Spring Training 2010
Leake wins 5th spot
By C. Trent Rosecrans, CNATI.com Posted April 2, 2010 7:34 PM ET
Reds 2009 first-round pick Mike Leake has been told he's won the fifth starter spot, according to several reports.Leake is the first pitcher since Darren Driefort in 1994 to make the big leagues out of college without stopping in the minor leagues.
"Realisitically, I didn't think I had a chance," Leake told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "But inside I thought I did. I guess realistically I did. I'm just thankful they had faith in me."
Leake went 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in six games and two starts this spring. He allowed 16 hits and four walks in 18 innings, striking out 10.
Wood, the team's Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season, was 1-1 with a 3.50, also in six games, two starts and 18 innings. Wood struck out 17, while allowing 15 hits and walking 12.
Wood was optioned to Class AAA Louisville along with RHP Jared Burton, LHP Aroldis Chapman, LHP Matt Maloney and INF/OF Drew Sutton. RHP Justin Lehr, C Wilkin Castillo and INF/OF Chris Burke were reassigned to Louisville.
The team released RHP Kip Wells.
The Reds have 28 players in camp, including non-roster invitees Leake, IF Miguel Cairo and OF Laynce Nix.
According to Fay, Aaron Miles and Wladimir Balentien are on the roster but won't be on the team.
"They are technically still on the roster," Reds GM Walt Jocketty told Fay. "They've been told they will not make the club. We're trying to trade them the next few days if we can."
Categories: Cincinnati Reds, Featured Stories, Spring Training 2010
Tags: Mike Leake, Travis Wood
Comments (3)
Well, give Leake credit. The guy wasn't intimidated and did what he had to do. But really, is he THAT good?
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Any idea when Chapman's turn in the Louisville rotation will be? Wondering when his first home start will be.
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What are you thoughts on Cairo making the team? Great spring training coverage Trent.
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