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
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 1, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Road to Arizona
The 28 hour drive to the Phoenix area was one of the nicest surprises I've had. Coincidentally, my friend Sue was going to her nieces wedding in Scottsdale. We drove out together.
We generally followed the interstate highways that trace historic Route 66. I had the lyrics in my head from the time we outran the predicted snow in Cincinnati Friday night.
From Amarillo on the natural landscape was exciting to see. I had never been this far west outside of two trips to Las Vegas in which I flew. Driving was a new experience. We drove through the White Mountains once we exited I-40. The elevation was over 6,000 feet. That's higher than Denver.
The roads were clear of snow but covered the landscape on the mountain.
Valley of the Sun My Ass
We arrived in the Phoenix area around 7PM local time Saturday night. We woke up Sunday morning and it rained all day.
I thought I took a wrong turn and ended up in Seattle.
I get my first look at the Reds new complex in Goodyear tomorrow (Monday March 1). I can't wait to get started.
We generally followed the interstate highways that trace historic Route 66. I had the lyrics in my head from the time we outran the predicted snow in Cincinnati Friday night.
From Amarillo on the natural landscape was exciting to see. I had never been this far west outside of two trips to Las Vegas in which I flew. Driving was a new experience. We drove through the White Mountains once we exited I-40. The elevation was over 6,000 feet. That's higher than Denver.
The roads were clear of snow but covered the landscape on the mountain.
Valley of the Sun My Ass
We arrived in the Phoenix area around 7PM local time Saturday night. We woke up Sunday morning and it rained all day.
I thought I took a wrong turn and ended up in Seattle.
I get my first look at the Reds new complex in Goodyear tomorrow (Monday March 1). I can't wait to get started.
Lincoln Is Elected
Mike Lincoln will start the exhibition season on the mound for the Reds against the Cleveland Indians.
The fifth spot in the starting rotation is one of two positions being decided here in Goodyear Arizona.
Lincoln had 19 major league starts before being used in relief exclusively. He last made a start in 2001 for the Pirates AAA affiliate in Nashville. He made four starts in the majors in 2000 for the Minnesota Twins.
The fifth spot in the starting rotation is one of two positions being decided here in Goodyear Arizona.
Lincoln had 19 major league starts before being used in relief exclusively. He last made a start in 2001 for the Pirates AAA affiliate in Nashville. He made four starts in the majors in 2000 for the Minnesota Twins.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Truck Has Left GABP
The Reds clubhouse men, JD, Mort and Josh gathered 21,000 baseballs among other necessary items and headed to Phoenix on Thursday afternoon.
The New York Yankees have the exact same record as anyone else in the Major Leagues. Every team starts planning for a World Championship beginning in Mid-February.
This blogger will be there starting March 1st.
It is my goal to inform and entertain those that follow the Reds on this blog.
I am planning to include daily sound bites from Dusty Baker's daily meeting with the press. He will be discussing the progress of players and point out the daily goals to player and team development.
Baker is an excellent communicator and is candid and honest. He never ducks tough questions on any subject. He speaks his mind. One can disagree with him but he will back up anything he says.
I'm certain that if you follow the Reds on this blog, it will vecome clear to you as well.
I will give player anecdotes, take you inside the clubhouse, help you get to know the players on a more personal level and give insights to new players to the team.
I will also be your eyes and ears and scout the Phoenix area in case you decide to visit the area.
There is room to post discussions and if you have any questions please forward them. I will try to ask the players and coaches for you.
The New York Yankees have the exact same record as anyone else in the Major Leagues. Every team starts planning for a World Championship beginning in Mid-February.
This blogger will be there starting March 1st.
It is my goal to inform and entertain those that follow the Reds on this blog.
I am planning to include daily sound bites from Dusty Baker's daily meeting with the press. He will be discussing the progress of players and point out the daily goals to player and team development.
Baker is an excellent communicator and is candid and honest. He never ducks tough questions on any subject. He speaks his mind. One can disagree with him but he will back up anything he says.
I'm certain that if you follow the Reds on this blog, it will vecome clear to you as well.
I will give player anecdotes, take you inside the clubhouse, help you get to know the players on a more personal level and give insights to new players to the team.
I will also be your eyes and ears and scout the Phoenix area in case you decide to visit the area.
There is room to post discussions and if you have any questions please forward them. I will try to ask the players and coaches for you.
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