Things are well under way out in Arizona, and there are a number of items which, if not particularly newsworthy, are interesting to those of us starved for Reds info:
–We’re going to know something today about Jonny Gomes. The Reds have offered him a minor league deal, with an invite to Spring Training. I can guarantee this: Darnell McDonald won’t make the Opening Day roster over Gomes this year.
—Homer Bailey has arrived, minus the fanfare of his debut in Cincinnati, but with all the promise still intact. This, to me, is the most interesting thing to watch in 2010. How will Bailey adjust? Can’t wait to find out.
—According to Dusty Baker, Ramon Hernandez has the edge for playing time at catcher. Why? Because he’s clutch, of course. I don’t have time to dig into the statistics…but I will, I assure you.
–The Reds — and Johnny Cueto — think that the fact Cueto skipped winter ball will help him log more innings in the regular season. (1) That’s a good thing, in principle; and (B) I hope Dusty doesn’t use this as an opportunity to see if he can work Cueto until his young arm falls off.
–Sheldon has some additional notes from spring camp.