Daily Archives: March 7, 2011

March 7, 2011

ST Game 10: Brewers 15, Reds 2: Don’t Panic!

By
Zeldink
Posted at 10:25 pm

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Brewers (6-4)01340070015251
Reds (6-4)000000101270
W: Gallardo (2-0) L: Bailey (0-1)

Boxscore

A day after the Cincinnati Reds handed the Chicago Cubs their asses, the Milwaukee Brewers did the same thing to the Reds.

But it’s okay. There’s no need to panic.

Sure Homer Bailey allowed four earned runs in his start and didn’t make it the three innings he was scheduled to pitch. And yeah, Mike Leake wasn’t any better in his three innings where he allowed nine hits and four runs. And I know Bill Bray didn’t look good at all in his 2/3 of an inning where he gave up seven runs.

But this is Spring Training. The pitchers are probably fine-tuning their fastballs or something. Or don’t want to show off their best stuff and latest tricks to an in-division rival. Why were they so much better yesterday against the Cubs, you might ask? I think that question answers itself.

Dave Sappelt provided half of the Reds’ offense with a homer in the 7th. Yasmani Grandal drove in the only other run in the 9th.

The score was lopsided and the game was ugly–of course it was televised by FSN Ohio–but it happens. Just grab your towel, don’t panic, and enjoy the baseball for the fun exhibition it is.

Posted in Cincinnati Reds, Game Wrap, Milwaukee Brewers, NL Central.
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March 7, 2011

The Daily Brief: Dusty Baker Has Two Shortstops; And He Has a Plan

By
Amanda
Posted at 6:49 am

Last Game
The Cincinnati Reds showed the Chicago Cubs who was boss yesterday, as the Reds beat the Cubs 10-0. Paul Janish and Edgar Renteria were both among the offensive heroes, with Renteria starting at second base. Johnny Cueto and Francisco Cordero showed sharp command that one hopes they don’t lose before the season begins. Me, I’m looking forward to the next time the Reds and Cubs meet, because the Red Hot Family will be there in person to see it.

Next Game
Today the Reds host the Milwaukee Brewers, with Homer Bailey going against Yovani Gallardo. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:05pm EST. This game will also be televised by Fox Sports Ohio.

Baker’s Shortstop Plan
In light of Edgar Renteria starting at second base today (while Paul Janish started at shortstop), beat reporter John Fay interviewed Reds manager Dusty Baker about how he plans to use Renteria.

Baker said it’s merely an emergency plan. It sounds like the bulk of Renteria’s time will come at shortstop.

“As long as Brandon (Phillips is) healthy, whoever plays behind Brandon is not going to play a lot,” Baker said. “But what if something happens to Brandon. Renteria is going to play some at shortstop, too. How much he plays depends on how (Paul) Janish plays.”

Renteria is not in the mix for time at third base.

That last bit has to set the Baker-sense a-tingling. Baker has been consistent in his position that Janish is the shortstop. I hope he’s willing to give Janish time to play through if he struggles much like he did for Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs last year. The team will be better if Baker doesn’t fall back into his veteran-playing habits.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
The Reds have improved their record each of the past four years. They won 72 games in 2007, 74 in 2008, 78 in 2009, and 91 in 2010.

Posted in Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Daily Briefs, Game Wrap, NL Central, Spring Training.
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