Thursday Is The Day

The Reds Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Walt Jocketty told a group of writers that Thursday will be the day that decisions will be made.

The key decisions are with the fifth starting position and the composition of the Reds bench.

The two finalist are Mike Leake and Travis Wood. Both will pitch Wednesday in separate split squad games. Leake will pitch against the Oakland Athletics in Phoenix. Wood will pitch in Las Vegas against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"We want to see how both guys throw tomorrow," Jocketty said. "We'll make a decision sometime Thursday."

Travis Wood

With all things being equal Wood has the advantage because of his experience. Leake is advanced because he is a college player but as a college player he has not worked in a five man rotation. Wood has made 26 starts or more in three different minor league seasons.

Still Jocketty is not surprised by the level at which Leake has performed.

"I'm not surprised because we drafted him with the idea that he would develop very fast. Not necessarily this fast. He pitched very well in the (Arizona) Fall League. He pitched at a high level in college (Arizona State)."

Aroldis Chapman's sore lower back set him back and possibly cost him the fifth spot out of the gate.

"We have to get him built back up," Jocketty said. Chapman is scheduled to pitch two innings against the Athletics. "

The Reds won't need a fifth starter until Sunday the 11th.

The Reds need to decide their bench.

"It won't have a lot of experience; may not have a lot of experience," Jocketty said.

That is bad news for Aaron Miles, who was acquired from Oakland for Willie Taveras and Adam Rosales. He is guaranteed $2 million. Jocketty would have to convince owner, Bob Castellini to eat the contract.

"I like the depth of our pitching. The bullpen will be strong again. The starting pitching will be deeper. The bench will have more talent than its had in a long time. This team is being built to be competitive for a long period of tiem," Jocketty said.

Dodgers 2 Reds 1

Bronson Arroyo was the first Reds pitcher to go six innings this spring.

He allowed two runs on five hits. He did not walk anyone and struck out two.

Arroyo retired the first five batters before Casey Blake doubled and Blake DeWitt singled to score him. Arroyo retired the next 10 batters in a row before pitcher, Clayton Kershaw singled. Rafael Furcal bunted for a single. After Matt Kemp grounded into a double play. Andre Ethier put the Dodgers ahead with a single.

The Reds had six hits off Kershaw, four of which were doubles. Laynce Nix, Drew Stubbs, Wladimir Balentien, who had a hit for his fourth straight game and Brandon Phillips had doubles. Phillips scored on a single by Balentien.

Francisco Cordero threw a scoreless inning. He has allowed just one unearned run in nine innings, covering eight appearances.

Aroldis Chapman Tests Sore Back

Aroldis Chapman tested his sore lower back against Milwaukee Brewers minor leaguers this afternoon.

He pitched one inning, alloweing one hit and striking out two. He threw 19 pitches, 12 for strikes.

Chapman did not experience any pain.

Griffey Hits Walk Off Grand Slam

Ken Griffey Jr and his flair for dramatics hit a grand slam home run off Kip Wells to win the game for the Mariners, 6-5.

Wells walked minor leaguer Jeffery Dominguez to load the bases with one out.

Griffey took three balls then swung at two low pitches. Then hit one high in the breeze to rightcenter that landed on the berm.

"It's a tough way to lose," Dusty Baker said. "You're saying don't get one in the air. He's not Ken Griffey Jr. for nothing."

Griffey enjoyed the moment even though it didn't count.

"I saw all my guys at home plate," Griffey said. "That's one of the best feelings in baseball to see all your guys at home plate. That's part of being a team."

Griffey was informed that his alma mater won its state semi final basketball game.

"Moeller's game means more because it counts. That's what I'm talking about," Griffey said. "This is just guys getting their work in."

Griffey Junior Meets Mike Leake

Ken Griffey Jr. talked mostly about his football playing son Trey before the game.

Trey is 6'2" and 180 lbs. He is a sophomore running back and wideout on his public high school team. He is getting stacks of letters to colleges through his coach.

Trey is choosing a college. Mike Leake just graduated from college, Arizona State University, known for its baseball program.

Leake, the Reds first pick in last June's amatuer draft was a fan of Griffey's growing up in San Diego.

Griffey lined out to firstbase in the first inning against Leake. In his second at bat Laake hit hid idol in the shins.

"I didn't know if I was supposed to say sorry or not care," Leake said.

Leake pitched four innings and allowed one run on three hits. He walked one in addition to hitting Griffey. The run scored on a double steal in which the rundown was botched when Ichiro Suzuki was picked off by Leake.

Leake started a double play to get himself out of a jam.

"I did well on my PFP (pitchers fielding practice) work. We worked on it so long," Leake said.

Leake still has a chance to make the Reds rotation but isn't worried about it.

"You just want to make the decision hard for them."

Joey Votto had two singles and an opposite field home run with three RBI to lead the Reds offense.

Travis Wood, the other young pitcher that has an outside chance, is pitching well also.

Reds Bats Come Alive Against Giants

The Reds scored seven runs in the eighth inning off Jeremy Affeldt and Brandon Medders.

Juan Francisco, Aaron Miles, Paul Janish and Corky Miller hit doubles. Drew Stubbs hit his fourth home run of the spring in the inning.

"The bats really came alive in that inning," Dusty Baker said. "You could see the guys were refreshed. Their legs were refreshed everything."

The Reds had Tuesday off. They are among the last teams to take a break this spring.

Homer Bailey was not as sharp as he has been in some of his outings but he allowed just one run on three hits. He got 10 outs without a strikeout.

In his first years as a professional, he believed he should strike out everybody like he did in Texas playing high school baseball.

"I went five innings. That's what I was after, not striking guys out but trying to locate my pitches."

He retired 13 of his last 14 batters without a strike out.

"He wasn't quite as sharp but he was near the plate with good velocity. He made good pitches when he needed too. He showed detremination," Baker said.

The Giants beat the Reds 6-0 on Saturday. The Reds turned the tables with a 10-3 win today.

Coulda Woulda Shoulda

I had a talk with longtime Reds scout, Gene Bennet before the game today. During a discussions about scouting, he told me that the Reds could have had Lance Berkman instead of Simone Peters.

Peters is 6'7" and could hit the ball a long, long way. Jim Bowden, the rotisserie league player disguised as a major league general manager was a sucker for big guys that could hit the ball 500 feet.

Unfortunately, Peters is out of baseball because in between tape measure blasts, he made little contact.

Meanwhile, Berkman has made a living hitting Reds pitching hard.

Chapman's Back Problem

Aroldis Chapman walked in today. He talked with Dusty Baker briefly and left to get a social security card.

The status of his back has not been determined.

"Almost everybody has had back pain at one time or another," Baker said. "It can let you go in a day or it can hang on for a week or 10 days."

Baker told the 22-year old, who was brought up in Cuba not to complain about ailments.

"I went through it with Osvaldo Fernandez." Fernandez was a Cuban defector that played for Baker with the San Francisco Giants. "They are taught not to complain. If you complain there, you don't eat," Baker said.

Baker told Chapman to let him know if there is something wrong.

"I told him not to feel like a wimp or something," Baker said. "I didn't know the word for "wimp" in spanish but there's another word. I did know that one."

"There is a thin line between when are you a hypochondriac or when are you too bold and brave."

Baker was pleased with the health of this camp.

"The guys came in shape. Our fitness guys (Matt Krause) are doing a great job. They are keeping them hydrated, stretching them running. I don't want to jinx myself but things have been great, especially in the leg department."

Apache Trail

The Reds lone off day was one of the worst weather days since I've been here. Yet Sue's brother, Mark, took us on Apache Trail in the Tonto National Forest.

It was a narrow unpaved road, up and around Superstition Mountains. It wound around Tortilla Flats, Roosevelt Lake, through the mining town of Claypool. There were rest stops along the way. They were not so much for the great views but for the brakes on Mark's Yukon to cool down. I don't know how he hauls his bass boat around the trail.

If you ever get to Arizona, this trip is a must.

Reds Transactions

Following today’s game, the Reds optioned to Louisville OF Chris Heisey and reassigned to minor league camp IF Zack Cozart and IF/OF Todd Frazier.

Mike Leake and Travis Wood are still in the mix for the fifth starter spot. Both have pitched well. They have more hope now with Aroldis Chapman's back acting up on him.

Chapman Has A Stiff Back as Rockies Club Reds

Aroldis Chapman was scheduled to pitch four innings but a stiff lower back cut his outing short as the Colorado Rockies hit three home runs to beat the Reds, 9-1.

Manager Dusty Baker and pitching coach Bryan Price could sense something was wrong when the phenom from Cuba, wouldn't throw his fabled fastball.

"He wasn't throwing his fastball," Baker said. "He was shaking off the catcher to throw his breaking ball."

Chapman said that he has had stiffness for a couple days and tried to work through it.

"I didn't feel it in the first inning," Chapman explained his 1,2,3 first inning of work.

"I couldn't work it out in the second inning. I've never had back trouble before. It was less effort to throw a slider than a fastball."

"In Cuba you're taught not to complain," said Baker, who is familiar with baseball in Latin America. "He didn't say anything to us but he was wincing."

Pitching coach Bryan Price went to the mound after Chapman walked two and another runner reached on shortstop, Drew Sutton's error.

"I went out to remind him that he has a good fastball. I told him to be more agressive. By the time I got back to the dugout, we saw him try to straighten out his back," Price said. "We brought the trainer out (Paul Lessard) to verify that it wasn't an issue. He said something about it and we took him out before it became an issue."

Chapman struck out Eric Young Jr. but Jordan Pacheco hit a three run double with two outs. Chapman left with a 2-1 count on Chris Nelson.

Bronson Arroyo pitched five innings, his longest outing of the spring. He allowed two home runs but felt that he was throwing better.

"I felt good. I had better command than the last few times out," Arroyo said.

Drew Stubbs had a leadoff home run off Colorado starter, Jorge De La Rosa.

That was the extent of the Reds offense.

NCAA in Arizona

It is a college basketball fans dream. The games start at 9:30 and finish four hours before last call.

The St. Mary's vs Villanova was finishing up in the visitors clubhouse in Scottsdale where the Reds prepared to play the San Francisco Giants.

St. Mary's is in Moraga, California about 20 miles east of San Francisco.

While in Dusty Baker's office for the pregame meeting with the media, a cheer came from the clubhouse. We all knew that the Gaels were up on Villanove late in the game.

"Contrary to what the rest of the country thinks, the can play basketball in California," Baker said dispelling one of two rumors.

Baker has been given a reputation for ruining young pitchers. Many ill informed Cubs fan blame Baker for Mark Prior's arm problems and Kerry Wood's arm problems. The criticism persists even though neither player blame Baker. Both remain good friends with him and have stated over and over that Baker had nothing to do with their arm problems.

A SF Bay area writer asked Baker about Dick Pole and his replacement Bryan Price as pitching coach.

"It was an organization decision. Dick is a friend of mine. Bryan came to us recommended. He developed a good reputation with Seattle and Arizona. Some guys from Seattle last night came up to me ant told me that I was lucky to have him," Baker said. "Con

Today, young pitchers Travis Wook and Mike Leake are pitching. Both will probably start the season in Louisville but both have been impressive.

"This is another day for them. I hope they continue to do the same thing. I had never seen Wood but I heard a lot of good things about him. Tom Brown (the pitching coach at Carolina) told me a lot about him. I trust him big time. He told me he was small in stature but he pitches like a big man."

After the meeting we all went out to watch the conclusion of the game. Baker walked by, "come on home boys.""

Never mind that five members of the St. Mary's team are from Australia.

Stubbs Leads Reds Over Mariners 6-2

Drew Stubbs had three hits, including an inside-the-park home run to lead the Reds four home run attack.

Stubbs was struggling with a 2-for-20 spring until Tuesday. Since, he is 6-for-9 with two doubles, a triple and the inside-the-park home run.

"He's turning it up," Baker said. "It's time to get ready. That's what you want to do."

Scott Rolen, Laynce Nix and Chris Heisey hit home runs off Jason Vargas, who had not allowed a run in 8 2/3 innings this spring.

Joey Votto hits some shots that were turned into outs. He knocked Mariners starter, Doug Fister, out with a line drive off the pitcher's right forearm. He also hit a line drive to center but fielder made a sliding catch.

"Joey hit the ball hard tonight," Baker said. "When he's going good he hits the ball hard up the middle."

Aaron Harang is right on target for opening day.

He threw 80 pitches. His nex start he will throw 90, then 100.

"I'm ahead of where I've been the past springs," Harang said.

Bad Boy Milton Bradley was ejected by home plate umpire Jon Merry for throwing his bat after a called third strike. It was the second time in as many games that the beligerant Bradley has been tossed.

Pregame Activity - Moutain Climbing

It was a night game against the Seattle Mariners without Ken Griffey Jr.

In Sarasota, Griffey once said," If we have to cross a bridge, I'm not going." You can't go anywhere in the Sarasota Bay Area without crossing a bridge.

There are no beautiful ocean views in Arizona as any fifth grade geography can tell you, even one from Struble Elementary.

So Sue and I drove 2o minutes to climb the White Tank Mountains which can be seen down the leftfield line of Goodyear Ballpark.

A rocky trail goes nearly to the top, about five miles. The view is awesome. And is worth the cardio work.

My only regret is that I forgot the camera. I could see the entire valley area.

Five More Players Sent to Minors

After the team's loss to Cleveland, the Reds optioned to Louisville right-hander Enerio Del Rosario, right-hander Sam LeCure, infielder Chris Valaika and left-hander Pedro Viola; catcher Devin Mesoraco was also assigned to Louisville.

Bailey Finishes His Outing

Homer Bailey pitched 3 2/3 innings allowing two runs on five hits, two walks and a hit batter.

He struck out Austin Kearns swinging on a nasty breaking pitch with the bases loaded. The next inning Wes Hodges hit a home run on an 0-2 pitch.

He left the game with a 2-2 tie.

Travis Hafner hit a long home run off Enerio Del Rosario.

It is 3-2 Cleveland in the bottom of the fifth.

No Cheering In the Press Box

The no-cheering in the press box rule was summarily ignored as both Cleveland and Cincinnati writers cheered Murray State's buzzer beater to eliminate Vanderbilt.

If Murray can take out Vandy, then Colerain can take out Columbus Northland in a couple hours.

Meanwhile, Jonny Gomes hit a two-run home run off Jeremy Sowers. Sowers was drafted by Cincinnati, when Jim Bowden was the GM. Sowers chose not to sign. He accepted a scholarship to Vanderbilt instead. Vandy takes one on the chin again.

Cleveland scored off Homer Bailey. Austin Kearns, trying to make the Indians as a non-roster player, doubled and scored on Wes Hodges single.

Reds Pre Game Roster Moves

Prior to today’s game the Reds optioned to Louisville IF Yonder Alonso and LHP Bill Bray; optioned to Carolina RHP Jordan Smith and LHP Philippe Valiquette; assigned to Louisville RHP Jon Adkins and OF Josh Anderson...there are 48 players left in Major League camp.

Five more are expected after the game with Cleveland today.

Cut Day Is Not Easy For Dusty

It will not be easy for the 11 players that Baker has to cut today.

As I found out the hard way one spring, the word cut means different things in different sports. In football it means you're without a job. In baseball it means you will have a job but not making as much money.

Baker remembers what it feels like.

"It is not a pleasant day for me," Baker said. "It is especially tough because everyone busted their tail this spring. This has been a great camp. We've got some fine young men here of high character. We have people tell us everywhere we go what fine young men we have. It makes you proud as a manager. Some of the guys know that they will probably go."

Chapman Works 3 innings

Aroldis Chapman allowed his first stateside run when the Milwaukee Brewers. Rickie Weeks hit a long home run to leftcenter field on a 3-1 pitch.

He pitched in his third spring outing plus an intrasquad game.

After the long ball only one runner reached base. He walked Weeks on a 3-2 changeup.

Chapman struck out five.

Chapman

Jim Maloney to Aroldis Chapman

The buzz this year is about pitchers who throw 100 miles an hour.

Aroldis Chapman was clocked by one scout at 102. As the 22-year old Cuban tries to earn his major league debut this season, Jim Maloney arrived as one of the Reds guest instructors along with Jack Billingham.

When Maloney made his debut on July 27, 1960, he had just turned 20.

It was the same year that Fidel Castro completed the revolution in Cuba revolution.

Chapman had to sneak away while he was with the Cuban National Baseball Team. His social life is nill and the Reds are trying to make the $10 "bonus baby" Maloney can relate to that if not the alienation that comes from leaving his native culture.

Dusty Baker thinks like a father. He has been through the mill and has empathy for the young player's predicament. He has a feel for what all of the young players go through. It is just that Chapman is under the microscope now. It is a day when the media hype is more intense.

Baseball is the easy part. Command of his pitches is not his biggest problem. Setting up hitters is not his biggest problem. "It depends on who's catching," Baker said. "If you have good stuff the second time around isn't as important. How to pitch them goes to the catcher. Where to pitch them goes to the catcher. How you get it there is up to you."

Chapman is scheduled to pitch three innings against the Milwaukee Brewers at 1:00 pm local time.



The social aspect of Chapman's development has been discussed.

"He doesn't talk much but he's generally happy," Baker said. "I'd imagine he's probably a little bit loney sometimes. The guys try to make him feel as comfortable as possible. You know guys cooking. Alonso's mothers cooking. (Yonder Alonso is also Cuban). Porky (Juan Lopez) cooking, the other day he wanted some rice and beans and Lopez cooked it for him. That's how you get over being lonely. Eat what you like and eat a lot of it, then go to sleep."

The Reds aren't worried about social support at the major league level. They have assigned the Dayton Dragons pitching coach, who is Cuban born, Tony Fossas, to be his mentor and interpreter.

The Reds want to wean him away from that soon. They have discussed his support system if he does not go with the club to Cincinnati.

"We discussed what Latin players he's going to be around to be a good support system. Hopefully, whoever they are, they're your best citizen guys. Tony has a job to do too. We decided while Chapman's here and has a chance to make the club we feel it is important that Tony's here. At some point in time, Tony has to go back to his club. We think at least through the off day (March 23). It will give Chapman time to be without Tony and for Tony to learn his club."

Reds Score Big Against Arizona 13-7

Drew Stubbs has been struggling at the plate. The annoited centerfielder had just two hits in 20 at bats coming into the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Tucson Arizona.

"The numbers don't concern me," Dusty Baker said. "He has to get going pretty soon. I'd like to see him make more contact, try some bunts."

Chris Dickerson is hitting his way into the picture in centerfield as well as leftfield.

Dickerson wondered out loud why he wasn't being considered for centerfield. He was considered all along for a leftfield platoon with Jonny Gomes but wants more. He is hitting .429, putting pressure on Stubbs.

Stubbs was asked about it this morning.

Right on cue, he led off the game with a double down the rightfield line. His next at bat he ripped a triple past a diving rightfielder.

The Reds scored seven runs off Arizona starter, Edwin Jackson.

Juan Francisco, who is playing leftfield for the first time in a spring game singled in the first run.

"We have to talk to him about being too aggressive," Baker said. "They are starting to pitch him out of the strike zone. He has to adjust."

Francisco swung at the first pitch in each of his first three at bats. He didn't have a play in left.

Jonny Cueto was scheduled for four innings but fell an out short.

He gave up seven hits and hit a batter but some fly balls were lost in the sun.

Baker wanted to see how Jordan Smith would rebound from his last outing in which he gave up four runs after two were out.

"He did a very nice job," Baker said. "His ball had more movement than it did the other day."

All of the young relievers were impressive.

"(Logan) Ondrusek threw the ball good. (Phillipe) Valliquette is throwing the ball good. Once he gets control of the stike zone and tightens his breaking ball up a little bit. He's got big league stuff but right now minor league command. He's going to be a very good pitcher."

Ondrusek threw a perfect 1 1/3 inning with two strikeouts. Valliquette allowed three runs and hit two batters in a row.

Jay Bruce and Paul Janish hit home runs. Bruce also doubled in three trips to the plate. Both were hit to leftfield.

Tucson Arizona not Court

In 1960 my family moved into a brand new subdivision on a street named Tucson Ct. in Groesbeck.

I always wondered about Tucson, Arizona. I saw all the western shows on black & white televison.

Today, I rode into to Tucson. Not on a horse, mind you, but in a Mercury Grand Marquis. As 10-year old Chris Dornbusch said on his first visit to Crosley Field, "It was in color."

I will post a picture later.

Reds Clobber Ben Sheets and the A's Like 1990

Chris Dickerson and Jonny Gomes were the hitting stars in the Reds 13-5 win over the Oakland A's.

Dickerson had a double and a long home run in the first inning and added two singles. Gomes scorched a two run double off the glove of Kevin Kouzmanoff at thirdbase.

"That's the way to do it," Dusty Baker said. "You play your way on, not talk your way on," Dusty Baker said.

Former Olympic, All-Star and Milwaukee Brewers ace, Ben Sheets, didn't retire a single batter. Dickerson's home run capped a 10-run first.

The A's gloves did Sheets no favors. Dickerson's double was catchable but leftfielder, Jake Fox, stumbled and fell. Sheet whiffed on a soft come back ball by the next hitter, Orlando Cabrera.

Joey Votto, Wilken Castillo, Laynce Nix and Juan Francisco contributed hits in the first.

Wladimir Balentien hit a long home run to rightfield off Jerry Blevins.

On the pitching side, Mike Lincoln, set the side down in order in the first two innings. But Oakland scored four in the third inning.

"I was still keeping the ball down," Lincoln said. "I will never be happy with that but I felt like I was keeping the ball down."

"Linc got some balls out over the plate in the third," Dusty Baker said. "(Travis) Wood had control problems."

Wood allowed the first run of the spring. He has pitched seven innings. Today, three walks allowed Oakland to score off him. He also struck out four.

Mike Leake continues to be impressive. He pitched two innings and allowed one hit. He struck out four.

"Leake was outstanding," Baker said. "That little dude can pitch."

Jordan Smith Future Closer

Jodan Smith is 6'4" tall with a natural sinker. Dusty Baker believes that will make him a valuable reliever in the future.

Smith gave up a four run lead against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. The Sox scored four runs in the ninth inning after there were two outs and no one on base.

"I got two quick outs then the wheels of the carriage fell off," Smith said.

Jordan Danks walked. Then Smith allowed a single and three straight doubles. The game was tied and when the Reds didn't score in the bottom of the ninth both teams were out of pitchers and the game ended, 5-5.

"It was like watching one of your kids get beat up," Baker said. "You know he's going to get beat up but you don't want him to get beat up too badly. That's the toughest part. But that's the life of a reliever. They have to forget yesterday. "

Smith has a natural sinker.

"He's got one of the heaviest sinkers in camp," Baker said. "He's working on a better slider and off speed pitch. Every once in a while he tries to overthrow. A pitcher with a good sinker, doesn't give up a lot of home runs and get a lot of ground balls that get you out of trouble."

Smith was a catcher at Pleasan Grove High School in Utah. He went to the Community College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and became a pitcher.

The Reds picked him in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. They made him a starter. He appeared in 74 minor league games all as a starter.

The big club sees him as a reliever.

"I love coming out of the pen. The pressure, I feed off that," Smith said.

He knows the closer and late inning guys walk a tight rope.

"If you can't handle the pain, you can't play the game," Smith said. "You just got to get back out there and kick somebodies butt."

Baker plans to allow him the chance.

"We didn't rescue him. Like we didn't rescue Homer last," Baker said. "If you don't know them, this is where you find out what a kid's made of. That is how you build a pitcher. Especially, when the games don't count. I was as upset as anybody but I couldn't show my upsetness. He said he's ok. We didn't have anybody warming up, ok it's your game son. We want to get him back out there, maybe tomorrow in Tucson."

The Reds play the Arizona Diamondbacks in Tucson on Tuesday.

White Sox Rally to Tie Reds

Brandon Phillips got his first two hits of the spring, including a two-run home run.

The Reds Gold Glove secondbaseman, was hitless in his first 14 at bats this spring. He hit a sharp single to leftfield scored Drew Stubbs with the first run of the game, off Chicago White Sox starter, John Danks.. .
He added a two-run home run off J.J. Putz.

Joey Votto was also struggling at .067 but he collected two hits, including an RBI single. That hit came after firstbaseman Dayan Viciedo lost Votto's routine pop foul in the high sky. Danks shrugged it off as one of those spring training occurences.

He had his own performance problem with Cincinnati's lefthanded hitters. "I've been concentrating on getting my curveball over and getting lefthanded hitters out," Danks said. "This is the part of spring training that it gets a little monotonous. You have to catch yourself and make sure you don't go through the motions. My line doesn't look real well but we got done what we wanted to." Danks will be in the White Sox starting rotation barring injury.

Cincinnati starter, Matt Maloney, on the other hand is in a tight competition for the Reds fifth starting spot with a host of pitchers, including Cuban sensation, Aroldis Chapman.

"I'm taking it one day at a time. I've learned from the last two spring that the more I think about things I can't control the worse, I'm going to be," Maloney said. "There's good competition. A lot of dynamics between all the pitchers. The competition is nice to see. Sometimes it can put a little pressure on guys but you see what people are made of when they're put in a situation like that. I think it will be good for the team."

Putz, the White Sox free agent signing this offseason, allowed his first runs of the spring. He had thrown one scoreless inning in each of his first three appearances.

The Reds entered the ninth with a 5-1 lead.

Reds prospect, Jordan Smith got the first two outs in the top of the ninth. Then he lost control of the game with a walk to Jordan Danks, who is John Danks brother.

Danks took second on defensive indifference.

C.J Retherford singled to score Danks. Steffen Gartrell doubled scoring Retherford. Donny Lucy doubled. Alejandro De Aza douvled to tie the game.

"It shows you the importance of the walk. Even if you have a big lead you don't want to put runners on," Dusty Baker said. " He'll learn from this. He has the stuff and doesn't like to get hit. But if he's going to be the closer, he has to learn."

"Brandon got going today. I knew he didn't have a hit but he was hitting the ball well. He wasn't just topping the ball."

"Maloney threw well. Justin Lehr was ok. I've seen him sharper. LeCure and Wells threw the ball better. So, did Smith before he walked the guy."

B Game Harang Pitches 4 Plus Francisco Homers

Aaron Harang pitched 4 1/3 shutout innings against the Cleveland Indians in a 10 am "B" game.

The opening day starter, allowed two hits and two walks. He also struck out two. He completed four innings but the Reds allowed another hitter to build his pitch count.

"It felt good. I am getting untracked. There's still work to be done but I'm happy with today," Harang said.

Juan Francisco hit a home run off Indian pitcher, Jensen Lewis, who graduated from Anderson High School in Cincinnati.

Chris Burke singled in his first action since bresking his finger. He was caught off base by Lewis but side stepped when Lewis covered first in the rundown.

Ostrich Jockey

I have found that sometimes people are just too gullible.

My friend Sue and I went to the Ostrich Festival in Chandler after the Reds/Cubs exhibition game yesterday.

It was in a fair ground with rides, a free concert by a group called Journey Unauthorized, a group that covers all of Journey's classics and War. You know "The Cisco Kid Was a Friend of Mine" and "Why Can't We Be Friends".

There were ostrich races and pig races in the early evening prior to the concert.

On the way into the $5 parking lot with my spring training media pass around my neck, I asked the parking attendant where the Ostrich Jockeys were supposed to park. She had a puzzled look on her face and waived me into the closest lot without taking the $5 bill in my hand.

Sue said the ostriches were the biggest chickens she ever saw but she didn't have a pot big enough.

We were too late for the ostrich race but saw the pig race.

The Mesa sherrif defeated the Chandler sherrif by a night stick.

Chirs Burke Is Back

Chris Burke broke his finger in a pop up drill before games started.

The Louisville St. X grad was set back three weeks but will play in a "B" game scheduled against the Cleveland Indians this morning.

The Reds have a machine that is placed on the mound and shoots the ball straight up in the air. The purpose of the drill is to get the pitcher and infielders used to calling each other off to avoid collisions that lead to injuries.

Burke's injury was the result of the drill.

Cubs Win 11-4 but Bailey and Francisco Shine

Homer Bailey allowed one run in three innings, while Juan Francisco belted two home runs.

One home run was off lefthanded, Sean Marshall. The other was an opposite field home run off righthander, Casey Coleman.

"Homer threw the ball great. He had great velocity, good location. Homer threw the ball well," Dusty Baker said.

"It took me a while to get loose and then the last two innings, I felt a lot better," Bailey said.

Bailey threw two shutout innings in a "B" game on Monday

"You can throw a lot of bullpens but you're never ready for game situations until it happens. There is definitely a little bit of diffrerence between this and a "B" game. The different hitters and things like that; different atmospheres. That's what's good about spring training. You can get ready for those kind of things,"

Bailey is free of the Number-One-Draft-Pick stigma and spotlight. A double edged sword that puts a lot pressure on young pitchers with bulging pockets.

"This spring everything is going good nothing different, I'm just under the radar,""

Aroldis Chapman has been the hype magnet this spring.

Does having Chapman arouind help you stay under the radar?

"He's going threw a lot. He's throwing pretty well. That's good to see. I don't know what the plans are for that fifth spot and it's none of my business. He's definitely going to help this team out, if not this year, very soon I would think." On the attention being on another player beside him. "I'm glad I'm done with that period. Now we can just focus on the game itself and results."

The rest of the Reds pitchers had rough outings.

Some of the other guys got roughed up a little." "Ondrusek threw the ball well.

Micah Owings occasional lapse of command hurt him today. He walked Darwin Barney with two outs. Bryan LaHair followed with a three-run home run.

Micah (Owings) threw the ball good except when he walked the little guy to get to the big guy (LaHair) and the big guy hit that three-run home run to tie it. That got them back in the ballgame and changed the whole momentum. We have to continue to talk about that."

Baker talked to Francisco, Chris Heisey, Todd Frazier and Yonder Alonso about being hitters first , not sluggers. Heisey hit a home run yesterday and Francisco hit two today.

"If you hit home runs will come but you have to be a hitter first.. They've done it well. He got on that fastball. They're much more relaxed and they're playing like we've seen and heard."

Cubs Roar Back

Bryan LaHair hit a three-run home run off Micah Owings to tie the game at 4-4.

Jon Adkins, who is in camp for the third time with the Reds, allowed seven runs in one inning plus.

The Cubs lead 11-4 after seven innings.

Janish Hits a Home Run, No Kidding

Paul Janish cleared the leftfield fence off Casey Coleman.

A Cub fan, not realizing how rare that is, threw it back.

Reds lead 4-1

Reds Cubs Tied After 3

Juan Francisco reached the Bleachers Southwest with a long drive to right off Sean Marshal. It was his first home run of the spring.

The Cubs were the first to score off Homer Bailey in the Cactus League. Bailey throttled the Brewers in a "B" game on Monday. He threw two scoreless innings before Jim Adduci doubled. Adduci advanced to third on a ground out by Starlin Castro. Brando Phillips had just enough range to make the play but couldn't come up with Logan Watkins RBI ground single to right.

Reds In HoHoKam Woo Cubs

I was standing with Sue in her Reds gear at HoHoKam Park aka Wrigley Field Southwest. A relieved Red fan with a look of genuine relief said, "Thank God. I thought I would be the only one." Much like a series at Great American Ballpark, blue Cubs jerseys dominate.

Former Reds' manager, Lou Piniella, greeted me also but only because I was standing at the batting cage with Hal McCoy. Seriously, he recognized me from Cincinnati although he was in his last season when I started working Reds games for SportsTicker.

Piniella was great. He told us all he needs is a middle reliever.

Then he gave us more valuable advice.

"There's a Mexican restraunt in North Scottsdale with the best magaritas around," Piniella said. "I told my players, drink the first one, sip the second one and refuse the third. My wife (Anita) took my advice but I didn't. Then she drove me home so I wouldn't go to Tent City."

Mariacopa County Sherrif, Joe Arpaio, is tough on "guests" of the county jail.

He puts them in tents. There is no AC in 100 degree heat. The prisoners use outhouses. They are fed three meals, all are bologna sandwhiches, beans and milk.

Chapman Two Scoreless Innings

Aroldis Chapman pitched two scoreless innings, striking out Matt Kemp and Casey Blake with change ups. They were his last two hitters faced.

"I was not finishing my slider," Chapman said. "I have a little cold. I was not as sharp as the last time. I put a couple pitches out of the strike zone."

Chris Heisey hit a home run off George Sherril. The Reds held on for a 3-2 win.

"Chapman's fastball was sailing out of the zone," Dusty Baker said. "He had a real good change up and got some good hitters out."

Chapman struck out Matt Kemp and Casey Blake with change ups to finish his outing strong. They were the last two hitters he faced.

"We got good pitching today. All the guys, (Jordan) Smith, (Phillipe) Valiquette, threw the ball well. Fish (Carlos Fisher) got a little tired at the end," Baker said.

Until the Dodgers scored two in the ninth inning off Fisher, the Reds pitchers allowed only one run over the last 27 innings.

Jonny Gomes hit s two-run home run off Luis Ayala.

Aroldis Chapman Takes the Mound

The Reds lead 2-0 on a home run by Jonny Gomes but the big news is Aroldis Chapman is coming on to pitch in the bottom of the fifth.

The Mayor Arrives

Sean Casey joined Barry Larkin in the Reds training camp today. Eric Davis has been here all along.
Joe Morgan was in camp last week. The Reds have also invited former major leaguers, Tony Phillips and Ellis Burks to work with the Reds young players.



Casey will work with the Reds players all weekend, assuming he finishes introducing himself to everyone in time.



Dusty Baker likes having people that have been through the big leaugue mill around.

"Sometimes these guys can say the same things we tell them but it sinks in. Sometimes it helps having someone else say something," Baker said. "They might say one little thing that could jump start their career or help them figure things out."

Baker said mentors helped him in his career.

He was close to Hank Aaron.

"When I was with the Giants we had Willie Mays, Cepeda and McCovey, some bad dudes," Baker said "With the Dodgers, I could spend the day with Sandy Koufax, Newcombe or Roy Campanells. That was big"

Tinsel Town East

The Reds meet the Las Angeles Dodgers in spring training game in close to 20 years.

The Dodgers were in Vero Beach, Florida since the 40's but it was on the cross-state from the Reds complex on Florida's west coast.

In Arizona the teams train 15 miles apart. The Dodgers share the complex with the Chicago White Sox.

I am iiving within two miles and the National Anthem can be heard from the condo.

There are a pair of singers on the field. Bronson Arroyo sang with several other major league players, Briam Meadown, Jake Peavy and Barry Zito last night at a benefit across town in Mesa.

Arroyo sang six songs but did not play the guitar.

A professional singer was on the field and not to sing the amthem. Nick Jonas of the Jonas brothers, dressed in Dodger uniform #92 and took batting practice.

Votto Gets Untracked and Reds Win 3-1

Joey Votto failed to get a hit in his first nine Cactus League at bats but busted a fastball from former 18-game winner, Chris Capuano to lead the Reds to a win.

"It was just a matter of time because he can hit," manager Dusty Baker said. "Still its nice to see him put one up on that bank out there."

Goodyear Ballpark has a grassy bank for people to lay a blanket down and watch the game. It is on top of a 12 foot wall, 380 feet from home plate.

The righthanded and lefthanded leftfield tandem had hits today. Chris Dickerson played centerfield today but smashed a long triple to centerfield against Capuano that scored Laynce Nix, who walked. Gomes had a sharp single to left off Capuano.

The Reds pitching continued to be outstanding.

Johnny Cueto struggled against the Cleveland Indians in his first spring game but pitched three scoreless innings against the Brewers. He allowed a hit to Jim Edmonds and a walk. He struck out one.

"I was working on using my legs and stepping straight to home plate," Cueto said. "I'm happy with the way I threw."

Nick Masset and Daniel Ray Herrera pitched a shut out inning each to extend the Reds pitchers scoreless streak to 15 Cactus League innings. Milwaukee scored a run aided by Jared Burton's throwing error on a sacrifice bunt. The run scored on a double play ground ball to break the string. Enerio Del Rosario and Logan Ondrusek finished off Milwaukee with scoreless outings.

"We got good pitching today," Baker said. "I'm impressed with Ondrusek and Del Rosario and Johnny Cueto threw the ball well today. They're very confident. They just get the ball and throw it. When a pitcher does that it doesn't give the hitter a chance to relax or think."

Jersey Shore Boy Hit by Jersey Shore Boy

Todd Frazier is having fun.

A member of the Tom's River Little League Champion team when hs was 12, Frazier still has fun.

It may not have seemed like fun when a 95 mph pitch from Aroldis Chapman hit his surgically repaired knee or when fellow New Jersey native, Trevor Reckling of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, hit him in the hind quarters on Wednesday.

"I went into the shower to wash the target off my back," Frazier joked.

Dusty Baker met with his rising stars the other day. Frazier, Yonder Alonso, Chris Heisey and Juan Francisco were called in.

"Dusty just told us to relax and have fun," Frazier said.

Baker felt the young players were trying to impress by hitting the long ball.

"I told them that they are hitters with power, not sluggers," Baker said.

He may not needed to tell Frazier to have fun.

"I'm having a lot of fun," Frazier said. "This is my second spring training and the guys here are great. The new guys they brought in are great guys too. I'm enjoying this."

The 24-year old, who is trying to find a position came up as a shortstop but has played at secondbase and leftfield already this spring.

He is starting to swing the bat as evidenced by two hits and a pair of RBI against the Angels yesterday.

Reds Shutout Angels 6-0

Mike Lincoln, Mike Leake and Travis Wood all pitched two scoreless innings.

The trio are competing with Justin Lehr, Matt Maloney and Aroldis Chapman for the fifth starter in the Reds rotation.

Lincoln was shut down in July last year and had a rough start against Cleveland on Friday but today threw 25 pitches and retired all six batters he faced.

"It was good to just get ahead of some hitters and work from there instead of getting behind," Lincoln said. "Hopefully, I'll get better the more innings I get."

Lincoln has been a reliever in the Major Leagues since 2000.

"There is a difference when you are off as a reliever and have to grind through an inning or two. As a starter you have to grind the whole game and if you get behind you won't last long."

Dusty was pleased with his pitchers.

"Hey man if they don't score, you may not be winning but you sure won't be losing," Baker said. "They threw great especially the young guys (Travis) Wood and Leake. We turned some double plays."

The Reds held a 1-0 lead through seven innings then scored five in the eighth.

Wladimir Balentien tripled. Juan Francisco and Yonder Alonso belted doubles.

Todd Frazier had two hits and two RBI.

"We got some timely hitting," Baker said. "They young guys were trying to be sluggers. I talked to Chris Heisy, Alonso, Francisco and Frazier and reminded them that they are hitters not sluggers. Young guys try to make the team by hitting everything out of the ball park, rather than trying to be hitters with power."

Reds Young Pitchers Impressive

Tempe Diablo Stadium is row barred into a city block with a western rock formation down the thirdbase line and a view of Superstition and Camelback Mountains beyond the outfiled fences.

Interstate 10 drones on with urban traffic and the campus of Arizona State University is a block away.

Mike Leake, all 5'10' of him, was the big man on campus last year. He was 16-1 with a 1.71 ERA and a first team All-American for the Sundevils.

His height was held against him by many scouts but the Reds drafted him with their first pick. He signed too late to pitch in the Pioneer League. He did pitch against top prospects in the Arizona Fall League.

"It was nice pitching in my second hometown," Leake said. "It was fun pitching to some major leaguers. It was nice facing some people I watched on TV for a long time."

Leake followed the Seattle Mariners and a big Ken Griffey Jr. fan, growing up in San Diego.

Manager Dusty Baker talked earlier this spring about how advanced Leake was for his age.

He threw two scoreless innings agains the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Wednesday. He allowed a single and walked hard-hitting,Bobby Abreu.

Leake was upset with himself.

"I don't like walking people. That's my pet peave," Leake said. "Unfortunately, I did in that circumstance. My sinker was working a little too well. I didn't get a feel for it until the second inning."

Leake got himself out of the inning by getting slugger, Kendry Morales to hit into a double play by throwing him a cut fastball in to him.

Leake has now thrown three innings this spring allowing one hit and one walk.

Baker talked to his former Dodger teammate Bob Welch, who assisted Arizona State.

"He has confidence and a great command of the strike zone," Baker said. "Welch told me you're going to like this young man. He keeps the cheese around the knees. What I've noticed about him unlike most young guys, he sees how the hitter reacts to a certain pitch then acts accordingly"

"I've seen young guys throw a breaking ball early in the count, the hitter is way out front, but they never get back to it. Or they're late on a fastball, then throw them something offspeed to let them catch up. Leake won't speed you up if your late on one."

Reds Beaten by the Snakes 10-4

Arizona jumped on Opening Day starter Aaron Harang for two runs in an 1 2/3 innings. He threw 50 pitches in his first Cactus League game.

New pitching coach, Bryan Price, picked up a flaw in his delivery.

"I need to tune up some things after pitching a certain way for so long," Harang said. "I have added six or seven inches to my stride. My hips didn't have the flexibility to do that last year."

Baker liked what he saw if not the results.

"The ball was really coming out of his hands," Baker said. "He got two strikes on almost everybody but couldn't put them away. If he keeps progressing, he will have a great year."

Offensively, Jay Bruce had a home run and a single. He is hitting .500 for the spring.

"We're going to play him a lot," Baker said. "We want to get him a lot of at bats."

Todd Frazier finished the game in leftfield. Frazier, who is a natural shortstop has been working at secondbase and thirdbase. He is trying to create versatility to allow the Reds to use his potent bat.

Bray Pitches Live Battting Practice

Bill Bray has had physical problems every spring since the Reds acquired him from Washington in the Austin Kearns trade on July 13, 2006.

He pitched just three games for Louisville last seasom but elbow problems sidelined the lefthander in May. On the 19th Dr. Timothy Kremcheck performed "Tommy John" surgery on him.

He is expected to be out until May.

Bray threw live batting practice to minor leaugers this morning and appears to be throwing well. He threw 25 pitches in his workout.

Reds Win First Ever in Goodyear 14-5

The Reds clubbed 16 hits and took it to Kansas City 14-5 in front of 2,017 people in Goodyear Ballpark.

Scott Rolen had two doubles.

Drew Stubbs, Jonny Gomes and Danny Dorn hit home runs.

Gomes added a double. Chris Dickerson, who is battling Gomes for the everyday job in leftfield had two hits, two RBI and stole a base. Jay Bruce had two hits, including a double.

"Two runs wasn't going to get it today," Dusty Baker said. "Our offense came alive today. Our defense didn't make any errors and that's even better."

"It feels good to win and shake hands," Baker said.

Chapman Dazzled

Aroldis Chapman has a fastball that can be heard but not seen.

“It sounded like he was throwing real hard. I couldn’t see it (laughs). He gets it up there. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a longer stride. It looked like he was going to run out of mound. He’s very impressive, especially that’s tall and lanky being able to change his release time as effectively as he did and still get his arm to his proper slot and spin the ball. Their (radar) gun wasn’t working, but it looked like about a 90 miles per hour slider today. That’s tough to square up. He was very impressive,” Kansas City manager Trey Hillman said after the Reds beat his club 14-5 on Monday.

During spring training when a player leaves the game, they either run in the outfield or go to take extra swings. That didn't happen today.

The players on both teams jostled for room along the dugout railing to watch the 22-year old Cuban pitcher throw over 100 miles an hour pitches.

The game drew just 2,000 people but the section directly behind home plate had more radar guns than the Ohio Highway Patrol on Memorial Day weekend. They were truly thicker than bugs on a bumper.

I sat in front of a radar gun toting scout who read off the speeds to former manager and current scout, Ned Yost.

98,98, 102, yes I said 102, 97, 98, 100. I wrote them down on my score sheet. I asked the person next to me if she heard the same thing. Affirmative.

He snapped off a slider at 90 mph. His change up was 80. That variance in speed makes it extremely difficult to hit.

The first hitter he faced was Brayan Pena, who is also from Cuba.

Pena singled but after he got loose, no one touched him.

He walked Brian Anderson, then fanned the next 3 out of 4 hitters. Chris Getz had the misfortune of getting a look or sound of a 100 mile an hour fastball for strike three.

"I'll take 100 with command," Dusty Baker said with a broad smile on his face. "It's hard to tell how hard he's throwing. He looks like he's not putting any effort in it. He was closed to the plate when he missed and when he missed, he missed down."

Chapman talked to the press through Tony Fossas. Fossas is of Cuban descent who is the pitching coach for the Reds' Dayton Dragons.

"I felt better than the last game that I threw," Chapman said. "I usually start off slower. As the game goes on I usually throw harder. I felt like I was able to be more aggressive against another team. I didn't have to worry so much about throwing inside."

Brewers and Reds Tied in B Game

Homer Bailey and Carlos Fisher pitched two hitless innings each.

Paul Janish doubled home Ryan Hannigan, who walked.

Josh Anderson his a hard ground ball down the firstbase line to score Janish but dropped a fly on a diving attempt at a catch in rightcenter. The error led to Lawrie scoring on a sacrifice fly.

Lorenzo Cain homered off the Reds Jordan Smith.

Hardricourt Humor

Tom Hardricourt loves to chatter away in the pressbox.

One writer dubbed him the "arch enemy of silence."

He has come up with some of the best pressbox lines over the years.

On Sunday we were informed that the Reds and Brewers were rained out but scheduled a "B" game for Monday at Goodyear. The Reds originally scheduled Aroldis Chapman, who defected from the Cuban team last August, to pitch in that game.

One Milwaukee writer wondered aloud, why it was going to be in Goodyear.

Hardricourt had the answer. "I guess Chapman couldn't make the trip. He can take a raft from Cuba but can't take a bus down I-10."

It was one of several lines that he's come up with over the years.

One night a Brewers runner was just rounding third as a Reds outfielder was getting to a ground ball base hit. Knowing third base coach, Joel Youngblood's history, Hardricourt exclaimed, "Oh for God's sake," He predicted the easy out at home.

Rickie Weeks, the Brewers secondbaseman, botched a ground ball one day. "He's a catch 22. If you hit him 30 ground balls, he'll catch 22," Hardricourt said.

One day the Brewers PR man, Jon Greenburg, was cutting up with his assistant, when Bud Selig walked by in a bad mood.

"If you guys want to have fun, go someplace else," Selig said.

"Bud, that should be your marketing slogan," Hardricourt said.

Rain In the Desert

Go figure. I didn't bother to change my wiper blades because it never rains in Arizona. Well, Murphy's Law showed its ugly face again. According to Tom Hardricourt of the Milwaukee Sentinel, it has rained the last three Sundays.

The veteran reporter explained the weather to me as we watched it rain from the press box at the Brewer's Maryvale Ball Park. "The have had more rain in the last three weeks than they have in an average year," Hardricourt said.

"The desert will be beutiful in a couple weeks with this rain," Dusty Baker said this morning. "But I hope it doesn't rain again. We're here to work."

The Brewers and Reds were rained out Sunday.

The pitchers need to pitch as close to their schedule as possible, so the Brewers agreed to a "B" game at 9:30 Mountain Time at Goodyear.

Homer Bailey will pitch two innings in that one.

Bronson Arroyo will start the regularly scheduled game against the Kansas City Royals at 1:00. He will be followed by the Cuban Hype Machine, Aroldis Chapman, who is expected to pitch two innings.

Reds Fall to Tribe Again 4-2

The Reds are winless in the home they share with Cleveland.

So far the Northern Ohio squad has taken the "home field" advantage.

The Reds however are pleased with the progress of their young pitchers.

"After we made an error it kind of opened up the gates. They've jumped us in the first inning the last couple days. After that Cueto threw some quality pitches. He was working on some things working on a change up, working on a cutter. He's trying to perfect those things to go along with the stuff that he has," Baker

"Everybody else threw the ball excellent. It was the first time i've seen Wood. He threw the ball great."

"Cordero threw the ball good"

"Leake threw the ball as well as Wood. He moved it around changed speeds. He had an idea of what he was doing."

"We out hit to them today. We just have to get some timely hits."

Baker is the son of a school teacher, who still rides her 60-year old son about his grammer. Mrs. Baker chewed her son out for using the word ain't a few days ago. Baker wants his players to improve on off-the-field skills as well. It is a big thing for him.

Johnny Cueto understands English but is so afraid of saying the wrong things. He has used interpreters the last two years. Today a Goodyear Ballpark security officer, Officer Rodriguez started to interpret for the young Domincan born pitcher.

Cueto finished the interview on his own in English.

"You go Johnny Cueto," Baker said when told. "That's improvemnet right there."

The press is being extra careful not to misquote him for fear of damaging his confidence.

One reporter told Cueto, "By the end of the season, you'll be interpreting for (Aroldis) Chapman."

Baker was pleased

Castellini Has Asked MLB About All-Star Game

Bud Selig told the press at Goodyear Ballpark that Bob Castellini has asked him about the Reds and Cincinnati, hosting an All-Star Game.

The Reds last hosted the mid-summer classic in 1988 as part of Cincinnati's bi-centennial celebration.

"Bob broached the subject with me me a couple hours ago," Selig said. "It is under considered. We have a lI remember back in the 80's and early 90's when you sort of had to beg somebody to take one. It will be good for you. Now, they are lined up the competition is enormous. I get it from all sides. And you just try to be as fair as you can and award them. A lot of teams have new stadium of course and the all-star game is a part of that. Cincinnati deserves one and we'll work on it."

The Reds handling of the Civil Rights game.

"It was a tremendous experience. Everything about it was tremendous."

Cairo Still Batting 1000

Veteran Miguel Cairo hit a home run off Indians lefthander Tony Sipp in the sixth inning.

He had a hit in one at bat on Friday.

Cairo also doubled and singled in the intrasquad game on Thursday.

He is trying to earn a spot on the Reds bench.

Reds Ambushed Again

The Reds are circleing the wagons in Apache country.

The Indians jumped on the Reds for the second straight day, scoring two runs in the first off Johnny Cueto. Mark Grudzielanek doubled in a run and scored on a single by Nick Weglarz.

Andy Marte hit a two-run home run off Cueto in the second inning.

Cueto was asked to give up winter ball this year.

"I don't expect him to be as sharp in his first outing since he didn't pitch winter ball," Dusty Baker said before the game. "You can tell the players that played winter ball, like Asdrubial Cabrera,yesterday or on our side Juan Francisco. They've just had two weeks off. The other guys have been sitting out all winter."

Cueto spent the winter, "chilling at home and working on my English."

"I feel strong," Cueto said. "I am working on my curveball."

Young Arms Day

The Reds will get their first look at Mike Leake and Travis Wood against major league talent today.

"They are more advanced pitching wise than most pitchers that age, with their location, movement and change of speed," Dusty Baker said.

Leake was the Reds first pick last year out of Arizona State. He is 23. Wood is 24 and was taken with the second pick in the 2005 draft.

Wood set a Southern League record with a tiny 1.21 earned run average.

"I just want them to relax and throw strikes," Baker said. "We are all in a hurry for the finsihed product but sometimes we just have to let them mature, like Johnny Cueto (who will start today) and Homer (Bailey)"

"That's the hard part about coaching sometimes. You tend to overcoach. Sometimes you have to let them mature. As long as they are taking positive steps. Then once they get it, bang. They keep it for a long time."

Baker asked us to compare pitchers like, Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson at the same age.

"What would people do about Steve Carlton when he lost 20 games?" Baker asked. "I bet a lot of people forget he lost 20 games."

Up Goes Frazier

Todd Frazier is back after sitting out the Cactus League opener.
"I did some workouts today (Saturday). I'm 100 percent," Frazier said.

Manager Dusty Baker expects to get Frazier two at bats at the end of 2nd game today against the Indians.

"He's been chomping at the bit," Baker said. "These guys build up not only for the two weeks of camp but all winter to play in these games."

Frazier's wait was delayed a day. He was hit in the right knee by Aroldis Chapman on the only pitch he saw in Thursday's intrasquad game.

"I was jealous of those guys yesterday," Frazier admitted.

The 24-year old from Tom's River, New Jersey, has been working at several positions.

"They told me to be ready for anything," Frazier said. "Now, it's a matter of getting at bats."

Frazier has been working closely with Tony Phillips, the former major leaguer, who is in camp as an unofficial coach.

Phillips stood next to Frazier, pointing out different facets of infield play to the idled player.

"He is great. He knows everything, and he's so funny. He has his own little way of saying things, like his own language. You can go 0-for-4 or 0-for-20. Then you talk to him and walk away laughing."

Indians 9 Reds 2

The Reds are 0-1 all-time in Goodyear Ballpark.

The Indians looked more comfortable, having been here last year.

Mike Lincoln last pitched in June, so rust was expected. He put the Reds in a hole, giving up four runs in less than two innings.

The Reds didn't score until Anderson High School grad, Joe Smith gave up two runs int eh eighth. Miguel Cairo, who is looking for a job on the Reds bench, hit a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Paul Janish.

Lincoln is competing with Justin Lehr and Matt Maloney for the fifth spot in the Reds rotation.

"Maloney threw the ball well," Dusty Baker said. "He got us out of trouble and pitched a clean inning."

Yonder Alonso mede two errors but otherwise the Reds played good defense.

"Alonso had a tough day but we played well defensively," Baker said. "A lot of it might have been nerves. We have work to do but that's what we're here for."

Dreaded Indians Spoiling Reds Spring Opener

The 310 Fighter Unit from Luke Airforce Unit flew over Goodyear Ballpark that is so new it still has the price tag on it.

The jets barely escaped the blast by Asdrubial Cabrera, the Cleveland Indians lead off hitter.

Mike Lincoln felt good on the mound after he was shut down last June with a bulging disc in his neck but had trouble putting the ball where he wanted.

Lincoln fell behind 3-0 to Cabrera and had to put the ball down the middle. Unfortunately, that pitch was down the middle and Cabrera drilled it.

"It felt good to pitch. My arm feels good. My body feels good but I kept missing," Lincoln said.

Grady Sizemore, the Indians All-Star centerfielder, hit a bases-loaded ground rule double off Lincoln to finish Lincoln's day.

"It didn't go like I pictured it last night," Lincold said. "I know I can pitch. If I continue to get my work in, I will be ok."

Matt Maloney, who is competing with Lincoln for the fifth starting slot in the Reds rotation, was much better. He struck out two, in 1 2/3 innings.

Former Reds number one pick, Austin Kearns, started for Cleveland.

Down Goes Frazier and Nix

Todd Frazier was eager to face Aroldis Chapman in the Reds intrasquad game on Thursday.

"He's the hype here," Frazier said. "I wanted to see what he had."

His at bat lasted one painfull pitch.

"It kept coming in and in. I knew it was going to hit me but I didn't know where," Frazier said.

Chapman threw a 95mph fastball that hit one of the Reds top prospects on the right knee. The knee had been surgically repaired in early December from an injury caused by an over zealous golf swing.

"I feel surprisingly good," Frazier said, Friday morning. "I expected a lot of pain but it only hurts a little. I'll be back tomorrow."

Laynce Nix ran into the leftfield fence chasing Miguel Cairo's double in the scrimmage.

"He got scratched up and has a little body soreness," Dusty Baker said. "It's juse precautionary."

Baker had Nix in the lineup against the Cleveland Indians for the first exhibition game on Friday but placed Drew Sutton there instead.

The Reds have had some minor injuries so far with Chrid Burke out three weeks with a broken finger. Aaron Miles also suffered a hairline fracture on his right middle finger but will only miss a couple days.

Eastern Kentucky Colonel In the House

Eastern Kentucky University is known more for football in a basketball crazy state but the Reds have one of the few Colonels to make the Major Leagues in baseball.

The Reds signed Josh Anderson, who was drafted from the "Campus Beautiful" after the 2003 season by the Houston Astros.

Anderson is in Goodyear, Arizona this spring trying to win a spot as an extra outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds this season.

The 2000 Pulaski County grad played three seasons at Eastern under Jim Moore and Elvis Dominguez.

"I'm glad I got to play for Jim Moore," Anderson said. "Elvis Dominguez came in and did a great job but Moore got me some publicity. He was great to play for."

Anderson led the nation with 57 stoien bases in 2003. He was the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year. He was the first Colonel to be named to the Louisville Slugger All-American Team.

He broke into to the Major Leagues as a September call up with Houston in 2007 and hit .358 in 21 games with 11 RBI. He was second in the Pacific Coast League with 40 stolen bases.

Since, he has played in the big leagues with Atlanta, Detroit and Kansas City. His career stats are: .272 in 173 games with four home runs and 47 RBI.

He was told that Eastern upset Tennessee, 8-7, in baseball on Wednesday when Michael Garcia belted a grand slam home run with two out in the top of the 10th inning at Tennessee.

"It's good to have an Colonel around," Anderson said.

Reds Pitchers Came to Camp Ready

Bryan Price is happy with the pitchers that he has to work with.

"It was evident today that the guys came here in good shape both throwing shape and cardiovascular. They were crisp. They threw the ball down in the zone. They had a good feel for their off speed pitches. All of our power pitchers had good location, that includes Homer Bailey.

Aaron Harang is pleased with the way he threw in spite of giving up a home run to Ramon Hernandez.

"I got through the first inning and I told Bryan, I wanted to work from the stretch," Harang said. "I threw the ball up an away to Ramon. He can hit that pitch pretty well. He likes to drive it the other way. If it was a breaking ball it might have been different but you have to keep your catcher happy. Build his confidence."

Aroldis Chapman Impressive

The Cuban phenom, Aroldis Chapman, impressed everyone with his control in spite of hitting Todd Frazier with a 95 mph, misplaced fastball.

Chapman followed Homer Bailey, who also threw well according to pitching coach Bryan Price.

Chapman,who is considered a raw talent. He is a hard thrower and his fastball was clocked at 97mph in the Reds intrasquad game.

Bailey and Chapman pitched for Dusty Baker's White team which won 4-2 on Miguel Cairo's two-run double.

Ramon Hernandez hit a home run off batterymate, Aaron Harang but praised the young Cuban.

"He needs to work on his control but he hasn't pitched for eight months," Hernandez said. "He kept the ball down and threw some good pitches."

Chapman among other things is learning English.

"He is a very good kid," Hernandez said. "He doesn't know English at all. Everyone is helping him, not only the latin guys but the American guys are helping him too."

He threw 17 pitches and 12 for strikes including a nasty change up to Wilkin Castillo.

"I had no chance," Castillo said.

Bryan Price, the Reds new pitching coach was pleased with the outing.

"What's impressive is that a guy his age that throws so hard is able to keep the ball in his locations fairly well," Price said.

Lineups for March 5

2 Cleveland Indians at Cincinnati Reds
3 Friday, March 5, 2010
4 Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear, AZ
5 UMPIRES : HP - 87 Scott Barry, 70 D.J. Reyburn, 73 Casey Moser, Mark Ripperger
6
7 INDIANS
8 13 Asdrubal Cabrera SS
9 24 Grady Sizemore CF
10 17 Shin-Soo Choo RF
11 48 Travis Hafner DH
12 2 Jhonny Peralta 3B
13 67 Jordan Brown LF
14 25 Andy Marte 1B
15 1 Luis Valbuena 2B
16 30 Lou Marson C
17
20 PITCHERS
21 63 Justin Masterson - RHP
28
29 REDS
30 6 Drew Stubbs CF
31 2 Orlando Cabrera SS
32 19 Joey Votto 1B
33 4 Brandon Phillips 2B
34 27 Scott Rolen 3B
35 32 Jay Bruce RF
36 31 Jonny Gomes LF
37 55 Ramon Hernandez C
38 17 Lance Nix DH
39
42 PITCHERS
43 57 Mike Lincoln - RHP

Best Camp Ever Baker Said

Dusty Baker is starting his 17th season as a manager. He told reporters that this camp has been the best he's ever had.

"I've had a lot of good ones," the three-time manager of the year said. "This is the best."

Asked what makes it the best Baker responded, "I haven't had to get on anyone about working hard or stretching. Everybody has been on time. There has been no complaining. Everybody has been working the drills and fundamentals as if they were in a game."

Baker has preached you practice like you play.

"Sometimes you tell yourself you're ready instead of getting ready," Baker said.

There are several reasons why the camp has been so good.

"It's everything; the new facilities, the group of players, the coaches."

Intrasqad Lineups

The Reds will take the Goodyear Ballpark for the first time on Thursday.

"We will get everyone in the game," Baker said. "The field will look huge to these guys. Until now they have been out there with 50 other guys. When you get on a field by yourself it looks huge. We want to play there before our first game."

The Reds practice field is about a mile from the ballpark. A city of Goodyear bus will take the players there.

"I think the guys are excited to get in the new stadium," Baker said.

We'll play six innings.

The lineups are

Dusty Baker's squad Rick Sweet's Squad

CF Drew Stubbs CF Chris Dickerson
SS Orlando Cabrera SS Paul Janish
1B Joey Votto LF Laynce Nix
2B Brandon Phillips 3B Juan Francisco
3B Scott Rolen RF Wladimir Balentien
RF Jay Bruce 1B Yonder Alonso
LF Jonny Gomes 2B Todd Frazier
C Ramon Hernandez C Ryan Hanigan
DH Devin Mesoraco DH Wilkin Castillo
P Homer Bailey P Aaron Harang

Bullpen Bullpen
LHP Aroldis Chapman LHP Pedro Viola
LHP Phillipe Valiquette LHP Alexander Smit
RHP Enerio Del Rosario RHP Jordan Smith
RHP Logan Ondrusek

Extra players will be
Josh Anderson OF
Danny Dorn OF
Brandon Yarbrough C
Jack Cozart INF
Miguel Cairo INF
Chris Heisey OF
Corky Miller C
Chris Denove C

Harang Named the Opening Day Starter

Based on performance Bronson Arroyo probably deserves to be the Opening Day starter on April 5 but the honor will go to Aaron Harang for the fifth straight year.

Dusty Baker has lined up his spring pitching rotation so that Aaron Harang will start on Opening Day for the fifth straight year. "We wrestled with it big time, but we talked to both Harang and Arroyo. The answers I got and the answers I didn't get we made the decision. Harang seems to pitch better against the other teams best pitcher. Confidence wise and innings wise we decided it made more sense."

Harang is excited about being chosen. "You have to have a different approach with all the hoopla. After you've done it once, you know how to do it," Harang said. Harang is excited but believes that Bronson Arroyo deserved the honor as the team's ace. "We talked about it," Harang said. "Since he's been here Bronson and I have been on the same page. We feed off each other. We compliment each other. His style and mine are opposite."

New pitching coach, Bryan Price and Baker told the two of them a couple days ago.

"Harang has been throwing the ball really well," Baker said. "By talking to both of them we came up with the decision. Bronson doesn't care whether he's fourth or fifth. No one is more honest than Bronson. You may not like his answer but he gives you an honest answer. I love that." Baker also said that Arroyo may not be the second pitcher.

Baker wants to break up the pair because he knows they will give him innings and not tax his bullpen. "You know Harang will give you six and Bronson will give you innings. Cueto is more inconsistent and Bailey we don't know. If you have the two together and the others don't give you innings then you have to use up your pen. When that happens in Harang's next start you have to make him go longer than he should."

Chapman Will Make Cactus League Debut on Tuesday

Aroldis Chapman, the cuban defector that signed with the Reds for $10 million, will face the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday March 8.

First Chapman will pitch an inning in the Reds intrasquad game on Thursday.

Arroyo Sacrifices Lifestyle for the Team

Bronson Arroyo has been to 13 or 14 spring training camps in his professional career. This is the first time he could drive from his home in Brooksville, Florida.

Arroyo owns a boat named the "Nasty Hook" but left it anchored in Tampa. Own it, in its case, is his accoustic guitar.

The guitar strumming righthander plays guitar and sings. He put out a cover album after his Boston Red Sox won the 2004 World Championship but is giving it up this year, at least during the season.

"I can't play the guitar or write too much," Arroyo said "But that's the way it goes. It's baseball season."

Last spring, Arroyo, couldn't feel his pitches due to carpel tunnel in his right hand.

Playing guitar may not have caused it but it didn't help.

He persevered. For the sixth straight season, Arroyo made over 30 starts, including a team-leading 33 last season.
Surgery could have eased his pain but Arroyo elected not to take that avenue.

"I didn't want to get it cut on and come into camp at two-thirds," Arroyo said. "This could be our last year with a lot of veterans. The last 16 games were too good to take a chance. I didn't want to come in with my hand not up to par."

First Camp

Dayton pitching coach, Tony Fossas and thirdbase coach, Mark Berry had three players on a practice field learning to bunt.

First round pick Michael Leake, Travis Wood and Aroldis Chapman were the players. Fossas was explaining when to square around to Chapman in spanish. The only word I understood was slide step.

These three are in their first major league camp. Each are given at least an outside chance of making the team.

New Facilities New Faces

The Cincinnati Reds are gearing for the future.

Dusty Baker spent the morining running down the young players in the Reds system that are working for the future, while his young stars of today, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce and Joey Votto work hard to improve their skills.

Cuban Sensation

The current buzz around baseball is the signing of Aroldis Chapman, the 22-year old lefthanded sensation that defected from Cuba.

Chapman is a candidate for the open fifth starting spot in the Reds starting rotation.

He will pitch in an intrasquad game on March 4, the eve of the exhibition season. That will put him on track to face the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 9 at the new Goodyear stadium.

Lincoln Elected

Mike Lincoln will oppose Justin Masterson on Friday in the Reds first ever Cactus League contest against the Cleveland Indians in the park the two teams share.

Lincoln has been around the major leagues as a reliever but two years after coming back from his second elbow surgery that cost him three seasons, Lincoln is competing with Chapman for a starting slot.

Matt Maloney and Justin Lehr both of whom distinguished themselves at the end of last season will also pitch Friday.

Young players are emerging behind the current Reds frontline players.

Manager Dusty Baker listed them for the press this morning.

Chris Valaika at secondbase, Jack Cozart at shortstop, Juan Francisco at thirdbase, Yonder Alonso at firstbase, Chris Heisey and Danny Dorn in the corner outfield; all are impressing Reds management in the minor leagues.

Man With Many Positions

That leaves Todd Frazier a big bat out of Rutgers University as a wild card.

"Frazier is an interesting guy," Baker said. "He's played all over. We will settle on a position and use his value in that way until we do."

"He will play all over during the spring," manager Dusty Baker said. "He has a real good bat. Hopefully at some point we'll find a position for him."

That one position doesn't make a difference to Frazier. "I try to take ground balls from every postion during batting practice," Frazier said. "It is hard to find time for all of them so, you have to stay after." Shortstop is his natural position but thirdbase isn't a difficult transition. Secondbase is a little different. "I came up as a shortstop and thirdbase is pretty much the same but secondbase is different," Frazier said. "You would think it is a shorter throw and would be easier. It is just different. Your footwork is different and turning the double play is different."

Firstbase Traffic Jam

Those worried about being too deep need not worry.

As Baker explained how hard Joey Votto has worked to make himself into a "Gold Glove" candidate at firstbase, he allowed that their is room for a Yonder Alonso.

"The Reds had the same problem with Tony Perez and Lee May playing the same position," Baker said. "They moved Tony Perez to thirdbase."

Alonso has a reputation for being a one position player but Baker pointed out that the emerging slugger played some thirdbase in college at the University of Miami (Florida). Baker said that Alonso was playing catcher in some batting practice sessions last year.

"He has been out working in the outfield on his own," Baker said.

The Reds will try to get him some at bats at designated hitter early in spring training.