Q: How did the Reds do within the offseason and was it sufficient to surge into the playoffs? — SHAUN, Huber Heights.
A: Do groups ever do sufficient? Followers consider not. They need their groups to signal the highest-priced free brokers and commerce for different crew’s finest gamers. It doesn’t work that approach. Normally, groups can solely repair one or two wants after they have 4 or 5. The Reds might have used a top-notch beginning pitcher, though we’ll wait to see how Frankie Montas pans out. They usually might have acquired a power-hitting right-handed outfielder, like Adam Duvall. No, I don’t consider they did sufficient, however on the brilliant facet, the Nationwide League Central is weaker than iced tea.
Q: A number of articles have been written in regards to the Cincinnati Reds training their bunting, however I didn’t see one laid down in an exhibition sport, so what offers? — DON, Westerville.
A: The Reds have a particular small infield close to their spring coaching clubhouse for bunting observe and I’ve seen them observe it each day. Follow makes good, however that perfection is ineffective if it’s not utilized in video games. We stay within the age of analytics and analytics say, “Don’t bunt for hits.” So, why observe them?
Q: Is conditioning the rationale the Reds have so many accidents? — DAVIID, Springfield.
A: That’s the large head-scratcher. Reds followers consider it’s all Reds, however it isn’t. Examine each crew’s injured checklist and they’re stuffed up like my spouse’s grocery checklist. Why? It isn’t conditioning with the Reds. Conditioning and dealing on it all through the season is a precedence. Most accidents are the results of bodily exercise — diving for balls, attempting to beat out his and throws. Most gamers now not miss video games as a consequence of complications or abdomen cramps. Wally Pipp made sure of that.
Q: Whether it is found that Shohei Ohtani gambled on baseball and is banned, are the Los Angeles Dodgers nonetheless obligated to the phrases of his contract? —RYAN/ELVIS, Englewood.
A: That’s $700-plus million that might come off LA’s books. It will deem the contract null and void. The Dodgers, although, need the participant and the contract. These things is just not uncommon. Maverick Carter, enterprise supervisor to LeBron James, admitted final yr that he guess on NBA video games. Luckily, an investigation exonerated James of taking part in any half in it. MLB and the baseball world are holding breaths and crossing fingers than Ohtani is as clear as Snow White.
Q: What’s the newest with Jose Rijo and does he mentor any Reds pitchers? — JAY, Englewood.
A: After I broke a hip a few years in the past, after I was recuperating at dwelling Rijo confirmed up at my entrance door, bearing cigars, t-shirts, and hats. What a man, all the time one among my favorites. Sadly, the Reds should not utilizing him, although he was the most effective pitchers to move by Cincinnati. He does do quite a lot of autograph periods in southwest Ohio, however younger Latinos within the Reds’ system might take up quite a lot of positivity from Jose Rijo Abreu (His actual identify).
Q: If you happen to might write the life story of 1 MLB participant, who would it not be? — JOE, Kettering.
A: All the plain ones, practically all of the Corridor of Famers and superstars, have had their lives chronicled by some illustrious authors. There has not been one finished about/by Barry Larkin. Late in his profession he instructed me he’d like me to write down his e book. Then he determined he didn’t need one finished. Perhaps, hopefully, he’ll change his thoughts. I want cigar cash.
Q: Do MLB gamers receives a commission for spring coaching and spring coaching video games? — MARILYNNE, Sugar Creek Twp.
A: Spring coaching and exhibition video games are all a part of their contract, so the poor guys get no additional pay. Every participant residing within the crew’s headquarters resort will get $369.50 a day. In the event that they stay off-campus, they get a further $65.50 a day. And every participant will get $104.50 a day in meal cash. Discover that each stipend ends in fifty cents? What’s that about?
Q: Have you ever learn the most recent e book on Pete Rose, ‘Charlie Hustle,’ and if that’s the case, what did you suppose? — MICHELLE, Floyds Knobs, IND.
A: There are sufficient books on Pete Rose to fill the Floyds Knobs library, if there’s one. ‘Charlie Hustle’ simply got here out this week, however writer Keith O’Brien despatched me an advance copy and I devoured it. With out hesitation, that is the most effective e book on Rose, the definitive work that gives the nice, the dangerous and the ugly. O’Brien totally researched it and did an extended checklist of interviews. The Index is 22 pages, and the notes/bibliography is 85 pages. It’s a e book one can’t put down. And it reminds of one thing Rose as soon as stated about his autobiography: “I wrote a e book earlier than I ever learn one.”