By Randy Plessinger

March 30, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Based on the Reds performance during this century it’s understandable that we start this season with cautious optimism.Nevertheless, were looking better than we have in a long time.We need to get out of the gate fast.In this election year we need to ask ourselves, are the Reds better off than they were four years ago? YES! To quote a former Reds announcer, do you believe in miracles? YES!

By Tom

March 26, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

There is no doubt that Bailey was not only competing for a rotation spot but possessed an inside track when compared to Cueto, Affeldt, or Volquez. The comments about Bailey battling himself this spring is dead on. Homer needs to have impaccable accuracy on his fastball and then worry about everything else. He is still really young and will be the perfect candidate next year if he learns what he needs to this year.

By Mario Soto

March 26, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Bailey was ever really in the competition for the starting rotation for the Reds based on the fact that he was in the rotation last year, failed miserably, was sent to the minors to learn how to pitch, and apparently did not do as he was instructed. I do agree, however, that even without Bailey, this is the strongest rotation that the Reds have had in many years. If the rookies pan out, and Bailey uses his demotion as a positive, that the Reds could have one of the best rotations, and one of the best teams, in baseball within the next couple of years.

By Mario Soto

March 26, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Bailey was ever really in the competition for the starting rotation for the Reds based on the fact that he was in the rotation last year, failed miserably, was sent to the minors to learn how to pitch, and apparently did not do as he was instructed. I do agree, however, that even without Bailey, this is the strongest rotation that the Reds have had in many years. If the rookies pan out, and Bailey uses his demotion as a positive, that the Reds could have one of the best rotations, and one of the best teams, in baseball within the next couple of years.

By Mario Soto

March 26, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Bailey was ever really in the competition for the starting rotation for the Reds based on the fact that he was in the rotation last year, failed miserably, was sent to the minors to learn how to pitch, and apparently did not do as he was instructed. I do agree, however, that even without Bailey, this is the strongest rotation that the Reds have had in many years. If the rookies pan out, and Bailey uses his demotion as a positive, that the Reds could have one of the best rotations, and one of the best teams, in baseball within the next couple of years.

By Y-City Jim

March 26, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Volquez wins hands down due solely on the walks ratio. Bailey has to learn to throw strikes consistently. Story told abut C.C. Sabathia’ rookie year. He had some early struggles with the strike zone, which prompted Orel Hershiser to tell him to stop worrying about pitching low and away or up and in, etc. He told C.C. tht with his stuff he could get by with just low or away or inside, etc. The rest is history.

By Scott Deaner

March 26, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

This is just one of the many beautiful things about baseball - surprises. I do like got milk’s point that Volquez is 4 years older, but I’m just wondering how patient will the Reds (and fans) be with Bailey. Will they be willing to give him 4 more years of seasoning?

By mbailey

March 25, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Is’nt this a great discussion that the Reds have to choose from 2 excellent, young starting pitchers that both throw in the mid 90’s and have a third who is not in the discussion who has already made the staff. This reminds me a little of 1970 when the Reds won 70 of their first 100 games. That year, however, they went with a 4 man rotation and had several hurt arms by the end of the year. I beleive Homer Bailey will be part of the rotation by May. Alot will be played out in a 162 game season. If the pen is as good as it seems to be, there will be playoff baseball in Cincinnati in October. Mark it down.

By Volman

March 25, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Homer Bailey’s spring training battle has been with Homer Bailey, and Homer Bailey lost. He cant throw strikes, cant throw a 12 pitch inning, and until he masters how to throw the good ‘ole #1 and paint the black and throw a hard, nasty slider that will strike hitters out, he’s going to be throwing his 93 mph fastball by minor leaguers. Age shouldnt matter. Bailey has to get coached up and has to soak up his coaching advice,which he doesnt believe in, apparantly because he’s got all the answers. Once he learns the questions, then asks them, then trains with said answers, then gets better, he’ll be in the show. The Reds are going north with two rookies in the rotation that have to pitch their tails off; but they’re going north with the most pitching talent in that rotation that they’ve had in years.

By got milk

March 25, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Of course there’s another comparison that could be made, too. Age: Volquez 25, Bailey 21 What kind of spring did Edinson have four years ago, and what kind of pitcher will Homer be four years from now?

By Nick

March 25, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

This is a non-issue because we all know that Volquez has made the rotation. I do however love the fact that you spent your time comparing the numbers. This will hopefully clear everyones mind about the starting pitching situation.

By jarrod

March 25, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

i don’t feel like it is bailey vs volquez as i feel volquez has been in the driver’s seat for sometime. that being said, homer’s spring pales in comparison for sure. his matchup is with fogg and as the scoreboard at the park says “walks will haunt.”