Cactus schedule

[JohnU]

Just in case you wanted to get a tan.

CACTUS SCHEDULE

 

[JohnU]

Reds Futures Game Set For Dayton’s Fifth Third Field
November 17, 2016 in Cactus League Teams, Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds have announced a Futures Game against prospects in their farm system, scheduled for Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 1:35 p.m. at Fifth Third Field, home of the Dayton Dragons (Low A; Midwest League).


The game will mark the second Reds Futures Game at Fifth Third Field. The first, played on April 4, 2009, was an immediate sell-out when ticket sales began.

 

[JohnU]

I suppose these two are connected.

Reds' Bronson Arroyo: Pain-free bullpen session
Arroyo threw a 50-pitch, pain-free bullpen session Wednesday at the Reds' spring training facility in Arizona.

Arroyo acknowledged this is a necessary but far from sufficient step to demonstrate he's near his pre-injury form. "Totally pain-free," he said. "I think the only question mark for me is, one, will your arm actually handle games, because there's a totally different intensity when there's a crowd there and hitters in the box."

Reds' Lisalverto Bonilla: Stretched as starter in spring training
Bonilla will be tried out as a starter by the Reds in spring training, though he's also in contention for a bullpen spot if starting doesn't work out.

 

[JohnU]

Reds signed Ryan Raburn to a minor league deal. Not that I am holding my breath, but this is a guy who knows how to make a big-league roster. His lifetime numbers are fairly pedestrian and he flopped with the Rox last year.

 

[JohnU]

DON'T POST HERE. POST TO THE 2017 REDS THREAD!

 

[Hit-n-Run]

A few more days and it's ST on the radio. Can't take much stock from the results, but nonetheless I like listening.

 

[JohnU]

Sounds like Shackelford will have some trouble making this team.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

A few days ago Price was saying how impressed he was with Kevin Shackleford. He also said he was impressed with Wandy Peralta's command.

Shackleford gives up three runs without recording an out and Peralta walks two including his first batter on 5 pitches.

I'm back to the cracked crystal ball theory.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

It's early, but plenty of stumbles out of the gate for the so-called contenders for the remaining two rotation spots.

The young guys that have performed the best are names that haven't been mentioned as front runners. Sal Romano and Luis Castillo both had impressive outings.

The team ERA is next to last in ST through three games. They finished 28th during the 2016 regular season.

So yeah...... the pitching is a work in progress to put it nicely.

 

[JohnU]

Bronson throwing BP to minor league hitters in an effort to make the club.
Jeez, be still my heart.

 

[JohnU]

And so it goes ... again.


DeSclafani has been scratched from his next scheduled start Tuesday due to tenderness in his elbow, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Desclafani apparently began experiencing tenderness after a recent batting practice session, and he should be considered day-to-day until the team says otherwise. For what it's worth, Reds' manager Bryan Price told the media Monday that he doesn't believe it's anything serious.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

Anthony Desclafani throws a pretty good hard slider. Pitchers that throw a true hard slider have been more prone to flexor tendon and UCL injuries. Jon Broxton, Mat Latos, Homer Bailey, and Jose Rijo would be a few Reds that have fallen into that category. Pitching in general isn't a natural motion and is detrimental to joint health, but the slider is a elbow shredder.

It's being down played by the Reds and Disco himself. But where there's smoke, there's often soon to be fire.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

Read where Tony Cingrani has added the cutter to his limited arsenal. I think it's a good choice for a guy that struggles to throw a quality breaking pitch. But if he doesn't improve his command it's a moot point.

 

[JohnU]

Cingrani needs to get to some 0-2 counts.
I saw where Cody Reed pitched 2 scoreless. Just stuff you notice.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

I agree.
Getting ahead in the count is the number one advantage. That's when a pitcher can expand the zone a bit to induce weak contact or swing and misses.

Too often we're seeing the young Reds' pitchers get ahead and not throw quality borderline pitches. Robert Stephenson is a good example of it. He especially struggles to get the ball on the inside black.

There's nothing more frustrating to watch than a pitcher getting ahead in the count to only find the middle of the plate.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

Arismendy Alcantara had a rough day yesterday at SS. Two errors, hit into a DP and struck out on his way to a 0-3 day. Hasn't played much SS in the Majors and he was a terrible SS in the minors. Can't hit a lick at the MLB level and doesn't have assignment options. Seems like a waste of reps to me.

For a team that acquired an abundance of infielders through trades, they all can't be a worse option than Arismendy Alcantara...... can they?

 

[JohnU]

For a team that acquired an abundance of infielders through trades, they all can't be a worse option than Arismendy Alcantara...... can they?

We know Renda can play 2B, so that gives Price a choice if he needs defense. Renda can't hit either but I think finding the standard Reds utility guy (Latin-speaking, no power, no BA, ordinary glove) should be easy enough.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

I think I'd give the job to Hernan Iribarren until a better option comes along

 

[JohnU]

I think I'd give the job to Hernan Iribarren until a better option comes along

Meets the criteria ... latin speaking, no power, no BA .... yeah, that would work.

 

[Hit-n-Run]

Lance McAlister followed the Reds Hot Stove show last night discussing whether the Reds had reached the point where there's fan apathy. (Lack of interest)

Any thoughts?