Dusty Baker apologized to the media for not meeting with them on Saturday.
"I don't like to talk when I'm pissed off," Baker said. "I have a short fuse. I was kicked off my little league team three times because of it."
The Reds showed a complete lack of concentration in the 5-0 loss to San Diego on Saturday.
Baker chewed them a new one after.
"I have never not talked to the media after a game," Baker said. "Not in San Francisco or Chicago."
"You yell at your kids but you still love them. It's the same with my team."
People tend to forget no matter how much professional athletes are paid, a majority of them are in their 20's. They're old enough to know better but often have lapses in mature behavior.
Baker used his 12-year old son Darren as an example.
"Often when he messes up, my wife will punish him. He will say 'I love you mom.' She tells him 'love has nothing to do with it.' It's the same here. My dad would make me go outside and get a switch. Then he'd say 'this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.' Your young butt doesn't realize it at the time."
Homer Bailey pitched well at times but two mistakes one to budding slugger Adrian Gonzalez and the other to a talented but struggling young hitter Kyle Blanks cost him four runs. Gonzalez hit his third home run in as many games in the fourth inning to start the games scoring.
The Reds tied the game on singles by Jay Bruce, who has also been struggling and Ramon Hernandez. Bruce has also been struggling but has shown signs this week of coming out of his funk. The 22-year old had three hits to raise his average from .180 to .215.
Blanks started the game hitting .196 but doubled home Chase Headly and Will Venable.
"It was a big hit for Kyle," San Diego manager Bud Black said of his 23-year old outfielder. "It was a big hit for us. It was a good at bat, driving the ball the other way. That was a good sign. He's had some good swings. He doesn't look tentative. He's swinging the bat aggressively. He'll be fine."
Blanks thought along with Bailey and won the duel.
"I've had some tough runs here and there but anybody I've talked to has said to keep swinging. From each at bat I have to take something from it. I try to take it up there the next time. Each game has its own evolution of how they're trying to pitch you. It's just a matter of recognizing it. That at bat I was ahead in the count. I thought it was a good time for him to throw that pitch. I was able to get myself to stay back and drive it."
Scott Rolen took fellow Hoosier and starting pitcher, Clayton Richard, deep to make the score 4-3.
The Reds rallied off reliever Mike Adams in the eighth.
Rolen singled. One out later Bruce doubled to right. Rolen scored when Will Venable, whose father played for the Reds in the 80's, threw the ball to a spot that Gonzalez could not handle as the relay man. Rolen scored the tying run, as Bruce took third.
Hernandez put the Reds ahead with his second run scoring single.
Veteran pitchers took over. Arthur Rhodes pitched a scoreless eighth to get the win. Francisco Cordero saved it getting his teammate from last season, Jerry Hairston to line out to Drew Stubbs in centerfield.
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Young Reds Respond to Baker's Rant
Dusty Baker apologized to the media for not meeting with them on Saturday.
"I don't like to talk when I'm pissed off," Baker said. "I have a short fuse. I was kicked off my little league team three times because of it."
The Reds showed a complete lack of concentration in the 5-0 loss to San Diego on Saturday.
Baker chewed them a new one after.
"I have never not talked to the media after a game," Baker said. "Not in San Francisco or Chicago."
"You yell at your kids but you still love them. It's the same with my team."
People tend to forget no matter how much professional athletes are paid, a majority of them are in their 20's. They're old enough to know better but often have lapses in mature behavior.
Baker used his 12-year old son Darren as an example.
"Often when he messes up, my wife will punish him. He will say 'I love you mom.' She tells him 'love has nothing to do with it.' It's the same here. My dad would make me go outside and get a switch. Then he'd say 'this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.' Your young butt doesn't realize it at the time."
Homer Bailey pitched well at times but two mistakes one to budding slugger Adrian Gonzalez and the other to a talented but struggling young hitter Kyle Blanks cost him four runs. Gonzalez hit his third home run in as many games in the fourth inning to start the games scoring.
The Reds tied the game on singles by Jay Bruce, who has also been struggling and Ramon Hernandez. Bruce has also been struggling but has shown signs this week of coming out of his funk. The 22-year old had three hits to raise his average from .180 to .215.
Blanks started the game hitting .196 but doubled home Chase Headly and Will Venable.
"It was a big hit for Kyle," San Diego manager Bud Black said of his 23-year old outfielder. "It was a big hit for us. It was a good at bat, driving the ball the other way. That was a good sign. He's had some good swings. He doesn't look tentative. He's swinging the bat aggressively. He'll be fine."
Blanks thought along with Bailey and won the duel.
"I've had some tough runs here and there but anybody I've talked to has said to keep swinging. From each at bat I have to take something from it. I try to take it up there the next time. Each game has its own evolution of how they're trying to pitch you. It's just a matter of recognizing it. That at bat I was ahead in the count. I thought it was a good time for him to throw that pitch. I was able to get myself to stay back and drive it."
Scott Rolen took fellow Hoosier and starting pitcher, Clayton Richard, deep to make the score 4-3.
The Reds rallied off reliever Mike Adams in the eighth.
Rolen singled. One out later Bruce doubled to right. Rolen scored when Will Venable, whose father played for the Reds in the 80's, threw the ball to a spot that Gonzalez could not handle as the relay man. Rolen scored the tying run, as Bruce took third.
Hernandez put the Reds ahead with his second run scoring single.
Veteran pitchers took over. Arthur Rhodes pitched a scoreless eighth to get the win. Francisco Cordero saved it getting his teammate from last season, Jerry Hairston to line out to Drew Stubbs in centerfield.
"I don't like to talk when I'm pissed off," Baker said. "I have a short fuse. I was kicked off my little league team three times because of it."
The Reds showed a complete lack of concentration in the 5-0 loss to San Diego on Saturday.
Baker chewed them a new one after.
"I have never not talked to the media after a game," Baker said. "Not in San Francisco or Chicago."
"You yell at your kids but you still love them. It's the same with my team."
People tend to forget no matter how much professional athletes are paid, a majority of them are in their 20's. They're old enough to know better but often have lapses in mature behavior.
Baker used his 12-year old son Darren as an example.
"Often when he messes up, my wife will punish him. He will say 'I love you mom.' She tells him 'love has nothing to do with it.' It's the same here. My dad would make me go outside and get a switch. Then he'd say 'this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.' Your young butt doesn't realize it at the time."
Homer Bailey pitched well at times but two mistakes one to budding slugger Adrian Gonzalez and the other to a talented but struggling young hitter Kyle Blanks cost him four runs. Gonzalez hit his third home run in as many games in the fourth inning to start the games scoring.
The Reds tied the game on singles by Jay Bruce, who has also been struggling and Ramon Hernandez. Bruce has also been struggling but has shown signs this week of coming out of his funk. The 22-year old had three hits to raise his average from .180 to .215.
Blanks started the game hitting .196 but doubled home Chase Headly and Will Venable.
"It was a big hit for Kyle," San Diego manager Bud Black said of his 23-year old outfielder. "It was a big hit for us. It was a good at bat, driving the ball the other way. That was a good sign. He's had some good swings. He doesn't look tentative. He's swinging the bat aggressively. He'll be fine."
Blanks thought along with Bailey and won the duel.
"I've had some tough runs here and there but anybody I've talked to has said to keep swinging. From each at bat I have to take something from it. I try to take it up there the next time. Each game has its own evolution of how they're trying to pitch you. It's just a matter of recognizing it. That at bat I was ahead in the count. I thought it was a good time for him to throw that pitch. I was able to get myself to stay back and drive it."
Scott Rolen took fellow Hoosier and starting pitcher, Clayton Richard, deep to make the score 4-3.
The Reds rallied off reliever Mike Adams in the eighth.
Rolen singled. One out later Bruce doubled to right. Rolen scored when Will Venable, whose father played for the Reds in the 80's, threw the ball to a spot that Gonzalez could not handle as the relay man. Rolen scored the tying run, as Bruce took third.
Hernandez put the Reds ahead with his second run scoring single.
Veteran pitchers took over. Arthur Rhodes pitched a scoreless eighth to get the win. Francisco Cordero saved it getting his teammate from last season, Jerry Hairston to line out to Drew Stubbs in centerfield.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Dusty Baker Holds Meeting?
Although it wasn't said in public, indications are that Dusty Baker, held a meeting after the Reds lathargic 5-0 loss to the San Diego Padres.
Not that losing to a hot team with a pitching staff that is leading the National League is so bad, the little indications that the Reds players do not have their heads in the game were evident.
The most glaring include, Johnny Cueto "umpiring while on the bast paths". Drew Stubbs throwing a ball into the stands after a catch for the second out and heading toward the dugout. Three innings in a row ended by players getting picked off.
For the first time since Baker has been the manager of the Reds, he did not meet with the press after the game. From getting to know him in his years here and from dealing with him as an opposing manager, Baker is a straight shooter. He does not sugar coat what he says. He speaks his mind and accepts the consequences.
Now perhaps, he is ready to transfer some consequences toward his young clubhouse.
As quoted in my last post, Dusty is aware the cameras are on him and struggles to keep his cool when things upset him. My guess is that anything that he had to tell the press after Saturday's defeat was unprintable.
Not that losing to a hot team with a pitching staff that is leading the National League is so bad, the little indications that the Reds players do not have their heads in the game were evident.
The most glaring include, Johnny Cueto "umpiring while on the bast paths". Drew Stubbs throwing a ball into the stands after a catch for the second out and heading toward the dugout. Three innings in a row ended by players getting picked off.
For the first time since Baker has been the manager of the Reds, he did not meet with the press after the game. From getting to know him in his years here and from dealing with him as an opposing manager, Baker is a straight shooter. He does not sugar coat what he says. He speaks his mind and accepts the consequences.
Now perhaps, he is ready to transfer some consequences toward his young clubhouse.
As quoted in my last post, Dusty is aware the cameras are on him and struggles to keep his cool when things upset him. My guess is that anything that he had to tell the press after Saturday's defeat was unprintable.
Dusty Baker Holds Meeting?
Although it wasn't said in public, indications are that Dusty Baker, held a meeting after the Reds lathargic 5-0 loss to the San Diego Padres.
Not that losing to a hot team with a pitching staff that is leading the National League is so bad, the little indications that the Reds players do not have their heads in the game were evident.
The most glaring include, Johnny Cueto "umpiring while on the bast paths". Drew Stubbs throwing a ball into the stands after a catch for the second out and heading toward the dugout. Three innings in a row ended by players getting picked off.
For the first time since Baker has been the manager of the Reds, he did not meet with the press after the game. From getting to know him in his years here and from dealing with him as an opposing manager, Baker is a straight shooter. He does not sugar coat what he says. He speaks his mind and accepts the consequences.
Now perhaps, he is ready to transfer some consequences toward his young clubhouse.
As quoted in my last post, Dusty is aware the cameras are on him and struggles to keep his cool when things upset him. My guess is that anything that he had to tell the press after Saturday's defeat was unprintable.
Not that losing to a hot team with a pitching staff that is leading the National League is so bad, the little indications that the Reds players do not have their heads in the game were evident.
The most glaring include, Johnny Cueto "umpiring while on the bast paths". Drew Stubbs throwing a ball into the stands after a catch for the second out and heading toward the dugout. Three innings in a row ended by players getting picked off.
For the first time since Baker has been the manager of the Reds, he did not meet with the press after the game. From getting to know him in his years here and from dealing with him as an opposing manager, Baker is a straight shooter. He does not sugar coat what he says. He speaks his mind and accepts the consequences.
Now perhaps, he is ready to transfer some consequences toward his young clubhouse.
As quoted in my last post, Dusty is aware the cameras are on him and struggles to keep his cool when things upset him. My guess is that anything that he had to tell the press after Saturday's defeat was unprintable.
Dusty Baker Frustrated with Strikeouts and Walks
Nothing and I mean nothing causes Dusty Baker to blow his stack more than a hitter taking a called third strike.
"You have no chance if you take one," Baker said.
Chris Dickerson took four of them in the Reds 10-4 loss to San Diego Friday night.
"I talked to him about it this morning," Baker said. "I know the camera is on me but I'm about to explode when I see those called strikes. You have no chance if you don't swing."
Having close calls is no excuse to Baker.
"After awhile you have to take it out of his (the umpires) hands. You have to take it out of his hands man," Baker said.
As a young player in the leadoff spot is no excuse either. Drew Stubbs leads the team with 19 strikeouts and Dickerson is second with 17. The pair have been the only leadoff hitters thus far.
"I keep telling them the situation changes as the game goes on," Baker said. "If you're leading off an inning that's one thing you want to take pitches and work the count. But if you're up with a runner on second and no outs, you're a get him over man. If your're up with the bases loaded you're an RBI man. You look at (Orlando) Cabrera. He bats second but he's an RBI man. I've talked to him he said "I love those situations." That's where it starts. You have to want to be in that situation."
"I will keep telling them over and over and over until they get it. If they don't get it, we have to move in a different direction but we're not there yet," Baker said.
"We have to cut down on strikeouts and walks. I tell the pitchers if the batter puts the ball in play, you have a 70 percent chance to get him out. I'm not a gambler but if you go to River Downs and you bet on a horse with a 70 percent chance to win. You'd take that wouldn't you?"
"You have no chance if you take one," Baker said.
Chris Dickerson took four of them in the Reds 10-4 loss to San Diego Friday night.
"I talked to him about it this morning," Baker said. "I know the camera is on me but I'm about to explode when I see those called strikes. You have no chance if you don't swing."
Having close calls is no excuse to Baker.
"After awhile you have to take it out of his (the umpires) hands. You have to take it out of his hands man," Baker said.
As a young player in the leadoff spot is no excuse either. Drew Stubbs leads the team with 19 strikeouts and Dickerson is second with 17. The pair have been the only leadoff hitters thus far.
"I keep telling them the situation changes as the game goes on," Baker said. "If you're leading off an inning that's one thing you want to take pitches and work the count. But if you're up with a runner on second and no outs, you're a get him over man. If your're up with the bases loaded you're an RBI man. You look at (Orlando) Cabrera. He bats second but he's an RBI man. I've talked to him he said "I love those situations." That's where it starts. You have to want to be in that situation."
"I will keep telling them over and over and over until they get it. If they don't get it, we have to move in a different direction but we're not there yet," Baker said.
"We have to cut down on strikeouts and walks. I tell the pitchers if the batter puts the ball in play, you have a 70 percent chance to get him out. I'm not a gambler but if you go to River Downs and you bet on a horse with a 70 percent chance to win. You'd take that wouldn't you?"
Dusty Baker Frustrated with Strikeouts and Walks
Nothing and I mean nothing causes Dusty Baker to blow his stack more than a hitter taking a called third strike.
"You have no chance if you take one," Baker said.
Chris Dickerson took four of them in the Reds 10-4 loss to San Diego Friday night.
"I talked to him about it this morning," Baker said. "I know the camera is on me but I'm about to explode when I see those called strikes. You have no chance if you don't swing."
Having close calls is no excuse to Baker.
"After awhile you have to take it out of his (the umpires) hands. You have to take it out of his hands man," Baker said.
As a young player in the leadoff spot is no excuse either. Drew Stubbs leads the team with 19 strikeouts and Dickerson is second with 17. The pair have been the only leadoff hitters thus far.
"I keep telling them the situation changes as the game goes on," Baker said. "If you're leading off an inning that's one thing you want to take pitches and work the count. But if you're up with a runner on second and no outs, you're a get him over man. If your're up with the bases loaded you're an RBI man. You look at (Orlando) Cabrera. He bats second but he's an RBI man. I've talked to him he said "I love those situations." That's where it starts. You have to want to be in that situation."
"I will keep telling them over and over and over until they get it. If they don't get it, we have to move in a different direction but we're not there yet," Baker said.
"We have to cut down on strikeouts and walks. I tell the pitchers if the batter puts the ball in play, you have a 70 percent chance to get him out. I'm not a gambler but if you go to River Downs and you bet on a horse with a 70 percent chance to win. You'd take that wouldn't you?"
"You have no chance if you take one," Baker said.
Chris Dickerson took four of them in the Reds 10-4 loss to San Diego Friday night.
"I talked to him about it this morning," Baker said. "I know the camera is on me but I'm about to explode when I see those called strikes. You have no chance if you don't swing."
Having close calls is no excuse to Baker.
"After awhile you have to take it out of his (the umpires) hands. You have to take it out of his hands man," Baker said.
As a young player in the leadoff spot is no excuse either. Drew Stubbs leads the team with 19 strikeouts and Dickerson is second with 17. The pair have been the only leadoff hitters thus far.
"I keep telling them the situation changes as the game goes on," Baker said. "If you're leading off an inning that's one thing you want to take pitches and work the count. But if you're up with a runner on second and no outs, you're a get him over man. If your're up with the bases loaded you're an RBI man. You look at (Orlando) Cabrera. He bats second but he's an RBI man. I've talked to him he said "I love those situations." That's where it starts. You have to want to be in that situation."
"I will keep telling them over and over and over until they get it. If they don't get it, we have to move in a different direction but we're not there yet," Baker said.
"We have to cut down on strikeouts and walks. I tell the pitchers if the batter puts the ball in play, you have a 70 percent chance to get him out. I'm not a gambler but if you go to River Downs and you bet on a horse with a 70 percent chance to win. You'd take that wouldn't you?"
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Ondrusek Sent Down Fisher Recalled
Logan Ondrusek's mother cried when the 6'8" relief pitcher made the team. The joy was fleating.
The Reds reluctantly sent him to Louisville after the young righthander had a rough two weeks in the bigs.
After not allowing a run in 10 spring innings, Ondrusek gave up 10 in eight major league innings.
"The young man's future is bright," Dusty Baker said. "He was pitching out of his role. It was something we didn't want to do. He needs to go back and get his stuff together."
Carlos Fisher logged six scoreless innings in Louisville to earn his way back. Soreness in his elbow prevented him from getting much mound time in Arizona.
"It was the first time I had to sit down," Fisher said. I had a chance to focus on throwing more strikes instead of trying to overpower guys. The elbow was sore two weeks into spring training so I couldn't hide it."
"He is an intelligent young man," Baker said of Fisher. "He knew what he had to do to get back here."
The Reds reluctantly sent him to Louisville after the young righthander had a rough two weeks in the bigs.
After not allowing a run in 10 spring innings, Ondrusek gave up 10 in eight major league innings.
"The young man's future is bright," Dusty Baker said. "He was pitching out of his role. It was something we didn't want to do. He needs to go back and get his stuff together."
Carlos Fisher logged six scoreless innings in Louisville to earn his way back. Soreness in his elbow prevented him from getting much mound time in Arizona.
"It was the first time I had to sit down," Fisher said. I had a chance to focus on throwing more strikes instead of trying to overpower guys. The elbow was sore two weeks into spring training so I couldn't hide it."
"He is an intelligent young man," Baker said of Fisher. "He knew what he had to do to get back here."
Ondrusek Sent Down Fisher Recalled
Logan Ondrusek's mother cried when the 6'8" relief pitcher made the team. The joy was fleating.
The Reds reluctantly sent him to Louisville after the young righthander had a rough two weeks in the bigs.
After not allowing a run in 10 spring innings, Ondrusek gave up 10 in eight major league innings.
"The young man's future is bright," Dusty Baker said. "He was pitching out of his role. It was something we didn't want to do. He needs to go back and get his stuff together."
Carlos Fisher logged six scoreless innings in Louisville to earn his way back. Soreness in his elbow prevented him from getting much mound time in Arizona.
"It was the first time I had to sit down," Fisher said. I had a chance to focus on throwing more strikes instead of trying to overpower guys. The elbow was sore two weeks into spring training so I couldn't hide it."
"He is an intelligent young man," Baker said of Fisher. "He knew what he had to do to get back here."
The Reds reluctantly sent him to Louisville after the young righthander had a rough two weeks in the bigs.
After not allowing a run in 10 spring innings, Ondrusek gave up 10 in eight major league innings.
"The young man's future is bright," Dusty Baker said. "He was pitching out of his role. It was something we didn't want to do. He needs to go back and get his stuff together."
Carlos Fisher logged six scoreless innings in Louisville to earn his way back. Soreness in his elbow prevented him from getting much mound time in Arizona.
"It was the first time I had to sit down," Fisher said. I had a chance to focus on throwing more strikes instead of trying to overpower guys. The elbow was sore two weeks into spring training so I couldn't hide it."
"He is an intelligent young man," Baker said of Fisher. "He knew what he had to do to get back here."
Harang Will Stay in Rotation...Leake is the first starter to get a win
For those who are ready to send Aaron Harang out of town with a copy of the Let's Make a Deal homegame, Harang is still in and the Reds need him.
Dusty Baker was pinned down before the game. "I wish you would stop asking me that. He is being paid handsomely to be a starter. Who is going to take his place? We need him to start. We need him to win. It's not like he's had 14 starts. It would be different. He's only had four starts."
The Dodgers are the hottest hitting team in baseball. Five players are hitting above .300. Manny Ramirez and Andre Either are both above .400. Matt Kemp has seven home runs in 14 games. They could make Cy Young look old.
Mike Leake found out. The young hurler, who skipped the minor leagues, had a very respectable 2.63 ERA to start Thursday's wrapup.
Los Angeles manager, Joe Torre, believes the pitcher has the advantage in first meetings.
"I've always felt the pitcher has the advantage," Torre said. "Being a hitter myself. The pitcher throws to the catcher. Hitters advantage comes from adjustments from seeing what the pitcher throws. The pitcher doesn't have to make adjustments."
In spite of the advantage of the unknown in his favor, Leake allowed a pair of two-run home runs in his seven innings. He allowed eight hits and walked one.
The Reds rallied to make him the first Red starter to notch a victory this season.
Jay Bruce hit a two-run home run to give the Reds a brief lead but Garrett Anderson hit a pinch hit, two-run home run to get the lead back for LA in the seventh.
A big two-run double in the bottom of the inning gave the Reds the lead back. Bruce walked then singles by Drew Stubbs and Ryan Hanigan added to the advantage.
Arthur Rhodes and Francisco Coredero closed it out to give Leake the 8-5 win.
Dusty Baker was pinned down before the game. "I wish you would stop asking me that. He is being paid handsomely to be a starter. Who is going to take his place? We need him to start. We need him to win. It's not like he's had 14 starts. It would be different. He's only had four starts."
The Dodgers are the hottest hitting team in baseball. Five players are hitting above .300. Manny Ramirez and Andre Either are both above .400. Matt Kemp has seven home runs in 14 games. They could make Cy Young look old.
Mike Leake found out. The young hurler, who skipped the minor leagues, had a very respectable 2.63 ERA to start Thursday's wrapup.
Los Angeles manager, Joe Torre, believes the pitcher has the advantage in first meetings.
"I've always felt the pitcher has the advantage," Torre said. "Being a hitter myself. The pitcher throws to the catcher. Hitters advantage comes from adjustments from seeing what the pitcher throws. The pitcher doesn't have to make adjustments."
In spite of the advantage of the unknown in his favor, Leake allowed a pair of two-run home runs in his seven innings. He allowed eight hits and walked one.
The Reds rallied to make him the first Red starter to notch a victory this season.
Jay Bruce hit a two-run home run to give the Reds a brief lead but Garrett Anderson hit a pinch hit, two-run home run to get the lead back for LA in the seventh.
A big two-run double in the bottom of the inning gave the Reds the lead back. Bruce walked then singles by Drew Stubbs and Ryan Hanigan added to the advantage.
Arthur Rhodes and Francisco Coredero closed it out to give Leake the 8-5 win.
Harang Will Stay in Rotation...Leake is the first starter to get a win
For those who are ready to send Aaron Harang out of town with a copy of the Let's Make a Deal homegame, Harang is still in and the Reds need him.
Dusty Baker was pinned down before the game. "I wish you would stop asking me that. He is being paid handsomely to be a starter. Who is going to take his place? We need him to start. We need him to win. It's not like he's had 14 starts. It would be different. He's only had four starts."
The Dodgers are the hottest hitting team in baseball. Five players are hitting above .300. Manny Ramirez and Andre Either are both above .400. Matt Kemp has seven home runs in 14 games. They could make Cy Young look old.
Mike Leake found out. The young hurler, who skipped the minor leagues, had a very respectable 2.63 ERA to start Thursday's wrapup.
Los Angeles manager, Joe Torre, believes the pitcher has the advantage in first meetings.
"I've always felt the pitcher has the advantage," Torre said. "Being a hitter myself. The pitcher throws to the catcher. Hitters advantage comes from adjustments from seeing what the pitcher throws. The pitcher doesn't have to make adjustments."
In spite of the advantage of the unknown in his favor, Leake allowed a pair of two-run home runs in his seven innings. He allowed eight hits and walked one.
The Reds rallied to make him the first Red starter to notch a victory this season.
Jay Bruce hit a two-run home run to give the Reds a brief lead but Garrett Anderson hit a pinch hit, two-run home run to get the lead back for LA in the seventh.
A big two-run double in the bottom of the inning gave the Reds the lead back. Bruce walked then singles by Drew Stubbs and Ryan Hanigan added to the advantage.
Arthur Rhodes and Francisco Coredero closed it out to give Leake the 8-5 win.
Dusty Baker was pinned down before the game. "I wish you would stop asking me that. He is being paid handsomely to be a starter. Who is going to take his place? We need him to start. We need him to win. It's not like he's had 14 starts. It would be different. He's only had four starts."
The Dodgers are the hottest hitting team in baseball. Five players are hitting above .300. Manny Ramirez and Andre Either are both above .400. Matt Kemp has seven home runs in 14 games. They could make Cy Young look old.
Mike Leake found out. The young hurler, who skipped the minor leagues, had a very respectable 2.63 ERA to start Thursday's wrapup.
Los Angeles manager, Joe Torre, believes the pitcher has the advantage in first meetings.
"I've always felt the pitcher has the advantage," Torre said. "Being a hitter myself. The pitcher throws to the catcher. Hitters advantage comes from adjustments from seeing what the pitcher throws. The pitcher doesn't have to make adjustments."
In spite of the advantage of the unknown in his favor, Leake allowed a pair of two-run home runs in his seven innings. He allowed eight hits and walked one.
The Reds rallied to make him the first Red starter to notch a victory this season.
Jay Bruce hit a two-run home run to give the Reds a brief lead but Garrett Anderson hit a pinch hit, two-run home run to get the lead back for LA in the seventh.
A big two-run double in the bottom of the inning gave the Reds the lead back. Bruce walked then singles by Drew Stubbs and Ryan Hanigan added to the advantage.
Arthur Rhodes and Francisco Coredero closed it out to give Leake the 8-5 win.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Jay Bruce's Ceiling
Dusty Baker was asked about Jay Bruce's potential.
"High, It's going to be real high," Baker said. "He's probably been our toughest luck guy without a doubt. He keeps playing; keeps working. He asks a lot of questions. He pays attention."
Baker was not effusive with praise that Bruce has played very good defense while sputtering along with a .188 batting average in spite of his youth at the age of 23.
"It's his job no matter what age," Baker said. "You can't struggle at the plate and struggle in the field both or you won't be playing. It takes a lot of pride to play good defense. He works at it everyday. I'm old school. If I'm not getting anything, you're going to get less."
He does give the young 2005 first rounder more leeway because of his youth.
"I realize he's still developing. It's why you stick with him longer than some of the others because he's the youngest. He has the ability, speed, power, arm strength. He's going to be around the longest."
Bruce has played 223 major league games before Wednesday's game.
He is hitting .237 with 45 home runs and 115 RBI. He has stuck out a whopping 196 times while drawing 76 walks.
But let's compare him to a pair of other players. Two players that started in the majors at around the same age. Bruce made his major league debut at 21. He has yet to play a full season. He was promoted in May 2008 and missed a quarter of last season with a broken wrist suffered just before the All-Star break.
Hank Aaron made his big league debut at 20 years of age in 1954. He reached the 223 game mark during his second season.
In his first 223 games, Aaron hit .293 with 35 home runs and 142 RBI. He struck out just 83 times but walked just 59 times.
Baker himself made his debut at 19 in September of 1968 but had just partial seasons in his youth. He didn't reach his 223rd game until 1973. His numbers for those games: .292 batting average, 23 home runs and 106 RBI. He struck out 106 times with 62 walks.
"High, It's going to be real high," Baker said. "He's probably been our toughest luck guy without a doubt. He keeps playing; keeps working. He asks a lot of questions. He pays attention."
Baker was not effusive with praise that Bruce has played very good defense while sputtering along with a .188 batting average in spite of his youth at the age of 23.
"It's his job no matter what age," Baker said. "You can't struggle at the plate and struggle in the field both or you won't be playing. It takes a lot of pride to play good defense. He works at it everyday. I'm old school. If I'm not getting anything, you're going to get less."
He does give the young 2005 first rounder more leeway because of his youth.
"I realize he's still developing. It's why you stick with him longer than some of the others because he's the youngest. He has the ability, speed, power, arm strength. He's going to be around the longest."
Bruce has played 223 major league games before Wednesday's game.
He is hitting .237 with 45 home runs and 115 RBI. He has stuck out a whopping 196 times while drawing 76 walks.
But let's compare him to a pair of other players. Two players that started in the majors at around the same age. Bruce made his major league debut at 21. He has yet to play a full season. He was promoted in May 2008 and missed a quarter of last season with a broken wrist suffered just before the All-Star break.
Hank Aaron made his big league debut at 20 years of age in 1954. He reached the 223 game mark during his second season.
In his first 223 games, Aaron hit .293 with 35 home runs and 142 RBI. He struck out just 83 times but walked just 59 times.
Baker himself made his debut at 19 in September of 1968 but had just partial seasons in his youth. He didn't reach his 223rd game until 1973. His numbers for those games: .292 batting average, 23 home runs and 106 RBI. He struck out 106 times with 62 walks.
Jay Bruce's Ceiling
Dusty Baker was asked about Jay Bruce's potential.
"High, It's going to be real high," Baker said. "He's probably been our toughest luck guy without a doubt. He keeps playing; keeps working. He asks a lot of questions. He pays attention."
Baker was not effusive with praise that Bruce has played very good defense while sputtering along with a .188 batting average in spite of his youth at the age of 23.
"It's his job no matter what age," Baker said. "You can't struggle at the plate and struggle in the field both or you won't be playing. It takes a lot of pride to play good defense. He works at it everyday. I'm old school. If I'm not getting anything, you're going to get less."
He does give the young 2005 first rounder more leeway because of his youth.
"I realize he's still developing. It's why you stick with him longer than some of the others because he's the youngest. He has the ability, speed, power, arm strength. He's going to be around the longest."
Bruce has played 223 major league games before Wednesday's game.
He is hitting .237 with 45 home runs and 115 RBI. He has stuck out a whopping 196 times while drawing 76 walks.
But let's compare him to a pair of other players. Two players that started in the majors at around the same age. Bruce made his major league debut at 21. He has yet to play a full season. He was promoted in May 2008 and missed a quarter of last season with a broken wrist suffered just before the All-Star break.
Hank Aaron made his big league debut at 20 years of age in 1954. He reached the 223 game mark during his second season.
In his first 223 games, Aaron hit .293 with 35 home runs and 142 RBI. He struck out just 83 times but walked just 59 times.
Baker himself made his debut at 19 in September of 1968 but had just partial seasons in his youth. He didn't reach his 223rd game until 1973. His numbers for those games: .292 batting average, 23 home runs and 106 RBI. He struck out 106 times with 62 walks.
"High, It's going to be real high," Baker said. "He's probably been our toughest luck guy without a doubt. He keeps playing; keeps working. He asks a lot of questions. He pays attention."
Baker was not effusive with praise that Bruce has played very good defense while sputtering along with a .188 batting average in spite of his youth at the age of 23.
"It's his job no matter what age," Baker said. "You can't struggle at the plate and struggle in the field both or you won't be playing. It takes a lot of pride to play good defense. He works at it everyday. I'm old school. If I'm not getting anything, you're going to get less."
He does give the young 2005 first rounder more leeway because of his youth.
"I realize he's still developing. It's why you stick with him longer than some of the others because he's the youngest. He has the ability, speed, power, arm strength. He's going to be around the longest."
Bruce has played 223 major league games before Wednesday's game.
He is hitting .237 with 45 home runs and 115 RBI. He has stuck out a whopping 196 times while drawing 76 walks.
But let's compare him to a pair of other players. Two players that started in the majors at around the same age. Bruce made his major league debut at 21. He has yet to play a full season. He was promoted in May 2008 and missed a quarter of last season with a broken wrist suffered just before the All-Star break.
Hank Aaron made his big league debut at 20 years of age in 1954. He reached the 223 game mark during his second season.
In his first 223 games, Aaron hit .293 with 35 home runs and 142 RBI. He struck out just 83 times but walked just 59 times.
Baker himself made his debut at 19 in September of 1968 but had just partial seasons in his youth. He didn't reach his 223rd game until 1973. His numbers for those games: .292 batting average, 23 home runs and 106 RBI. He struck out 106 times with 62 walks.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Reds Take The Series with a 3-1 Win
Mike Leake's debut started out rocky.
The Cubs had the bases loaded but "The kid wiggled out of it," Lou Piniella said.
He gave up only four hits and one run, scoring on veteran Derreck Lee's RBI single in the fifth inning.
"He knew what he was doing," Lee said. "He had a lot of different pitches. We didn't have much to go on. He competed. He wasn't intimidated. We had him on the ropes. Give him credit he didn't fold. He got better."
Leake, who hates to walk batters, walked seven. He had never walked that many in a game at any level but demonstrated poise and limited damages. He had just one 1-2-3 inning. He got the first two batters out in the seventh before he walked Lee for the second time and Aramis Ramirez.
Dusty Baker sent another rookie, Logan Ondrusek, to bail out the young starter. Leake pitched 6 2/3 innings but left trailing 1-0.
The problem was that Cubs starter, Tom Gorzelanny, was shutting down the Reds.
The Reds hitters came up empty, except for Leake who had singles in both of his major league at bats.
They got on the board in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Scott Rolen singled off Gorzelanny.
Ramon Hernandez worked a walk. Johnny Gomes hit a fly ball down the leftfield line.. Alfonso Soriano, who is not recognized as a good outfielder, took his eye off the ball and dropped it to load the bases.
Piniella brought in Sean Marshall.
Pinch hitter Miguel Cairo hit an infield single off Marshall's glove to tie the score.
Nick Masset, who now has two good outings since giving up five runs on opening day, held the Cubs in the eighth. He became the winner when Hernandez walked with the bases loaded against Esmalin Coridad and Gomes hit a sacrifice fly to rightfield.
Although he didn't get the win, Leake had a successful professional debut on the mound and at the plate. He is the first Cincinnati pitcher to get hits in his first two at bats since, Benny Frey on September 18, 1929 against Philadelphia.
The Cubs had the bases loaded but "The kid wiggled out of it," Lou Piniella said.
He gave up only four hits and one run, scoring on veteran Derreck Lee's RBI single in the fifth inning.
"He knew what he was doing," Lee said. "He had a lot of different pitches. We didn't have much to go on. He competed. He wasn't intimidated. We had him on the ropes. Give him credit he didn't fold. He got better."
Leake, who hates to walk batters, walked seven. He had never walked that many in a game at any level but demonstrated poise and limited damages. He had just one 1-2-3 inning. He got the first two batters out in the seventh before he walked Lee for the second time and Aramis Ramirez.
Dusty Baker sent another rookie, Logan Ondrusek, to bail out the young starter. Leake pitched 6 2/3 innings but left trailing 1-0.
The problem was that Cubs starter, Tom Gorzelanny, was shutting down the Reds.
The Reds hitters came up empty, except for Leake who had singles in both of his major league at bats.
They got on the board in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Scott Rolen singled off Gorzelanny.
Ramon Hernandez worked a walk. Johnny Gomes hit a fly ball down the leftfield line.. Alfonso Soriano, who is not recognized as a good outfielder, took his eye off the ball and dropped it to load the bases.
Piniella brought in Sean Marshall.
Pinch hitter Miguel Cairo hit an infield single off Marshall's glove to tie the score.
Nick Masset, who now has two good outings since giving up five runs on opening day, held the Cubs in the eighth. He became the winner when Hernandez walked with the bases loaded against Esmalin Coridad and Gomes hit a sacrifice fly to rightfield.
Although he didn't get the win, Leake had a successful professional debut on the mound and at the plate. He is the first Cincinnati pitcher to get hits in his first two at bats since, Benny Frey on September 18, 1929 against Philadelphia.
The Reds Take The Series with a 3-1 Win
Mike Leake's debut started out rocky.
The Cubs had the bases loaded but "The kid wiggled out of it," Lou Piniella said.
He gave up only four hits and one run, scoring on veteran Derreck Lee's RBI single in the fifth inning.
"He knew what he was doing," Lee said. "He had a lot of different pitches. We didn't have much to go on. He competed. He wasn't intimidated. We had him on the ropes. Give him credit he didn't fold. He got better."
Leake, who hates to walk batters, walked seven. He had never walked that many in a game at any level but demonstrated poise and limited damages. He had just one 1-2-3 inning. He got the first two batters out in the seventh before he walked Lee for the second time and Aramis Ramirez.
Dusty Baker sent another rookie, Logan Ondrusek, to bail out the young starter. Leake pitched 6 2/3 innings but left trailing 1-0.
The problem was that Cubs starter, Tom Gorzelanny, was shutting down the Reds.
The Reds hitters came up empty, except for Leake who had singles in both of his major league at bats.
They got on the board in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Scott Rolen singled off Gorzelanny.
Ramon Hernandez worked a walk. Johnny Gomes hit a fly ball down the leftfield line.. Alfonso Soriano, who is not recognized as a good outfielder, took his eye off the ball and dropped it to load the bases.
Piniella brought in Sean Marshall.
Pinch hitter Miguel Cairo hit an infield single off Marshall's glove to tie the score.
Nick Masset, who now has two good outings since giving up five runs on opening day, held the Cubs in the eighth. He became the winner when Hernandez walked with the bases loaded against Esmalin Coridad and Gomes hit a sacrifice fly to rightfield.
Although he didn't get the win, Leake had a successful professional debut on the mound and at the plate. He is the first Cincinnati pitcher to get hits in his first two at bats since, Benny Frey on September 18, 1929 against Philadelphia.
The Cubs had the bases loaded but "The kid wiggled out of it," Lou Piniella said.
He gave up only four hits and one run, scoring on veteran Derreck Lee's RBI single in the fifth inning.
"He knew what he was doing," Lee said. "He had a lot of different pitches. We didn't have much to go on. He competed. He wasn't intimidated. We had him on the ropes. Give him credit he didn't fold. He got better."
Leake, who hates to walk batters, walked seven. He had never walked that many in a game at any level but demonstrated poise and limited damages. He had just one 1-2-3 inning. He got the first two batters out in the seventh before he walked Lee for the second time and Aramis Ramirez.
Dusty Baker sent another rookie, Logan Ondrusek, to bail out the young starter. Leake pitched 6 2/3 innings but left trailing 1-0.
The problem was that Cubs starter, Tom Gorzelanny, was shutting down the Reds.
The Reds hitters came up empty, except for Leake who had singles in both of his major league at bats.
They got on the board in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Scott Rolen singled off Gorzelanny.
Ramon Hernandez worked a walk. Johnny Gomes hit a fly ball down the leftfield line.. Alfonso Soriano, who is not recognized as a good outfielder, took his eye off the ball and dropped it to load the bases.
Piniella brought in Sean Marshall.
Pinch hitter Miguel Cairo hit an infield single off Marshall's glove to tie the score.
Nick Masset, who now has two good outings since giving up five runs on opening day, held the Cubs in the eighth. He became the winner when Hernandez walked with the bases loaded against Esmalin Coridad and Gomes hit a sacrifice fly to rightfield.
Although he didn't get the win, Leake had a successful professional debut on the mound and at the plate. He is the first Cincinnati pitcher to get hits in his first two at bats since, Benny Frey on September 18, 1929 against Philadelphia.
Aroldis Chapman in Toledo
The Cuban 22-year old made his professional debut in Toledo.
He pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits with four being infield hits. He walked one and struck out nine. He allowed one unearned run that scored on an infield hit in which he failed to cover firstbase.
Chapman threw 85 pitches with 55 strikes, five of them were 100 mph or higher.
(from Louisillie Bats radio broadcast)
He pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits with four being infield hits. He walked one and struck out nine. He allowed one unearned run that scored on an infield hit in which he failed to cover firstbase.
Chapman threw 85 pitches with 55 strikes, five of them were 100 mph or higher.
(from Louisillie Bats radio broadcast)
Aroldis Chapman in Toledo
The Cuban 22-year old made his professional debut in Toledo.
He pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits with four being infield hits. He walked one and struck out nine. He allowed one unearned run that scored on an infield hit in which he failed to cover firstbase.
Chapman threw 85 pitches with 55 strikes, five of them were 100 mph or higher.
(from Louisillie Bats radio broadcast)
He pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits with four being infield hits. He walked one and struck out nine. He allowed one unearned run that scored on an infield hit in which he failed to cover firstbase.
Chapman threw 85 pitches with 55 strikes, five of them were 100 mph or higher.
(from Louisillie Bats radio broadcast)
Leake Escapes a Jam
Mike Leake's first inning didn't start out as planned.
He walked Ryan Theriot to start the game.
"The kid may be a little nervous so you want to make him throw strikes," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said before the game.
Kosuke Fukadome hit s long fly to right centerfield that Drew Stubbs reached but it went off the tip of his glove. He walked the dangerous Derrek Lee on four pitches.
With the bases loaded and no outs, Leake induced Aramis Ramirez to pop out to Brandon Phillips. He struck out Marlon Byed and Alfonso Soriano to fly out to shallow right.
He threw 21 pitches, 10 for strikes.
He walked Ryan Theriot to start the game.
"The kid may be a little nervous so you want to make him throw strikes," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said before the game.
Kosuke Fukadome hit s long fly to right centerfield that Drew Stubbs reached but it went off the tip of his glove. He walked the dangerous Derrek Lee on four pitches.
With the bases loaded and no outs, Leake induced Aramis Ramirez to pop out to Brandon Phillips. He struck out Marlon Byed and Alfonso Soriano to fly out to shallow right.
He threw 21 pitches, 10 for strikes.
Leake Escapes a Jam
Mike Leake's first inning didn't start out as planned.
He walked Ryan Theriot to start the game.
"The kid may be a little nervous so you want to make him throw strikes," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said before the game.
Kosuke Fukadome hit s long fly to right centerfield that Drew Stubbs reached but it went off the tip of his glove. He walked the dangerous Derrek Lee on four pitches.
With the bases loaded and no outs, Leake induced Aramis Ramirez to pop out to Brandon Phillips. He struck out Marlon Byed and Alfonso Soriano to fly out to shallow right.
He threw 21 pitches, 10 for strikes.
He walked Ryan Theriot to start the game.
"The kid may be a little nervous so you want to make him throw strikes," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said before the game.
Kosuke Fukadome hit s long fly to right centerfield that Drew Stubbs reached but it went off the tip of his glove. He walked the dangerous Derrek Lee on four pitches.
With the bases loaded and no outs, Leake induced Aramis Ramirez to pop out to Brandon Phillips. He struck out Marlon Byed and Alfonso Soriano to fly out to shallow right.
He threw 21 pitches, 10 for strikes.
Make Room For Leake
The Reds optioned Juan Francisco to Louisville as expected. They didn't need a fifth starter until today and stated all along they would carry an extra bat (position playre) until they do.
The Reds also needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. They designated LHP Pedro Viola for assignment. They have 10 days to either trade him, convince him to accept assignment to the minor leagues assuming he clears waivers put him on waivers.
Waivers exposes him to other teams, who can claim him.
The Reds also needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. They designated LHP Pedro Viola for assignment. They have 10 days to either trade him, convince him to accept assignment to the minor leagues assuming he clears waivers put him on waivers.
Waivers exposes him to other teams, who can claim him.
Make Room For Leake
The Reds optioned Juan Francisco to Louisville as expected. They didn't need a fifth starter until today and stated all along they would carry an extra bat (position playre) until they do.
The Reds also needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. They designated LHP Pedro Viola for assignment. They have 10 days to either trade him, convince him to accept assignment to the minor leagues assuming he clears waivers put him on waivers.
Waivers exposes him to other teams, who can claim him.
The Reds also needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. They designated LHP Pedro Viola for assignment. They have 10 days to either trade him, convince him to accept assignment to the minor leagues assuming he clears waivers put him on waivers.
Waivers exposes him to other teams, who can claim him.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Reds Pitching Future is On Display Sunday
Mike Leake will be the 22nd player since the draft started in 1966 to appear in a major league game without participating in the minor leagues.
Leake beat out Louisvill Bats starters, Matt Maloney, Justin Lehr, Travis Wood and Aroldis Chapman, who throws at over 100 mph. Chapman is just 22 and a tight lower back knocked him out of contention to appear without minor league experience. Chapman did pitch for the Cuban National team.
Chapman makes his debut on Sunday for the Louisville Bats at 6:00pm. The game can be seen on MiLB.com (a subscription service).
Wood made his 2010 debut Friday night and struck out the first five batters he faced. He was then touched for four unearned runs, done in by a couple of errors. He worked four innings and allowed seven hits.
Leake beat out Louisvill Bats starters, Matt Maloney, Justin Lehr, Travis Wood and Aroldis Chapman, who throws at over 100 mph. Chapman is just 22 and a tight lower back knocked him out of contention to appear without minor league experience. Chapman did pitch for the Cuban National team.
Chapman makes his debut on Sunday for the Louisville Bats at 6:00pm. The game can be seen on MiLB.com (a subscription service).
Wood made his 2010 debut Friday night and struck out the first five batters he faced. He was then touched for four unearned runs, done in by a couple of errors. He worked four innings and allowed seven hits.
Reds Pitching Future is On Display Sunday
Mike Leake will be the 22nd player since the draft started in 1966 to appear in a major league game without participating in the minor leagues.
Leake beat out Louisvill Bats starters, Matt Maloney, Justin Lehr, Travis Wood and Aroldis Chapman, who throws at over 100 mph. Chapman is just 22 and a tight lower back knocked him out of contention to appear without minor league experience. Chapman did pitch for the Cuban National team.
Chapman makes his debut on Sunday for the Louisville Bats at 6:00pm. The game can be seen on MiLB.com (a subscription service).
Wood made his 2010 debut Friday night and struck out the first five batters he faced. He was then touched for four unearned runs, done in by a couple of errors. He worked four innings and allowed seven hits.
Leake beat out Louisvill Bats starters, Matt Maloney, Justin Lehr, Travis Wood and Aroldis Chapman, who throws at over 100 mph. Chapman is just 22 and a tight lower back knocked him out of contention to appear without minor league experience. Chapman did pitch for the Cuban National team.
Chapman makes his debut on Sunday for the Louisville Bats at 6:00pm. The game can be seen on MiLB.com (a subscription service).
Wood made his 2010 debut Friday night and struck out the first five batters he faced. He was then touched for four unearned runs, done in by a couple of errors. He worked four innings and allowed seven hits.
Harang and Zambrano Battle Again in Cubs 3-2 Win
Division rivals Aaron Harang and Carlos Zambrano met for the eighth time on Saturday.
Harang is 4-2 head-to-head and Zambrano is 1-5.
Harang left for a pinch hitter after seven innings. He allowed three runs, all by home run. In his first 12 innings of the season, Harang has given up four home runs.
Kosuke Fukudome hit a two-run home run and Alfonso Soriano hit a solo home run.
The blasts nulified the run scoring single by Ryan Hanigan and Brandon Phillips two-run home run off Zambrano.
Pinch hitter Jeff Baker greeted Harang's retalief, Arthur Rhodes with a home run to give Zambrano the opportunity to post his 16th career win against Cincinnati. Cincinnati has beaten Zambrano 10 times. But by pitching into the seventh inning for the eighth straight start versus the Reds, Zambrano was the beneficiary.
Carlos Marmol struck out the side in the ninth inning to preserve the win for Zambrano.
"You don't see theat happen to Arthur too often," Dusty Baker said. "It looked like a good pitch and he went down and got it. They have a good bench over there."
Harang has been battling "the crud, that's going around" he gave up just four hits and walked no one.
"I just made a couple mistakes and they made me pay for them," Harang said. "It is part of baseball, you have to battle through it, when you're not feeling well. Everybody does it."
"All three home runs were on breaking balls," Baker said. "They didn't miss them or pop it up. You hate to lose like that. After we scored early, we didn't get a whole lot of chances."
One chance the did have was shut down when firstbaseman Derreck Lee jumped to corral another line drive by Jay Bruce with Phillips running and two out. Bruce has one hit in 18 at bats but is hitting line drives all over the place. He showed frustration after Lee's grab.
"Jay's been hitting in some tough, tough luck. He's hit some line drives every day. I don't think there is a taller firstbaseman in the league that could have caught that ball. It's hard to keep telling him to keep swinging," Baker said.
Rhodes has given up less than a home run per nine innings for his career covering 782 appearances and 1101 2/3 innings. In his last five seasons coming into this one. He has been touched for seven home runs in 117 2/3 innings or .35 per nine innings.
"I started him (Jeff Baker)off with a change up because most guys come off the bench looking first pitch fastball," Rhodes said. "Then I threw him a fastball away. I threw him a good slider down and in. It just caught the good part of the bat. It was a good pitch. It was only only one run. I came back and threw some good pitches and got the last three out. You can't hang your head. You have to come back tomorrow."
Harang is 4-2 head-to-head and Zambrano is 1-5.
Harang left for a pinch hitter after seven innings. He allowed three runs, all by home run. In his first 12 innings of the season, Harang has given up four home runs.
Kosuke Fukudome hit a two-run home run and Alfonso Soriano hit a solo home run.
The blasts nulified the run scoring single by Ryan Hanigan and Brandon Phillips two-run home run off Zambrano.
Pinch hitter Jeff Baker greeted Harang's retalief, Arthur Rhodes with a home run to give Zambrano the opportunity to post his 16th career win against Cincinnati. Cincinnati has beaten Zambrano 10 times. But by pitching into the seventh inning for the eighth straight start versus the Reds, Zambrano was the beneficiary.
Carlos Marmol struck out the side in the ninth inning to preserve the win for Zambrano.
"You don't see theat happen to Arthur too often," Dusty Baker said. "It looked like a good pitch and he went down and got it. They have a good bench over there."
Harang has been battling "the crud, that's going around" he gave up just four hits and walked no one.
"I just made a couple mistakes and they made me pay for them," Harang said. "It is part of baseball, you have to battle through it, when you're not feeling well. Everybody does it."
"All three home runs were on breaking balls," Baker said. "They didn't miss them or pop it up. You hate to lose like that. After we scored early, we didn't get a whole lot of chances."
One chance the did have was shut down when firstbaseman Derreck Lee jumped to corral another line drive by Jay Bruce with Phillips running and two out. Bruce has one hit in 18 at bats but is hitting line drives all over the place. He showed frustration after Lee's grab.
"Jay's been hitting in some tough, tough luck. He's hit some line drives every day. I don't think there is a taller firstbaseman in the league that could have caught that ball. It's hard to keep telling him to keep swinging," Baker said.
Rhodes has given up less than a home run per nine innings for his career covering 782 appearances and 1101 2/3 innings. In his last five seasons coming into this one. He has been touched for seven home runs in 117 2/3 innings or .35 per nine innings.
"I started him (Jeff Baker)off with a change up because most guys come off the bench looking first pitch fastball," Rhodes said. "Then I threw him a fastball away. I threw him a good slider down and in. It just caught the good part of the bat. It was a good pitch. It was only only one run. I came back and threw some good pitches and got the last three out. You can't hang your head. You have to come back tomorrow."
Harang and Zambrano Battle Again in Cubs 3-2 Win
Division rivals Aaron Harang and Carlos Zambrano met for the eighth time on Saturday.
Harang is 4-2 head-to-head and Zambrano is 1-5.
Harang left for a pinch hitter after seven innings. He allowed three runs, all by home run. In his first 12 innings of the season, Harang has given up four home runs.
Kosuke Fukudome hit a two-run home run and Alfonso Soriano hit a solo home run.
The blasts nulified the run scoring single by Ryan Hanigan and Brandon Phillips two-run home run off Zambrano.
Pinch hitter Jeff Baker greeted Harang's retalief, Arthur Rhodes with a home run to give Zambrano the opportunity to post his 16th career win against Cincinnati. Cincinnati has beaten Zambrano 10 times. But by pitching into the seventh inning for the eighth straight start versus the Reds, Zambrano was the beneficiary.
Carlos Marmol struck out the side in the ninth inning to preserve the win for Zambrano.
"You don't see theat happen to Arthur too often," Dusty Baker said. "It looked like a good pitch and he went down and got it. They have a good bench over there."
Harang has been battling "the crud, that's going around" he gave up just four hits and walked no one.
"I just made a couple mistakes and they made me pay for them," Harang said. "It is part of baseball, you have to battle through it, when you're not feeling well. Everybody does it."
"All three home runs were on breaking balls," Baker said. "They didn't miss them or pop it up. You hate to lose like that. After we scored early, we didn't get a whole lot of chances."
One chance the did have was shut down when firstbaseman Derreck Lee jumped to corral another line drive by Jay Bruce with Phillips running and two out. Bruce has one hit in 18 at bats but is hitting line drives all over the place. He showed frustration after Lee's grab.
"Jay's been hitting in some tough, tough luck. He's hit some line drives every day. I don't think there is a taller firstbaseman in the league that could have caught that ball. It's hard to keep telling him to keep swinging," Baker said.
Rhodes has given up less than a home run per nine innings for his career covering 782 appearances and 1101 2/3 innings. In his last five seasons coming into this one. He has been touched for seven home runs in 117 2/3 innings or .35 per nine innings.
"I started him (Jeff Baker)off with a change up because most guys come off the bench looking first pitch fastball," Rhodes said. "Then I threw him a fastball away. I threw him a good slider down and in. It just caught the good part of the bat. It was a good pitch. It was only only one run. I came back and threw some good pitches and got the last three out. You can't hang your head. You have to come back tomorrow."
Harang is 4-2 head-to-head and Zambrano is 1-5.
Harang left for a pinch hitter after seven innings. He allowed three runs, all by home run. In his first 12 innings of the season, Harang has given up four home runs.
Kosuke Fukudome hit a two-run home run and Alfonso Soriano hit a solo home run.
The blasts nulified the run scoring single by Ryan Hanigan and Brandon Phillips two-run home run off Zambrano.
Pinch hitter Jeff Baker greeted Harang's retalief, Arthur Rhodes with a home run to give Zambrano the opportunity to post his 16th career win against Cincinnati. Cincinnati has beaten Zambrano 10 times. But by pitching into the seventh inning for the eighth straight start versus the Reds, Zambrano was the beneficiary.
Carlos Marmol struck out the side in the ninth inning to preserve the win for Zambrano.
"You don't see theat happen to Arthur too often," Dusty Baker said. "It looked like a good pitch and he went down and got it. They have a good bench over there."
Harang has been battling "the crud, that's going around" he gave up just four hits and walked no one.
"I just made a couple mistakes and they made me pay for them," Harang said. "It is part of baseball, you have to battle through it, when you're not feeling well. Everybody does it."
"All three home runs were on breaking balls," Baker said. "They didn't miss them or pop it up. You hate to lose like that. After we scored early, we didn't get a whole lot of chances."
One chance the did have was shut down when firstbaseman Derreck Lee jumped to corral another line drive by Jay Bruce with Phillips running and two out. Bruce has one hit in 18 at bats but is hitting line drives all over the place. He showed frustration after Lee's grab.
"Jay's been hitting in some tough, tough luck. He's hit some line drives every day. I don't think there is a taller firstbaseman in the league that could have caught that ball. It's hard to keep telling him to keep swinging," Baker said.
Rhodes has given up less than a home run per nine innings for his career covering 782 appearances and 1101 2/3 innings. In his last five seasons coming into this one. He has been touched for seven home runs in 117 2/3 innings or .35 per nine innings.
"I started him (Jeff Baker)off with a change up because most guys come off the bench looking first pitch fastball," Rhodes said. "Then I threw him a fastball away. I threw him a good slider down and in. It just caught the good part of the bat. It was a good pitch. It was only only one run. I came back and threw some good pitches and got the last three out. You can't hang your head. You have to come back tomorrow."
Friday, April 9, 2010
New Age Reds Battle the Cubs in 5-4 win
The three first round draft choices in the starting lineup. A gritty group of young Texans faced early advesity and came out on top for the second day in a row.
Homer Bailey was struggling. The Cubs scored in three of his five innings.
Eleven batters reached base on seven hits, two walks and two hit batters. But the young Texan battled and did not let the game get out of hand.
"Homer kept us in the game. He struggled big time but he kept us in the game," manager Dusty Baker said.
In a game in which the margin of error is small, magnified by the talent scattered across major league rosters, bad things are going to happen. A mental toughness needs to develop which is why the minor leagues exist.
Bailey, Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce dominated high school ball in Texas. They were never challenged to the extent they are at the major league level.
Bruce has hit the ball hard but his average is at .067. He was denied hits by Ryan Theriot at shortstop and hit a hard line drive to Aramis Ramirez, who was placed in the hole between short and third.
"His average doesn't show how hard he's hit the ball because of plays made against him," Baker said. "We were hitting the ball hard."
Carlos Silva and Justin Berg had pitched the first seven innings and allowed one run on just three hits.
Trailing 3-1 the Reds hung together to reach the eighth inning with Micah Owings keeping it close for three innings.
"He did just want you want a long (relief) man to do," Baker said.
Johnny Gomes and Ramon Hernandez walked against Esmalan Caridad, who was working in his third straight game. Pinch hitter, Chris Dickerson bunted to move the tying runs into scoring postition. He beat it out for a base hit.
Stubbs scored the first run of the game by hitting a triple off the rightfield wall and jogging home on a fly to right by Orlando Cabrera.
Stubbs knew that Caridad needed a strike.
"The pitcher struggled early in the inning. I knew he had come right at me," Stubbs said. "I hit at least two in pro ball but less than five in my life. I was thinking to just get a good pitch. I just tried to drive it to the outfield and when you do that home runs come sometimes."
The game wasn't over.
Veteran Francisco Cordero, who was also working in his third consecutive game, had a come back ball ricochet off him in the direction of Brandon Phillips. The secondbaseman scouped it with his bare hand a redirected it to Joey Votto at first to beat rookie, Tyler Colvin on a close play.
"He is one of the best in the game. We should give Brandon Phillips the save," Cordero said.
Indeed. Because Derrek Lee hit a long home run into the upper deck that would have tied the contest.
Bruce caught Aramis Ramirex long fly with the rightfield fence goosing him. Then the Cubs loaded the bases. Kosuke Fukadome singled. Alfonso Soriano reached base when usually sure handed veteran, Scott Rolen could not field his ground ball cleanly. Veteran Cabrera went into the hole on Mike Fontenot's ground ball and could not get the force play when he dropped the ball before making the throw.
Cordero fielded Chad Tracy's comeback ball to end the game.
"It was hard fought by both teams," Baker said. "It got hairy at the end."
"That's why I like this team so much. We've got a good mix. If for some reason somebody makes a mistake, a young player can back him up and say I've got your back don't worry. Sometimes the young player will make a mistake and the veteran guys will be there for them," Cordero said.
Homer Bailey was struggling. The Cubs scored in three of his five innings.
Eleven batters reached base on seven hits, two walks and two hit batters. But the young Texan battled and did not let the game get out of hand.
"Homer kept us in the game. He struggled big time but he kept us in the game," manager Dusty Baker said.
In a game in which the margin of error is small, magnified by the talent scattered across major league rosters, bad things are going to happen. A mental toughness needs to develop which is why the minor leagues exist.
Bailey, Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce dominated high school ball in Texas. They were never challenged to the extent they are at the major league level.
Bruce has hit the ball hard but his average is at .067. He was denied hits by Ryan Theriot at shortstop and hit a hard line drive to Aramis Ramirez, who was placed in the hole between short and third.
"His average doesn't show how hard he's hit the ball because of plays made against him," Baker said. "We were hitting the ball hard."
Carlos Silva and Justin Berg had pitched the first seven innings and allowed one run on just three hits.
Trailing 3-1 the Reds hung together to reach the eighth inning with Micah Owings keeping it close for three innings.
"He did just want you want a long (relief) man to do," Baker said.
Johnny Gomes and Ramon Hernandez walked against Esmalan Caridad, who was working in his third straight game. Pinch hitter, Chris Dickerson bunted to move the tying runs into scoring postition. He beat it out for a base hit.
Stubbs scored the first run of the game by hitting a triple off the rightfield wall and jogging home on a fly to right by Orlando Cabrera.
Stubbs knew that Caridad needed a strike.
"The pitcher struggled early in the inning. I knew he had come right at me," Stubbs said. "I hit at least two in pro ball but less than five in my life. I was thinking to just get a good pitch. I just tried to drive it to the outfield and when you do that home runs come sometimes."
The game wasn't over.
Veteran Francisco Cordero, who was also working in his third consecutive game, had a come back ball ricochet off him in the direction of Brandon Phillips. The secondbaseman scouped it with his bare hand a redirected it to Joey Votto at first to beat rookie, Tyler Colvin on a close play.
"He is one of the best in the game. We should give Brandon Phillips the save," Cordero said.
Indeed. Because Derrek Lee hit a long home run into the upper deck that would have tied the contest.
Bruce caught Aramis Ramirex long fly with the rightfield fence goosing him. Then the Cubs loaded the bases. Kosuke Fukadome singled. Alfonso Soriano reached base when usually sure handed veteran, Scott Rolen could not field his ground ball cleanly. Veteran Cabrera went into the hole on Mike Fontenot's ground ball and could not get the force play when he dropped the ball before making the throw.
Cordero fielded Chad Tracy's comeback ball to end the game.
"It was hard fought by both teams," Baker said. "It got hairy at the end."
"That's why I like this team so much. We've got a good mix. If for some reason somebody makes a mistake, a young player can back him up and say I've got your back don't worry. Sometimes the young player will make a mistake and the veteran guys will be there for them," Cordero said.
New Age Reds Battle the Cubs in 5-4 win
The three first round draft choices in the starting lineup. A gritty group of young Texans faced early advesity and came out on top for the second day in a row.
Homer Bailey was struggling. The Cubs scored in three of his five innings.
Eleven batters reached base on seven hits, two walks and two hit batters. But the young Texan battled and did not let the game get out of hand.
"Homer kept us in the game. He struggled big time but he kept us in the game," manager Dusty Baker said.
In a game in which the margin of error is small, magnified by the talent scattered across major league rosters, bad things are going to happen. A mental toughness needs to develop which is why the minor leagues exist.
Bailey, Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce dominated high school ball in Texas. They were never challenged to the extent they are at the major league level.
Bruce has hit the ball hard but his average is at .067. He was denied hits by Ryan Theriot at shortstop and hit a hard line drive to Aramis Ramirez, who was placed in the hole between short and third.
"His average doesn't show how hard he's hit the ball because of plays made against him," Baker said. "We were hitting the ball hard."
Carlos Silva and Justin Berg had pitched the first seven innings and allowed one run on just three hits.
Trailing 3-1 the Reds hung together to reach the eighth inning with Micah Owings keeping it close for three innings.
"He did just want you want a long (relief) man to do," Baker said.
Johnny Gomes and Ramon Hernandez walked against Esmalan Caridad, who was working in his third straight game. Pinch hitter, Chris Dickerson bunted to move the tying runs into scoring postition. He beat it out for a base hit.
Stubbs scored the first run of the game by hitting a triple off the rightfield wall and jogging home on a fly to right by Orlando Cabrera.
Stubbs knew that Caridad needed a strike.
"The pitcher struggled early in the inning. I knew he had come right at me," Stubbs said. "I hit at least two in pro ball but less than five in my life. I was thinking to just get a good pitch. I just tried to drive it to the outfield and when you do that home runs come sometimes."
The game wasn't over.
Veteran Francisco Cordero, who was also working in his third consecutive game, had a come back ball ricochet off him in the direction of Brandon Phillips. The secondbaseman scouped it with his bare hand a redirected it to Joey Votto at first to beat rookie, Tyler Colvin on a close play.
"He is one of the best in the game. We should give Brandon Phillips the save," Cordero said.
Indeed. Because Derrek Lee hit a long home run into the upper deck that would have tied the contest.
Bruce caught Aramis Ramirex long fly with the rightfield fence goosing him. Then the Cubs loaded the bases. Kosuke Fukadome singled. Alfonso Soriano reached base when usually sure handed veteran, Scott Rolen could not field his ground ball cleanly. Veteran Cabrera went into the hole on Mike Fontenot's ground ball and could not get the force play when he dropped the ball before making the throw.
Cordero fielded Chad Tracy's comeback ball to end the game.
"It was hard fought by both teams," Baker said. "It got hairy at the end."
"That's why I like this team so much. We've got a good mix. If for some reason somebody makes a mistake, a young player can back him up and say I've got your back don't worry. Sometimes the young player will make a mistake and the veteran guys will be there for them," Cordero said.
Homer Bailey was struggling. The Cubs scored in three of his five innings.
Eleven batters reached base on seven hits, two walks and two hit batters. But the young Texan battled and did not let the game get out of hand.
"Homer kept us in the game. He struggled big time but he kept us in the game," manager Dusty Baker said.
In a game in which the margin of error is small, magnified by the talent scattered across major league rosters, bad things are going to happen. A mental toughness needs to develop which is why the minor leagues exist.
Bailey, Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce dominated high school ball in Texas. They were never challenged to the extent they are at the major league level.
Bruce has hit the ball hard but his average is at .067. He was denied hits by Ryan Theriot at shortstop and hit a hard line drive to Aramis Ramirez, who was placed in the hole between short and third.
"His average doesn't show how hard he's hit the ball because of plays made against him," Baker said. "We were hitting the ball hard."
Carlos Silva and Justin Berg had pitched the first seven innings and allowed one run on just three hits.
Trailing 3-1 the Reds hung together to reach the eighth inning with Micah Owings keeping it close for three innings.
"He did just want you want a long (relief) man to do," Baker said.
Johnny Gomes and Ramon Hernandez walked against Esmalan Caridad, who was working in his third straight game. Pinch hitter, Chris Dickerson bunted to move the tying runs into scoring postition. He beat it out for a base hit.
Stubbs scored the first run of the game by hitting a triple off the rightfield wall and jogging home on a fly to right by Orlando Cabrera.
Stubbs knew that Caridad needed a strike.
"The pitcher struggled early in the inning. I knew he had come right at me," Stubbs said. "I hit at least two in pro ball but less than five in my life. I was thinking to just get a good pitch. I just tried to drive it to the outfield and when you do that home runs come sometimes."
The game wasn't over.
Veteran Francisco Cordero, who was also working in his third consecutive game, had a come back ball ricochet off him in the direction of Brandon Phillips. The secondbaseman scouped it with his bare hand a redirected it to Joey Votto at first to beat rookie, Tyler Colvin on a close play.
"He is one of the best in the game. We should give Brandon Phillips the save," Cordero said.
Indeed. Because Derrek Lee hit a long home run into the upper deck that would have tied the contest.
Bruce caught Aramis Ramirex long fly with the rightfield fence goosing him. Then the Cubs loaded the bases. Kosuke Fukadome singled. Alfonso Soriano reached base when usually sure handed veteran, Scott Rolen could not field his ground ball cleanly. Veteran Cabrera went into the hole on Mike Fontenot's ground ball and could not get the force play when he dropped the ball before making the throw.
Cordero fielded Chad Tracy's comeback ball to end the game.
"It was hard fought by both teams," Baker said. "It got hairy at the end."
"That's why I like this team so much. We've got a good mix. If for some reason somebody makes a mistake, a young player can back him up and say I've got your back don't worry. Sometimes the young player will make a mistake and the veteran guys will be there for them," Cordero said.
Lou Remembers 1990
Lou Piniella can believe that it has been 20 years since he took the Reds from wire-to-wire to win the World Championship in a sweep of the Oakland Athletics.
"I can believe its been 20 years, I really can. It was awhile back. It was a lot of fun," Piniella said before the Cubs manager led his current team against the Reds.
"We had good starting pitching. We had a really nice bullpen. We had very professional players on the field. It was a total team effort. It was a very athletic team."
The Reds won the first nine games after a late start of the season, caused by a work stoppage. Cincinnati spent 178 calendar days in first place.
"We played a very exciting post season against Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh had a good baseball team. Then on to Oakland and we swept Oakland," Piniella said.
"We got after it pretty good. I remember I let the guys play. We built up a good lead and I was able to rest the team all summer long. Nobody really made a big charge at us. We had a rested team for post season."
The Reds museum has a tribute to the team at the Museum adjacent to Great American Ball Park.
"The next time we come into town, I'll have to go enjoy it," Piniella said.
"I can believe its been 20 years, I really can. It was awhile back. It was a lot of fun," Piniella said before the Cubs manager led his current team against the Reds.
"We had good starting pitching. We had a really nice bullpen. We had very professional players on the field. It was a total team effort. It was a very athletic team."
The Reds won the first nine games after a late start of the season, caused by a work stoppage. Cincinnati spent 178 calendar days in first place.
"We played a very exciting post season against Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh had a good baseball team. Then on to Oakland and we swept Oakland," Piniella said.
"We got after it pretty good. I remember I let the guys play. We built up a good lead and I was able to rest the team all summer long. Nobody really made a big charge at us. We had a rested team for post season."
The Reds museum has a tribute to the team at the Museum adjacent to Great American Ball Park.
"The next time we come into town, I'll have to go enjoy it," Piniella said.
Lou Remembers 1990
Lou Piniella can believe that it has been 20 years since he took the Reds from wire-to-wire to win the World Championship in a sweep of the Oakland Athletics.
"I can believe its been 20 years, I really can. It was awhile back. It was a lot of fun," Piniella said before the Cubs manager led his current team against the Reds.
"We had good starting pitching. We had a really nice bullpen. We had very professional players on the field. It was a total team effort. It was a very athletic team."
The Reds won the first nine games after a late start of the season, caused by a work stoppage. Cincinnati spent 178 calendar days in first place.
"We played a very exciting post season against Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh had a good baseball team. Then on to Oakland and we swept Oakland," Piniella said.
"We got after it pretty good. I remember I let the guys play. We built up a good lead and I was able to rest the team all summer long. Nobody really made a big charge at us. We had a rested team for post season."
The Reds museum has a tribute to the team at the Museum adjacent to Great American Ball Park.
"The next time we come into town, I'll have to go enjoy it," Piniella said.
"I can believe its been 20 years, I really can. It was awhile back. It was a lot of fun," Piniella said before the Cubs manager led his current team against the Reds.
"We had good starting pitching. We had a really nice bullpen. We had very professional players on the field. It was a total team effort. It was a very athletic team."
The Reds won the first nine games after a late start of the season, caused by a work stoppage. Cincinnati spent 178 calendar days in first place.
"We played a very exciting post season against Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh had a good baseball team. Then on to Oakland and we swept Oakland," Piniella said.
"We got after it pretty good. I remember I let the guys play. We built up a good lead and I was able to rest the team all summer long. Nobody really made a big charge at us. We had a rested team for post season."
The Reds museum has a tribute to the team at the Museum adjacent to Great American Ball Park.
"The next time we come into town, I'll have to go enjoy it," Piniella said.
We're Number 1
As in draft choice.
The Reds are facing the Chicago Cubs with three count em, three number one draft choices in the starting lineup.
The team's top 2004 pick, Homer Bailey, is the starting pitcher. Although he has pitched in the major leagues in parts three seasons, the 23-year old Texan, made the opening day roster for the first time in his pro career.
The top 2005 pick, Jay Bruce, is starting in rightfield. Bruce is with the team on opening day for the second year in a row. Bruce is 11 months younger than Bailey but also hails from Texas.
Drew Stubbs was the first Reds' pick in 2006. He is a little older at 25 because he spent three seasons at the University of Texas. He is also a native Texan.
On Sunday the Reds will send its 2009 first rounder, Mike Leake, against the Cubs.
Leake pitched for Arizona State before being selected. When he makes his debut, he will be the first player since Darren Driefort in 1994 to play in the major leagues without playing in the minor leagues.
The Reds are facing the Chicago Cubs with three count em, three number one draft choices in the starting lineup.
The team's top 2004 pick, Homer Bailey, is the starting pitcher. Although he has pitched in the major leagues in parts three seasons, the 23-year old Texan, made the opening day roster for the first time in his pro career.
The top 2005 pick, Jay Bruce, is starting in rightfield. Bruce is with the team on opening day for the second year in a row. Bruce is 11 months younger than Bailey but also hails from Texas.
Drew Stubbs was the first Reds' pick in 2006. He is a little older at 25 because he spent three seasons at the University of Texas. He is also a native Texan.
On Sunday the Reds will send its 2009 first rounder, Mike Leake, against the Cubs.
Leake pitched for Arizona State before being selected. When he makes his debut, he will be the first player since Darren Driefort in 1994 to play in the major leagues without playing in the minor leagues.
We're Number 1
As in draft choice.
The Reds are facing the Chicago Cubs with three count em, three number one draft choices in the starting lineup.
The team's top 2004 pick, Homer Bailey, is the starting pitcher. Although he has pitched in the major leagues in parts three seasons, the 23-year old Texan, made the opening day roster for the first time in his pro career.
The top 2005 pick, Jay Bruce, is starting in rightfield. Bruce is with the team on opening day for the second year in a row. Bruce is 11 months younger than Bailey but also hails from Texas.
Drew Stubbs was the first Reds' pick in 2006. He is a little older at 25 because he spent three seasons at the University of Texas. He is also a native Texan.
On Sunday the Reds will send its 2009 first rounder, Mike Leake, against the Cubs.
Leake pitched for Arizona State before being selected. When he makes his debut, he will be the first player since Darren Driefort in 1994 to play in the major leagues without playing in the minor leagues.
The Reds are facing the Chicago Cubs with three count em, three number one draft choices in the starting lineup.
The team's top 2004 pick, Homer Bailey, is the starting pitcher. Although he has pitched in the major leagues in parts three seasons, the 23-year old Texan, made the opening day roster for the first time in his pro career.
The top 2005 pick, Jay Bruce, is starting in rightfield. Bruce is with the team on opening day for the second year in a row. Bruce is 11 months younger than Bailey but also hails from Texas.
Drew Stubbs was the first Reds' pick in 2006. He is a little older at 25 because he spent three seasons at the University of Texas. He is also a native Texan.
On Sunday the Reds will send its 2009 first rounder, Mike Leake, against the Cubs.
Leake pitched for Arizona State before being selected. When he makes his debut, he will be the first player since Darren Driefort in 1994 to play in the major leagues without playing in the minor leagues.
Welcome To The 2010 Season
I am a little late getting started. The internet was elsusive the first four days of the season in the pressbox but now I can blog.
Please leave any comments on this blog. Let me know what you like and what you don't like about it.
I will be posting during the games and attempting to capture the human element of these games. Statistics can be had anywhere. I will be trying to emulate Hal McCoy and bring you the stories that you can't piece together from the box score.
Not that I will not use numbers but I will try to use them to make a point and show their relevence.
I would like to thank Jerry Dowling for making me look better than I do in person through his incomparable artwork in the caricature at the bottom of this page.
In fact I am toying with the idea of changing the name of this blog to "Full of Schatz" (don't be messing with my vowel, Vanna) as Jerry suggested.
Please leave any comments on this blog. Let me know what you like and what you don't like about it.
I will be posting during the games and attempting to capture the human element of these games. Statistics can be had anywhere. I will be trying to emulate Hal McCoy and bring you the stories that you can't piece together from the box score.
Not that I will not use numbers but I will try to use them to make a point and show their relevence.
I would like to thank Jerry Dowling for making me look better than I do in person through his incomparable artwork in the caricature at the bottom of this page.
Welcome To The 2010 Season
I am a little late getting started. The internet was elsusive the first four days of the season in the pressbox but now I can blog.
Please leave any comments on this blog. Let me know what you like and what you don't like about it.
I will be posting during the games and attempting to capture the human element of these games. Statistics can be had anywhere. I will be trying to emulate Hal McCoy and bring you the stories that you can't piece together from the box score.
Not that I will not use numbers but I will try to use them to make a point and show their relevence.
I would like to thank Jerry Dowling for making me look better than I do in person through his incomparable artwork in the caricature at the bottom of this page.
In fact I am toying with the idea of changing the name of this blog to "Full of Schatz" (don't be messing with my vowel, Vanna) as Jerry suggested.
Please leave any comments on this blog. Let me know what you like and what you don't like about it.
I will be posting during the games and attempting to capture the human element of these games. Statistics can be had anywhere. I will be trying to emulate Hal McCoy and bring you the stories that you can't piece together from the box score.
Not that I will not use numbers but I will try to use them to make a point and show their relevence.
I would like to thank Jerry Dowling for making me look better than I do in person through his incomparable artwork in the caricature at the bottom of this page.
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