The first cuts have been made down in Sarasota. None of these are particularly surprising: The seven players sent out included the organization’s last three first-round Draft picks. First baseman Yonder Alonso (2008) was optioned to Double-A Carolina, while catcher Devin Mesoraco (2007) and ou...

From Hal McCoy: He handicaps Owings as the favorite (2:1), Bailey (5:1) [though he does credit Bailey for the biggest turnaround (on and off the field) that he’s seen in 37 years, Masset (10:1), Ramirez (50:1), Thompson (100:1). But his most interesting comments concern Johnny Cueto: NOW, I HA...

John Fay writes an article for the Enquirette today: The article starts off with the Phillips quote from the other day about “not believing in that OBP stuff”… It continues: Reds manager Dusty Baker said Phillips can become choosier at the plate. “I think he can be a little s...

You will recall that Edwin Encarnacion, after signing his new contract, told everyone who would listen that he wanted to try to pull the ball less. Slyde has a very interesting post here on Edwin’s approach at the plate, and whether the young guy should really be trying to change that approach...

Alex Gonzalez is making his return to the Reds lineup today against the Netherlands. He’s playing DH. I can’t see any way this guy will be ready for Opening Day after being injured for the last six seasons (or so it seems). I wish Gonzo the best, but I would not be surprised if his knee ...

The Reds beat the Phillies yesterday, 10-3. Joey Votto had a couple of RBI, and Jonny Gomes went 2-3 with two doubles and 2 RBI. Bronson Arroyo and Daryl Thompson looked good on the mound. Check out the box score here for all the juicy details. After beating the Tampa Bay Rays a couple of days ago, ...

An article on Edinson Volquez today, from MLB.com: “I want another year like that, but better,” Volquez said. Volquez has the makeup to do that. He also has stuff that includes a mid-90s mph fastball and a deceptive changeup to back it up. Not much new….just some of the same old st...

From ESPN magazine (Jan 26) issue: K Korner says: The Reds think Ramon Hernandez, whom they acquired from the Orioles in December, is their solution at catcher. Dusty Baker values defense behind the plate, which is why he often played Paul Bako there last season. But Baker will find out that the 32 ...

Chris Dickerson has launched this really interesting site, aimed at “greening up” the game (putting recycling containers in high school locker rooms, educating players and fans, etc.  Dickerson started when he was in AAA, getting SIGG Bottles to donate eco-friendly water bottles to repl...

If you want to continue being a Reds fan without going insane, do not read this article by Mark Sheldon over at MLB.com. I really want to be optimistic about 2009, but this piece is full of nuggets that should make any good Reds fan sick to his stomach. Some highlights: Hairston, Chris Dickerson, No...