Game time

[Redsfan1507]

The Beavers beat Occidental- a Kenyan kid on a foriegn student scholarship named Barry Something was an alum ...Changed his citizenship, SSN & name later to run for some public office I heard. Never even bothered to go back and speak at graduation or repay the scholarship though...Some people just don't appreciate anything.

 

[JohnU]

If all that can happen, surely the Reds can beat the Beavers.

 

[Redsfan1507]

Pounding a beaver is always entertaining. I think it's impossible to lose in that scenario. If a groundhog is used to predict the weather, imagine what a beaver could predict. Poor Mesoraco is from the town famous for groundhogs...but I think Latos must be from a locale famous for beavers. I've seen him with a nice one.
You think taxedermists get many requests to mount a beaver ? Im thinking of changing occupations.

 

[JohnU]

Zoology 101.

 

[JohnU]

Back to baseball.
Cingrani, 2 innings ... nice to see that.

 

[JohnU]

Sounds like Danny Corcino is squandering another chance to make the big club.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

Corcino has a live arm, but he is definetely trending in the wrong direction. Had a really good year in Pensacola in 2012, but regressed significantly last season. His loss of command has been the main culprit.

 

[JohnU]

Brantley and Marty both said on the broadcast that Corcino has the stuff to pitch at the top level.
It's between his ears now. Sounded like the bats were alive, for what that's worth.

 

[Ryanballa]

Id say the 3 best things about Spring Training so far is

1.Bham
2.Skip Schumacher
3.Chapman

Them 3 guys have really played very well so far. I dont take to much from Spring Training,unless the young players are trying to make a statement or make team. in Billy Hamiltons case he is trying to make a statement and seal that leadoff spot and he is playing great and doing just that.

 

[Redsfan1507]

I love the idea of Hamilton...a smiling little guy that is unstoppable on the bases...but...

I'm cautioned by so much riding on a rookie...especially one that might be a one or two tool player. He can run...possibly better than anyone ever has. That's a special thing, but we just don't know how often he's going to get on base to be able to use his speed. I hear he's been a good OF, but he was a terrible infielder. You don't have to have a tremendous arm to play CF, so his 2b arm won't harm him there. He doesn't have any power. He's a terribly skinny kid that may not hold up physically for 150-160 games until he adds a little bulk. I often wonder what to do with him if he gets a gimpy leg, or rolls an ankle, or Stubbs a toe.

It's a lot of weight for Billy Hamilton to be expected to carry.

I'd feel a lot better if BP, Votto and Bruce all come out swinging hot bats early. The 5-8 hitters need to pitch in too. If they all hit .240 or less, It may be a long year.

 

[JohnU]

Every team evaluates risks every year. Two years ago, we gambled on Frazier at 3B and Cozart at SS.
This year, it's Mesoraco and Cingrani. In another year, it may be over still another position player or pitcher.

Hamilton is what he seems to be -- a .220 hitter who can steal a lot of bases. If he gets hurt, we bring up Jason Bourgeois.

I will pull back on my Schumaker love. He's gutsy, short on real talent, a guy you want down the stretch. But he's a spare part right now.

Price is giving Chapman more innings as a way of giving him a chance to throw more breaking pitches. Usually in one inning, if he's on his game, he throws 90 percent fastballs. If he gets 3 innings, he has to map out his pitching a little better.

 

[Redsfan1507]

If I were the guy with the pencil, I'd give Chapman 170 innings this year. He'd still lead the NL in strikeouts in a Strasberg insurance shortened season. Then in 2015, I'd try for 200/300 and watch him start the A-S game in GABP. If you get a guy that could be Randy Johnson, why settle for Billy Wagner ?

 

[JohnU]

If Chappy gets 4-6 innings a week, he will be up around 100-120.

Also, anybody else notice who led off against the Royals?

Yeah, just sayin'.

 

[JohnU]

It's nice to see our heroes taking their lumps in the hot Arizona sun.

Sounds like some of the hitters are getting an early groove.

Simon is evidently on the short list to start the season in the rotation.

 

[JohnU]

Geez, the bottom of the 5th inning, a walk, another single on a 3-2 count, 2 foul balls, a review that took 3 minutes, another long at-bat. a single, and Sam rubbed up about 15 balls ... then the 3 minute commercial, guy pitches to one hitter, replaced by reliever, another 2 minute commercial .... guy pitches to one hitter, another pitching change, another 2 minute commercial ... and it's spring training.

 

[JohnU]

the 6th inning taking even longer ...

Ludwick still hacking at the first thing he sees off a rookie.

 

[Ryanballa]

We are just 18 Days away from the big day. Opening Day!