Homer Bailey Takes On Kansas City

Homer Bailey will pitch more than one inning today.  On Tuesday, Bailey pitched only one inning, just to get the feel of being on the mound.  Today he begins to build his innings to get ready.

Shin-Soo Choo and Ryan Hanigan have been held out of games with minor aches and pains.  Dusty Baker is making sure that they don't extend themselves this early.

"They are both disappointed that they aren't playing, especially Mr. Choo," Baker said.  "And that's good.  If it were later in the spring they would be playing.  I got to do what I got to do."

Choo is transitioning to centerfield after playing rightfield for the Cleveland Indians the last six years.

"Choo has to get used to who he is playing beside more than anything," Baker said.  "He has to get used to Ludwick and Bruce, also Heisey on one side or the other.  He has to get used to our secondbaseman (Brandon Phillips) going out as far as he does.  He has to get used to how far out Cozart goes. So you don't have any collisions.  These are things you have to get used to.  It is tougher here than anywhere.  These fields are not synonymous with the fields we'll be playing.  But it's better than not being familiar with them at all."

Billy Hamilton will replace Choo in the lineup which is:

Billy Hamilton CF
Zack Cozart SS
Joey Votto 1B
Xavier Paul LF
Jay Bruce RF
Todd Frazier 3B
Jason Donald 2B
Devin Mesoraco C
Derrick Robinson DH
Homer Bailey P

Although he is raw and just learning to play outfield, Sam LeCure already sees how Hamilton's ability will be a value in centerfield.

"He's going to be the pitcher's best friend," LeCure said.  "He can really run them down."

The Reds will face Kansas City's Wade Davis.

Davis was the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' third round pick in 2004, the same year the Reds picked Bailey in the first round.  Kansas City obtained Davis along with James Shields for five minor leaguers.

Davis was 12-10 in 2010 and 11-10 in 2011 as a starter for the Rays.  He pitched out of the bullpen last season and made 54 appearances with a 3-0 record and a 2.43 ERA.

The Royals signed him to a potentially five-year contract worth at least $14.6 million.  There are team options for 2015, 2016 and 2017 that could make the contract worth as much as $32.6.

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