The distance between the Cincinnati Reds of 2009 and the 1975 Big Red Machine was never more apparent than Thursday night at Ed Smith Stadium.
Ed Smith, an old stadium, badly in need of renovation is serving as the spring training home of the Reds for one more year. Beginning in 2010 the Reds will move from the Grapefruit League to the Cactus, switching homes to Goodyear, AZ, where they will share a spectacular, modern facility with the Cleveland Indians.
Sarasota does not yet have a deal with a major league club to play at Ed Smith next year. I sat next to this guy, Joe Barbetta, who is a City Commissioner of Sarasota. I overheard him talking about the failed negotiations with both the Reds and Red Sox. He also expressed doubt that recent overtures by the Baltimore Orioles would lead to anything.
The weather was beautiful and breezy on Thursday night.
The public address announcer reported the local temperature at game time as 78ยบ. The Reds fans showed up to enjoy a home game.
The pre-game expectations were for a Reds victory. After all, Dusty Baker had announced earlier in the day that he would be playing the Reds regulars for nine innings. The Red Sox, by comparison, chose to leave their first team back in Ft. Myers. Shortstop Jed Lowrie was the only starting Boston player who might crack their Opening Day lineup.
Well, the game was lopsided. The final score was 9-1. Unfortunately, from the standpoint of Mr. Red, and all the other Reds fans in attendance, the home team lost.
This game followed a pattern for the Reds that I've already seen more than once this spring. In the first inning they start out getting on and aggressively running the bases, with mixed success. Taveras walked (the last one of the night for the Reds) after once again missing a bunt. Alex Gonzalez singled to center field. Brandon Phillips singled to left, but Gonzalez got caught between second and third, making the second out. Brandon Phillips stole third with two outs, for some unknown reason. The Reds scored one run.
After the flurry of questionable base running in the first inning, the Reds demonstrated their serious flaws as an offensive club. Hitter after hitter showed zero plate discipline and knowledge of the strike zone. Brandon Phillips swung at the first pitch every time up except his third AB when it was over his head - in which case he swung at the second pitch. Alex Gonzalez swung at a third strike that was above eye level. Only Joey Votto exhibits any respect for the strike zone.
Despite some talented hitters - Votto, Jay Bruce, Chris Dickerson, these Reds will set team records for (a) fewest walks, (b) lowest OBP, and (c) most strikeouts. Their starting pitching will keep them in many games, but their run production is going to be truly awful.
Boston, playing with a collection of AAA and AA-destined players, drew walk after walk off of former Red Sox SP, Bronson Arroyo.
Arroyo gave up three home runs, two of which included a walked man on base. Lowrie had a great hitting night, going 3 for 4 with a HR and 3 RBI.
Cancer-survivor Jon Lester, threw 67 pitches over 4 1/3 innings, allowing three hits, and striking out six Reds.
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