Joey Votto, Chris Heisey, and Zack Cozart all had a complete day off Friday.  "Joey said he didn't feel good and was a little spent because he played the last two games of the WBC nine innings which he wasn't accustomed to doing." said manger Dusty Baker.

Johnny Cueto delivers a pitch against the Rockies Friday night.

Johnny Cueto's night
Right Hander Johnny Cueto pitched 6 pretty strong innings Firday night against the Rockies.  He gave up a run on a couple of hits in the first. and then Todd Helton hit a deep 2 run homer off him in the 4th.  He was only scheduled to throw 5 innings but was so pitch efficient he went 6.

 
Future Hall of Famer Todd Helton hit a2 run homer off Johnny Cueto in
the 4th inning Friday night.

The Rockies take a little infield before Friday night's game.

JJ Hoover making his case
Reds right hander JJ Hoover was dominate against the Rockies.  He struck out the side in the 9th.

Quiet Bats
The Reds offense could only muster 1 run on 5 hits last night. Ryan Ludwick was 0 for 2 and is now hitting .138 on the spring.  Jay Bruce struck out twice against Lefty Jeff Francis.  His spring average is .160

Pitchers getting some at bats
Other than the Arizona game when D-Backs manager Kirk Gibson got a case of the goo goo, Reds pitchers have not in a game.  That all changed last night.  Starter Johnny Cueto got a couple at bats  and had a base hit to right. Pitchers will hit the rest of the spring unless Baker thinks a position player needs some at bats or if a team comes in that wants to use the DH.

Competition for that extra infield jobs continues
Emmanuel Burriss, Cesar Izturis, and Jason Donald are still fighting it out for the last remaining infield slot on the roster.  On Burris Bakers says, "Burris brings something that's hard to find speed and athleticism."   As for Izturis, "Izturis brings a great glove and he's hit well this spring.  He's slowed a little bit but he's still got a great glove. And finally on Donald he said, "Donald can probably hit better but doesn't have the speed as shown by Burris.".  Unfortunatle in today's baseball the best player doesn't always make the team. "Donald's on the roster so you would have to take somebody off (the 40 man roster) or something.  That's why you'd like to have a spot or two for these guys."

Even Hall of Famers Need a Ticket
Hall of Famer Johnny Bench wasn't allowed into Goodyear Ball Park last night.  When he got to the gate, he didn't have a ticket or his press pass.  One quick phone call resolved the problem.

Owners Weekend
The Reds ownership group is in Goodyear this weekend to discuss the business side and the baseball side of this 2013 club.  Dusty Baker had to talk with the group Friday afternoon. "I tell them statements and sometimes they ask questions." It sounds like the owners are happy with the direction of the club, "They are enthusiastic about our progress, where we've come in a short period of time, three years" Baker explained they are also pleased with the sustainability, "That's what it's about, sustaining the high excellence which is what we wanted and not the one year thing. That was a goal, you increase your odds of championships when you do that."

You have to love fans with a sense of humor.

Tools of the Trade

a weighted batting sleeve awaits a player coming to the
on deck circle