A's Rock Reds Hunter Green' Gets Through Second Start

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Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Hunter Green's second start turned sour in the second inning. He breezed through the first inning but an infield single and two walks set up Jocob Wilson for a two-run single. Lawrence Butler followed with a three-run home run.

“It was disappointing but since it was spring, I felt good my pitches were great. I heard nothing but good from Tito, DJ (Derek Johnson pitching coach). I have to be ok with that,” Green said. “There was one pitch, obviously Lawrence (Butler) is a good hitter. I sneaked two by him. I had all the confidence in the world to slip another one by him. It was on the same plane as the other two fastballs. Him hitting it was not a surprise. I definitely should have gone with another pitch or something but it happens. I felt like I had gone out for five or six. My body’s felt so much better than it has in the past which is exciting.”

Green finished with two innings, allowing five runs on three hits and two walks. He struck out Gio Urshela twice. Ushela had two awkward swings. 

“I threw him a splitter in his first at bat and three sliders in a row his last at bat,” Green said.

Brent Suter’s luck wasn’t any better. He allowed five runs on five hits and a walk.

“The first inning, Hunter looked as good as you could look,” Francona said. “We didn’t make a play to start the inning.”

It was a ground ball to Jeimer Candelario at third that Miguel Andujar beat out. It was ruled an infield hit but the play should have been made.

“The 0-2 pitch to Butler skewed the inning. I thought his stuff was great. That’s the good part about spring training. If that’s the regular season, five earnies. He felt really good. I thought the ball came out of his hand really, really well.”

Tony Santillan pitched a scoreless inning. Connor Phillips, who is battling for a space in the starting rotation, pitched two scoreless frames. 

“That was the highlight of the day. He threw the ball extremely well because they were on everybody,” Francona said.  

Offensively, Will Benson hit a triple and scored on a single by Blake Dunn. TJ Friedl and Santiago Espinal had hits. Jacob Hurtibise had two hits giving him four in the last two games. He tripled into the right field corner in the ninth and wanted to try for home but JD House stopped him to the chagrin of a fan in the box seats, who let Francona know his displeasure as the manager just stared back at him without a word.

Elly De La Cruz And Matt McLain Are Forming A Dynamic Duo

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Matt McLain is back and Elly De La Cruz is happy about it.

McLain missed all of 2024 with a bum left shoulder. He was healthy over the winter, went to the Arizona Fall League to play outfield just to get at bats. It has paid off.

He and De La Cruz are hitting the ball hard and can be seen together in camp all day. The will be the double play combination that was lacking in 2024. 

With the bats, they are off to an early fast start.

Manager Terry Francona, cautioned that players get timing at different places in spring training. “Whoever gets hits the first couple games, if they’re young kids, everybody says he’s got the inside track of making the team. They regulars are the guys, who find their timing last because they play every other day,” Francona said. “With Elly, if he gets good pitches to hit, the idea is not to tell the guy, you’ve got to walk more or you’ve got to strike out less. If he swings at good pitches, those things will take care of themselves.”

Francona’s word bears out. McLain is 5-for-11 with two doubles and a home run. All three extra-base hits were against the Los Angeles Angels on February 26.  De La Cruz is 5-for-9 with three home runs, and a double. De La Cruz was struck out once and walked twice, he’s made.

Through February 27th. In the field McLain made a diving stop in the first inning, robbing Josh Naylor of a hit. McLain was charged with an error when Geraldo Perdomo’s hard ground ball took a bad hop. After Graham Ascraft threw the ball in the dirt on a potential double play ball. De La Cruz fielded a ground ball by Randall Grichuk into a double play. De La Cruz fielded the ball with his momentum taking him to right field but he flipped to McLain to complete the double play.

“That was gorgeous,” Francona said. “The fact that Elly got to that ball and to turn a double play. That was special.”

“That’s not the goal but if he gets good pitches. If he gets good pitches, he’s going to hit them,” Francona said. 

The pair has been working well turning double plays at least on the practice fields.

“I think I know this team well enough that I love the middle infield,” Francona said. “If we struggle, we’ll struggle together and when we figure it out, we’ll figure it out together. I like this group. They’re fun to be around. Those two in the middle have a chance to be special together.”

McLain, who will never be accused of being too wordy, understands what Francona brings to the team.

“He brings the energy; the positive energy,” McLain said. “The standards have been high. The accountability has been high. It’s been great.”

“He is a legend,” De La Cruz said.

The pair bonded on a personal level and Francona noticed it. Especially from McLain after missing all of last year.

“You know what? I give the kid credit. He went to play in the fall league,” Francona said. “I’m not sure everybody does that. He played different positions. People were speculating that we were turning him into a utility player. The rules there are different there (so many games are allocated for each position). We just needed him to go play. He didn’t care where he played. He was glad to do it. Sometimes good things happen to good people.”

“It is like getting a veteran back,” Francona said. “I know he doesn’t have a lot of service time. It doesn’t matter. He’s a baseball player. He throws the ball to the right base. Look how happy Elly is happy he’s here.”

McLain played alongside his brother Sean with the Glendale Desert Dogs. On Monday February 24.opposed each other when the Los Angeles Dodger and Reds hooked up. It was the fourth time including three games in college that they played on opposing teams. Matt attended UCLA. Sean p;ayed at Sean played at Arizona State University. Matt has Thanksgiving day bragging rights with a 4-0 record. Younger brother, Nick, played at Arizona State also. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the third round of the last draft.

Sean was 1-for-3 with a run scored. Matt was 1-for-3 with an RBI. “It was great. You don’t get that McLain said. “It was really cool. I’ll remember it forever.  He let me know. He got a double and he made a nice play. I got a single but we won. I’m still undefeated against him. We played in college. We swept them. It was cool our parents were able to be here and aunt and uncle too. It was cool.”

The McLain brothers live together during spring training. 

McLain was really missed by the Reds last season. He is not competing for a job this spring. Second base is his. He is an obvious talent. He was drafted out of Arnold O Beckman High School in the first round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the 25th pick. The Reds made him their first round choice in 2021 after three seasons at UCLA. He spent just two years in the minor leagues before his first big league game on May 15 against the Colorado Rockies. 

He hit .290 in 89 games with 23 RBI, four triples and 16 home runs. The left shoulder kept him out of action in 2024.

De La Cruz was signed as a free agent at 17 years old out of the Dominican Republic. The Reds scouts were looking at another player when he caught their attention. 

De La Cruz hit .259 last season with 35 doubles, 10 triples and 25 home runs. He led the Major Leagues with 67 stolen bases. He also struck out 218 times.

It is something the Reds would like him to cut down on. They also want him to pick his spots better.

“I told him everything you do on the field is to help us win,” Francona said. “I don’t want them to run just because it’s in their tool box. I told him I want him to be the best player on the best team in baseball.

In turn De La Cruz is teaching Francona, one spanish word or phrase each day.

 

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Nick Lodolo Makes First Spring Outing. Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz Power Reds Over Angels

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Nick Lodolo made his first start of the spring. Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz power Reds to 9-4 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

The big left hander battled non arm injuries the last two seasons, making only seven starts in 2023 and 21 last season. When healthy, he is one of the most effective Reds’ starters. When he tried to pitch with pain, he was well below par.

His first batter to face is Mike Trout. It doesn’t get much tougher for a pitcher than that.

“Lodolo had blisters, his foot. Some quirky things happened. I woke up excited today because of the good off season. He looks terrific and he will start his progression today.”

Lodolo walked Trout to start the game. Lodolo caught Trout stealing. He struck out Travis D’Arnaud but gave up a single to Taylor Ward on the first pitch. He walked Jorge Soler and Yaon Moncada, going to a three ball count on every hitter but Ward. 

Francona took Lodolo out with two outs and the bases loaded. Minor Leaguer, Simon Miller got Ryan Noda to line out to right to end the inning.

Under spring training rules, Lodolo was allowed to return and pitched a scoreless inning.

“I was out of sync. I’m not happy with it but it was good to get out there again. I feel good. I feel strong,” Lodolo said.

Lodolo pitched 1 ⅔ innings, allowing one hit, three walks and struck out two.

“Every guy in the game struggled with the mound. They said it was different from the bullpen mound. O.K. but when the fourth guy in a row says the same thing. They were all struggling with it.”

“He seemed to adjust in the second inning. That was good to see. I cut him a little short so he could go out in the second and he did good,” Francona said.

Bryan Shaw pitched the third inning. He gave up a home run to Trout and walked D”Arnaud but struck out the last three batters he faced.

The bats:

For the second straight game a Reds hitter had three extra-base hits. This time Matt McLain doubled to open the game against Angel’s starter, Tyler Anderson, a left hander.

McLain doubled in the third inning against Anderson, then hit a long two-run home run in the fifth against right hander, Victor Mederos. He matched Austin Hays who hit two home runs and a double on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They tied Joey Votto from 2022 and Chris Dominguez from 2015 in Cactus League play.

Elly De La Cruz hit a double from the right side of the plate in the first inning to drive in McLain. De La Cruz ran it for a triple but was sent back to second because the ball bounced off the batter’s eye which is out of play.  He hit his third home run of the spring off Mederos in the fifth.

In the first three games of the spring De La Cruz has is 5-for-8 with four extra base hits. Just as important, he hasn’t struck out.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand powered his first home run off Connor Bragdan.  The starters left the game but the reserves continued to pound Angel pitching.

“We’ll take all the power displays. It’s fun to watch,” Francona said. “I give the kid (McLain) credit. He went to play in the Fall League. I’m not sure everybody does that. He played different positions because of the rules they have. Everybody was speculating that we were making a utility player out of him. We just needed him to play. He didn’t care where he played and was happy to do it. Sometimes good things happen to good people.”

“It is like getting a veteran player back. I know he doesn’t have a lot of service time but he’s a baseball player. He throws the ball to the right base. He knows how to play. Just look how much Elly (De La Cruz) is happy he’s here.”

Noelvi Marte hit a two-run triple. Jacob Hurtubise was 2-for-2 with a double. 

Austin Hays Stars For Reds In Win Over World Champs

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Austin Hays was the hitting star for the Reds in a 8-1 win over the World Champion, Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hays hit a two-run home run off Tanner Scott in the fourth inning and a two-run home run off Blake Treinen in the fifth frame. Hays doubled home Elly De La Cruz and Tyler Stephenson in the first inning. David Bote cut off the throw to the plate and threw Hays out at third base.

There was confusion about whether Stephenson had crossed the plate before the out at third. The scoreboard gave the Reds just one run but Stephenson had clearly crossed the plate before the out. The Reds’ staff was able to reach the umpires, who confirmed Stephenson crossed the plate way before the out.

For the meaningless Cactus League record. Hays’ three extra-base hits tied Joey Votto in 2022 and Chris Dominguez in 2015. He tied Yasiel Puig with six RBI in a game in 2019.

“That was impressive. For most of us that’s two-thirds of a year. It won’t mean much a month from now but it was impressive. It was fun to watch,” Francona said.

“He has a great approach at the plate,” Terry Francona shot back. “I don’t know when it's going to be but this kid is going to be a great major league hitter. I don’t know when but mark my words.”

Elly De La Cruz made it 4-for-4 for the spring with a single in the first inning. He was 0-for-2 after that.

On the mound, the Reds’ newest starter from the Jonathan India trade, pitched two scoreless innings. 

In the first inning he had three punch outs and all strikes. In the second inning they made him work. Which is ok too. He was gassed after the first inning. That’s not a bad thing that’s good (for stretching him out),” Francona said.

Singer was pleased with his first outing.

“There were a few kinks for sure,” Singer said. “To go out there and compete was really fun. I used a lot of my pitches. I was happy with the result of a few of them. Even the new ones.”

Singer has been working on a changeup.

“I have a different grip on that. I was able to keep it down and throw a lot of strikes,” Singer said. 

Carson Spiers allowed one run in two innings. He is competing for a job. He is out of options.

“He was good,” Francona said. “They made him work in his first inning that’s good too and in the second he got three quick outs. DJ (pitching coach Derek Johnson) gets somebody up, then he gets three quick outs. You would like to see them get everybody out but realistically, these guys aren’t stretched out yet.”

Matt McLain got to play on the same field as his brother Sean, who started at shortstop for the Dodgers. Matt was 1-for-3 with an RBI. Sean was 1-for-3 with a run scored. They live together this spring as they did in the Arizona Fall League.

 

Nick Martinez Has Good First Outing In Reds' Loss To San Francisco

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Nick Martinez pitched two scoreless innings in his first spring outing.  The right hander is penciled into the starting rotation and relishes the role.

Manager Terry Francona said the Martinez was a Reds' starter.

"I have always come into camp as a starter. I like the prep work as a starter," Martinez said. "This may be the earliest in camp to be penciled in as a starter,"

"We've never had that specific conversation, but I come in every year to prepare as a starter," Maritnez said.

After the game Francona said it was too early to name the rotation but Martinez went a long way to securing a spot with two innings, allowing two hits and striking out three all in the first inning. He threw 14 pitches, all strikes.

"I work really hard at my command and throwing the ball over the plate," Martinez said. "I used my whole repertoire today."

While backing off naming anyone as a starter after just two Cactus League games, Francona had high praise for Martinez.

"He's a pro. He's a pros' pro. He does...I told him the other day. I watched him warm up. I watched him face hitters. It was a clinic. He held runners and gave the catcher a chance to get out of an inning. When you do those things. it gives you so much of an advantage. It takes a weapon from the other team. I think he's walked three percent of the batters he's faced."

The Reds lost to the Giants 5-2, 

The Giants got a home run from Patrick Bailey off Jose Acuna. They scored two runs off Zach Maxwell and an unearned run of Reiver Sanmartin.

Offensively for the Reds, Cam Collier hit a double. Santiago Espinal hit a triple and scored on a balk. Reece Hinds tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Noelvi Marte.

Cooper Bowman Embraces Versatility To Earn A Roster Spot

 

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Cooper Bowman didn’t have a first baseman’s mitt when the Reds asked him to play first base on Saturday (April 22).

He borrowed one from Spencer Steer, who is going to be a DH until he begins his throwing program on Monday.

The anticipated evaluation period is here and Bowman embraces it.

“Everyone around here can play,” Bowman said. “That’s the best part about playing here. The goal is to win so you have to have a bunch of players. There is definitely competition but they’re aware and I’m aware that I will play anywhere at any time.”

Bowman was selected by the Reds in the Rule V draft. It is for players who are not on a 40-man roster but have spent four seasons in professional baseball after signing at age 19 or older, or spent five seasons in pro ball after signing at 18 or younger (as of June 5 of that year). The rule requires that the player must remain on the 26-man roster all season or be offered back to the team he was drafted from.

Bowman is 25 years old, drafted by the New York Yankees in 2021 in the fourth round out of the University of Louisville. He was traded in 2022 to the Oakland Athletics that involved former Red Frankie Montas.

The Rapid City, South Dakota native knows the reality of baseball’s business.

“I have to earn it.  I could go back at any time. It could happen today,” Bowman said. “So come here early and earn your spot. There is nothing given here.”

Manager Terry Francona likes the athleticism, that includes speed but acknowledged that to earn a spot on the Reds’ roster not only must Bowman compete. He needs to fit in among the players also competing for a spot. For example, Bowman could have a steller spring but not win a spot because the Red need another left handed bat, as Bowman is right handed or a player that has more power off the bench.

Bowman is working on that.

“There are tons of things I’m working on. It depends on what you’re asking about. All offseason I have been trying to learn to elevate the ball a little more. Limit strikeouts and get on base so I can use my speed. Defensively, I am trying to learn any position I can.”

His first experience at first base went well for Bowman.

“I told him. In fairness to you, we’d like to see you at as many positions as we can. I asked if he had ever played first. He said no. I didn’t want to embarrass him. I told him to let me know when you’re comfortable there. He came to me three days later and said, ‘I’m ready’,” Francona said.

“I thought he did fine,” Francona said. “He made the play with the veteran pitcher on a 3-1 play. We didn’t have any cutoffs or relays but I thought he looked fine. One time he had to maneuver around a bat. I think he’s kind of a baseball player. I mean that as a compliment.”

Bowman was 0-for-3 at the plate but passed his first versatility test, which is important to Francona. Bowman’s second appearance on Sunday, the 23rd will be in left field.

Elly De La Cruz Hit Home Runs From Both Sides Of The Plate Reds Beat Clevelland Lose To Milwaukee

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Elly De La Cruz homered in both of his at bats, one right handed, one left handed. He hit a 450 foot home run to right center off Cleveland starter, Triston McKenzie, a right hander in the first inning. He hit another home run off left hander, Logan Allen in the fourth inning.

“Elly hit a breaking ball out of the ballpark and hit home runs from both sides of the plate. It’s always impressive for him. It was a good start to the spring,” Benevides said. “He understands now what he’s trying to do. The first couple years he was just trying to survive. Things got fast for him now it is a little slower.”

De La Cruz had an awkward swing on the first pitch he saw from McKenzie, flailing at a pitch down and in.

“He got fooled, it was a ball in the dirt I think but he made the adjustment and then he hit the next one out,” Benavides said. “It’s great for him to make that adjustment."

"He's got so much talent," Barry Larkin said.

Hunter Greene started off the Cactus League against the Cleveland Guardians. His first pitch was belted off the right center field wall by Brayan Rocchio for a double. Lane Thomas hit a two-run home run. 

Hunter pitched a scoreless second inning. 

He finished with two innings, allowing four hits, two runs, a walk and three strikeouts.

“It feels great again,” Greene said. “It’s always a blessing to grace a mound in a big league game. I was working on getting ahead and attacking the zone. The hard hit balls were, I was being aggressive. The guys were swinging and trying to get ahead. I’ll have to take a look to see if I was out over the plate  or missing my spots. I was happy with my secondaries (non fastball pitches). I threw a lot of strikes today so I can work with this day for sure.”

Throwing strikes were emphasized in his meeting with manager Terry Francona. “He told me to throw strikes and be a leader,” Greene said.

Acting manager, Freddie Benavides, confirmed that Greene was throwing strikes as planned.

“He looked good,” Benavides said. “He was throwing strikes. They kind of jumped on that first pitch. He gave up the two-run homer to Thomas. Overall, he threw strikes and I liked his first outing.”

Connor Phillips, who is trying to erase a tough 2024, pitched two scoreless innings, walking two and striking out one. Walks marred his season last year.

“He was behind some of the guys but he threw two shutout innings. It’s big for him, especially with the year he had it was good to get him out there for two shutout innings,” Benavides said. 

Christian Encarnacion-Strand is coming off hand surgery that cost him most of 2024. He played first base today and will play third base on Sunday at San Francisco.

“He got a lot of work today,” Benavides said. “It was good that he is healthy.”

Encarnacion-Strand had four chances, including an unassisted double play in his five innings. He singled in his second at bat, going 1-for-2.

Highlights from the game against the Brewers from the box score. 

Graham Ashcraft pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Chase Petty pitched two innings with a walk and a strikeout.

Gavin Lux was 2-for-3 with three RBI, including a double.

TJ Friedl had a hit, RBI and a run scored. He is coming back from an injury riddled 2024.

Santiago Espinal homered in three at bats. He is in stiff competition for a roster spot with a load of infielders.

The Reds didn’t use the ABS in the game with the Guardians but  Cleveland a strike called against Carlos Santana was changed to a ball but Johnathan Rodriguez challenge of a called strike was upheld.

The Reds beat Cleveland 6-3 but minor league pitcher Alan Busenitz gave up three ninth inning runs as Milwaukee won 8-1.

Reds Open Cactus League With A Win Over Cleveland And A Loss To Milwaukee

Hunter Greene started off the Cactus League against the Cleveland Guardians. His first pitch was belted off the right center field wall by Brayan Rocchio for a double. Lane Thomas hit a two-run home run. 

Hunter pitched a scoreless second inning. 

 He finished with two innings, allowing four hits, two runs, a walk and three strikeouts.

“It feels great again,” Greene said. “It’s always a blessing to grace a mound in a big league game. I was working on getting ahead and attacking the zone. The hard hit balls were, I was being aggressive. The guys were swinging and trying to get ahead. I’ll have to take a look to see if I was out over the plate  or missing my spots. I was happy with my secondaries (non fastball pitches). I threw a lot of strikes today so I can work with this day for sure.”

Throwing strikes were emphasized in his meeting with manager Terry Francona. “He told me to throw strikes and be a leader,” Greene said.

Acting manager, Freddie Benavides, confirmed that Greene was throwing strikes as planned.

“He looked good,” Benavides said. “He was throwing strikes. They kind of jumped on that first pitch. He gave up the two-run homer to Thomas. Overall, he threw strikes and I liked his first outing.”

Elly De La Cruz homered in both of his at bats, one right handed, one left handed. He hit a 450 foot home run to right center off Cleveland starter, Triston McKenzie, a right hander in the first inning. He hit another home run off left hander, Logan Allen in the fourth inning.

“Elly hit a breaking ball out of the ballpark and hit home runs from both sides of the plate. It’s always impressive for him. It was a good start to the spring,” Benevides said. “He understands now what he’s trying to do. The first couple years he was just trying to survive. Things got fast for him now it is a little slower.”

De La Cruz had an awkward swing on the first pitch he saw from McKenzie, flailing at a pitch down and in.

“He got fooled, it was a ball in the dirt I think but he made the adjustment and then he hit the next one out,” Benavides said. “It’s great for him to make that adjustment.”

Connor Phillips, who is trying to erase a tough 2024, pitched two scoreless innings, walking two and striking out one. Walks marred his season last year.

“He was behind some of the guys but he threw two shutout innings. It’s big for him, especially with the year he had it was good to get him out there for two shutout innings,” Benavides said. 

Christian Encarnacion-Strand is coming off hand surgery that cost him most of 2024. He played first base today and will play third base on Sunday at San Francisco.

“He got a lot of work today,” Benavides said. “It was good that he is healthy.”

Encarnacion-Strand had four chances, including an unassisted double play in his five innings. He singled in his second at bat, going 1-for-2.

Highlights from the game against the Brewers from the box score. 

Graham Ashcraft pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Chase Petty pitched two innings with a walk and a strikeout.

Gavin Lux was 2-for-3 with three RBI, including a double.

TJ Friedl had a hit, RBI and a run scored. He is coming back from an injury riddled 2024.

Santiago Espinal homered in three at bats. He is in stiff competition for a roster spot with a load of infielders.

The Reds didn’t use the ABS in the game with the Guardians but  Cleveland a strike called against Carlos Santana was changed to a ball but Johnathan Rodriguez challenge of a called strike was upheld.

The Reds beat Cleveland 6-3 but minor league pitcher Alan Busenitz gave up three ninth inning runs as Milwaukee won 8-1.

Wade Miley Wants To Be A Pitching Coach But Not Yet

 

 

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Reds’ manager, Terry Francona, heaped praise on Wade Miley who is in camp competing for a job in the starting rotation.

Although 38-year old, a veteran of 14 major league seasons, won’t be able to help the team from the mound until May, He is helping the team right now even before games start.

“Miley watches things he sees things. He’s going to be very good for our guys. I listened to Nick (Krall) and Brad (Meador) talk about him the other day. He sees things during the game that are valuable. He’s a baseball rat,” said Francona.

Could Francona see him as a manager?

“I don’t know,” Francona said. “The reason I say that is not because of his baseball acumen. Guys that play as long as he has make a lot of money. You have to want to. It’s not like he needs to so I don’t know. I hope guys like him stay in the game because it’s good for the game.”

Miley has been in deep conversations early in camp. He had just finished talking to Hunter Greene in the clubhouse, as he was approached for this interview.

Miley does not want to manage but he wants to give back to the game as a pitching coach.

“No, I would not like to be a manager,” Miley said. “Hats off to all 30 managers for the stuff they have to put up with.”

But pitching coach is a different animal and something that he would do to stay in the game.

“There is zero chance that I’ll be managing, maybe someday but for right now, I want to stay in the game as a pitching coach, assistant pitching coach or bullpen coach. Staying in the game, yes. I want to keep it (pitching knowledge) going. I can see myself rolling into that position after playing the game. And learning that side.”

Miley was able to rattle off a list of professional players, who helped him since he broke into the big leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 20, 2011 as a 24-year old out of Hammond, Louisiana. He was the top draft pick of the Diamondbacks in 2008. That day the fourth batter he faced, Dan Uggla, hit a two-run home run. He gave up another run in the second inning and two more in his four inning stint.

“I enjoy what others did for me,” Miley said. “Giving out a little bit or reaching out, helping a young guy, not even mechanically but mentally. It’s hard times man, this game can beat you down.”

After his ugly first start his teammates helped pick him up. Miley pitched six scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals. He finished with four quality starts of his eight that season. The very next season he won 16 games against 11 losses and forged a 3.33 ERA in 29 starts. He made the All-Star team that year and was rookie-of-the-month for April.

“I can name a lot of guys who helped me. Micha Owings was a big part early in my career, Joe Saunders, Ian Kennedy, Bronson Arroyo when he came over to Arizona. What a pro he was.”

There were people on every team that Miley credits for aiding his career.

“Just about every team,” Miley said. “Sometimes I’ve had younger guys, who have told me things. It is like damn,dude. You continue to learn stuff.”

Miley is one locker away from the Reds’ top pitching prospects, Rhett Lowder and converses with him every day.

“I’ve been talking to Rhett a decent amount and trying to pick his brain. That kid is smart! He’s ahead of the curve ability wise. I’m excited to watch him grow.”

Miley is still a competitor and does not want to stop playing yet but knows that father time is at least looking over his shoulder. 

“We’ll see. We’ll see. It might be a lot closer than I want to be,” Miley said.

For his part while he’s still recovering. He underwent a hybrid UCL repair of his left elbow last May but is hoping to be ready to contribute at the major league level. He posted a 3.14 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 120 innings for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023.

The Reds don’t have a set timetable for Miley’s return.

“These guys know him a lot better than I do (pitching coach Derek Johnson, GM Brad Meador and President of Baseball Operations, Nick Krall) but I can see why they say the things they do. We have to lean on him. He wants to pitch yesterday. I think we owe it to guys like that and not let them hurt themselves. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I told him that we’ll probably piss you off a time or two. It’s guys like him that want to play so bad and pitch so bad.”

Miley sat with Francona while watching other pitcher’s bullpen sessions.

“Wade yesterday I was sitting there watching bullpens and he plopped down next to me,” Francona said. “He doesn’t have to be out there. He’s doing his own stuff.”

Francona also observed one of Miley’s first sessions. 

“I was stunned. Like his first pitch he followed the glove (of the catcher) I was just sitting there. I was stunned,” Francona said. “I was blown away, I couldn't believe how good he looked.”

“He watches. He sees things. I talked to Brad and Nick. They say he sees things during the game that are so valuable,” Francona added.

This is Miley’s second stint with the Reds and the fourth year he and Derek Johnson worked together.

Miley made 28 starts in 2021 and won 12 games, including a no-hitter on May 7 at Cleveland against Francona’s Guardians. He posted a 3.37 ERA.

The Reds failed to re-sign him and he went to the Chicago Cubs then on to Milwaukee for two years. Miley has been limited to a total of 33 starts in the last three years.

Reds' Pitching Is Set For Cactus League Openers

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

The Reds have a split-squad day on Saturday. Part of the team will play the Milwaukee Brewers in Maryvale, Arizona. The rest of the squad will play against the Cleveland Guardians at home in Goodyear, Arizona.

The Reds will start Graham Ashcraft against the Brewers. In the first game the starter will pitch two innings at most and most likely one inning. If they are close to their pitch count, they often go to the bullpen to finish off their pitch goal for the day.

Following Ashcraft will be Luis Mey, Chase Petty, Lyon Richardson, Alex Young and Yosver Zulueta.

Hunter Greene will open against the Guardians. Ian Gibaut, Connor Phillips, Taylor Rogers, Bryan Shaw and Lenny Torres Jr. follow Greene.

Greene is ahead of other pitchers in camp. He moved to the Phoenix area and has been throwing at the Reds player development complex.

Ashcraft had a tough year after a broken foot and off season surgery in 2023. With a full year removed from the injury, it may help him regain his stuff.

“It was good for them to get a normal off season,” Reds manager Terry Francona said.

Other pitchers to watch:

In Goodyear, Ian Gibaut who was also injured most of last season is looking to regain his form from 2023.

Connor Phillips had a horrible year with Louisville but he was named Pitcher of the Week in the Arizona Fall League. 

“I told him you have a clean slate. Try to take advantage of it,” Francona said.

Taylor Rogers, a left handed reliever with postseason experience will show his wares on Saturday.

Bryan Shaw, a 37-year old veteran, who pitched in seven seasons under Francona, is competing for a bullpen role.

“He is the poster child for someone who wants the ball,” Francona said. “On the last day of the season in 2021, he came up to me and said, ‘I have to pitch today’. I had no intention of pitching him but he wanted to appear in exactly 81 games so I pitched him. He deserved it. I used to put up a list of who was available every day in Cleveland. I would write down his name and he would come along and draw a line through it.”

Lenny Torres Jr. was drafted in the first round by Cleveland in 2018 but at 24, still hasn’t pitched in the Big Leagues.

Following Ashcraft against the Brewers:

Luis Mey, who impressed everyone in the Arizona Fall League, will pitch after Ashcraft.

“He threw 102 mph in the Fall League. I saw probably the best inning of his life, nine pitches and made hitters look like they were trying to defend themselves,” Francona said.

Chase Petty, a 21-year old drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Twins in 2021, had a solid year in Chattanooga and Louisville last year. He posted an 11-6 record and a 3.44 ERA.

Lyon Richardson was drafted by the Reds in the second round in 2018. The 25-year old made four emergency starts for the Reds in 2023 and appeared in one game last season. He had a 1-7 record with a 4.67 ERA in 19 starts at Louisville last season.

Alex Young returns to the Reds after being traded to the San Francisco Giants for Austin Slater, who didn’t last with the Reds. The left hander appeared in 63 games for David Bell in 2023 and pitched well with the Reds bullpen in shambles late that season. He played in 63 games. Young won four games and lost two with a 3.46 ERA that year. The Giants put him on waivers 10 days after the trade the New York Mets claimed him and he posted a 3.29 in 14 games. He finished off seven of them.

Yosver Zuleuta, a 27-year old from Cuba, pitched in 12 games for the Reds. He bounced between Cincinnati and Louisville. He was with the Reds when the bullpen needed a boost. He had an ERA of 4.96 with the Reds but was 4-2 in Louisville with a 3.83 ERA in 40 games.

Electronic Umpires Coming This Spring

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Major League Baseball is experimenting with the Automated Ball Strike System or ABS in spring training. Cameras are set up around the field to track pitch location. It has been tested in the minor leagues since 2021. This spring will be the first test in major league games. The system will be used in 60% of the major league games this spring. MLB wants to determine whether the system is suitable for the Big Show. They also want to see if any changes or tweaks should be made. It will not be used in regular season games this year. The particulars: Each team gets two challenges at the start of the game. The pitcher, batter or catcher can challenge an umpire’s call. The challenge must be made immediately after the umpires call without assistance from the dugout or other players on the field. As in the replay challenge, a successful challenge is retained. The team will lose its challenge if the umpire’s call is confirmed. Reds’ manager Terry Francona held a meeting with his pitchers to explain the new rule. Veteran players have not been exposed to it. Younger minor league players have used it the last four years. He also had a zoom meeting with coaches whether or not to use the system or not. Pat Kelly, who has over 2,000 wins as a minor league manager, is familiar with the system. The Reds are planning not to use it early in the games while veterans are playing but will use it late in the game when the younger players are in the game. “We will address it with our guys before the games start,” Francona said. “We will discuss it more with our staff. We talked to Pat Kelly because they use it.” “Number one we are not going to use it in the season. You don’t want to start thinking about it as a strategy, because it’s not. Saying that, the league is trying to figure out if it is something that we’re going to use, so you don’t want to make a farce out of anything like that. I think the league does a pretty, good job of just never throwing things against the wall. The fact that they want to try it out, I’m fine with it. We will talk about it more as a staff. My guess is we won’t use it early in the games. When the kids come in late in the game, we’ll use it because they’re used to it anyway and then we can see how it works.” The goal is to eliminate egregious calls, not the common questioning of each and every pitch. The human element could be lost with automation creeping into the game. “If you look at the evolution of umpiring, think about it, guys throw 100 miles per hour. Everything’s on TV now. There’s a pitch this far (holding hands less than six inches apart) off the plate and everybody says the umpire stinks. When you have both dugouts yelling at you. They’re pretty good.” “I didn’t know how I’d feel about replay. I think they’ve done a pretty good job with replay. You have 20 seconds to decide to appeal. If you can’t figure it out in 20 seconds, I have no business yelling at an umpire who has to look at it in regular motion,” Francona said. “Is it perfect? No. They didn’t put it in for when a guy steals second and his foot slips off the bag but nothing’s perfect but it’s been pretty good.” The umpires are shown that they’re right a lot. “I think the umpires do a good job,” Francona said. “They’re human like we are. Some days are better than others. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” Francona made the point that baseball purists won’t like the change but younger players will.

Mike Napoli Adds Toughness To The Reds Coaching Staff

 

 

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Mike Napoli was a late addition to the Reds’ coaching staff.

His official title is staff assistant but functionally, he is another bench coach.

Napoli and manager, Terry Francona, formed a strong bond during Cleveland’s World Series season.

“When I was talking to Nick (Krall) and Brad (Meador) about the staff, being new, you don’t want to be too new,” Francona said. “There are some pretty good coaches here. I told them, I think it’s important we have a balance. I also think it’s important to have people that know how I like to do stuff. Millsy, bench coach Brad Mills, knows what I want to do before I do.  Nap (Napoli) was the single toughest player that I’ve ever been around.”

Napoli hit .239 for the Indians that season in 150 games. He hit 22 doubles and a triple and belted 34 home runs, driving in 101 as a catcher and first baseman.

“We were playing in Cleveland early in the year. It was about 30 degrees. He had short sleeves on. I forget who we were playing but the first base coach told me this. Nap was playing first when a guy on the other team walked asked him. Gee Nap aren’t you cold, he said no are you?,” Francona said. 

The Indians were not expected to compete for the World Series but they signed Napoli in January 2016. 

“I think we over-achieved in 16. I don’t think it was a coincidence that Nap was on that team and the leader of that team,” Francona said. “He sees the game so well. I was thrilled that we were able to find a way to get him here. I think he’s going to be a manager. If he wants to be, I think he’ll be really good. When guys like that want to stay in the game, it’s good for the game.”

Francona admitted a mistake in the World Series that he regrets to this day.

“We went to Chicago. If you remember, we didn’t have the DH. They had a tough righty going (it was lefty Jon Lester). I played Carlos Santana in left.” 

It was game 5 in a 3-2 Chicago Cubs win.

“I thought if I did this two nights in a row, it would bite me in the ass, so I sat Nap. It was the single biggest mistake I ever made. I knew he was going to want to kill me. I sat at the table in the middle of the clubhouse. We played cribbage. Nap sat right next to me and didn’t talk to me. I said Nap, I’m not leaving this table until you talk to me. It took about an hour. Looking back on it I screwed (sic) up. He was the heart and soul of our team. I should have played him.”

Napoli went to the Cubs as a quality assurance coach. He became the Cubs first base coach in 2022 but was let go after the 2024 season.

“When the Cubs let him go, I was a little afraid to reach out to him,” Francona said. “I didn’t know if we had a spot. I had reached out to him a few years back and it didn’t work out. I felt bad. I didn’t want that to happen. I kind of felt like I was stringing him along this winter. I talked to the guys about him (Krall and Meador). I’m glad he’s here. Having him here is going to be really good. Not only for the players but the coaches too. He has a good way about him.”

The title of staff assistant is a new one. The Reds have two bench coaches, Brad Mills and Freddie Benavides, who is also responsible for infielders. 

“He’s like a swiss army knife,” Francona quipped. 

 

 

Jose Trevino Is Becoming A Team Leader Quickly

 

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Jose Trevino has only been a Red for a week and already his veteran presence has been noticed.

Trevino along with Wade Miley, Bryan Shaw, Taylor Rogers and Gavin Lux, whose last game was in the World Series in October. Trevino was in the opposing dugout.

Terry Francona is a veteran manager but allowed that sometimes players pay more attention to veteran players than coaches.

Trevino was on a bus with Francona during the Reds’ caravan ride to Louisville. While Francona was in conversation he overheard Trevino talking about catching with a younger catcher, Single A catcher, Alfredo Duno, 18 years old.

“Trevino had Duno. He had him corralled. They were going over catching. I didn’t want to barge in but I thought this was great. When a teammate, especially one that has just played in the World Series, with his defensive reputation, when he talks people are going to listen. I could tell a person the same way but if you do it too much, you’re considered over coaching or panicking. When a teammate does it, he’s considered a great teammate.”

Trevino caught two pitchers in their bullpen session on the first full squad workout. 

“He went to Nick Krall and said, ‘I need some background on these guys.’ Now we’re in our first day of camp but he wanted to know how to get them through their first 10 minutes. That’s pretty powerful man. You give those guys carte blanche. When you have leaders like that it’s easy to say the right thing but when they lead by example, also, it is pretty powerful.”

Trevino wasn’t a catcher in his youth.

“I played third base, second base, shortstop,” said Trevino, who grew up a Yankees’ fan but watched Brad Ausmus from Houston and Ivan Rodriguez with Texas. “Yeah, I watched them. If baseball was on, I was watching.”

Trevino took experience in the infield to help him develop as a catcher.

“I definitely think the infield helped me as a catcher for sure. I think of myself as an infielder with equipment on,” Trevino said.

Still watching those two great catchers did not inspire the young Trevino to catch. It was with the rookie league, short season Spokane Indians in the Northwest League that manager Tim Hulett and coaches cornered Trevino.

“There was a bag waiting for me in the locker.? I said no. You got an agent? I said yes. They said call your agent and have them send you two gloves and I’ll see you outside in 15 minutes. That’s how that happened.”

Trevino had a lot of catchers that helped him learn the ropes.

“One of the biggest was Jeff Mathis, Bobby Wilson, Brett Hayes. I could go down a list of guys. Just by influencing  me on the catching side but the professional side as well.

Mathis was the starting catcher with Texas when Trevino broke in. Wilson was a catcher for Texas when Trevino was growing in the minor leagues.  Hayes was in the Texas minor league system for a season.

What are Trevino’s bona fides?

Trevino is 32, born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 draft by the Texas Rangers out of Oral Roberts University. Trevino made his debut with the Rangers at the age of 25 in June 2018. 

Trevino was with the Rangers for three full seasons. He caught 149 games, played one game at first base. 

Trevino hit .245 with Texas in that span with 31 doubles and nine home runs.

The Rangers traded him to the New York Yankees in April. 2022 for minor leaguers Robby Ahlstrom and Bobby Abreu.

The Yankees’ timing was impeccable.

Trevino made the American League All-Star squad and won the Gold Glove by catching 115 games with a .248 average, 12 doubles, a triple, and 11 home runs.

Trevino hit .252 with seven home runs by the break.

In the field he led the American League by throwing out 33 percent of attempted base stealers.

His average dropped to .210 in 2023 and .215 last season. He hit a total of 12 home runs, the last two years, including eight last season in 73 games. He also pitched in two games with three innings in which he allowed three runs in two innings.

The veteran of five seasons appeared in the postseason twice. He played in seven games in the 2022 season with the Yankees and four last year with two games against the Cleveland Guardians and two against the Dodgers in the World Series opposing new Red Gavin Lux in the fall Classic. He was 0-3 in the series.

That is just the experience the Reds wanted to tap into so they sent Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson for the backup to Tyler Stephenson. 

The Reds’ spring training roster has five players with postseason experience; only 10 have five or more years experience. Only seven of the players are on the 40-man roster. Wade Miley, also a team leader according to Francona, Bryan Shaw and Josh Staumont are among the five-year, non-roster players competing for a job in the big leagues.

“These guys have been there, done that in their career,” Terry Francona said. “That’s the hope that veterans know when to be serious. It doesn’t have to be that way. A couple years ago (the Cleveland Guardians), we were young as hell but we found a way to win. The older guys know right from wrong. That’s important. The guys we brought in Lux, Trevino, are not overbearing but they have a lot to say.

The Reds’ staff are counting on them.

Xavier Beats No 25 Indiana In A Dramatic 10-Inning Win

 

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico.

Xavier pitching did everything they could to help Indiana’s offense, fortunately the Indiana defense was just as generous.

In the end the Musketeers pulled out an 8-6 win at Surprise Stadium in the Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic.

Xavier pitchers walked 15 Hoosier batters for them in the second inning and produced a run. The heart of the Musketeers pitcher sophomore Ryan Piech (Walsh Jesuit in Aurora, Ohio, had to be pounding when a drive by Joey sent left fielder Carter Hendrickson to the fence to catch the inning ending fly. Piech left after his sixth and seventh walks opened the Hoosiers fourth frame, Logan Schmidt walked the Hoosier’s leadoff batter, Tyler Cerny, in the fifth. Jasen Oliver sent him to third with a single. Brenczewski’s fly out to left made it 2-0. A grateful Indiana defense was generous in the sixth. Number nine hitter Jake Lambdin reached second base on a throwing error by Hoosier third baseman Josh Pyne. One out later, Aedan Anderson doubled Lambdin home offHoosier starter, who struck out 11 in 5 ⅓ innings,Reliever Ben Grable walked Isacc Wachsmann and Connor Misch. Freshman Landon Mensick delivered a game tying single that loaded the bases. Grable threw a wild pitch scoring Wachsman and Misch scored when catcher Jake Stadler threw the ball away. Cerny homered in the sixth off Luke Hoskins in the sixth. Xavier got the run back in the Hendrickson reached with one out in the eighth getting hit by a pitch in the left shoulder. Indiana shortstop Cerny threw a double play grounder past Oliver at second and Xavier had a 6-3 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. The plot thickened. Hoskins pitched a scoreless eighth. He struck out Devin Taylor from LaSalle High School to start the ninth. Hogan Denny and Cerny followed with singles. Xavier coach Billy O’Conner summoned Lambdin from third base. Oliver tied the game with a blow to left center. Lamdin walked Brenczewski. Geddes, the 6’6” lefty transfer from Indiana, came in to put out the fire. Geddes struck out Tyler DeMartino, who ironically transferred from Xavier. Korbyn Dickerson flew out to center field. Indiana’s Ryan Kraft entered in the 10th. He struck out the first two Musketeers hitters, Burdette from Moeller High School and Mensik. Eddie Peters, Donavan Canterbury, Lamdin and Hedrickson followed with singles to establish a two-run lead. The Hoosiers bottom of the 10th was as dramatic as the ninth. Geddes got two quick outs to start the inning. Taylor singled. Denny walked and Oliver was hit by a pitch to fill the bases. The Hoosier hero from the ninth inning, Oliver stepped to the plate. Geddes fell behind 3-1. Geddes landed a breaking ball on the inside corner that Oliver thought was ball four. Visibly upset Indiana coach, Jeff Mercer, came out of the dugout to calm the sophomore down. With runners moving Oliver lifted a ball to center which off the bat looked as if it would fall in but Anderson running at full speed caught it easily.

Xavier's triumph was their first win of the season. They lost to Oregon State, 8-3 in their first game