Photo: The Enquirer/Gary Landers
Today’s the day all players must report to the Reds’ spring training in Goodyear. Billy Hamilton has already stolen eight bases. Who-hoo!
Redleg Nation is still anxiously waiting for the Reds to finalize the outstanding issues that are holding up the much-rumored deal with Homer Bailey. Jon Heyman reports this morning the contract will be for more than $100 million with a seventh year option. Keep in mind that the discussion of the number of years includes 2014, so the “six-year” contract is really a five-year extension. Heyman also reports the parties have worked out a one-year deal if necessary that will avoid the tomorrow’s scheduled arbitration hearing.
According to this story by Mark Sheldon, the affable Jay Bruce is less concerned with his weight this spring than he is with feeling good. Bruce weighs about the same now as he did at the end of the 2013 season.
Ryan Ludwick is feeling healthy again. He also wonders why anyone thought he’d be back to full strength last year. (Stupid line-up and roster makers.)
John Fay reports that Henry Rodriguez is in Goodyear taking a physical. Must have cleared waivers and remains with the Reds.
Another power ranking has the Cardinals #1 going into the season. The Reds are ranked #10.
Discussion Question for Today: Should Bryan Price name a captain, and if so, who?
Concluding with delicious news, LaRosa’s has tweeted they’re continuing their offer of free pizza (one free topping) when Reds pitchers throw eleven strikeouts in a home game, which happened 22 times last season.