2013 Cincinnati Reds Thread

[Warner2BruceTD]

There is some buzz that Jeff Francis is going to make the team. Lots of wacky theories on what what means for Bailey and Chapman.

Francis will likely opt out on the 28th, hes cheaper to acquire than trading for John Lannan or whoever else for a SP starved team

[Woy]

Good luck to you guys this season. Like I said in the Brewers thread, looking for a fun three-team race in the Central all year.

[Rudi]

Latos continues his great spring. 5IP 1ER tonight. Cozart continues to rake, 2-3 and his average is up to .441

[Warner2BruceTD]

Seven starting pitchers, all pitching well, five spots available.

[Mogriffjr]

the Mets wouldn't mind grabbing one of those pitchers, especially with Pelfrey being "hurt" and him being uncharacteristically bad this spring.....

[Rudi]

Jeff Francis tonight- 3IP 11H 11ER . . .

Ouch. not the best performance for a guy trying to make the roster/rotation/bullpen one week before Opening Day

[Warner2BruceTD]

Jeff Francis tonight- 3IP 11H 11ER . . .

Ouch. not the best performance for a guy trying to make the roster/rotation/bullpen one week before Opening Day

Welp, that eliminates one guy. I can't imagine he breaks camp in Cincy after that performance.

He's saying he won't opt out. He'll be in Louisville with Brett Tomko and JOSH REINEKE.

Please God, DO NOT let Reineke start a major league game this season.

[KnightNoles]

So Madson is done for the year, back to Marshall closing the door. If Bailey gets the nod that puts Chapman back in the pen? I've read where they might let Chapman start off in minors though..

[Warner2BruceTD]

Latos just left the game in the 5th, assisted by the trainer, holding his elbow.

Unreal.

[Warner2BruceTD]

Latos just left the game in the 5th, assisted by the trainer, holding his elbow.

Unreal.

Latos has a strained left calf, and is day-to-day.

(climbing off my ledge)

[KnightNoles]

Latos just left the game in the 5th, assisted by the trainer, holding his elbow.

Unreal.

why you gotta post that! whew its only his calf though!

[Warner2BruceTD]

Yeah, i'll be fine.

(When asked if he'll make his next start)

Looks like Dusty was just being extra cautious. He was into the fifth, so he got his work in.

[Rudi]

Jesus I read your first post Warner and nearly shit a brick. Then the next 2 brought me back to reality. You got us with the VSN OVERREACTION big time. Read an interesting tidbit from the Enquirer about the closing situation...Here is what Dusty had to say:

"I've been hearing that question from all my friends, my family," Baker said. "People in restaurants. We're going to work it. ... We've got to talk to the guys. You just don't throw somebody into the role. Your closer ideally can go three or four days in a row. ... So it might have to be that famous by committee, which I hate. Hopefully, someone will emerge. You hate to have to go through it until someone fails and then you have to go to someone else. That's the thing you don't want to get into."

[Warner2BruceTD]

Yeah, I heard that Dusty quote.

He notoriously hates the committee, always has. Problem is, there are whispers that Dusty doesn't think Marshall can go more than two days in a row (optimally), so that's why he's hesitant to outright name him "THE CLOSER". Because once you do that, and you use somebody else one day, you get bombarded with questions as to why you didnt use THE CLOSER, and you have a dreaded controversy.

I think Marshall will be the primary closer, but I also think you will see other guys (Masset, for sure) close games as well. And Dusty will be dodging the question all year.

[KnightNoles]

Neck Tats and Nincompoops: The 2012 St. Louis Cardinals

Well, the time has come to preview, as Bobby Knight might say, "that team from the NL Central." Since this is a preview written for an audience that does not, on balance, care much for the WLBs, and since I am currently sitting on the beach getting drunk. this preview is going to be a bit short on "baseball facts" and more concerned with "random hyperbolic insults." (I apologize to alcory11 in advance). So, without any further ado, away we go!

For those of you who are not familiar with them, the St. Louis Cardinals are professional baseball team. They mostly look like this (after the jump)...

 

click title to continue reading.... lol