Red Sox paint the town with the blood of Cincinnati pitching, beat the Reds 16-5

by BK on Feb 28, 2009 10:56 PM EST in Spring Training

Well, that sucked. The main story of the game is the pitchers inability to get anyone out. They spent most of the game against the Sox backup guys, and even though the Reds didn't bring an elite staff on the road trip, they put up a pretty terrible effort. The lowlights:

Nick Masset is digging himself a pretty deep hole to make this rotation, and is putting Walt in a tough spot. 4 ER in his one inning of work and a throwing error isn't turning any heads. If early indications mean anything, Owings or Bailey will likely be the 5th starter, and Walt will need to decide whether to keep Masset on the team because of his options or give him the DFA in favor of another guy who can help the bullpen.
Also not helping their cause: Jeff Kennard (1 IP, 3 R) and Sam LeCure (2 IP, 3 R). Enjoy Carolina, guys.
I think we were all looking forward to seeing Stubbs lead off tonight, but got a disappointing late addition to the lineup when Taveras got the nod instead. It's probably tied to Taveras going to the WBC, so don't fret, we'll most likely be seeing more of Stubbs here in the next week or so. That being said...
Taveras: 0-3, Stubbs: 1-2, 2 RBI. Just sayin'.
Votto's been hitting well, adding two more hits tonight. Hopefully he can pick up right where he left off last year and put up another solid season.
Burton, Fisher, Fultz, and Pettyjohn all pitched scoreless outings.

Other than that, not much else to get excited about. Let's put this one behind us by beating the Yanks tomorrow.

Joe Nuxhall Honorary Memorial Star of the Game

The Red Sox' Brad Wilkerson. His 2-run shot off of Manuel in the 2nd inning started the rally that put the Reds down 10-0 after two, sealing the deal for the Red Sox. He gets New England clam chowder for two at Montgomery Inn.

Tweet Comment 49 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

simple

Owings is the fifth starter.

Homer in the pen mid-may. Masset is in trouble, dont need three LHP’s in the bullpen.

"Hey! Look at the kid in the sombrero!"

by obc2 on Feb 28, 2009 11:05 PM EST reply actions

I think you're prolly right.

But is there any chance that Dusty and Walt were auditioning Masset more for the role of sixth starter/swing man? Let’s say there’s an injury before Walt picks up that scrap heap veteran in early May— who do call from the pen? You’d like to have a lefty if at all possible seeing that the entire rotation is right-handed. And Rhodes can’t start. It’s gonna be Maloney or Masset, yes?

I’m sure I’m overthinking the whole thing but there’s gotta be a reason why Masset was kind of thrust into this audition. Let’s suppose that he had responded well.. would that put Maloney back in Louisville? Or was Maloney all along going to be the Reds’ #6/7/8 starter staying loose in AAA?

"Dr. Two-Brains has a strange name because he does have two brains but he's not really a doctor. He just steals cheese."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 28, 2009 11:40 PM EST up reply actions

Masset's a RHP, fyi

I think they may have been giving him a shot at the rotation, just because he said before the season started that he wanted to be there all along. I don’t think they’re concerned at all about having a left-hander in there, because most likely, the best LHSP there is Maloney and he’s probably the 9th best starting pitcher on the team. At that point, you have to give up the notion, I think.

Going into ST, we had two spots open on the rotation (barring injuries); the 5th starter spot and the last bullpen spot. I think it’s safe to say at this point, Nick Masset doesn’t win the first one. But, does the fact that he was auditioning for it in the first place mean that they have something else in mind for the last bullpen spot? Are they higher on Roenicke than they’re leading on? Are they planning on putting whoever doesn’t win the 5th rotation spot out of Bailey and Owings into the ‘pen? If the answers to any of those questions are “yes”, then Masset gets the DFA after playing for the Reds for the last 2 months of last season. I’m interested to see how it all plays out, I don’t think I’ve ever been a fan of a team with too much pitching…

"Sometimes I listen for Griffey’s infectious laugh or Dunn’s humor and wit. But they’re gone." - Dusty

by BK on Feb 28, 2009 11:53 PM EST up reply actions

Ah. I'm an idiot.

Confusing Masset with Bray, perhaps? Dunno,

"Dr. Two-Brains has a strange name because he does have two brains but he's not really a doctor. He just steals cheese."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Mar 1, 2009 12:00 AM EST up reply actions

ack

Masset’s a RHP?

He’s on the outside looking in. As a SP I’d take Owings and Homer before him, and probably Ramirez also.

"Hey! Look at the kid in the sombrero!"

by obc2 on Mar 1, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions

I suppose if Massett were a lefty we couldn't have traded Griffey for him.

"Dr. Two-Brains has a strange name because he does have two brains but he's not really a doctor. He just steals cheese."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Mar 1, 2009 12:08 AM EST up reply actions

the one thing that may help Masset

is that he will get more innings, even if he sucks, with EV and Cueto leaving, so he will have more time to turn it around, or dig himself deeper.

"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.

by justin007000 on Mar 1, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions

seriously...what's up with this pitching?

Masset last season really pulled the Jose Acevedo/Luke Hudson “A Few Good Starts —> 3rd spot in the rotation” routine. But now, there wasn’t even talk about him being a revelation…or even salvation. He’s just pitching chum, and we hope that Bailey and Pwnings have some Value over Replacement Masset or something.

...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield

by Cy Schourek on Mar 1, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions

Brad Wilkerson

was born and raised in Kentucky. Bet he’d rather have the ribs or the pulled pork sandwich than New England clam chowder.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Feb 28, 2009 11:10 PM EST reply actions

He's playing for Boston, so I figured that would be fitting

I don’t even know if they serve clam chowder there.

"Sometimes I listen for Griffey’s infectious laugh or Dunn’s humor and wit. But they’re gone." - Dusty

by BK on Feb 28, 2009 11:29 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I figured as much

Just thought it was ironic that he may have grown up a Reds fan.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Feb 28, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions

And eatin' burgoo.

"Dr. Two-Brains has a strange name because he does have two brains but he's not really a doctor. He just steals cheese."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Mar 1, 2009 12:04 AM EST up reply actions

Kentucky Hot Brown:

Delicious or something that you will try, forcing your wife to exile you to the couch: discuss.

...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield

by Cy Schourek on Mar 1, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions

Masset

I don’ t know if Masset’s really putting Walt in a bad position by sucking it up. I’d say he’s making Walt’s decision easier. I just don’t have a whole lot of faith in either Walt or Dusty to do the right thing, and unfortunately we need them to both push the right button.

by Brian B on Feb 28, 2009 11:10 PM EST reply actions

my mantra for this spring

kick Masset to the curb

Soy el niño destructor. I eat kids for breakfast. Roar. - Juan Francisco 'spoken with an Italian accent'

by jacob brumfield on Feb 28, 2009 11:41 PM EST reply actions

Assuming both Bailey and Owings look like they can pitch effectively

what happens then? Bailey would have to completely rework his approach to pitch out of the pen with this slow deliberate motion, AND I think if they both seem effective, Bailey has a much higher upside than Owings does. Why start Owings over Bailey?

My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul

by The Crushinator on Feb 28, 2009 11:46 PM EST reply actions

I agree

Especially when you factor in that Owings has had some work out of the bullpen in the past, I think that’s the more logical place to put him too (if Bailey forces their hand with a great spring like Cueto did last year).

"Sometimes I listen for Griffey’s infectious laugh or Dunn’s humor and wit. But they’re gone." - Dusty

by BK on Feb 28, 2009 11:55 PM EST up reply actions

I can't see Homer winning a spot in Cincinnati based on a month of "effective" Spring Training.

I guess I’m not really responding to your question so much as I’m again damning Homer to Lullville.

He’s young. Very young. He’s perfect for minor league baseball.

"Dr. Two-Brains has a strange name because he does have two brains but he's not really a doctor. He just steals cheese."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Feb 28, 2009 11:57 PM EST up reply actions

It is more than a month

It started last September and into fall. His stuff has been electric again this february. The ides of March a cometh!!!!!

by Johnnypronto on Mar 1, 2009 12:56 AM EST up reply actions

who are you?

"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.

by justin007000 on Mar 1, 2009 9:35 AM EST up reply actions

Owings over Bailey

Because he’s got a better stick! He’s great at the plate, and that would be wasted in the pen. Relief pitchers don’t get to hit.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Mar 1, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions

They do if they're relieving Bailey in the third.

"Dr. Two-Brains has a strange name because he does have two brains but he's not really a doctor. He just steals cheese."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Mar 1, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions

ouch

I gather you’re not too enthusiastic about Bailey.

And to think he was once the Reds’ hottest, most untouchable prospect.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Mar 1, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I'm being kinda catty.

But c’mon, right now he is what he is. He’s not yet what he may be.

"Dr. Two-Brains has a strange name because he does have two brains but he's not really a doctor. He just steals cheese."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Mar 1, 2009 12:10 AM EST up reply actions

Owings has a better MLB track record

"Hey! Look at the kid in the sombrero!"

by obc2 on Mar 1, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions

Thats true.

Frank Thomas for the number 5 slot

My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul

by The Crushinator on Mar 1, 2009 1:58 AM EST up reply actions

POPS!!!

Tell me you’re there!! Tell me you watched that!!!! What a fight!!!!

"Karma - there it was. The meaning of life, straight from Carson Daly's lips to my morphine-laced ears." -Earl Hickey

by BLee2525 on Mar 1, 2009 12:23 AM EST reply actions

shocker

Diaz was in complete control. I didnt see that coming at all!

"Hey! Look at the kid in the sombrero!"

by obc2 on Mar 1, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions

Hey, who's Robert Manuel and why is he on the 40-man roster?

"Dr. Two-Brains has a strange name because he does have two brains but he's not really a doctor. He just steals cheese."

by Fat Vegas Alan on Mar 1, 2009 12:48 AM EST reply actions

Manuel was acquired for Dave Williams

he’s on the 40-man because in 77 innings with Chattanooga last year, he posted a 1.40 ERA with a 0.81 WHIP while striking out 92 batters and walking only 15. In 302 career minor league innings, he’s struck out 290, walked on 50 batters, and allowed only 16 home runs. He’s performed well enough to deserve some consideration.

"How big IS your magic wand?"

by Slyde on Mar 1, 2009 9:03 AM EST up reply actions

I saw on Daedalus's blog that he's a direct link to Paul O'Neill

O’Neill was traded for outfielder Roberto Kelly. Kelly was traded for outfielder Deion Sanders. Sanders was traded for pitcher Dave Burba.

Burba was traded for first baseman Sean Casey. Casey was traded for pitcher Dave Willliams. Williams was traded for pitcher Robert Manuel.

by Brendanukkah on Mar 1, 2009 9:17 AM EST up reply actions

if you read my "better know a 40 man roster"

you would know who Manuel is. But you to disappear for 6 months. I’m still hurt, I missed your musk.

"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.

by justin007000 on Mar 1, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

he's not hispanic (looking) and his middle name is Mehmet

consult Sister Daedalus for further divining of his backstory.

...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield

by Cy Schourek on Mar 1, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

Bailey for now

Several reasons why Bailey should get the starting nod:
1.His stuff is back after suffering from mental problems due to losing his stuff which was caused by the Reds overtinkering and knee problems.
2.He has shown the best stuff in camp, even better than the latin connection.
3.He has the big upside
4.The Reds are desperate and need a hero

Owings frankly, doesn’t impress me a whole lot in the rotation. He doesn’t throw hard and will struggle with HR’s in GAB. But put him in the pen and his velocity increases to 94-95mph. That is a serious reason.

Roenicke deserves a spot too. While it would put only 1 lefty in the pitching staff, dump overrated Bill Bray.

by Johnnypronto on Mar 1, 2009 12:55 AM EST reply actions

Who overrates bill bray?

hes pretty awesome. Oh no its MEEEEEEeeee….

My life is full of ironies and metaphors- Paula Abdul

by The Crushinator on Mar 1, 2009 2:00 AM EST up reply actions

he did have a WHIP over 1.5 last year

that is a red flag.

"Oedipus ruined a great sex life by asking too many questions!"- Dr. Stephen T. Colbert DFA.

by justin007000 on Mar 1, 2009 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

we spent a lot of time making fun of you last year johnny

but it seems like a lot of what you said turned out to be true.

So I’ll take your word and root for bailey to make the rotation

Made from 100% recycled awesome,

by chandrathan on Mar 1, 2009 7:18 PM EST up reply actions

That's very mature of you

by Brendanukkah on Mar 1, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions

must be chandra posting

"How big IS your magic wand?"

by Slyde on Mar 1, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions

no she can't post here

must be her education level…she got married too early

Made from 100% recycled awesome,

by chandrathan on Mar 1, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

It is way too early to know who will win the 5th spot in the rotation

Baily’s got options – I think he’ll have to absolutely make it impossible to be sent down. Owings still has to prove that he’s back and ready to pitch for a long hard 6 month season…

We don’t even know if Gonzo will ready to play and if so can he still do it etc AND so where dons that leave Jerry Jr., Kepp, C-Dick, Gomer – there are a lot of questions yet to be decided….

The most idiosyncratic aspect of these decisions is the ’decipherer – Dusty W. Baker

肏你祖宗十八代 - and your sister too !

by Madville on Mar 1, 2009 1:18 AM EST reply actions

does the "W" stand for WTF?

...because there's already someone posing as Jacob Brumfield

by Cy Schourek on Mar 1, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

owings will win the job

and he will have 2 good starts, hit a tater (or whatever the kids are calling it these days) then suck it up like last year. he will get like 7 starts altogether before bailey is called up. bailey will implode again. the sun also rises.

beef hoagie

by Colin Auscapee on Mar 1, 2009 2:02 AM EST reply actions

Are sure about this CA ?

Are you the new guy dating Dustbrain’s daughter?

I’d love to see Baily do well and Owing play left field but only time will tell.

肏你祖宗十八代 - and your sister too !

by Madville on Mar 1, 2009 2:14 AM EST up reply actions

Owings

I know this sounds crazy, but I’d like to see Owings take a year in the minors to learn how to catch. He would be the best hitting catcher in our system, would have a strong throwing arm to second base, and would obviously know the ins and outs of pitching. He has the same build as Joe Mauer, (height and weight) and would make a great catcher. RIght now, he’s an average pitcher.

Crazy idea, I know.

by dmcgee77 on Mar 1, 2009 9:59 AM EST reply actions