Homer Bailey v2.0

Our young first-rounder's rebirth is the hottest topic in the Reds' blog universe.

                          via api.ning.com

From Hal:

The new Homer Bailey is something to behold — on and off the field.

First he pitched three scoreless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving up one hit and striking out four during a 2-1 loss.

Then he was even more dazzling in his post-appearance interview.

Instead of one-word answers delivered with a snarled lip and a surly voice from the old Bailey, the new Bailey was a smiling, cooperative bundle of personality — and he has been that way all spring.

From Fay:

Even more impressive than Homer Bailey’s three innings of shutout ball (one hit, one walk, four strikeouts) today was what he said afterward. Last year – the first time Bailey really struggled in his baseball life – had a profound effect on Bailey. It started with the offseason.

"I was more dedicated. Before I might have taken a half of a Friday off and go down south. This year, I said: 'No matter what happens, I’m not missing a workout. I’m going to do the things that when you’re in the middle of the season every player says, ‘Damn, this offseason I’m really going to bust my (butt).' " Every year, players come and they’re a little out of shape and it catches up to them. I remember when that happened to me."  

From Sheldon:

That's four scoreless innings to this point for Bailey with six Ks.

That Bailey is pitching well isn't a total surprise, really, since he's always had the stuff despite not putting it together in the Majors. But it's been his demeanor and attitude that seems to be something not seen the previous three camps and multiple big league call-ups. The 22-year-old, who had developed a reputation for being prickly and curt with reporters and coaches, has shown a different side. Here are some exerpts from the pitcher's session with reporters after his start:

"Everybody is relaxed. It just seems like the vibe in camp that I get. There are a lot of young guys in camp. Guys in their first year coming to a Major League camp don't seem like they're stepping on eggshells with veterans around. But know the respect they have to give to guys that have been there before them. You see a lot of mature guys in the clubhouse despite as a whole being pretty young."

And let it be known that The Church of Baseball called him out a coupla weeks ago, before it was clear that Homer was rising from his own ashes:

I want Bailey to win the fifth starter spot. Let him sink or swim this season. You have to believe that last year's disaster will make him more focused this year and determined to realize his potential. At this point, he has to realize that though he was the best pitcher at every level of his life, the Big Leagues are different and he's going to have to work rather than rely on his god-given talent if he is to be successful.  

Sooo.... I'm in.  Got nothing against Micah Owings and I'm still not convinced that all of this good news about Homer doesn't mean anything other than he'll be my favorite honked-off Louisville Bat for at least the first part of the season, but I'm glad to see he's evidently getting his short career back on track.

Woo hoo!