, backhanded by Bellhorn. 1 out.

[Kc61]

In a way, I'm glad. I'd rather see him go the minors without the expectations.


Unfortunately, the expectations for Homer are out of control.

Homer's stuff was too good for A ball and AA. My guess is that, at AAA, he will struggle initially at age 20. At some point, a light bulb will go off, he will start to dominate, and then we can have a discussion about bringing him up.

But we are two stages away from that discussion.

I hope he is sent down with the first cut of players and gets it going soon in the Louisville rotation.

[ksley11]

a little man-love isn't always a badddd thing ;)

what's funny is when I typed it the first time and was about to send it, I noticed a potentially embarrassing typo.... instead of "i dig arroyo" i had typed "i did arroyo" - made me laugh but then was thankful I caught it before I sent it. :laugh:

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Kelly Shoppach up to bat- Santos K's him on a 1-2 pitch low and away.

2 down, nobody on.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Mike Rouse batting now- 2-2 count and Santos notches another strikeout.

end of half inning, still 6-2 Indians.

[M2]

It sure doesn't look like Homer will be up anytime soon.

Yeah, I figure today's outing (particularly the HR by Rouse) has earned him a ticket to the minor league camp.

All in all that's not a bad thing. It'll help take the weight of the world off his shoulders and allow him to focus on the things he needs to do before he can be a good major league pitcher.

[Eric_Davis]

Unfortunately, the expectations for Homer are out of control.

Homer's stuff was too good for A ball and AA. My guess is that, at AAA, he will struggle initially at age 20. At some point, a light bulb will go off, he will start to dominate, and then we can have a discussion about bringing him up.

But we are two stages away from that discussion.

I hope he is sent down with the first cut of players and gets it going soon in the Louisville rotation.

That's an even better point. Going with the first cuts would probably be best.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

4th cleveland pitcher- Jeff Harris in.

Bubba Crosby to hit

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Crosby lays down a bunt, but is put out.

1 down

Mike Rhodes the new Indians catcher

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Jerry Gil hitting- 2-2 count, hits a flare into center- Sizemore makes a diving catch, robbing him of a hit.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Dewayne Wise batting with 2 outs and nobody on-

Flyball down the rightfield line- caught.

Quick inning.

Still 6-2 Indians

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Anderson Machado in to play 3rd for EE

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Luis Rivas leads off for the Indians, Santos still pitching for the Reds-

Bouncer to 2nd base, Bellhorn handles it easily. 1 down.

Santos has retired all 5 hitters in order so far

[Caveat Emperor]

All in all that's not a bad thing. It'll help take the weight of the world off his shoulders and allow him to focus on the things he needs to do before he can be a good major league pitcher.

The weight of the world isn't going anywhere. Depending on who you talk to, he's either the best or second-best pitching prospect in all of baseball. He's a consensus top-10 prospect when you expand the list out to include position players.

He's also, barring a real breakout from Elizardo Ramirez or someone like Phil Dumatrait, the best chance the Reds have for putting together a true postseason run in the next 2-3 years. There will be another season of "Homer Updates" every 5 days in Cincinnati on the radio, tv and internet. If pitching with expectations is a problem for him, he'd better screw his head on straight quickly -- the lights only continue to get brighter from here on out.

Having said all that, he's only 20 and he wasn't going to just breeze through level after level without some bumps in the road.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Mike Rhodes batting- cracks the ball into center field for a hit.

man on first with 1 out.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Victor Santos is done for the day. Shackelford to replace him

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Grady Sizemore now up to bat, man on first with one out-

Flyball to right field, Denorfia puts it away.

2 out. Runner on first

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Ben Francisco up- Runner goes on the pitch, grounder to third, machado makes a high throw but Javy Valentin gets it(he's playing first, I missed that earlier)

End of half inning.

Still a 6-2 game

[HumnHilghtFreel]

David Ross up to bat- Hits a liner down the thirdbase line, it bounces off Blake's glove and its ruled a hit

[membengal]

David Ross needed that, his hits have been few and far between this spring. Worriers about his longterm ability to get on base, based on past history and the last few months of 2006, have probably already noted that trend continuing against the chaff that draws derision with regard to Hamilton's hot spring...

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Chris Dickerson pinch hitting for Juan Castro-

Works the count to full before bouncing the ball to short. They get the out at second, but Dickerson uses his speed to beat the throw.

1 out, man on first Deno up to bat

[flyer85]

No reason for Bailey to start in the majors. The Reds have candidates. Let him get his feet wet in AAA, limit his innings and when/if they fail he can step in. If they start with Bailey and he fails the fallback options are limited.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Denorfia up- Skys a high pop fly to Rivas.

2 down.

[membengal]

No reason for Bailey to start in the majors. The Reds have candidates. Let him get his feet wet in AAA, limit his innings and when/if they fail he can step in. If they start with Bailey and he fails the fallback options are limited.


Fantastic summation.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Mark Bellhorn steps up to the plate-

Takes the count full- Runner goes, but bellhorn goes down swinging.

End of inning. 6-2 Indians lead after 7 innings

[HumnHilghtFreel]

New pitcher for the Reds- Brad Salmon
Ryan Jorgensen in to catch, according to Steve

[HumnHilghtFreel]

David Dellucci leads off- groundout to Bellhorn.

1 quick out.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Ryan Garko up- sharp line drive, but Jerry Gil handles it.

2 outs. nobody on.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Casey Blake batting- Rolls a slow grounder to Gil, easy out.

1-2-3 inning for Brad Salmon.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Wes Hodges the new Indians 3b, JD Martin the new pitcher, Brad Sneider in LF

Leading off for the Reds, Javier Valentin-

[KoryMac5]

Salmon continues to swim upstream towards a roster spot.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Javy K's on a weak swing.

1 out

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Anderson Machado up-

He draws a walk.

1 out with a runner on first.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Bubba Crosby the hitter-

I've got to take a phone call- sorry, I'll try to get back for PBP if someone can't take over

[cincy09]

Salmon continues to swim upstream towards a roster spot.

Everyday looks better and better for him

[Krash]

Fearless prediction (not really) = the Reds will lead the league in strikeouts this season. Both pitching and batting.

[BubbaFan]

Pulls the string, Bubba strikes out.

Gil strikes out. Three outs.

End of the 8th, still 6-2 Tribe.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

okay im back, not sure who, but I heard 3 strikeouts in the inning.

End of 8, still 6-2 Indians.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Now pitching for the Reds- Kerry Lightenberg

[BubbaFan]

Ligtenberg takes the mound for the Reds.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Wes Hodges the hitter- Linedrive over a leaping Jerry Gil. Basehit.

1 on, not outs.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Mike Rouse steps to the plate with a runner on 1st-

1-2 pitch, flyball deep off the wall, Deno couldn't get it back at the warning track, Wise plays it off the wall. Rouse stops with a double.

Runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Luis Rivas the batter- Flyball, Wise catches it. The runner on 3rd scores.

7-2 Indians, 1 out.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Mike Rhodes to the plate with a runner on second-

He strikes out on 4 pitches.

2 outs.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

John Drennen the hitter- Foulball hits a car in the lot- Steve Stewart happy to report his is a rental.

Count moves to full- linedrive basehit to center- Dewayne Wise throws a strike to home and he's out at the plate.

Ligtenberg gets out of the inning giving up only one run.

7-2 game going into the bottom of 9, put on your rally caps

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Appropriately enough Don't Stop Believin' by Journey is on the PA

[Tom Servo]

Appropriately enough Don't Stop Believin' by Journey is on the PA
We're going for a repeat of 6/30/06 on the Tribe.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Tony Sipp in to pitch for Cleveland- Dewayne Wise the batter-

Wise goes down swinging on an off-speed pitch

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Jorgensen the batter- 3-1 pitch is a ball, he walks.

1 on with 1 out. Norris Hopper to hit.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Hopper- first pitch strike- guy in the stands yells Bad call.

Drops a bloop into the outfield.

2 men on with 1 out for Denorfia

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Deno- Smacks a basehit through the hole. Runner holds at third.

Bases loaded with one out for Bellhorn

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Bellhorn @ bat- Draws a walk. Runner comes in to score from third.

7-3 game. 1 out, Valentin coming up

[TRF]

Bellhorn BB's and a run scores.

[rotnoid]

One swing of the bat ties this thing up. Let's go Javy!

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Javy Valentin takes a huge rip on the first swing, trying to tie it up... misses it.

3-2 count, swings and misses.

2 outs, bases loaded, Paul Janish up to bat

[NJReds]

It's only spring training but...Javy's been flat out awful lately.

[rotnoid]

So much for my unabashed enthusiasm. Back to cynicism.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

2-2 count, Janish K's looking.

That's the ballgame folks.

Final score- 7-3 Indians.

I'll seeya guys later

[cincy09]

at least the pbp was good

[Aronchis]

Sounds like the Reds are trying to give Homer a crashcourse in learning the art of "changing speeds". Dick Pole's rep with the changeup and Homer's need to learn it probably had alot to do with his hiring. But once the season starts, the "art of changing speeds" needs to be put on the backburner.

I am more concerned in getting Homer's breaking pitches up to a highly consistant level at this time. Save the offspeed development for a later date.

[flyer85]

It's only spring training but...Javy's been flat out awful lately.which is why using him as a primary PH and keeping Moeller as a 3rd catcher is a dumb idea.

Javy is a decent hitter ... FOR A CATCHER. But the Reds are looking to be loaded with worthless sticks on the bench if they keep both Castro and Moeller. I would prefer they keep neither.

[M2]

The weight of the world isn't going anywhere. Depending on who you talk to, he's either the best or second-best pitching prospect in all of baseball. He's a consensus top-10 prospect when you expand the list out to include position players.

Agreed, though a demotion means he doesn't have to deliver on that hype in the majors at this moment in time.


Having said all that, he's only 20 and he wasn't going to just breeze through level after level without some bumps in the road.

Couldn't agree more. I was trying to find a way of saying that and hadn't come up with the words.

[paintmered]

Agreed, though a demotion means he doesn't have to deliver on that hype in the majors at this moment in time.



Couldn't agree more. I was trying to find a way of saying that and hadn't come up with the words.

I wouldn't say Louisville is a demotion for him. This is his first experience pitching against anything higher than AA hitters.

[M2]

I wouldn't say Louisville is a demotion for him. This is his first experience pitching against anything higher than AA hitters.

I just meant a demotion over to the minor league camp. Obviously AAA would be a promotion for him. Though I'd like to see him go back to AA to start the season. He only spent half a season there and I'd like to see if the hitters at that level can catch up to him at all before throwing him in AAA.