Cincinnati Reds Update 3/10

Mar 8, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Alfredo Simon (31) pitches against the Chicago Cubs at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Spring Training is well underway in Florida and Arizona, clubs have started to evaluate their players harder, trying to narrow down their opening day roster. The Cincinnati Reds are no different, so far the Reds currently sit at 4-9 in their exhibition games. No need to worry though they have been trying out numerous different players.

This spring the Reds have had a blowout win against the Padres 15-4 on 20 hits, they have also had losses like the 9-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs last Saturday that leave you scratching your head. It is still only spring training which is the good news.

Cincinnati has been trying out a litany of pitchers in these exhibition games, pitchers with little major league experience. Daniel Corcino is an example of that, the 23 year old right hander currently has a 58.50ERA so far this season. His ERA comes after 2 innings pitched and giving up 13 runs. Young pitchers like Corcino are put in later in spring games, so when the game is on the line a rookie is in thus the reason why the Reds have 9 losses.

As for surprise performers so far Tony Cingrani has looked very strong, over his 5 innings he has yet to give up a hit. Confidence is key for the young starter and he may be finding it at the right time. Position player wise Skip Schumaker has been a pleasant surprise for the Reds so far. He is batting .533 with 15 at bats, which is about average for the team.

Injury wise for the Reds there have been a few updates. Starting pitcher Mat Latos should return soon following knee surgery, the Reds have been careful to not rush Latos at all. Jonathan Broxton is on track to return following surgery on his right forearm last August. Broxton should be ready early in the regular season which comes as good news as the Reds received bad news. Reliever Sean Marshall continues to have shoulder problems that plauged him last season.

Spring Training is never a good indication to how the club will perform in the season, so far though Cincinnati’s pitching staff, mainly the starters, has looked very stout. The offense has looked decent as well but progress still needs to be made.