Cincinnati Reds
Stubbs finding power
By C. Trent Rosecrans, CNATI.com Posted September 2, 2009 3:56 PM ET
In 472 plate appearances at Class AAA Louisville this season, Drew Stubbs had three home runs. In 72 plate appearances with the Reds, he's hit four, including a 421-foot shot to center field in the sixth inning of Wednesday's 5-3 Reds victory over the Pirates."Throughout the course of this season it's uncharacteristic of me to hit so few home runs," said Stubbs. "Since I've been up here, I've been able to find the stroke I've had for most of my life, being able to drive the ball a little bit."
Stubbs hit seven home runs in 2008, 12 in 2007 and six at short-season Billings after being taken in the first round of the 2006 draft. Scouts have always said he's had some pop in his bat, but he's never exactly been Barry Bonds, hitting 31 homers in three seasons at Texas.
"I was doing the things I was asked to do (in the minors), get on base and score runs and that sort of stuff," said Stubbs. "I hit my share of doubles and for me home runs are icing on the cake. They've always been more of my game than I've shown this year."
Touted more for his defense and speed than his power, Stubbs has shown that he can hit the ball a long way when he's going good. With hits in 10 of his last 11 games, he's now hitting .271 and .321 over that stretch.
"I think I'm getting more comfortable the more experience I have around these guys and this level of play, I've settled down a little more," Stubbs said. "Performance-wise, I'm not sure it makes a difference. The day-in, day-out stuff, I think it's been easier for me."
Still, the performance does seem to be coming. Stubbs was 3-for-4 on Wednesday and had a hit in each of the Reds' games in the sweep of the Pirates, giving the team some separation from the Pirates in the NL Central standings. At the end of the game, the Reds (18 games back) were closer to third place Milwaukee (13 back) in the division than last-place Pittsburgh (24.5 out).
The Reds were able to move up in the standings in large part due to the pitching of Stubbs' fellow Texan, Homer Bailey. Bailey went 6.1 innings, allowed seven hits and three runs and struck out a career-high eight batters. He allowed two home runs and then back-to-back doubles in the sixth inning, but other than continued his improved pitching. In his last three starts, he's 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA. Bailey improved to 5-4 on the season.
"Things have really been clicking between me and the catchers and on the bullpen sessions with Dick have been going well," Bailey said. "I hope to keep it up."
The Reds also got first basmean Joey Votto out of his slump. Votto, who had Tuesday off, grounded out in the fourth inning to extend his hitless streak to 16 at-bats. Votto hit a ground-rule double in the sixth and walked twice, scoring the team's first run following his first-inning walk.
"That was big for Joey. The day off helped Joey yesterday," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "His focus and concentration seemed like Joey. When he has that, he's as good as there is around."
Categories: Cincinnati Reds, Featured Stories, News
Tags: Cincinnati Reds, Drew Stubbs, Dusty Baker, Homer Bailey.
Comments (2)
I think Corky Miller has done an outstanding job handling starts for Cueto and Bailey this week. He's made it very clear who is in control. Too bad he can't hit worth a doughnut—a baseball doughnut.
Reply
I like doughnuts.
Reply