What started with a discussion of the first day of live batting practice for the Reds was overshadowed by the news that its rivals the St. Louis Cardinals suffered a setback.
The media contingent waited in the Reds clubhouse for Dusty Baker to be ready for his morning press conference when Jonny Gomes came by singing. We were not familiar with the song but the last line was this, "I won't let you down, Adam Wainright gone."
The thought was he was visualizing hitting a home run off the Cardinals ace but we found later what he meant.
As Baker listed the pitcher that would throw on Wednesday, a writer told him that Adam Wainright had elbow issues.
Baker's first reaction, "Who are the going to blame for that?"
When Baker managed the Cubs, some thought his overuse of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior led to injuries that cut short their careers. Prior hasn't pitched since 2006 but is in the New York Yankees camp trying to make a comeback.
"I hate to see that though," Baker said. "Not only is he a great pitcher but he's a fine young man. Every time I've seen him he's been polite and respectful."
As the words came, the phone rang in his office. Baker's son Darren was on the phone reporting that Wainright had a "significant" injury. "He's my scout," Baker said with a smile.
A writer offered that not many teams can overcome something like that and that the Reds with such depth probably could.
"Yeah but its hard to overcome the loss of a pitcher like Wainright," Baker said.
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.
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