All from the Cincinnati Enquirer:
– Reds beat the Indians 12-7 yesterday. Cueto threw 2 solid innings, giving up a lead off triple and one other hit, a run, while striking out 2 and walking none in two innings of work. Jeff Francis had two perfect innings of work. Sam LeCure gave up a 3 run homer to Carlos Santana. On the offensive side, Votto and Bruce both drove in 2 runs, Phillips and Rolen had RBIs, Janish walked 3 times, and Corky Miller had a 3 run homer. Some stellar defensive work also as outstanding plays were turned in by Didi Gregorius, Willie Harris, and Chris Heisey.
– Today will mark Mat Latos’ first appearance as a Red. He’ll be followed by Brett Tomko, Andrew Brackman, Donnie Joseph, Nick Christiani, and Clay Zavada.
– Paul Daugherty writes a nice column on Joey Votto’s addiction to all things Ted Williams..
The day Joey Votto signed with the Reds, he spent $10 on a book.
Most players when they sign ponder what car they’ll buy or where mom’s brand new house will be. Aroldis Chapman marked his signing by purchasing a Lamborghini. Votto has a Lamborghini, too. He didn’t get his until last year, after agreeing to a new three-year, $38 million contract.
– Ryan Madson isn’t worried about his sore elbow. (That makes one of us…) Says he felt something during his first bullpen, felt like he might have gone a little too hard. Kremchek has looked at the elbow and they’re convinced its just a little inflammation in one spot.
The book was called “The Science of Hitting.†Its author would know a few things about hitting. Ted Williams wrote it in 1971. “Everybody knows how to hit,†Williams offered in the introduction. “But few really do.â€ÂVotto carried the book with him through five-plus seasons in the minor leagues. (Check the link for the entire article)
– John Fay gives us a preview on Daniel Corcino.
Shortly after Daniel Corcino reported to the Dominican Summer League for the Reds in 2008, pitching coach Manuel Solano made the connection.
“He said I looked like Johnny Cueto,†Corcino said.
More importantly for the Reds, Corcino pitches like Cueto. (For the entire article, check the link.)
– Ryan Madson isn’t worried about his sore elbow. He felt something in his first bullpen, which he said he might have gone at a little too strong. He’s been shut down from throwing for now, Kremchek has examined it and they believe it’s just inflammation in one spot.
– Dusty Baker said the Reds haven’t decided if they will go with 11 or 12 pitchers. He’s leaning towards 12, saying it’s tough especially early in the season to go with 11 when the starters can’t go deep into games. Homer can’t be sent to the minors until needed because he’s out of options, but Baker says he could be used in relief.
Comment: 13 position players….Votto, Phillips, Cozart, Rolen, Bruce, Stubbs, Ludwick, Heisey, Mesoraco, Hannigan, Cairo, Francisco (assuming he’s healthy), and who? Frazier is who I would hope, but don’t think it will be him. Only way I see Frazier making this team is if Francisco starts season on DL.
-Speaking of Francisco. He’s going to DH today for one AB.