Boxscore

The Cincinnati Reds traveled to Peoria, Arizona to take on the Seattle Mariners and, for the first time since he left Cincinnati, Ken Griffey Jr.

Despite getting plunked once by Mike Leake, Griffey won the encounter in the dramatic fashion that Reds fans didn’t get to see enough of when he was with the team. With the Reds leading 5-2 in the 9th, Griffey stepped up with the bases loaded and launched one to right-center for the walk-off win.

Of course, this was off Kip Wells, which hopefully demonstrates to the Reds that he’s no longer a viable pitching option. Considering that the manager is veteran-loving Dusty Baker, I’m not holding my breath.

Other than Wells, though, the pitching was outstanding. Mike Leake and Travis Wood continued their no-holds barred battle for the 5th starter spot. Both went 4 innings and allowed only 1 run. I can’t say enough how nice it is to have good pitching options for a change.

On the offensive side, Joey Votto spent the day as the Reds DH, and may, just may, have broken out of his slump. After two walks in the previous game, Votto went 3 for 4, with 2 singles and a home run, and drove in 3. It’s good to see his bat coming around as Opening Day approaches.

Noted baseball columnist Peter Gammons, now working for the MLB network, put his feet firmly on the Chapman bandwagon.

Chapman will learn to recover from not having his best stuff, or having a stiff back, or getting hit around. It’s all part of the process, and if he learns as [advisor Tony] Fossas believes he will, then Chapman could be a major contributor to the Reds in the second half of the season. Which will be no small matter.

Gammons touches on how difficult it has to be to be Aroldis Chapman. He’s fled from his home communist country for one with an entirely different culture. He doesn’t speak the language that the majority of the people do, and the pressure placed on him to perform is unbelievable. (Although I think the pressure he faced when pitching for the Cuban team may have been about the same.)

Chapman is facing all this change and stress, and he’s only 22.

Gammons then moves on to how the Cincinnati Reds are a popular pick for a surprise, sleeper team.

If there is a sleeper team in Arizona, it is Cincinnati. Opposing managers, scouts and players alike think that the Reds can make a run in the National League Central.

“There’s a very good feeling here,” says Scott Rolen, whose health is an important factor. “There’s a lot of talent here, the atmosphere is good, there’s a blend of youth and experience and there’s a very positive vibe. We can be pretty good.”

I remember when the Milwaukee Brewers received that honor for a few years in a row. I’m optimistic that Cincy will have more staying power. With the tremendous depth in starting pitching, beyond just Chapman, the future really is starting to look bright.

Boxscore

Aaron Harang started for the Cincinnati Reds (9-10-2) and had a worse day than the Roman Catholic church. Okay, maybe not that bad.

It was ugly out there, though. Harang was originally scheduled to go for 6 innings in the continuing Spring Training quest to increase his durability. Instead, he lasted 2 2/3 and allowed 7 runs. Ouch.

The Reds lost, of course. But the offense did show life again. Jonny Gomes and Laynce Nix both homered as they continue to fight to make the team. And although Joey Votto didn’t get a hit, he did walk in a run when the bases were loaded. Votto had two walks on the day, so maybe his judgment of pitches is close to being ready for opening day.