Narron on Bailey

Homer Bailey was a big topic of conversation in the Reds clubhouse. Here's a bit of what was said:


From Jerry Narron:
“He’s put up very good numbers in Triple-A. He has a chance to come the major leagues. It’s nice to see somebody here who you think has earned his way here. He’s definitely done that with what he’s done in Triple-A, He’s a guy from our organization who has a chance to get ever better.”

Why now? “We need a fifth starter. Things worked out for him. You want to see guys be challenged. There’s no question about that. It’s definitely going to a challenge for him.”

On facing the Indians: “There are no easy assignments. There aren't any easy assignments. There aren't.”

What he’s improved most? “What I've heard is he’s throwing more quality strikes."

Are expectations too high? “I don’t know. I really don’t know what people expect. He has a chance to be a very good major league pitcher. There’ll be ups and downs.”

Is he here to stay? “I don’t think this is going to be a one start-and-out deal. I sure hope it’s not.”
From Todd Coffey, who just returned from Louisville: "I saw him twice. He was outstanding in the Charlotte. In Durham, he battled. He looks good."

Is he ready?
"That's tough to say. It's up to him. If he stays within himself, he'll be OK.

From Marcus McBeth, who also saw Bailey pitch for Louisville: "He's something to watch. He's fun to watch."

From Josh Hamilton saw Bailey pitched in his last outing: "He started a little slow in the first couple of innings. Then you can see the dugout, he was getting fired. When it got to be the third, fourth, fifth, he had lot more intensity. He was spotting it up well, keeping guys off balance. He looked good."

"Bring him up. Give him a chance. Why not?"