Homer Bailey promoted to AA

by cincyinco on Jun 19, 2006 3:03 PM EDT

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb...606190545/1006

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Bailey pitched well for the SaraReds during the first half as his deceiving record of 3-5 is followed by an improving earned run average of 3.31. In 13 starts, Bailey walked 22 and struck out 79 and opposing hitters have a measly .189 batting average.

Link to full stats:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/stats/player.php?id=456701

As a Reds fan, you got to have some doubts or concerns lingering in the back of your head about promoting him... but I'm excited. Its been quite a while since the Reds have had a legit pitching prospect. Here's to hoping that Bailey can beat the odds and become the Reds first homegrown pitching talent in decades.

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Homer

Will be interesting to see how he handles AA now, especially with his walks. He really cut down on them while moving up a level this year, hopefully he will continue that trend. It's obvious his stuff is good enough to where if he just locates it, as shown by his High A BAA, he can be dominating.

The only questions I have on him is if he can keep his walk rate down, which he should IMO. And the whole TINSTAAP of course. But his delivery is so smooth and stuff is so good, I find it hard not believing that he will make it and be a pretty good young pitcher.

by hybrid on Jun 19, 2006 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

Narron

If it's up to him, I heard Cincy will be his next stop and it won't be long.

"Chuck Lamar, you're fired"- Stuart Sternburg.

by Tyler on Jun 19, 2006 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

Krivsky

will not bring him up to the bigs..

AA is likely the highest level bailey will reach this year...

by cincyinco on Jun 19, 2006 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions

If he can throw 97 in AA...

he can throw 97 in Cincy. The Ciny pen is that bad that Homer may get a shot. I also heard Reds GM say on the Radio with Marty earlier in the year, say Homer may get a Sept. call up.

by Havok1517 on Jun 20, 2006 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions

And

how much will that hinder his development? Working out of the pen in Cincinnati? I understand the BP is horrible, but Homer should keep on his starting schedule. He's only 20, still growing, still developing physically and mentally(in regards to the game) - he still has a lot to learn. AA is a big enough jump, for now.

The only scenario I see him getting to the majors is a cup of coffee, and thats only if he's dominating AA.

by cincyinco on Jun 20, 2006 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Another way of looking at it.....

Is it keeps his innings pitched down, allows him to get adjusted to pitching to big leaguers, and even if he fails, he'll know what he needs to work on. Neither Papelbon or Wainwright have gone back to starting yet, but it seems to me like their development is not getting stunted by pitching in relief. Same goes for Joel Zumaya.

I'm not saying it'll work for everyone but it worked for Liriano and Santana.

by delmonfan on Jun 20, 2006 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I see your point

but how many of those guys made the jump when they were 20 and had sustained success? Even paps is 25 and a college draftee... Wains is 24ish.

Zumaya & Liriano fit the profile.. but both have had more minor league time than Bailey.. and my bigger point is these guys are few and far between.. more the exception than the rule.

by cincyinco on Jun 21, 2006 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions