It seems like it's been a while since the Reds weren't aggressively trying out a fifth starter during spring training. Jeff Francis and Aroldis Chapman are being stretched out, but Dusty has been going through the presumptive regular season rotation so far in his choices for lead-off pitcher. And since I'm incapable of not interpreting anything he does literally: MIKE LEAKE, OPENING DAY-STARTER? ARE YOU OUT OF YR GORD? WE"RE BEInG SWEPT iINTO THE DUST+BIN OR HISTORY!!!!1
Just needed to max out there. Part of my spring training.
Even though the Brewers are reigning NL Champs, they aren't being cast as the Reds' primary rivals in the division. Are they being shortchanged, with analysts overlooking Greinke's upside or Aramis Ramirez's production when healthy? I'm not sure, but maybe it's worth discussing.
Sean Marshall, Kanekoa Texeira, Sean Gallagher and Carlos Fisher are scheduled to pitch after Leake.