The Reds played at home against Seattle with the same roster as the one that played the A’s yesterday, plus Devin Mesoraco catching and batting third. Still no pitch speed shown on the Goodyear Ballpark scoreboard. Fans all around me were asking about it. Seriously. This is the last game of my trip.
Notes from Reds vs. Mariners
• Rookie Davis looked good in his 4.2 innings. Yes, Davis gave up a few extra-base hits. But he was throwing strikes (1 BB), striking out seven Seattle hitters including a bunch of major league players. He was the beneficiary of a tremendous defensive play by Adam Duvall, but also the victim of shoddy defense and a couple bloop singles. Only three of the seven runs he gave up were earned. Davis contributed on offense with a long home run to left field.
Rookie Davis warming up.
• Zack Cozart continued his strong spring with a long double to right-center, a walk and a superb defensive play deep in the hole at shortstop. This was his third day in a row playing and he stayed in through seven innings.
Zack Cozart swinging
• Devin Mesoraco started and played five innings. He’s really having trouble timing/recognizing off-speed pitches.
• Desmond Jennings hit a long home run to left-center field , walked and played solid defense in CF.
Desmond Jennings
• Hernan Iribarren had two more bad infield throws. A couple days ago, he made wild throw to first on an easy play at 2B. Today, he tossed two routine throws past the 1B – one high, one way to the left – this time from 3B. Both errors came with two outs and runners scoring. Shaky, to say the least.
Hernan Iribarren after his second error of the day
• Scott Schebler walked twice against tough left-hander Drew Smyly. Jose Peraza homered down the left field line and singled. Back-up catcher Stuart Turner was used solely as a pinch hitter.
• T.J. Friedl replaced Jennings in CF starting with the sixth inning. Friedl (5’10”, 170 lbs.) got an AB in the seventh, lining the ball down the first place line but it was stabbed by the Mariners’ first baseman on a great play.
T.J. Friedl tossing before the game
• Defensive play of the game was an easy choice today. Adam Duvall leapt over the left field fence to grab a ball off the bat of Danny Valencia. Duvall made another nice play charging in, catching a fly ball and doubling a runner off first base.
Notes from Reds vs. Cubs in Vegas
These observations are based on reading the box score. I wasn’t at the game.
• Reds pitching gave up 21 earned runs. None by pitchers who will likely make the Opening Day roster. The only one with a chance is Tim Adelman, who started and gave up six runs in the first inning.
• Jesse Winker hit a home run and double, another good sign regarding his health. Arismeldy Alcantara had three hits. Patrick Kivlehan doubled and played 1B after Joey Votto left the game. Billy Hamilton went 0-4.
In other news
• Michael Lorenzen feels like he’s in too small of a box just being a reliever. Wants to be a two-way player. Reds are open to using him in more ways, like pinch hitting and running, but apparently not as a starting pitcher. Interesting article by Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer.ÂÂ
• Raisel Iglesias, who hurt himself slipping in the shower, played catch yesterday. Homer Bailey will play catch for first time since his elbow surgery tomorrow. Both reports by Buchanan.
• Price says it is “unlikely” that Devin Mesoraco will make the Opening Day roster, “not enough time to build up,” reports Buchanan. That relates to the next piece of news.
• Reds are leaning toward keeping Stuart Turner, reports Buchanan. Turner is the Rule 5 catcher from the Minnesota Twins. If Turner doesn’t make the 25-man roster for Opening Day, the Reds have to offer him back to the Twins. Turner has been impressive this spring, particularly on defense. He would back up Tucker Barnhart if Mesoraco isn’t ready on April 3.
Reds pitching only gave up 29 runs today. Oh, boy – really looking forward to a year where “victory” will be to NOT be in last place in our division…. again.
Does anyone know if Price has stated when he will reveal the starting rotation?
If I may offer my thanks to Steve and Doug, who have made wonderful efforts to share their time and insights on spring training. Hope the young players develop and that Bailey and Disco return healthy. God love the Reds this year!
pitch speed = fun for fans … but bad for the pitchers
Best results from this spring: health of Zack Cozart, progress of Sal Romano and Rookie Davis, power flashed by Jesse Winker, slow but steady return of Devin Mesoraco, on the spot reports from Steve Mancuso and Doug Gray. Thank you gentlemen! Trying to ignore the rest – it’s still just spring training after all.
Cozart has played well this spring. Can’t help but wonder if he is busting his tail to get of Cincy ASAP.
More likely, I think he wants to finally put it all together for a full, healthy season.
This is from the previous journal that Steve posted:
• Drew Storen isn’t concerned about his declining velocity (C. Trent Rosecrans). His manager also isn’t worried.
“As Price points out, Storen isn’t being asked to close with the Reds…..
Why does a decline in velocity only matter if you’re a closer? To me, it is relevant no matter when you pitch. That remark from Price disturbs me.
Declining velocity is never good. It’s usually the first sign that something is wrong, be it injury or over the hill