Daily Archives: April 22, 2010

April 22, 2010

Videos of Aroldis Chapman in Action

Here are a few short videos of Aroldis Chapman dominating the Indianapolis Indians despite his lack of experience on Thursday at Victory Field.

In the first inning, Chapman picked off a runner who’d strayed too far off first base.

Chapman pitched, too, with his fastball always in the upper 90s. His talent is raw, but very impressive.

And finally, what everyone is interested in seeing: Chapman batting. As in most things, he needs practice, but he did manage a hit in the game.

April 22, 2010

Bats 7, Indians 1: Chapmania Comes to Indy

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W: Chapman (1-1) L: Karstens (1-2)

Boxscore

Aroldis Chapman and the Louisville Bats came to Indianapolis tonight to face the Indians. There were definitely more Cincinnati Reds fans in attendance than when I last visited on Monday.

Chapman was effectively wild. His raw talent was amazing, routinely hitting the high 90s on the scoreboard pitch speed. His change-up was in the low 80s. That’s a nice speed differential. However, he allowed 3 hits and walked 5 over 5 1/3 innings. That only amounted to 1 run, and the win, thanks to a strong Louisville Bats offense, but I hope he has the time to improve in the minors. I’d hate for him to be called up early and destroyed by the maelstrom that is the Reds.

Wilkin Castillo and Juan Francisco led the Bats offensive charge, both clubbing home runs and driving in 2. Thanks to the Bats’ bullpen, that lead held up, and Chapman received his first professional win.

Aroldis Chapman was the primary reason we made the trip. Below are a few pictures of him in action.

April 22, 2010

Jay Bruce Baseball Camp

Jay Bruce Baseball CampCINCINNATI, OHIO – Cincinnati Reds star outfielder Jay Bruce will be hosting his inaugural Jay Bruce Baseball Camp presented by CBTS and Fifth Third Bank in partnership with the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. This three-day event will be held Monday, July 19th through Wednesday, July 21st at the state of the art facility Prasco Park in Mason, OH from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Campers are encouraged to register soon as there are less than 100 spots available for camp.

Jay and Indiana University Head Coach Tracy Smith will be on site to direct the activities of the camp and provide instruction. Jay will be in attendance at camp all three days and there will also be appearances by other Reds Stars. The camp will feature a selection of the top prep and collegiate coaches from the Cincinnati area. The camp will be open to all boys and girls ages from 6 to 14.

The campers will experience various stations, specializing in fundamental skills and the team concept of baseball. Individual groups will be small to assure that each camper gets maximum personalized instruction.

In addition to 9 hours of baseball instruction, all campers will receive an autographed camp team photo with Jay, a camp T-shirt, free admission to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, free tickets to a future Cincinnati Reds home game, and the opportunity to win additional contests and prizes. Cost of the camp is $199.

In addition to CBTS and Fifth Third Bank, camp partners include Meijer, Fox Sports Ohio, and B105.

Additional information and registration is available at www.JayBruceCamp.com or call 513-793-CAMP.

April 22, 2010

Soon to be Reds Pitching

I love sitting close to the Bats’ dugout when they come to Indy. I’m in section 120, but 121 is the best if you can get it.

April 22, 2010

The Daily Brief: Joe Morgan Returns

Last Game
The Reds were taken out by the Dodgers yesterday, and have to do the walk-of-shame this morning, losing 14-6.

Next Game
Today, the Reds try to regain their composure, if not their dignity, when they send out their best starter, the one without any professional experience, Mike Leake against the Dodgers’ Vicente Padilla. Game-time is 7:10pm EDT. Watch or listen, if you dare.

Morgan Returns to the Reds
Yesterday, the Reds announced the hiring of former player and Reds great Joe Morgan as a special advisor to baseball operations. Unlike many of those “advisor” positions, this one won’t be just a figurehead.

Morgan will have a role in both the baseball and business side of the Reds. His most extensive work will likely be in community outreach and diversity initiatives. He’ll also support the efforts of the Reds Community Fund and Reds Hall of Fame.

I hope it’s successful. Anything to get more people interested in playing baseball leads to better baseball.

There is a part of me that inhaled sharply upon hearing the news, though. Dusty Baker and Joe Morgan, working together, at last. That’s two forward-thinking baseball minds, right there. And then my mind remembered when Walt Jocketty was hired as a special advisor while Wayne Krivsky was still the GM. This lead to a thought so terrible that it’s difficult to write, but it must be written. What if, like Jocketty was for Krivsky, Morgan replaces Baker?

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
The Reds have won their first 6 games in their last at-bat. This ties a major league record held by the 1970 San Francisco Giants.