Fifth Starter Loses One Candidate

To no one's surprise, Nick Masset, pitched his way to the bullpen. He had one good start but his other outings were mediocre at best.

Masset does not have the track record that would give him a pass for bad outings. Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo have the track record so their spring games are all about getting ready and not about results.

Masset has a 6.59 ERA in 13.2 Grapefruit League innings. While Arroyo's is not that much better at 6.00 in 15 innings and Harang's is 5.03 in 19 innings, the rookie needed to impress. He did not.

That leaves Micah Owings and Homer Bailey as the combatants vying for that all important fifth starters spot. The Reds got very little production from that end of the rotation last season.

Masset does not have options left. If the Reds want to send him to the minor leagues, they have to expose him to waivers. Another team could claim him.

Bailey has options. In another ERA teams would break in a starter by having them pitch in long relief first. Dusty Baker has pointed out that the likes of Pedro Martinez, Nolan Ryan, Bob Welch and Dave Stewart, earned starting jobs by first pitching in long relief.

Baseball economics have changed. It gives Masset and edge over Bailey in spite of the fact that Bailey's performance has been better. Compare Bailey's 2.45 ERA over 14.2 innings to Masset's.

Bailey has been so much better. Yet he may start the season in Louisville, while Masset will likely come to Cincinnati.

Owings is a lock either way even with options left.

The big guy is one of the best hitters on the team, bar none.

In 116 major league at bats he has 37 hits (.319). It is not a soft .319 either with 10 doubles, a triple and five home runs.

Owings has also pitched well enough to win the fifth starter spot. He has a 1.23 ERA in 14.2 innings.