Cincinnati Reds: Pitchers and Catchers Report in Four Days

Cincinnati Reds Pitchers and Catcher Report to Spring Training on February 13th

Cincinnati Reds players and fans alike are patiently waiting for baseball season to come about now that football is over. No matter how amazing of a game the Super Bowl was, it’s time for some baseball. The countdown is now below 5 days, which means it’s officially time to get excited. The rest of the squad comes to town on the 17th, which is still right around the corner.

I understand that it’s just spring training. It’s almost as bad as preseason football, but it’s way better than nothing. The first game the Reds play is on February 24th against the Giants.

Headlines Going Into Spring Training

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Just recently pitcher, Homer Bailey, had surgery to remove bone spurs in his right elbow. Although a fairly minor surgery, his recovery is estimated to be 4-6 weeks. Most fans are accustomed to Homer missing games, so unfortunately this is nothing new. As of now fans just have to wish him a speedy recovery.

Devin Mesoraco is starting to fight back towards full health, something he hasn’t felt in a few years. The Reds General Manager Dick Williams said that he expects Devin to be healthy for opening day. He’s been battling a shoulder and hip injury for quite some time now.

Since 2014, Devin’s only played in 39 games for the Reds.  That has opened up the catching position to a competition.

The last headline that has really caught anyone’s eye was the signing of Bronson Arroyo. The Reds signed him to a 1-year minor league contract, so don’t get your hopes up in seeing him in the big league this year.

Next: Devin Mesoraco's injury history stunts team planning

Red’s Current Starting Roster

According to the Reds website, the following is the starting line-up:

• Catcher – Tucker Barnhart, but only listed as #1 due to Devin Mesoraco’s injury
• Starting Pitchers – Anthony DeSclafani, Brandon Finnegan, Homer Bailey ( if recovered from surgery in time), Scott Feldman/Tim Adleman/Robert Stephenson
• Relievers – Michael Lorenzen/Raisel Igelsisas/Drew Storen/Tony Gingrani and whoever else makes the team
• Third Base – Eugenio Suarez
• Shortstop – Zack Cozart
• Second Base – Brandon Phillips, with Jose Peraza looming very, very close behind
• First Base – Joey Votto
• Left Field – Adam Duvall
• Center Field – Billy Hamilton
• Right Field – Scott Schebler

Although the lineup looks basically the same as last year, expect some bigger things than what they produced last year. If the young guys can step up, and the veterans can avoid the injury bug that always plagues the Reds, expect to see a more talented team than last year’s.