Reds right hander Alfredo Simon delivers a pitch in Saturday's game against the Indians. Simon will play for the Dominican Republic in the WBC.

Indians  13-10-1

Reds      10-18-1

WP-Myers (1-0)

LP-Simon (0-1)

There is a huge white board in Dusty Baker's office here at the Reds spring training complex.  On that board is the name of evey player in major league camp listed by position.  "Do we sacrfice all those names up there" he said pointing at the list of all the pitchers, "to try to get Simon ready?" . Reds right hander Alfredo Simon is one of at least 2 Reds heading to the World Baseball Classic.  "theoretically there's not time to get him ready".  The whole staff needs to get ready so speeding up the process for Simon could take away playing time from someone else. Simon will pitch for the Dominican Republic and second baseman Brandon phillips will be on the USA team.  Joey Votto has yet to decide if he will play for team Canada.

Simon started against the Cleveland Indians yesterday and was hit hard giving up 5 hits and 4 runs (3 earned) in 1.2 innings in the Reds 13-10 lose to the Cleveland Indians. While most of America yawns at the WBC, the Latin countries are more serious about it and worrying about a player's major league season is not part of their thinking.  "most teams they're playing for care more about the team they're playing for then us" said Baker "Not only is it going to be tough to monitor them it's going to be tough for the players to monitor themselves"

Besides the palyers, a handful of Reds trainers and other staff members are also heading to the WBC.  This presents a problem since many of them double as translators.

It takes time to score 23 runs

For the second day in a row the Reds played a game lasting well over 3 hours. Saturday's contest went 3 hours and  23 minutes.

Choo looks ready

The newest Red Shin-Soo Choo made a nice catch moving to his left on a ball hit by Jason Giambi in the first inning.  Choo of course is attempting to replace the slick fielding Drew Stubbs in center field.  For the second game in a row, Choo reached base and scored in the first inning and that is something the Reds hope continues once the bell rings.

Run Billy Run

Speedster Billy Hamilton singled in the 7th inning yesterday.   Hamilton was running when Emmanuel Burriss singled to right. It looked like he could have scored but much to the disappointment of the crowd, Mark Berry held him up at third base. 

Billy Hamilton races to second

The more things change, the more they stay the same

Drew Stubbs is no longer a Red, is no longer a center fielder, and no longer wears uniform number 6.  Stubbs is now an Indian, he has been moved to right field to make room for Michael Bourn, and he now sports a number 11 on his back.  Unfortunately all the changes haven't helped him make contact.  Stubbs struck out twice yesterday against Cincinnati.

Happy Birthday Bronson

Bronson Arroyo turns 36 years old today.  With Scott Rolen Gone he is the elder statesman of the Reds

Reds-Indians Part 3

The Reds and Indians play each other for the third straight day this afternoon.  Sam LeCure goes to the hill against Cleveland's Zach McAllister.  Air time on 700 WLW is 2:35.

A skydiver enters Goodyear Ball Park in grand fashion

  Fans at the Reds complex in Goodyear Arizona watch batting practice

Xavier Paul makes his way to batting practice