*

*
Reds Insider
From news of the day to news of the weird, John Fay provides a glimpse of what it’s like to cover the Cincinnati Reds

John Fay
John Fay has been the Reds beat writer for the Enquirer since 2001. Prior to that, he served in a variety of roles for the Enquirer: backup Reds writer, UC beat writer, backup Bengals writer and as a general assignment reporter. He is a Cincinnati native and a graduate of Elder High School and the University of Dayton.

Powered by Blogger

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Lineup v. Red Sox, transactions

The Reds made three more cuts: Catcher Craig Tatum and right-hander Daryl Thompson were optioned to Double-A Chattanooga and right-hander Jon Adkins was re-assigned to the minor league camp.

Today v. Red Sox, 1:05 p.m., the game is on WLW.

Corey Patterson CF
Ryan Freel LF
Jay Bruce RF
Joey Votto DH
Scott Hatteberg 1B
Jeff Keppinger SS
Jolbert Cabrera 2B
Paul Bako C
Jerry Hairston 3B

Homer Bailey P


56 Comments:

at 10:13 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't get the "Numbers don't add up" column. Is someone really suggesting that Votto should be judged on a few weeks in spring training rather than his body of work over the past few seasons? Luckily, Dusty is looking at the larger sample size rather than the insignificant one. Those numbers do add up. Makes perfect sense.

 
at 10:15 AM Blogger Arden Dulou said...

Bailey, Belisle, and Volquez battling for the #5 spot...

Belisle goes to AAA
Volquez should win the starting spot, #5.
Bailey, if Baker does what he said in the past, is long relief. But, who knows.

Anyone know why Skyline at the stadium only serves coney dogs, and does not offer 3-5 way as well? Not that I like to spend so much money at the park but when I do would like that as a choice.

 
at 10:20 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Josh Hamilton is batting .607 in Spring Training.

In order for his trade to not look bad on Krivsky, Bruce needs to be named the starting CF & Volquez needs to make the starting rotation.

If Bruce ends up in the minors & Volquez in the minors and/or bullpen, this will look like a bad trade.

 
at 10:21 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

employees are not bright enough to figure out how to make 3 4 or 5 way

 
at 10:24 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

This would be great start for Bailey to come out throwing bullets. If he wants to prove himself,no better team to do that against than the Red Sox.

 
at 10:24 AM Blogger Jack in Blue Ash said...

should have kept Hamilton until next year then they would have had an extra 12 million to spend on pitching after Griffey leaves

When healthy there is not a better player in baseball than Josh hamiliton. Part of the problem last year he had not played in 3 seasons and was not in baseball shape.. Watch out this year

 
at 10:25 AM Blogger Jack in Blue Ash said...

bailey always throw bullets problem is he cant hit anything when he shoots all over the place

 
at 10:31 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hamilton is a FRAGILE player. He had surgeries in the minors. To suggest that last year was an anomaly because he was out of baseball so long simply ignores his history. A great talent who missed 72 games last year. That is damn near half the season.

 
at 10:39 AM Blogger Jack in Blue Ash said...

When you haven't played for four years and haven't gone through a 162-game schedule, you're bound to have a few more injuries than the next guy," Krivsky said. "It was a learning experience for him. He went through the grind for the first time in his career."


Hamilton had been out of the game for three years..watch out this year..I see All Star written all over him

you wanna talk fragility ..talk Ken Griffey

 
at 10:48 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jack in Blue Ash:

Do you honestly think that Griffey is not going to be here after next year???? He had a real good season last year, and I think this year will be much of the same. Although he is older, and MAY play his last year in an American League DH role, that isn't going to be in 09' or even 10'.

Junior is still worthy of being on this team, and is still 1 of the top 4 outfielders they have to offer. I believe he will resign a 2 year deal for around 6 million a year with a club option on year 3. Junior came home to play and break records, and that is where he is going to stay...AND I AM GLAD ABOUT IT.

 
at 10:52 AM Blogger Jack in Blue Ash said...

Jr stinks..he had a terrible second half of the season by the way..terrible

he has become average in the field

He wont be here next..not even close

worst acquisition in reds history a waste of 12 million a year

 
at 10:52 AM Blogger John Fay said...

Jack: I think you've made your point on Josh Hamilton.

 
at 10:53 AM Blogger Unknown said...

Hamilton topic....let it go, yes he is good, potentially great, yes he had a history of injuries, even before is bout with drugs (so I have read)...but good luck. We have had an immense amount of talent or at times over achievers in the outfield and what has that got us...losing 10-9 every other game...we have to roll the bones on pitching talent..cuz that is our only chance at playoffs...

 
at 10:53 AM Blogger Jack in Blue Ash said...

Look at Jrs splits for last year..he stunk up the 2nd half of the season and then had his annual trek to the Injured Reserved list

 
at 10:54 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jack of BA -- You always state that nothing matters but win-loss record. Given that, if the Reds finish with a better record this than last, they are a better team without Josh Hamilton. Or are you now conveniently changing you philosophy.

 
at 10:54 AM Blogger Unknown said...

thanks john..beat me to the punch

 
at 10:56 AM Blogger Jack in Blue Ash said...

we lost because of middle relief and we acquired a starter for Hamilton that has been 3-11 the last three seasons with an ERA of over 7 dude

we cant buy good quality starting pitching because of paying over the hill losers like KG 12 miliion year

get your facts straight

 
at 10:59 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said:
"Josh Hamilton is batting .607 in Spring Training.

In order for his trade to not look bad on Krivsky, Bruce needs to be named the starting CF & Volquez needs to make the starting rotation.

If Bruce ends up in the minors & Volquez in the minors and/or bullpen, this will look like a bad trade."

To who? People who are bandwagon fans who don't really pay attention or know much about the game?

Anyone who is going to judge a trade off two weeks of spring training or whether Volquez/Bruce make the club out of spring training is a fool. It will take a minimum of 2-3 years to judge this trade properly.

 
at 10:59 AM Blogger Jack in Blue Ash said...

you are assuming and suggesting we will have a winning season..as of now we have not.. if we do Ill debate you on that point then

fact remains..paying over the hill baggage like KG 12 million a year forces us to give up good players.

Volquez was 3-11 the opast three years with an ERA over & deal with it

 
at 11:01 AM Blogger Jack in Blue Ash said...

mikec hes entitled to his opinion as are all the clowns on here that think the Reds are gonna go to the world series

 
at 11:01 AM Blogger Matt McWax said...

I want to see (hear?) some chin music from Bailey. He needs to set up his pitches and pitch aggressively. He needs to find command in the framework of a power pitcher. He may need to pitch a little less and throw a little more, get his best velocity and work the speeds more than location. I'm not expecting Rob Dibble but you want him to work from his strength and attitude.

 
at 11:03 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I live in Atlanta and I have XM Radio, but I still don't understand how I can listen to these spring training games on WLW.

XM 173 is blacked out during the games and www.700wlw.com doesn't have the games because MLB won't allow it. Additionally, I can't find any of the spring training games on the regular XM baseball stations, beginning at XM 176.

Can anybody offer advice asap?

 
at 11:05 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm assuming nothing. Nothing can be determined about the Josh Hamilton trade until after the season. If the eds record improves, then they are a better team without him. All other debates are futile. Your logic.

 
at 11:07 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jack in Blue Ash.

You aren't the brightest are you? Hamilton was hurt when he was in the minors. That is what lead to him having all his free time to do bad things. He has proven to be fragile player and that is a fact. Please stop ignoring facts or better yet stop posting. You make everyone just a little bit dumber everytime they read your postings.

Steve Cincy, Ohio

 
at 11:18 AM Blogger Unknown said...

anonymous in Atlanta..yep, on XM, wlw700 blacks out the game due to MLB rules, but in terms of XM 176-189 and once the regular season starts, you will have no problem finding the Reds game. Spring training is spotty at best and they only carry a few games...but rest assured, on opening day and going forward, you will have no problem. also, my XM is hard wired to my car, so I also subscribe to MLB audio streaming (mlb.com), costs like 10 bucks for the whole season, and you can always ensure you get the Reds broadcast..my 2 cents...

 
at 11:18 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Reds will without-a-doubt pick up Jr.'s option for 09. Win or Lose Jr. puts rears in the seats. He is what some would call the Reds "moneymaker". Regardless of his stats the ROI on Jr. has def. been good for the reds.

 
at 11:26 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

John,

Is there anywhere where we could see a list of all remaining players in camp... I want to sit down and analyze the final players left, etc.

If therss not, could you post that?

I'm just sitting here and there is no way they could pick our bullpen...

Locks look to be:

Cordero
Weathers
Burton..(i haven't heard his name all spring...?)
Stanton

Then there is:

Bray
Rule 5 guy: Capellan
Majewski
Coffey
McBeth
Mercker
Coutlangus
Josh Roenicke

+ Affeldt assuming he goes to the bullpen and then EITHER Bailey/Volequez

 
at 11:28 AM Blogger Dusty said...

Jr. will be gone after this season. his money will go towards signing dunn. Bruce in right with patterson or hopper in center

 
at 11:36 AM Blogger jdeezman said...

I would love to discuss the bright looking future for Ednison Volquez.
He is part of the future for the Cincinnati Reds. Mario Soto likes what he see's with him, and says that the kid will be a good pitcher. He's shown flashes of absolute brilliance and has demonstrated a good command of his pitches.

The future looks bright for him and the Reds.

Josh Hamilton is a Texas Ranger, so there is no reason to bring him up on this blog.
I'm sure there are Ranger blogs out on the WWW that people can talk about Rangers players.

I don't know who the Rangers had working with Volquez, but in looking at the quality of pitching that they have produced, it would seem to me that we may very well haved saved Volquez from being ruined.

John, what's the lastest on David Ross and his back?

 
at 11:42 AM Blogger John Fay said...

I'm writing about that for Sunday:

Francisco Cordero, David Weathers, Jared Burton and Mike Stanton are bullpen locks in the my mind.

Other in camp: Right-handers Jim Brower, Todd Coffey, Mike Lincoln, Gary Majewski, Marcus McBeth, Josh Roenicke, Brad Salmon and Tom Shearn and left-handers Bill Bray, Kent Mercker, Jon Coutlangus and Scott Sauerbeck.

Plus Rule 5 pick Jose Capellan.

Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo are on the club.

You've got Jeremy Affeldt, Edinson Volquez, Josh Fogg, Matt Belisle and Homer Bailey on the bubble as far as starting. Any of them could be shifted the bullpen if they don't make the rotation.

 
at 11:43 AM Blogger Redleg city said...

Jack....

You once said to me to quit lecturing you. Well that is what you are doing to everybody else. You call everybody clown and stupid if they disagree with you and it is getting sicking. Why don't you get off your soap box and go to lunch,so the rest of us can have some peace and quite from you. You have become a very annoying person and I and I know there are other wish that you would just go away.

 
at 11:44 AM Blogger oldtimer said...

Quick point on Josh Hamilton.

I personally am glad the Reds sent Hamilton packing. Too much baggage on a team with lots of baggage already. Aside from his bogus comment that his babysitter Johnny Narron better not be touched, or even worse, the fact that he's a major leaguer who REQUIRED a babyitter, or the fact that he got hurt swinging in the on-deck circle!, or the fact that he moaned about being held out too long in September, so Pete played him, after which he instantly pulled his hammy again, or the fear that as an addict he's always in recovery and one slip and it's over....surely, by now you get my drift.

He has a lot of talent and he's also injury prone. Not a guy you can count on being out there every day. 162 games is a lot of games. I hear he's a decent person from some, and a kind of a jerk from others. I wish him well....as long as it's elsewhere. One less potential BIG problem. And I will be very surprised if he ever becomes an All Star. He's got a big hole in his swing on the inside curve. Strike out pitch.

Let's focus on who's here, not who's gone. Lot of bubble guys, who do you think has earned a spot based on spring performance?

John, glad you've started to require registering. I stopped posting and reading for weeks, the slop got too thick. Let people stand behind their comments.

 
at 11:46 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why are people like Lincoln, Shearn, and Brower still in camp. We all know they don't have a chance. But I'm surprised they are and someone like Daryl Thompson, who is on the 40-man, got reassigned today. He hadn't given up a run in his appearances and he looks like hes ready for AAA, at least.

 
at 11:51 AM Anonymous Anonymous said...

Johm,

you've also got Johnny Cueto....

 
at 12:00 PM Blogger Dusty said...

put cueto and volquez in the rotation, see what they can do. Belisle proved last year that he is not a consistent starter. put him in AAA and make him show you there. affeldt has had his chance to start and failed, put him in the pen. that leaves bailey and fogg for the fifth spot. put the loser in long releif

 
at 12:01 PM Blogger MJ said...

The common mistake ya'll seem to be making when you're trying to figure out the final rotation is that you're assuming Fogg or Affeldt has the #3 spot locked in.

I have: Harang
Arroyo
Cueto
Volquez
Fogg
As my top 5 with Belisle, Bailey and Affeldt either going to the pen or the odd men out. 2 could be demoted the other released.

 
at 12:07 PM Blogger John Fay said...

Indeed. Cueto is on my locks list right now.

 
at 12:16 PM Blogger MJ said...

I think you have to give Volquez serious consideration for the #4 spot as well. To me Belisle has had a disappointing spring putting him on the bubble. The Reds have a decision to make with him. He's comparable to Kyle Lohse.

 
at 12:18 PM Blogger MJ said...

Barring injury I just don't see how Cueto doesn't make the starting rotation. At least one scout is claiming he's already the Reds Ace. High praise for someone who hasn't pitched above AA for long.

 
at 12:19 PM Blogger jdeezman said...

mj, I have to agree with you.

I think that Cueto has shown that he is at least going to be thought of as a candidate for the #3. Fogg has been good and Volquez has too.
I think Affeldt has shown that he needs to be in the bullpen. He is good for an inning, and then blows up. Unless he shows in the next two weeks that he can be consistent inning after inning, then I think your rotation is dead on.

Belisle, Bailey, and Affeldt all need to work on their consistency and I can see them all in the pen.

 
at 12:25 PM Blogger MJ said...

I agree with John. Cueto has to be considered a lock at this point for the #3 spot. With another strong week Volquez should lock up the #4 spot. I think Bailey still has a shot at the #5 spot but his problem mainly is his control. At this point he's a one pitch wonder. Until he gains command of his off speed stuff and it gets more sharp & crisp he's going to be out by the 5th inning which will wear out our pen. I've just given up on Belisle. Fogg to me has the edge on the #5 spot till Bailey finds his command.

 
at 12:27 PM Blogger smtides said...

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I like the old Jack better.

Old Jack: repetitive, boring

New Jack: agressive, angry

I'll take boring any day.

 
at 12:29 PM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

Jack in Blue Ash said...
the reds most definitely will not be competitive "every nite" on the mound.

After Harang..its a crapshoot..spring training means nothing


Jack, Remind us why you come to this blog. If ST means nothing, why do you bother with it?

In fact why does MLB even have it?
It means nothing right?

Kevin in Ft Myers

 
at 12:38 PM Blogger KevinFtMyers said...

Just looking at the rotations of our NL Central competitors.

Looks pretty competitive to me.

Point being, EVERY team has unprovens, guys coming of bad years, injury, etc etc...

Remember, this is the central, it doesnt take much to be competitive. The scouts like EV and JC thats seems to be good enough for some posters on THEIR arguments but not for mine, hmm..
and a .500 pitcher in 30 starts is a 12-13 game winner, especially with an improved bullpen.

Im just starting to think with some guys on here, if they didnt say it then it aint right. Know what I mean?

 
at 12:43 PM Blogger MJ said...

Anyone play fantasy Baseball? I have 3 spots to fill by Monday if anyone is interested.

League ID#: 162545
League Name: NL Sluggers
Password: Sunshine

http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1

 
at 12:59 PM Blogger Unknown said...

leave Baily up, if its innings he needs give him some long/middle relief and some spot starts which beyond Harrang and which Arroyo shows up, there should be plenty of opportunities with our other young starters. I truly believe he has done everything he can on the farm and it is an ego thing with him. Let him learn at the school of hard knocks (literaly). Given Kevin's good points, it makes us comprable to other central teams

 
at 1:04 PM Blogger smtides said...

If nothing changes between now and opening day (no injuries, rapid improvement by Bailey, etc) then I think the Reds should have a rotation of Harang, Arroyo, Cueto, Fogg and Volquez.

Belisle to long relief and Bailey to Louisville to work on command and a big league quality change-up.

Bailey is not going to be a reliever in the future and doesn't have the command at this point in his career to be effective out of the bullpen. I think you would actually stunt his development by putting him in the pen.

 
at 1:09 PM Blogger jdeezman said...

smtides, I disagree.

The "new" jack, along with the new format is better. Instead of multiple anonymous posts to get through, there is just the ones from him... and he shows his true colors.

John will let us post most anything, but if someone get's way out of hand he has a avenue to take care of things better this way.

KevinFtMyers, you hit the nail on the head with your assessment.
I have no problem having people disagree with me, as it helps me learn when I look at the way others think and feel about different players and the team.

That being said, I know that we have to agree to disagree when certain matters arise.

Some posters aren't capable of that what so ever, and it makes for a crappy blog when you have crap shoved down your throat incessantly.

 
at 1:24 PM Blogger redfuture said...

Wow! Bailey Ks Ortiz & Ramirez.

 
at 1:27 PM Blogger redfuture said...

Drew's ball was well struck but the Lugo's wind blown double and Lowell's end of the bat flare lead along with the 10 pitch walk to Cincinnatian Youkilis lead to the runs.

 
at 1:56 PM Blogger Grizzlyfox said...

If Volquez, Cueto, and Fogg make the rotation, Fogg will likely be the 3 or 4, so that the 5 guy can get a start in AAA to start the year so Harang and others can stay on a 5 day rotation, or at least that's how I believe it is typically done.

 
at 2:15 PM Anonymous Anonymous said...

A quick question.

What does it mean to be assigned to "minor league camp"?

 
at 2:45 PM Blogger Unknown said...

Scotty,

One thing it means is you won't be on the opening day roster!

 
at 3:28 PM Blogger the Crushinator said...

Wasn't it Cuetos day to pitch? are they going to move him into a starting spot?

 
at 3:49 PM Blogger Ol' Timey Redsfan said...

G.Fox you are right on the money. With off days and bad weather in April, you often don't need a 5th starter, that's why I don't see Cueto being the number 5 man.
Bailey is clearly not ready for the majors at this point. He needs time in the minors to devolp some more. Maybe later on in the season, but as it has been stated before, he is only 21 and is ahead of most college pitchers coming in this year's draft.

Belisle will have to step it up quite a bit in the last two weeks to make the team. Votto had better start hitting something to make this team. I see Bruce going to AAA.

Right now I think the rotation is looking like Harang, Arroro, Fogg, Cueto and Volquez. Bray pitched well again today, which is good news.

 
at 3:51 PM Blogger Ol' Timey Redsfan said...

I believe Cueto is starting in Monday's game against Detroit. A game I am looking forward to watching on FSN.

 
Post a Comment*

* Our online blogs currently are hosted and operated by a third party, namely, Blogger.com. You are now leaving the Cincinnati.Com website and will be linked to Blogger.com's registration page. The Blogger.com site and its associated services are not controlled by Cincinnati.Com and different terms of use and privacy policy will apply to your use of the Blogger.com site and services.

By proceeding and/or registering with Blogger.com you agree and understand that Cincinnati.Com is not responsible for the Blogger.com site you are about to access or for any service you may use while on the Blogger.com site. << Home


Blogs


Jim Borgman
Today at the Forum
Paul Daugherty
Politics Extra
N. Ky. Politics
Pop culture review
Cincytainment
Who's News
Television
Roller Derby Diva
Art
CinStages Buzz....
The Foodie Report
cincyMOMS
Classical music
John Fay's Reds Insider
Bengals
High school sports
NCAA
UC Sports
CiN Weekly staff
Soundcheck

Advertisement