Another Borek Morning: Talking Cincinnati Reds Baseball 5/15/2014

Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

I am not a fan of rain. Sure, I read the weather reports all afternoon that called for rain, but like many of you, I blocked out my evening to cozy up in front of the TV (laptop in my case) and kick back and watch some Cincinnati Reds baseball.
Do not take that the wrong way; I completely understand the decision to not play the game. With the weather moving through by first pitch later this afternoon, they should be able to get both games in without any problem.
Of course, it is infinitely more difficult to win both ends of the doubleheader—a feat the Reds will need to accomplish in order to win the series.
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Someone is going to need to explain to me why Alfredo Simon is not pitching the backend of this doubleheader. I fully get the concept of having a 26th man and all, but for what reason does Jeff Francis have to start a Major League game? Even with Simon being shellacked his last time out, I am definitely more confident with the “Big Pasta” on the mound.
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It had been mentioned in the post-game wrap-up from the other night, but it bears repeating: Chris Heisey is not an everyday player. That may offended some folks, but it is the brutal truth. I have gone on record on multiple occasions, saying that I believe Heisey to be the best bench player in baseball, and I stand behind that statement.
For whatever reason, his level of effectiveness skyrockets when he is thrust into a late-inning pinch-hitting role. There is nothing wrong with being a Major League bench player—Heisey is better than more than 99% of males walking the earth at hitting a baseball, but he just cannot bring that approach to an everyday role.
Not only can Heisey not unseat Ryan Ludwick any time soon for the left field position, for the remainder of Jay Bruce’s injury, it will more than likely be Skip Schumaker getting the majority of starts. While Heisey brings above-average defense and tremendous hustle to the table, his lack of RBIs in a starting role (0) and his inability to hit the ball to the opposite field are drastically affecting an already slumping offense.
I think Heisey is a tremendous athlete, and even better person, but to believe he should be getting an excess of 100 Major League starts on a roster that is labeled “Postseason or bust,” shows a complete lack of awareness.
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The wounded dead may be all making their return sooner, rather than later.
Jay Bruce is already jogging after having knee surgery just about a week ago, stating himself that his return should not be far off.
Tony Cingrani says that his shoulder feels no fatigue and he is ready to go whenever the Reds activate him.
Mat Latos is optimistic about returning to the mound if all goes well with his upcoming bullpen sessions during the Reds next road trip.

Bryan Price was even more optimistic, slating a potential beginning of June timestamp on him.
Devin Mesoraco will probably be the first one back as he is already catching down at Louisville. If he can continue to hit over .400 is to be seen, but getting the slugging bat of Mesoraco back should be a much-needed shot in the arm to a lineup that has gone stale.
It has snuck up on us, but June 1st is just over two weeks away. Should all four men return by that date, or be on the verge as the team comes back from their West Coast swing, they should be primed and ready to make that summer run once again.
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Thanks for stopping in at ABM once again on a day where the Redlegs will take on the Padres in a double-dip! It may be on the late side, but keep your eyes and ears peeled for those post-game wrap-ups that will be coming along with both contests tonight.