WBC Takes Another Pitcher

Dusty Baker was concerned that newly acquired catcher Ramon Hernandez wouldn't have enough time to work with the Reds starting pitchers before joining the Venezuelan team for the World Baseball Classic.

Part of the problem was resolved when Ramon Ramirez, who finished the 2008 season with the Reds, was a late pick to pitch for Venezuela.

"It was a tough decision for him," Baker said. "He has a chance to make this team but he had a chance to represent his country. We made it easy for him and told him to go. He is going to pitch for them."

Baker also revealed that Jay Bruce was considered for the US team, but former Red Adam Dunn was named instead.

"It would be an honor," Bruce said. "It would be a tough decision to represent your country but this is the first spring that I have a chanced to establish myself. It is an honor just to be considered."

The Reds out homered the New York Yankees on Sunday. A hard win was blowing out all day.

Brett Gardner, Robinson Cano and John Rodriguez hit home runs. Gardner's was off Aaron Harang in the second inning. David Weathers allowed Cano's and Rodriguez's blasts.

The Reds hit five.

Chris Dickerson hit two and the first one was not aided by the wind at all.

"It was gone," Baker said.

Laynce Nix, enhanced his chance to make the team with a home run that didn't need the wind either.

Joey Votto hit a home run to the opposite field in his last at bat before he joined Team Canada in Dunedin, Florida.

The game-winning blow was a long drive to centerfield by minor league catcher, Craig Tatum with the bases loaded.

The veterans in the Reds bullpen were all roughed up. Francisco Cordero, Weathers and Arthur Rhodes all gave up at least two runs apiece.

"It takes the older guys more time to get going," Baker said. "I was encouraged by the way the young guys threw the ball."

Ben Jukich, who was acquired from the Oakland A's for Chris Denorfia, James Avery and Jordan Smith each pitched a scoreless inning.