Monthly Archives: March 2013

March 12, 2013

In brief: 2 pitchers; 1 rotation spot

By
Amanda
Posted at 12:13 pm

Last Game
The Reds had an off-day yesterday, but the battle for the fifth rotation spot never sleeps, so they played a split squad game with Aroldis Chapman and Mike Leake going head-to-head.

This video appeared on Cincinnati.com, along with a nice little insider-style tidbit.

Next Game
The Reds host the Dodgers tonight at 10:05 p.m. Mat Latos will be starting for the Reds.

Joe Morgan takes the spotlight
There are so many greats in Reds’ history that it’s hard to even decide who gets the next statue, but the team has done it. Joe Morgan will be immortalized in September, but even before then you can check out his exhibit at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Here’s the press release:

Morgan throwing the ceremonial first pitch for Reds Opening Night

Joe Morgan exhibit opens March 12
Morgan statue to be dedicated Sept. 7

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum is honoring Joe Morgan with a special exhibit that examines the many highlights of his illustrious career.

Featuring game-used equipment, rare photographs, memorabilia and never-before-seen items from Joe’s personal collection, the exhibit shines a light on the player who many historians consider to be the best second baseman in the history of the game.

The exhibit opens to the public on Tuesday, March 12 at 10 am.. Morgan will be available at 6:30 p.m. for the ribbon cutting ceremony and VIP preview of the exhibit.

The Joe Morgan exhibit is part of a season-long celebration of Joe’s great career that culminates with the dedication of the Joe Morgan Statue on Saturday, Sept. 7, prior to the 1:05 pm Reds vs. L.A. Dodgers game.

Joe’s statue will be located in front of Great American Ball Park on Crosley Terrace and is being sculpted by local artist Tom Tsuchiya, who designed the five sculptures that currently reside at the ballpark: Johnny Bench, Ted Kluszewski, Ernie Lombardi, Joe Nuxhall and Frank Robinson.

Fans interested in being part of recognizing Morgan’s incomparable career and immeasurable contribution to Cincinnati and Reds baseball by becoming a donor can learn more by contacting the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum at (513) 765-7921 or redsmuseum.org. Contributions can earn donors a place on the Joe Morgan Recognition Wall inside the museum.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
The Reds were scheduled to play the Dodgers once already this spring training season but the game was cancelled due to rain.

Posted in Daily Briefs.
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March 11, 2013

In brief: Votto’s return, sadder but wiser

By
Amanda
Posted at 1:21 pm

Last Game
The Reds were victorious over the White Sox yesterday, winning 7-3. Johnny Cueto started for the Reds and wasn’t that great: 2 runs (earned) on 3 hits in 4.0 innings of work. Fortunately for him, the offense came to play. Shin-Soo Choo went 4-for-4 with 2 runs scored. Todd Frazier went 3-for-4 with 1 RBI on a solo shot and 3 runs scored.

Next Game
The Reds have today off to watch WBC games. Team USA plays at 8 p.m.

Joey Votto in Team Canada regalia

Photo HT: Redlegs Review (whom Google says this photo came from) and also Blue Jays Nest (who is actually in the URL of the photo).

The Return of Votto
After leading 2-3 through the first seven innings of the game, Team Canada’s bullpen fell apart in the World Baseball Classic on Saturday. The Canucks and ended up losing a heartbreaker, 9-4, to Team USA.

It’s bad news for our neighbors to the north, but for Reds fans it means that Joey Votto will have no further opportunities to get hurt in WBC games. When news broke that Team Canada had gotten into a brawl with Team Mexico, I half expected Votto to come back with a hockey-player-style toothless grin.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
Despite the large number of talented players that come from Canada, Team Canada has never advanced beyond the first round in the World Baseball Classic.

Posted in Daily Briefs.
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March 11, 2013

Ken Griffey Jr, World Baseball Classic ambassador

By
Zeldink
Posted at 12:14 pm

Ken Griffey Jr on his camouflage jersey giveaway day

Ken Griffey Jr on his camouflage jersey giveaway day

The New York Times interviewed Ken Griffey, Jr over the weekend, talking to him about his family and his role as an ambassador for the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

Here in the U.S., we need to do a better job of supporting our team. The support isn’t as much as it should be. For me, I want a team where I have to turn guys away. I want to be the guy to say, “We’re already full.” You look at the enthusiasm from the other countries and how guys want to play for their team. I think it’s a little different here. But it can change, and it should change.

The WBC is definitely more popular in other countries than in the US. And it’s the same with me. I know I don’t go out of my way to watch any WBC games. In some ways, I think US interest in the tournament is depressed by the existence of MLB. With the exception of Canada, none of the other countries see major-league talent every day during the summer. This is their chance to see and compare their country’s athletes against the best.

For me, it feels like watching an all star version of spring training, with less of the meaningfulness of the actual All Star game. Of course, I’m not the target audience. I already like baseball; I don’t need to be sold.

I understand the desire to make it more popular in the US, and support from Griffey and the inclusion of bigger stars will help. But right now, I still feel the ending of the 2012 MLB season. And only the Cincinnati Reds playing real baseball can assuage that. The WBC is a pale substitute.

Posted in NL Central, Random Ramblings, Spring Training.
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March 8, 2013

Shut up, Lutz

By
Zeldink
Posted at 2:39 pm

Lutz jogging in from the outfieldDuring last year’s spring training, I remember hearing about a prospect in the Cincinnati Reds’ system who grew up in Germany and didn’t play baseball until he was 16. He was raw, but he’s still in the system and has improved.

Reds manager Dusty Baker has raved about Donald Lutz this spring. Lutz, or “Big Lutz,” as Baker calls him, has a lot of pop in his bat.

How much pop?

“He hit a ball as hard the other day … it reminded me of Willie Stargell and those guys. When I was a kid and I was playing center field, I was nervous. (I thought) Willie Stargell and Willie McCovey might hit a ball that I’d misjudge and it would hit me in the chest and go through me.”

Lutz, unlike his 30 Rock namesake, is tall and muscular, standing at 6 feet, 3 inches and weighing 250 pounds. So far this Spring, he’s got a .353 average, an on base percentage of .389, and a slugging percentage of .588. This is all in sizes so small it’s hardly a sample, but he does also have a home run and 5 RBI.

He could be a special player in the next year or two. This year, though, he’s likely to start in Pensacola on the AA team. There he’ll continue to work on the move from first base to the outfield. Because even though he’s 2 or 3 years away from the majors, the Reds have a first baseman for quite some time who isn’t moving for anyone.

Posted in Cincinnati Reds, NL Central, Spring Training.
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March 8, 2013

In brief: 2 games and 1 chat opportunity

By
Amanda
Posted at 12:53 pm

Last Game
The Reds were off yesterday, leaving Reds fans everywhere with very little to worry relentlessly about. Just kidding, there’s plenty of stuff to worry about.

Next Game
As if to make up for yesterday, the Reds are doing double-duty today. Half the team will be stay home to host the Cubs. Tony Cingrani will start for the Reds.

Meanwhile, the rest will be head to Camelback Ranch to take on the Dodgers. Bronson Arroyo will be the one to start that game. Both games begin at 9:05 p.m. ET.

Jay Bruce, Ryan Lamarre, Corky Miller, Phil Castellini, and Thom Brennaman on the dais, signing merchandise for fans.

Jay Bruce, Ryan Lamarre, Corky Miller, Phil Castellini, and Thom Brennaman on the dais, signing merchandise for fans.

Your chance to sock it to Phil Castellini
I got this email from the Reds this morning, and thought you might like to know about your chance to talk baseball operations. It’s perfect for all you baseball fan MBAs out there!

Reds Chief Operating Officer Phil Castellini will be chatting LIVE with fans today at 3 p.m. ET at reds.com. Fans will have the chance to talk with Phil about some of the club’s new business initiatives for 2013, including improvements to the ballpark, dynamic pricing on tickets and much more.

Fans can login to the chat starting at noon ET on reds.com and begin submitting their questions. To participate in the chat, fans will need an MLB.com account.

Click here for more information and to take part in today’s chat!

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
According to Doc’s Sports Network, Vegas favors the Reds to win the NLC, giving them 5/7 odds.

Posted in Daily Briefs.
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