Yesterday was a Spring blowout of epic proportions. The Brewers' mostly-JV squad had so many hits we should probably call them Elvis Presley, Elton John, the Beatles, Madonna or Stevie Wonder. But as with all things - and Spring doubly so - it's worth putting it in perspective. There were all kinds of wacky scores around the Cactus League yesterday, due in part to windy conditions: 14-13, 12-1, 16-16, 11-3. It was troublesome to see so many players struggling who have guaranteed spots on the Opening Day roster - especially the starting pitchers against a B-team lineup. But blowouts can have a create a weird snowball effect, even in Arizona.
By the time you read the this, the Reds will already have a game underway. A lineup including Man of the Moment Dave Sappelt - and very similar to what we might see on the Lousville Bats this season - plays the Indians, at 11:30 EST at Indians Practice Field. This is not an official split squad day, but rather a 'B' game, which is the Exhibition Game's Exhibition Game. Over on the A Side, the Reds travel to another delightfully-named spring venue, Suprise Stadium (How does this rank alongside Camelback Ranch and HoHoKam Park?)
Travis Wood, the only rotation candidate left who's both made an appearance and maintained a 0.00 spring ERA (2 IP), will pitch first. He'll be followed by Matt Maloney, Sam LeCure and Dontrelle Willis. I'd long-assumed Bill Bray's spot in the bullpen is secure, but lefties Maloney and Willis might be secretly hoping that it isn't. I'll stick to the line that it's madness to consider Travis Wood anything less than a 5th starter - and yesterday probably nudged him a little closer to taking a spot in the rotation. In other news, it may be time to make your peace with seeing Edgar Renteria batting second when he's in the lineup.
And that Royals outfield is a Braves fan's nightmare.
Despite the blowout and TV/radio silence for today's game, good news abounds. Sean Casey is in camp today, following on the heels of Barry Larkin's cameo yesterday. Another exciting tidbit: John Fay reports that we'll be getting a match-up of Reds Openings Day starters past and present tomorrow, as 2008 ace Edinson Volquez takes on his predecessor (and member of the Red Reporter pantheon) Aaron Harang in Peoria, AZ.
It's morning in Reds Country.