The weather was somewhat noteworthy - I'd estimate there was a wind of about 40 mph blowing dead out to left field. I was shocked that more home runs weren't hit that way during the game. The flags were absolutely stiff.
Rays Notes
Jason Hammel, RHP who is locked in a battle for the Rays fifth starter, pitched really well. Over the 5 innings that he pitched the Reds didn't score, he gave up only 2 hits, struck out 4 and walked only 1 batter. He had excellent control. The Reds had a couple of hard hit balls but didn't really threaten over the first five.
Aki Iwamura, back from his participation on the winning Japanese team in the WBC, lofted a not-well-hit popup to the LF, who then drifted all the way back until he caught the ball on the warning track. Such was the effect of the wind.
Carl Crawford, back after fighting an injury, had two hits and stole his seventh base of the spring.
Reds Notes
Will Taveras walked then got picked off to lead off the game - that's twice this spring he has been picked off first base. To his credit, in the Reds 6th inning rally off Rays relief pitcher (for now) Jason Isrinhausen, Taveras executed a perfect hit and run play form the plate, slapping the ball to the vacated second base hole, with Paul Janish stealing.
Jeff Keppinger has become really pathetic - going O-5 on the day, including a K, and several ground outs. Batting second in the lineup (why?) in the sixth inning, with runners on first and third and the Reds trailing by a run, he popped up weakly to the second baseman.
Jay Bruce had a key, bases-loaded single, driving in two runs in the 6th inning, giving the Reds the lead, which they held. He lined a two strike pitch to CF. His batting average is now up to .292 and while I wouldn't say he is completely ready to go on Opening Day, he's close.
Ramon Hernandez had another challenging day behind the plate. He gave up an easy passed ball and remained ineffective at throwing runners out on the bases. Once again, Dusty looked angry (shook his head) at something Hernandez did, or didn't do, to stop the running game. Hernandez also missed a pop up that landed in foul territory at his feet. The wind played a role in that, but he seemed to have trouble with it beyond the wind.
I'm not calling this a "prediction" yet, but there is some chance that backup catcher Ryan Hanagan will get some more playing time at catcher than most people think. There are two reasons that may not happen - one is that the trade of Ryan Freel for Hernandez turned out to be GM Walt Jocketty's biggest off-season move, so there will be some internal pressure for Hernandez to play. Secondly, Hernandez was very public about his unhappiness at Baltimore, and how that lead to his subpar season. The basic premise of the Freel-for-Hernandez swap on the Reds end was that Ramon would be happier, and therefore better, this year. Starting Hanagan in a number of games would jeopardize that.
Joey Votto hit his third home run of the spring in the 8th inning.
Edinson Volquez had a good line - in fact he gave up just one earned run, his first in 19 innings pitched this spring - but he didn't have very good control. He was constantly pitching from behind in counts and walked four hitters.
Bray, Burton and Masset pitched well in relief.
Hickory Hollow
After the game I drove to Bradenton to eat dinner at the Hickory Hollow restaurant - which I'd raved about here a few days ago. It was spectacular again this time. I ordered the combination of pork spare ribs and BBQ chicken. My sides were cheesy potatoes and cole slaw.
As I was leaving this rooster was sitting on the chairs outside in the waiting area near the front door. It was loudly sqwaking "cock-a-doodle-do" several times. I thought they only did that when the sun came up. Anyhow, I wondered if it was worried about being caught and served for dinner!
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