Loading ...So says Hal McCoy in today’s DDN:
While that might eventually be the case — Bailey as the No. 1 pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds rotation — right now the 20-year-old No. 1 draft choice (2004) knows that the No. 5 spot in the rotation is open, and that’s all he sniffs.
It might not happen. Bailey probably will start the season at Class AAA Louisville, and that’s all right with him, at least outwardly, but how long can the Reds hold a good man down?
They continue to keep a low profile on Bailey, even Reds manager Jerry Narron, who not only thinks Bailey could be the sheriff, but thinks he could be John Wayne.
Asked about the fifth starter candidates Saturday during the first day of spring training camp, Narron said, “We have a lot of guys to choose from. E-Z (Elizardo Ramirez), Matt Belisle, Paul Wilson, Bobby Livingston, Victor Santos, Kirk Saarloos …” As he hesitated, somebody said, “H. Bailey,” and Narron repeated, “H. Bailey.”
Clearly the best-case scenario for the Reds is for Bailey to win the fifth spot in the rotation, and perform as a league-average pitcher…or better. For his part, Bailey is saying all the right things:
“I’m just going day-to-day because there are a lot of good players on this team,” he said. “I’d be in trouble if I wanted to be one through four because those spots are taken (Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Eric Milton, Kyle Lohse). No. 5 is available, so I’d be crazy if I said I didn’t want it. But it’s not my say, and all I can do is follow what they want.”
Lots to watch this spring….
I guess what must be debated is what is in his and the Reds best interest at this point of his career. Is logging more innings and mastering his offspeed stuff at AAA? Or could it just be that he might be better served being the #5 guy, where innings don’t accumulate as much (especially in April/May when there are so many off days). Seems to me you could accomplish both goals, but only if he proves himself ready over the next 40 days.
We all want a successful Bailey in the rotation, but what if he struggles? I don’t profess to know the mental make up of this kid, but getting rocked could damage a weaker man’s phsyche. Not to mention the physical strains. You don’t want to rush him if he’s not ready. Remember Wayne Simpson? First half of 1970, lights out. Started the ‘70 All Star game and shortly there after blew out his arm. It’s a different era I know, but it’s not like the Reds are known for producing first rate homegrown pitchers. They gotta get this one right. Anbody seen Howington or Gruler?
What will a big year in AA/AAA do for Homer, and what if he struggles in AAA? Bottom line is he has better stuff than anyone in the Reds starting rotation, and is easily one of the 5 best. Homer should pitch his innings in Cincinnati this season.