The Reds take on the Kansas City Royals in Surprise, Arizona.
The town has a sign that says established in 1964.....1964 geez, I have T-shirts older than this town.
They built yet another ballpark with mountain views. The Royals and Texas Rangers moved from Florida in 2003. Kansas City used to train in Haynes City, Florida in the middle of the state at Boardwalk and Baseball. A baseball complex that never did take off. Texas trained in Port Charlotte which was an easy drive from all three of the Reds former venues in Florida, Tampa, Plant City and Sarasota.
Shin-Soo Choo was in the orginal lineup for the Reds but was scratched. Ryan LaMarre replaced him in centerfield and the leadoff spot.
Ken Griffey Sr. managed LaMarre last season at Bakersfield. He pointed out that lost in the fuss about Billy Hamilton's minor league record of 155 stolen bases, LaMarre pilfered 55 himself. Griffey told me that he plays a centerfield that reminded him of "The Chief" Cesar Geronimo from the Big Red Machine. He also believes LaMarre will hit once he solves the mental aspect of hitting.
Eric Davis, who is working with Reds' outfielders gave his evaluation.
"LaMarre is really good," Davis said. "Right now his defense is ahead of his offense. We have a lot of guys that can play. Most of them have one aspect of their game ahead of the other. Once they get everything together, it will be a rat race to the finish line."
The Reds' lineup is:
Ryan LaMarre CF
Emmanuel Burris 2B
Jay Bruce RF
Ryan Ludwick DH
Donald Lutz 1B
Todd Frazier 3B
Chris Heisey LF
Zack Cozart SS
Devin Mesoraco C
Mat Latos P
The Reds face Ervin Santana.
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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