While the Reds seem to be doing fairly well in Spring Training, the Houston Astros are anything but. Currently, they have won 1 game. That’s right. One game out of 10. That’s not exactly the kind of hope that spring is eternally known for.

In positive news, Aaron Boone, who apparently is with the Astros now, had a hit recently. So there’s that.

How’s the manager Cecil Cooper taking the losing?

We talk about not being spectacular — in other words, routine.

Sounds…motivational. Good luck with that, Cecil!

I was sick over the weekend, so I spent some time watching the World Baseball Classic. I’ve always thought an international tournament was a great idea, but putting it in the middle of MLB’s Spring Training seemed like an idiotic move to me. It still does, but I doubt that’s going to change anytime soon.

I caught the US vs. Canada game and was excited to see Joey Votto do so well. Heck, maybe he’ll have such a good year with the Reds that he’ll be batting cleanup by the end of the season. Of course, with Dusty Baker at the helm, that’s probably not too likely.

After the US eked out their victory, I caught portions of a Puerto Rico game. At first I thought it was a little odd. I mean, isn’t that effectively the same thing as the US fielding a second team? Of course, it does double the country’s chances of winning. And given the US’s weak performance in 2006, they might want slightly better odds.

Got this press release today:

MLB NETWORK TO AIR LIVE NATIONAL COVERAGE OF TEAM AUSTRALIA VS. SEATTLE MARINERS

WBC EXHIBITION GAME ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

Game Will Mark Ken Griffey Jr.’s First Game With Mariners Since Return

MLB Network will offer live national coverage of Ken Griffey Jr.’s first exhibition game since returning to the Mariners as Seattle takes on Team Australia in a World Baseball Classic exhibition game on Wednesday, March 4 at 9:00 p.m. ET from Peoria, AZ. The World Baseball Classic begins March 5, with 16 games shown on MLB Network along with a nightly studio show titled “World Baseball Classic Tonight.” Wednesday’s game will be a live simulcast from Fox Sports Northwest, including local announcers.

I’d like to make fun, but I’m actually kind of interested. MLB wants to promote Jr., and it’s nice that they have an opportunity. I just hope that Seattle fans know that the titanium screws don’t exactly allow him to be a hotshot centerfielder anymore.

In a quote from Reds reporter John Fay’s blog, Brandon Phillips had this to say.

I don’t believe that on-base percentage stuff. That’s overrated to me. If you get hits, you’ll be on base. That’s what it’s about.

My first reaction is similar to Fay’s and others: that it does nothing more than piss off baseball fans with brains. However, the more I think about it, the more I think the quote wasn’t for us.

Phillips was directing that comment directly to “manager” Dusty Baker. That’s right, Brandon Phillips is kissing ass.